wood turning

Located in Troutdale, Virginia, Gerald Anderson constructs guitars and mandolins that feature local Virginia White Spruce, Indian and Brazilian Rosewood, and other exotic materials. Gerald also travels the country performing with the Gerald Anderson Band.

Native to Appalachia, Journel was born into a family that valued hard work, self-sufficiency and hand skills. Both his father and grandfather made tools and furniture for personal use and sale or trade. After many years as a skilled carpenter and contractor, in the 1980’s he turned an enduring interest in woodworking into a second trade. He draws on and takes pride in his heritage then adds his own contemporary spin to his bowls. His “food-friendly” exquisitely carved and decorated turned salad bowls start with hand-picked woods native to the southern Appalachian Mountains. Sustainable practices guide his work and the unique north-south range of the mountains he lives in results in a wide assortment of rare, unusual and beautiful woods. His bowls are turned on the lathe and embellished with unique, hand-carved designs.

A native of Dickenson County, Eula has been immersed in Southwest Virginia culture all her life, which shows in her work. She has been creating burnings and carvings for over 7 years, and has received many awards and much praise from local fairs. Her work can be seen at the Ralph Stanley Museum gift shop,and the Appalacian Art Center. Her husband, Larry B. Edwards, makes turkey calls and wooden bowls on the lathe.

Wood carvings of Native Americans, Mountain Men, Woodspirits, Wood Friends, Whimsical Houses as well as commissioned pieces, i.e., bears, squirrels, and other works.

A bird carved by Bill Chrisman demands to be held. One may know the bird is made from wood and still have to touch it to make sure its feathers are not real. Attention to detail of each bird and delicate touch with paints results in a remarkably realistic bird.

Greg Galbreath handcrafts openback banjos in Giles County, Virginia. His work is influenced by the classic banjos of the late 20th century but are made to withstand the demands of the modern musician. Using beautiful wood, clean lines and elegant ornamentation he strives to attain a rich, well balanced tone in all his instruments.

Being a musical instrument maker challenges me to use my body, mind & spirit. My love of history helps me understand the roots of folk music. Theology, 20 years a Lutheran pastor, enables me to integrate music in a spiritual sense. Each instrument is one-of-a-kind and individually handmade. I choose a variety of woods, match them to the best advantage for both aesthetics & sound. Therefore, the size & shape may be similar but each in a unique work of love & art from the beginning to the end.

Woodworking became a hobby to me after retirement and I was influenced by my oldest brother, Jerry, and a good friend who is a woodworker in WV. I've enjoyed making a few pieces of furniture but have enjoyed more making nice writing pens and pencils of local woods especially but also of exotic woods from overseas. It has been a pleasure to give many of my pens to family and friends and I hope they will be a good investment for others.

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.

Basket Weaving: I use flat and oval reed along with oak frames and hoops to weave traditional baskets for everyday use or decoration.

Rustic Furniture, built with sticks slabs of wood and carved

Woodturning is my passion! I love working with all types of wood that I harvest myself to create works of art than can be used or to be just admired.

I especially enjoy working with non-uniform pieces, such as burls and figured wood to give my work a unique piece that only Mother Nature can provide.

Please visit my website often as I will be adding pieces when they are finished.

It was the smell of the wood that drew me to my neighbor's workshop when I was young. I began making wooden toys for my daughters then I started to make old fashioned toys. My wife and I founded Mountain Kids Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of children. All sales are donated to Mountain Kids, which has grown along with my toy making. I am currently designing a catalog and a web site. My time is filled with good work and great excitement about the years ahead.

Handcrafted writing instruments made from topical, exotic, common woods and acrylics. Made in styles from a small twist that is the right size for checkbook or shirt pocket to a capped Rollerball or Fountain pen. Pens can be made from wood salvaged from old barn, front porch from old home place or dad's old hammer. Alot of things can be made into a handcrafted pen for every day use or special keepsake.