That’s our goal now, and has always been so. Anyone can go to WalMart or the local Saturday parking lot sale, and buy cheap “made in China” home décor- cranked out by the hundreds. But that isn’t what our work represents.
It embodies hours of hand work and design time. It’s using our senses to bring a vision to something tangible.
It stems from each of us holding a cherished appreciation for old, well crafted furniture, buildings, tools . . . and more.
On a recent visit to Bend, Oregon we accidentally stumbled upon a beautiful church with just the kind of craftsmanship that I’m talking about- from its recently renovated wooden front doors, to the altar pieces lovingly shipped from Italy 90 years ago.
But of course, the stained glass is what captivated us both.
We were graciously allowed to sit awhile and let the soft light soak into our souls, streaming through reds, blues and golds. We walked quietly around the sanctuary for an up close and personal experience.
Mike especially liked the patina the glass had taken on with age. We were amazed at the ingenious reinforcing used to stabilize the huge windows; rebar carefully camouflaged to become part of the design itself.
My heart melted at the Pieta of the “Stations of the Cross”. That piece always moves me to tears.
Our hands are gnarly and bent into funny shapes these days, but as long as they work we will keep using them, to create one of a kind, individually crafted pieces of copper and glass.
Have your summer travels allowed you to stumble onto any unexpected wonders? How will you preserve the awe that you received from them? Please tell us about them in the comments below.






