Traditions Workshop, Blacksmithing, Wood Working and Fiber Arts

What makes a “Master Craftsman”? Years of practice, as well as experience in a number of trades; stained glass, carpentry, typography, home building, metal work, blacksmithing, carving, forming plastic… A craftsman is not a specialist in one skill but works to build a repertory of skills that complement each other. Even after all this there still needs to be a spark, something that allows the craftsman to see things not as they are but as they could be. A sense of wonder that allows them to see beauty that would otherwise be hidden; and always a desire to learn and discover. For me that spark came with our first child. The world became a different place when I was looking at it through the eyes of a child. Trees are taller, grass is greener the sea breeze is fresher. God could have chosen to just give us wisdom but instead He choose gave us children and thereby taught us wisdom. Children are also a catalyst. The young man wanted a boat, so we built “the good ship lollypop”, the little girl sees a picture of a bed that she likes and remarks “Daddy can build that”; then there are band performances that need a bit of color, dance shows that want props, and theater events that have to have sets (Big Sets!). A myriad of projects and somewhere along the way there is a discovery of what God has hidden in the wood, in the stone, in the glass; that’s when I first started making the Davidic style lyres. Other instruments followed, then the boxes, furniture pieces and the process continues with new discoveries every day. Our day to day work encompasses the whole cycle of design, build, restore, refinish and repair. You will frequently find as many as a half-dozen projects in progress. Antiques are usually in and out within two weeks, major restorations may take well over a month. We are currently replacing elements that were not satisfactory for our beach side environment in over 50 desks for a local resort. We are also designing, tooling up and building a series of Viking Sea chests for the January "make 100" Kickstarter program.

Anna Sandlin, resident artist in the Traditions Workshop Anna Sandlin, grew up in Stockholm Sweden and her painting style reflects the “Traditions in Paint” that are found throughout her home country; this folksy style comes mostly from the countryside and has a heavy emphasis on flowers and other elements from God’s creation. Anna has always been “into” arts and crafts. Besides painting Anna is an accomplished seamstress, mural painter, flower designer, quilter and knitter. When creating she’s as comfortable with a power tool as she is with a paintbrush in her hand. Her projects have included stained glass, spinning and dieing natural yarns, building birdhouses, making pencil sketches, painting with oils and an endless variety of projects in cloth. If you would like to see more of her work check out http://traditions-workshop.com

Inspired by my Swedish Grandfather I sought out a Blacksmithing course at John C. Campbell folk school as part of my training. Since then I have also had several classes on welding and then worked as a steel and aluminum fabricator with my uncle, building his experimental amphibious cars. Recently I returned to Traditions Workshop, working for my father in his business of restoration and repair. This work has allowed me to fire up the forge at least weekly; making tools, products and teaching a number of “Forged on Friday” lessons. In the few months I have been at the workshop I have had to create reproduction iron products for an 1880’s buckboard and covers for a cast iron stove. For the monthly FABA Far West Region meetings I conduct demonstrations on; fire management, making cable Damascus, and the smelting/casting of aluminum and copper.