Beech Tree News Network

My granddaughter loves the whole dream catcher concept, and she insisted we have one for our bedpost in order to catch the bad dreams when she stays the night at our house.  She also wanted a big one to hang over her own bed at her house, so I contacted my friend, Kathy Dockery, who lived out west for a time where she learned the finer points of dream catchers, and asked her to make a pink one for Sabria. Kathy showed up at our shop with a beautiful dream catcher and a small beaded ring that Sabria loves. (Kathy makes all sorts of eye-catching jewelry from the small beads.)
    The Saturday after Black Friday has come to be known as Small Business Saturday.  It is a chance for people in small communities all over this country to support their local business owners, artists, artisans and crafters.  In our county, many of our people, like Kathy Dockery, ply their trade from their homes.  I would like to tell you about a few of them, and give you their contact information, as well. (You can contact Kathy Dockery at 270-526-1037.)
    When my daughter, Natalie, was planning her wedding, she called on Patty Stuckwisch to make her wedding gown.  Patty is the proprietor of Sew-Creative (270-999-0115).  The dress was gorgeous!  Patty is one of those people who doesn’t sit still, so it was no shock to me when she showed up at our shop with another creative idea.  She has learned the process of sublimation, the pressing of heated ink onto a coated surface.  The process allows her to take any picture and transfer it to things like vanity license plates, key chains, jewelry or coffee mugs.  It turns ordinary things into personalized gifts.
    Donna Wilson came into our shop this week wearing a ring made from a quarter.  Her husband, Brice, makes them.  The ring is fashioned to display the year inside the band.  Donna’s had the year she was born.  It was a unique piece of jewelry. (Brice Wilson 270-791-9452)
    On Veterans Day, Charles Romans came by with his just-published memoir, SILVER WINGS TO GOLDEN YEARS.  Mr. Romans is a WWII veteran, and his memoir contains not only stories of his time as a B-25 pilot, but also memories from Butler County’s by-gone days.  It’s a good read.  On December 3rd, Charles Romans will do a book signing at the Butler County library.  Roger Givens is another Butler County author worth consideration.  He has two books about our county.  One is a pictorial history and the other is about the early black community here, both very good reads. 
    Most people in our county are familiar with the House brothers of Woodbury, Herschel, Frank and Johnny.   Their gunsmithing and knife-making techniques are renown in places far beyond this county.  You may not be aware, however, of Phillip Johnson and his knife-making skill.  Occasionally, he will have one with him when he stops in at our shop.  They are works of art.  You can see them on his facebook page.
    If you have paid attention to some of the Murals around Morgantown, you have seen the work of artist, Gail Smrtic.  Gail does commissioned pieces and original artwork.  Although it is too late in the season to order a piece for this Christmas, she is definitely someone to keep in mind down the road.  I attended a housewarming on Saturday, where one of her paintings of horses hung on the wall.  It was breathtaking.  You can view Gail’s work on her facebook page. 
    One of my favorite artisans in Butler County is Suzanne Renfrow.  Suzanne makes pottery.  Her pieces range from the functional to the whimsical.  I have several in my home. You still have time to make this year’s show, which will be in her studio off Bowling Green Road on Saturday and Sunday December third and fourth, starting at twelve noon.  Many of her collectors attend the Christmas Parade in Morgantown then leave from there for her shop to complete their day.
    Chad Tuggle is emerging as one of my favorites when it comes to wood working.  Although he has just been on the Butler County scene for the past two to three years, his pieces have the mark of a true craftsman.  To view his furniture and accent pieces go to White Tree Work Shop on facebook.
    There are several crafters in our county.  Many have booths set up at the Trading Post in Aberdeen.  If you’ve never been there, you need to treat yourself to a stroll through.  The following are some of my favorites:  SAGE (Sandy Vincent and Angie Lee) and Anita Gossett have an assortment of homemade crafts; Tabitha Daugherty sells homemade beauty products; and Deanna Embry makes one-of-a-kind wreathes. 
    On facebook, check out Tonya VanMeter’s page, Crafty Mama.  I love her stuff, especially the plaques that spell out people’s last names in pictures of trees.  I bought one that spelled out CHARPENTIER for my daughter and son-in-law for their new house last year.
    I’ve listed just a few people I’m familiar with.  I know there are many more.  If you know an artist, artisan or crafter, please list their names and contact information in the comment section below.  We all can use a little more home in our Christmas.