Summer in Lapel

I did a demonstration at Gaither Family Resouces last Thursday. Gloria and Bill Gaither started a store as apart of their recording studio complex fifteen years ago and they sold my handmade rustic willow furniture. Gloria is now a member of Indiana Artisans board and invited community leaders to her store in an effort to make them aware of IA and gain their support. It was flattering to be invited and to add her store to my list of places where I have made furniture. I took an additional load of my slab stools, log baskets and Bundy topped tables to the Paradigm gallery at the Fort Wayne museum of art. They have sold a substantial number of my handmade rustic willow furniture pieces, and are very supportive of my craft. On the way back, I was able to stop at my favorite fishing hole in Perkinsville. Hauled several nice smallmouth out of my sweet spot. It was nice to be waist deep in the cool river. The water is down, but this pool is still deep. The water is clearing a little and I love when you can see the fish in their natural habitat. Sales at the shop have been good and I am in the midst of a new run of birdhouses. I have accumulated a good quanity of pine scraps from Brad McQueen, and it makes me feel good to put them to good use by making these birdhouses. The next few weeks will be spent getting ready for my open house during the Lapel Village Fair July 13,14,15. Bruce Neckar will have his wildlife paintings and prints on display and as usual, Joe Green will have his leather bags and hand carved walking sticks. More on this later.