A Winter Break

With the coming of winter, the craft fairs are on hold for a while.  With no shows coming up in the immediate future, our blog posts will be fewer.  I might take the opportunity to expound on a few related topics, such as the challenges involved in doing outdoor shows, or some of the more, uh, interesting customers we have had.

In the meantime, check back here, or at our Facebook page, for information about our upcoming shows.  We'll be sure to keep you updated as they get scheduled.

Remember, too, that Ruth's soaps, lotions, bath and beauty products are always available at Town Square Market in Carbondale, at 6 Pence in Carbondale, at the Anthill Gallery in Cobden, and at Rustle Hill Winery in Cobden.  John's wooden wine racks and accessories can be found at Dayshift in Carbondale, at Village Art and Gifts in Cobden, and at Rustle Hill Winery in Cobden.

Still not finding what you need?  Give us call, or drop us a line.  We'd love to hear from you.

Holiday Craft Sale - SIU Student Center

We are busily preparing for one of our favorite shows of the year, the Holiday Craft Sale at the SIU Student Center in Carbondale. 

Thursday, Nov. 29, 10:00a-4:00p
Friday, Nov.. 30, 10:00a-4:00p
 Saturday, Dec. 1, 9:00a-4:00p

Look for us in our usual spot at the bottom of the escalators, with lots of new items, and plenty of your favorites.  Ruth has been mixing lots of lotions, soaps are curing on the racks, maybe even some new flavors of lip balms will be on the shelves.  John has been making new wine racks, had to make a flying trip to get some more walnut, and was going fine until a piece fell off the table saw.  Today has been devoted to applying finish and repairing the aforementioned saw.  Also, look for our new bottle stoppers, a perfect gift or stocking-stuffer for your favorite wine drinker, and, as always, made from local wood.  You will find all kinds of things for the people you love, so make a list (hate for you to forget anyone!) and come see us this weekend.

Bottle Stoppers

I have a new lathe, and I've been hard at work making bottle stoppers from local wood.  Those of you in the Jackson/Williamson County area will remember the May 8, 2009 storm.  Our house was spared any damage, but the woods behind our house took quite a hit.  A large maple tree went down, and over time the wood has become spalted.  Spalting occurs when a fungus takes up residence in the wood, leaving beautiful lines and coloration.  I have used some of that maple, as well as other woods, to make an array of bottle stoppers.

Everyone who's seen these has oohed and aahed.  I must admit, I'm pretty impressed by how well they turned out.  Want to see what I've been up to?  These stoppers are available at Dayshift in Carbondale, and at Rustle Hill Winery along the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.  I will also have them at all the shows we do from now on, so stop by our booth and take a look.  Our next show is the Holiday Craft Sale at the SIUC Student Center, Nov. 29, 30, and Dec. 1.  We hope to see you there.

Rustle Hill Winery

Big news from Ruth & John's.  People keep asking us if there's somewhere they can find John's wine racks and accessories in the area.  We are happy to announce that many of John's pieces can now be found at Rustle Hill Winery, 8595 New Highway 51 N., Cobden, IL 62920.  Rustle Hill has recently expanded their space, and are committed to carrying locally produced art.  I took a load of pieces there yesterday, including some of my most popular items.



 I will be adding new pieces there as they become available.  Stop by and check out the winery and take a look at some of my unique wine racks and accessories, all made from local wood.


 

AutumnFest 2012

This weekend brings one of our favorite shows of the year.  AutumnFest at John A. Logan College has been going strong since 1976 (wow!), and has consistently been one of the best shows we do.  We really like this one, not just because we sell a lot, but because we get to meet lots of friends old and new. Adrienne Barkley from the college runs the show, and does a superb job year after year.  The level of art at this one is very high, and we feel privileged to be included in such an elite group.



We will be in our usual place in the cafeteria, so come out and see what we have.  Ruth has been busy making sure we have plenty of soaps, lotions, and your favorite bath and beauty products on hand.  John has a number of new wine racks and accessories making their appearance for this show.  You're sure to find something for that certain person on your gift list, and maybe something for yourself as well.