A great love for the Appalachians inspires the variety of subject material for my watercolor art. My concentration on painting spring houses, something that is quickly fading away, (typically located near a spring where cool water flowed through, these structures were used to house milk, eggs, butter, etc.) helps to preserve those things that will soon be gone. I have a studio in my home and in process of completing a gallery. I am also a watercolor art instructor.

Cotton fibers and beads are the materials used in making my one-of-a-kind fiber vessels and quilted wallhangings. The fiber vessels start ever so simply with batik fabrics and with embellishments transform into a unique fiber art.

I have been involved in instrument construction since the early 80s. I was privileged to meet Albert Hash and spent three years learning as much as I could concerning wood selection, body style, finishes, and some old time fiddle tunes. In 2005 I was invited to participate in the National Folk Festival in Richmond, VA demonstrating fiddle construction learned in Southwest VA.

I make traditional Windsor Chairs, using mostly hand tools. I use white oak for the arms and spindles, for its steaming and bending properties. I use sugar maple for the legs and stretchers, for its strength. For the seat I use eastern white pine, for its ability to be worked with hand tools. I use milk paint for the finish.

During my winter in Florida I saw the most beautiful bracelet that had been handmade. I took several classes to learn the skill and became obsessed with making beaded bracelets. I also make necklaces, earrings, and rings.

My Native American beadwork is hand stitched (no machine work).

The baby booties are also hand stitched and embroidered, gourds are printed with Native American designs - some pieces are used for decoration also other natural materials such as feathers and beads.

I am a photographer and musician in addition to my day job. I like to photograph wildlife, landscapes and odd scenes and items. I live in Smyth County in Chilhowie, Va.

I am a native Virginian who, until 2007, lived and worked in the Washington DC area for the US Justice Department.  After thirty years of civil service with DOJ, I retired to pursue my passion in lutherie.  I now reside with my wife, Sarah, and our four wonderful children, Elena, Diana, Asher and Amelie in the culture-rich mountains of Southwest Va. I've played guitar most of my life and have always loved fine woodwork. In early 2000 I became interested in lutherie and found a guitar builder associated with a local music store in Old Town Alexandria, Va, who took me under his wing. The luthier's name was Roberto and he spoke little to no English.  Over the next few years I spent afternoons and weekends with Roberto learning his craft. Language was no barrier. I was later inspired by Wayne Henderson who lived just a few miles from my parents in SW Va. As noted, I retired from Civil Service in 2007 and moved to Marion where I have established a lutherie shop on Main Street. My parents are native to the Greencove / Whitetop area, and I spend much of my childhood here.

Not a crafts person but a fine artist creating high-end and original paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Writer of related books etc. and a cartoonist.

Maker of fine herbal & floral goods and soothing soy candles. Ruth Ann is a self taught herbalist and aromatherapist who has been making natural body care goods since 1997. She makes soaking salts and salt scrubs using locally harvested salt. All of her products are proudly made in Saltville, Virginia.

Mixed Media mosaics from small scale jewelry to large mosaic art pieces. Ruth Ann works with non precious metals and natural materials including glass, tiles, stones and gems. She also focuses on using reclaimed and recycled materials. Her work reflects her surroundings on Little Mountain.

Handmade fine silver jewelry reflecting contemporary and natural themes.

After making my first piece of jewelry, I knew I had found a craft about which I was passionate! That was four years ago, and I've enjoyed every minute of becoming an "artisan." My style varies, depending on how the metal or bead speaks to me. I enjoy metal and wire work especially, as well as playing with color and texture. I live in Chilhowie, VA with my husband and two boys.

Born in the midst of the Appalachins Mountains I am a lifelong resident of Smyth County in Southwest Virginia being raised in Rich Valley and Chilhowie. I've lived at the foot of Little Brushy Mountain for the past eighteen years.
Having eighty acres of land to explore with my dogs, I have ample room to roam and think, but I'm still not sure where the idea for acorn jewlery came from. The hard mast crop of acorns in 2010 was enormous. While waling in the woods I strted filling my pockets with acorns and collected baskets fulll but the idea of what to do with them didn't come until the fall of 2011. I have tree stands on three different levels of the mountain. I don't hunt but enjoy watching all the wildlife. I must have spent too much time in the woods the day the idea of making acorn jewlery hit me like a lightning bolt. Working with acorns has brought back many wonderful childhood memories of playing for hours in the woods surrounding my home in Oak Grove. I hope you enjoy wearing Squirreley Worley Acorns as much as I enjoy making them.
Joan Worley Prater