Kevin Stinehart Green Art

Kevin Stinehart art on Etsy.

Got wood? Kevin finds it, recycles it into something chic and sells it on Etsy.  You really must Check out this great article on Kevin Stinehart's artwork. 

Upcycled Cabinets at Bench Mark Custom Signs

Phil's art niche is custom woodworking out of his shop, close to Metamora, Illinois (which is ironically in Woodford County.) He was formerly trained in avionics (aviation electronics) while serving in the Marine Corps. If you look closely, you can see Marine Corps memorabilia and jet aircraft photos decorating his woodworking shop. He currently tests software by profession, so it’s not a surprise to find that his digital day job often overlaps his woodworking night life.

Maple carved plaque uses Phil's v-carving technique.

Although he learned about woodworking through classes in high school, he credits the natural abilities inherited from his father.  Phil recalls, “My dad did cabinet making on the side. I was the gopher from an early age. The first project of my own that I remember was an exact scale replica of a battleship made from cut-offs from whatever project my dad was working on. I was probably 6 years old at the time so you can imagine just how ‘exact’ the replica was." Phil found himself into his woodworking endeavors when he bought a house.  He says, "There are a lot of sophisticated (and costly) projects you can do yourself if you have the right tools and skill." When not creating, he writes for his woodworking web site or answering woodworking questions on Internet forums. He has been featured in Wood Magazine.

These monogram plaques run about $35 in Phils's Etsy shop

How He Designed the Machine to Make His Designs Phil taught himself to use CAD software for his profession, and soon found it too useful to resist when doing his woodworking projects. “With CAD software, you can design or plan your project so there aren’t too many surprises at the end", he says.  Over time this eventually led Phil into woodworking with CNC equipment. This equipment can be quite expensive, out of reach of most hobbyists and even many professionals. So, Phil took the challenge and designed and built his own CNC router. (I'm certain having a background in electronics and CAD helped!)   Phil explains that "The CNC has opened up entirely new avenues in the areas of design.  If I can draw it, I can make it.”

Family signs are a great gift for the new bride and groom.

 Mission Style Meets Military  Phil’s design Aesthetic on signs would be considered Mission (Arts & Crafts), Shaker, and Western Victorian. Phil says, “I just love all the old trim work and designs used in the mid 1800’s.” His CNC machine in his shop is decorated with these scroll designs, similar to those used on gun engravings reminiscent of that era. 

Note the old engravings.

Phil prefers to work with native American hardwoods. Some of his stock comes from trees he felled himself and had sawn into lumber. Phil also gets some of his lumber from a local tree feller. He explains, "You cannot buy some of this wood in a lumber yard, it’s just not available at this quality level.”  Phil will also use upcycled cabinetry, such as doors in some of his designs--but only if they are real solid wood, no veneer! Connect with Phil  Phil is relatively new to Etsy and Facebook, and would love for you to drop him a line to say hello, critique his shop, or give him some new ideas! He is looking forward to becoming part of the Etsy community! Bench Mark Custom Signs and Wonders on Facebook Bench Mark Custom Signs on Etsy!

This post written by Ira Mency, for inclusion on Handmadeology. 

Harvest Moon By Hand: The Loveliest Stars I've Ever Seen

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Meet  Ann, who is also known as the brains behind Harvest Moon by Hand, a gorgeous shop of paper window stars, creative reuse kits, decor, natural handmade toys and more.  A mom to two beautiful girls adopted from China,  Ann enjoys crafting and homeschooling.  Located in Scandia, Minnesota she stays busy  networking, spreading the "Creative Reuse Bug" and stocking her store with great items.

Felt mice are so adorable and a natural eco friendly gift idea!

She explains, "I have  been an avid recycler since childhood when we would bring our recycling to a recycling facility (this was before there was curbside recycling). Recycling and reuse is second-nature to me, and I'm happy to continue to add products in my shop that reflect this commitment.  "

Different levels of the CRC are available in her store.

Ann takes her love for recycling a step further encouraging others. She runs a "Creative Reuse Club" and offers basic and deluxe membership packages for this in her store. She explains, "Harvest Moon by Hand’s Creative Reuse Club (CRC) is open to any person who is interested in organic, natural, and recycled products and crafty project ideas. "  Included in the Deluxe Club Membership is an official member card, special discounts,  quarterly newsletters, and  sample pack!  More information available here.  What a great way to spread the Creative Reuse bug!

I am captivated by these window stars.

Ahhhh, the stars.  I've been admiring the many in her shop for some time now, as her store is stocked with them. Perhaps it is the colorful creation and choice of styles, the overlap of colors or bright hues, or just the simple fact that they will brighten your day and make you smile that makes them so desirable.  Skilled in origami, Ann explains, " I make the stars by hand-folding small squares of paper, overlaying the folded
paper, and then gluing them together to create different patterns."  They are so lovely.

Lucid Dreamers

Shop Name: Lucid Dreamers

Owners: Eric and Celeste

Location: Eugene , Oregon

Etsy Link: http://www.luciddreamers.etsy.com/

Lucid Dreamers is the creation of two very talented people, Eric and Celeste. From a green valley in Western Oregon comes these whimsical creations, from mixed media sculpture to reclaimed part necklaces and dimensional art, you never know what you will find here. Celeste works primarily in glass, metal, pastels and watercolors. Eric is a musician as well as an artist, so he works with musical instruments as well as mixed media, including collage, painting, assemblage and sculpture. Their creations are made separate, or sometimes together--and are amazing.

They were also a spotlight vendor for January 2010 on this blog, read about them HERE.

Check out their Etsy shop HERE.

LBJonriver/Riverside Studios

Name: LaVerne

Shop: LBJonRiver (Riverside Studios)

Location: New Braunfels, Texas

Etsy Shop Link: http://www.lbjonriver.etsy.com/

LaVerne lives on the banks of the beautiful Guadalupe River in the small town of New Braunfels, Texas. She says it's a town with a "real downtown" that features the oldest bakery in Texas, not to mention, one of the state's oldest hardware stores...(you know the kind, wooden floors and tin ceilings.) LaVerne describes it as the perfect setting for vintage treasures and the perfect setting for a recycler like herself.

LaVerne's store is filled with wonderful upcycled and recycled items like golf club wind chimes, story book birdhouses, or fun wine charms. Check it out HERE.