Meet Our Artisans

John does the carvings which include all birds, animals and fish which are all carved with realistic detail. He also carves caricatures, wood spirits, walking sticks, busts and masks. Patty does the chip carving which is a decorative form of carving where specific shapes of chips are removed to form a design. Her carvings and burnings include Christmas ornaments, wall hangings, trivets and decorative boxes. If you have an idea of what you would like we can do it.

Handwoven Miyuki beaded jewelry in spiral stitch, square stitch and right angle weave.

I work primarily with textiles and produce constructions ...a painterly approach with textiles ...multimedia ..involving silk screen and other assemblages...products are wall hangings, quilts, clothing, greetings cards. What would I do without my Bernina 930 Electronic!!!

I am a retired school teacher with a Masters Degree in Elememtary Education/Reading. I graduated from ETSU in Johnson City, TN. While attending ETSU, I took several art classes including drawing, design, and art history. I live on a farm in Snowflake, VA. This farm has been in our family for many years. I am felting scarves and brooches. I really enjoy seeing the roushing effects that the wool fibers make when they bond with silk. The brooches that I make are all wool with beads for the center.

Silvie Granatelli is a functional potter who lives and works in Floyd, Virginia. Her work deals with ritual, food presentation and hospitality. You can find Silvie and her work at her gallery and studio in Floyd.

We handcraft one-of-a-kind furniture from local Virginia hardwoods, such as walnut, cherry, and figured maple. We use slabs we mill ourselves, and often use trees that would end up as firewood. Our designs are simple, to keep the essence of the tree, and our pieces are finely finished, so they can fit in any decor, from rustic log cabins to contemporary homes.

I am a primitive artist. I have been making “something” my entire life. I started with my Grandmother Pierce quilting. That was the beginning of a lifetime of making or designing crafts. I love primitive work and most of my work is just that. I was primitive before it had the name of primitive. I make a lot of dolls, animals, handmade furniture, paint gourds, lye soap, small quilts, many other items. Most of our items are available wholesale.

My book is a comic strip style book I made up called “Kit Fox is on the Prowl.” Kit fox is a six-year-old American Indian boy. My book is not just a children's book but is for all ages who can read and understand it.

Lindsey Gilmer, a Russell County native, now residing in Blacksburg, VA, has been crocheting for years and has a true passion for this traditional craft. She enjoys the art of transforming a simple piece of yarn into a beautiful, yet functional item. Lindsey primarily crochets jewelry, baby clothes and shoes, hats, and scarves.

I use surface design on natural fabrics such as silk, cotton, linen and rayon, using Japanese Shibori resist dyeing and other surface design techniques. Using this one of a kind cloth, I then sew them into one of a kind garments and accessories. I also make laminated wool and silk felted scarves and garments.

Detailed pencil drawings, mainly Appalachian life style, including music, work and other aspects of the culture. Theme - “Nostalgic Glimpses of the Appalachian.”

Welcome to Mountain Meadow Soy Candles, makers of natural soy candles and melters right here in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. A natural vegetable product, soy is environmentally friendly and grown by American Farmers. Find out for yourself what our customers say. Our hand poured natural soy candles are the best --- plain and simple. Step up to Mountain Meadow Soy Candles. You will be glad you did.

Handmade 18th century furniture, showroom on first floor of 100 year old restored farm house, beds,chest, dinning tables, bookcases etc

We are Martin & Linda Garthaffner and we operate Garthaffner Creative Family Enterprises.
Originally from up north, we are now in grafted Southerners, having lived in Virginia for 35 years! Martin enjoys wood working & began making quality, period correct, functional Artisan Lanterns for the Frontier Camping Fellowship many years ago. Produced in several styles & types
of wood- these lanterns are now used by numerous Civil War re enactors, in homes, events, and festivals.Linda enjoys the more artistic side of the wood working, as in Pyrography (wood burning), painting, & decorating. As well as making jewelry, bow making, knitting, sewing, & quilting.We are both members of the James River Woodcarvers Association.

Patricia Garrett has been tatting for over thirty years, after initially being inspired to learn by watching a neighbor. Patricia comes from many generations of crafting and she also does knitting, sewing, and sculpts polymer clay figurines. She teaches a class in beginning tatting at Kraftin' Korner craft shop in Hansonville and she sells her work at the Appalachian Arts Center in Tazewell County.

I weave tapestry wall hangings. Tapestries are usually flat woven pictures, but many of my tapestries are three-dimensional. I weave several shaped pieces that are layered and sometimes there is stuffing between the layers to create a three-dimensional picture. My subject matter is usually landscapes and often scenes of Southwest Virginia.

My latest project is 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14 handmade, hand painted tiles. Also included in my inventory are unique mugs, “Flower Keepers,” cookie jars, elegant fruit/serving bowls, chip and dips, plates, and complete dinner sets.

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.

Real Wood Designs builds functional household items, including furniture. All projects are created in my studio using local wood.