Rough-Cut Walnut

Have I mentioned that I like interesting wood? This is the next piece I’m working with. It may not look like much now, but by the time you see what it becomes, I promise you won’t recognize it.
 

Aqua Resin with Cherry

 A cute little charcuterie board, aqua resin with cherry wood, 11” x 7”.

 

Cherry with Red and Blue Epoxy Resin

This one is cherry, about 15 1/2 x 9 1/2, with red and blue epoxy. I don’t know if the colors come through in the picture, but it’s pretty impressive.

 

Black Walnut with Red (?) Epoxy

 I really enjoy making these. I’ve wanted to tackle them for a long time, but I’m gone so much for work that I haven’t had much a of a chance. Now that I do, I’m at it with a vengeance.
Someone with better color sense than me (that would be almost everybody), what shade of red would you call this?

Yellow Epoxy on Black Walnut

 Something a little different, yellow epoxy in live-edge black walnut. What do you think?

 

Charcuterie Board Mess

 Another mess, another bunch of charcuterie boards getting made. I’m trying some new things, so the mess will continue tomorrow.

 

Another Charcuterie Board Finished

Another stunner, deep purple epoxy resin in a beautifully grained piece of cherry.
 

Making Epoxy Charcuterie Boards

 Putting together more epoxy charcuterie boards. The wood floats on the epoxy, so it has to be clamped down. A very messy, but fun, process.

 

Epoxy Resin Charcuterie Boards

 I've started working on incorporating epoxy resin into my woodworking.  Here are the first couple of charcuterie boards I've made.  The larger one is black walnut, and the smaller one with the blue is piece of cherry I've been hanging onto from one of the first loads of hardwood we bought over twenty years ago.  It was far too pretty to discard, but I didn't know what I was going to do with it.  I think it turned out very nicely.

2024 Upcoming Shows

 

 We've got a pretty full season of shows planned this year.  Below is a list of the shows we expect to be at in the coming months.  There often additions to this list, so check back periodically and see what else has come up.

 

Murphysboro Apple Festival

Murphysboro, IL

Sept. 16-17

This long running festival kicks off our fall season.  Rides, parades, food, and yes, apples.  We look forward to meeting lots of old friends, and making new friends, at this show every year.

 

Art in the Garden

Mandala Gardens, Marion, IL

Sept 21

This will be our first time at this event.  The grounds are beautiful, and we’re sure the art will be as well.

 

DuBois Center Fall Festival

DuBois Center, Dubois, IL

Oct. 6

You'd be hard pressed to find a nicer location for an outdoor craft fair.  Held on the grounds of the DuBois Center, this show offers free parking and free admission.

 

Wine and Art Festival at Rend Lake

Artisan’s Center, Whittington, IL

Oct. 12-13

I’m not certain, but I think we may be the longest participating vendors at this show.  We look forward to this every year, with some of the best artisans in the area and some the best wine in Illinois.

 

VultureFest

Makanda, IL

Oct.  19-20

If you only get out once this year, it should be to VultureFest in Makanda.  It gets bigger and better every year.  We promise you will never find another show like this one.

 

AutumnFest

John A. Logan College, Carterville, IL

Nov.  9-10

Back on campus, this is one of Southern Illinois’ best shows, and we’re looking forward to another great one this season.

 

Arts and Crafts Extravaganza

Show-Me Center, Cape Girardeau, MO

Nov.  23-24

We are fortunate to be close enough to Cape Girardeau to get there fairly easily, and this is our favorite show in that city.  We'll be at the Show-Me Center again.

 

Vendors in the Vines

Alto Vineyards, Alto Pass, IL

Nov. 30

A great way to do your holiday shopping, with a glass of Southern Illinois’ finest wine in your hand.  Another glass, and even Great-Aunt Gertrude will be easy to shop for.

 

Holiday Craft Sale

SIU Student Center, Carbondale, IL

Dec. 5-7

If you are looking to give locally crafted, handmade gifts to your loved ones this year, you have to go to this show.  Three days, Thursday through Saturday, with some of the best artisans in Southern Illinois.