Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen

Artist Steve Dziedziak makes steampunk-style lamps that are crafted using black iron pipe with an antique piece such as a vintage camera incorporated into the item.

Mark your calendars to see Steve's one-of-a-kind work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

Monday Meet the Master Artisans. Today’s featured artist is Karen McKee ()

Karen McKee, a native of Pittsburgh, is a studio potter who has worked primarily in porcelain for over twenty years. In addition to using the wheel, McKee’s clay working methods include slab construction and the decorative use of sculptural elements. Karen’s lively brushwork and colorful underglaze patterns celebrate her love affair with clay. It is in her nature to continuously explore, and be open to what the clay is teaching her and where it may lead her. McKee has studied with several different instructors at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts since 1995. She has also taken classes at Fireborn Studios, Community College of Allegheny County, the Union Project and many different workshops at Touchstone Center for Crafts. In turn, Karen teaches in her studio and has mentored apprentices. She has taught at Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and currently teaches at Fireborn Studios and Fox Chapel Adult Education Ceramics.

Facebook: Robyn’s Nest Pottery

Fiber artist Jeanne Scannell studied fashion design in Japan to learn balance and flowing drape. Now she creates hand-tailored clothing using fine fabric, her hand woven mohair, wet and needle felted wool, her hand-dyed cotton and silk.

Mark your calendars to see Jeanne's work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

Jewelry artist Tracy Hibsman of Tracy Hibsman Studio Jewelry makes recycled sterling silver jewelry with U.S.-cut, vintage and fair-trade stones. Her designs use natural symbols from culture and sacred art.

Mark your calendars to see Tracy's work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of her work on her website: https://tracyhibsman.com/

Our next Fine Craft as a Business class is coming up on September 7! This class will have morning and afternoon sessions. In the morning, Christine Wright, creator of handwoven beaded jewelry and graphic designer, will walk you through website basics: What kind of site would work for you, what might be a good platform for your needs, and what you need to pull together so that you can be ready for launch. She will also compare different kinds of websites concerning their pros and cons, pricing, ease of setup and use, and more. This will include some discussion of using websites versus Etsy or other social media to advertise and sell your merchandise, In the afternoon, Denise Wilz, PA Guild of Craftsmen Master Artisan and creator of Pennsylvania Redware Pottery, will give a tour of WIX software. She will be followed by Beth deVitry, enamelist and studio goldsmith, who will give a tour of Shopify software. Christine Wright will also give a tour of WordPress software. These presentations will be followed by a question & answer session with Christine Wright, Denise Wilz & Beth deVitry.

Sign up online at https://pacrafts.org/events/fine-craft-as-a-business-website-basics-what-kind-why-september-7/

FOUND! Art at Ewell Plaza in Lancaster!

Woodworker Duane Wendling uses green wood from his land or a trove of lumber cutoffs gained through years of woodworking to craft various wooden home decor, primarily with hand tools.

"My work collaborates with nature as I emphasize variety and texture, and allow for imprecision," Duane says.

Mark your calendars to see Duane's work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of his work on his website: https://thehawthornshop.indiemade.com/

There's only one spot left in our Stained Glass Garden Stakes class this weekend with Master Artisan Dan Hayward! Registration closes tonight so don't miss your chance to sign up! Students will also have the option to choose from Dan's portfolio of Beginning Stained Glass patterns as well if they'd prefer to make one single panel of stained glass. Register online at https://pacrafts.org/events/stained-glass-garden-stakes-august-10-11/

Ceramic artist Rachel Smith Pottery's work takes inspiration from her Scandinavian heritage and the influence of Asian culture in Seattle (where she first learned pottery).

Rachel's work is a combination of wheel throwing, altering and slab building, with added textures from her found and created collection. "I have always worked with cone 10 reduction fired stoneware -- I love the results of reduction on the glazes, giving them a rich varied surface that records the flames passage during the firing," Rachel says.

Mark your calendars to see her work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of Rachel's work on her website: https://rachelsmithpottery.square.site/

Registration closes today for our Botanical Gelli Printing class on Saturday, August 10 from 1-3 pm! Students will create one of a kind botanical prints in this fun class! All ages are welcome, no experience is necessary. Sign up online at https://pacrafts.org/events/botanical-gelli-printing-august-10/

We have so many exciting workshops coming up at the Guild this month! For more information and to register for a class visit https://pacrafts.org/workshops/

Four members of the Haverford Guild Of Craftsmen chapter will share a booth at the 2024 PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair, bringing metalsmithing, polymer clay, painting and fiber artwork.

Mark your calendars to see their work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

COME LOOK FOR FOUND ART!

The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen is holding a Found Art event starting at 10am Saturday at Ewell Plaza, 123 N Queen St, Lancaster, PA.
(If it’s raining, it will be in the Lancaster City Public Library lobby on Ewell Plaza.)

Our artist members have contributed their handmade work to the project and all
you have to do is find a bag that says YOU FOUND ART!, take it home and enjoy it!

Included in the bag will be a coupon for 10% off in the
Guild Store, 355 N. Queen St., Lancaster.



We will be hiding our Found Art bags around Lancaster area public spaces
throughout the year. Keep your eyes open for the special bags and enjoy!

Paper artist Elizabeth Gates makes her own marbled papers that she then uses to construct books, boxes and cards.

Mark your calendars to see her work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

Coming up this weekend! Make stunning stained glass garden stakes with Master Artisan, Dan Hayward on August 10 & 11 from 9 am-4:30 pm. Dan will also have a full selection of patterns from his Beginning Stained Glass classes as well if you'd prefer to make one panel of stained glass! There are only two spots left so sign up today at https://pacrafts.org/events/stained-glass-garden-stakes-august-10-11/

Spend the afternoon creating colorful botanical gelli prints with Lisa Stuckey this Saturday at the Guild from 1-3 pm! This class is suitable for students of all ages. Sign up online at https://pacrafts.org/events/botanical-gelli-printing-august-10/

Join us at the Guild tomorrow from 7-9 pm for our Date Night: Glassblowing class with Michael Peluso! Students will learn the basics of flameworking while making a window ornament, shot glass, or bulb vase in this fun class. No experience is necessary! Bring a friend or loved one for a fun evening of glass-blowing!

Sign up online at https://pacrafts.org/events/date-night-glassblowing-august-7/

Our Botanical Gelli Printing class with Lisa Stuckey is coming up at the Guild this Saturday, August 10 at 1 pm!

Gelli printing is a form of printmaking in which acrylic paints are applied to flexible printing plates of gelatin using a brayer. In this fun and playful workshop, you will use leaves, feathers, and even weeds to create beautiful monoprints. We will discuss color, composition, and how certain botanicals show up on the gel plate. Gelli printing is addicting and you will leave inspired, with many colorful, one-of-a-kind prints!

Sign up online at https://pacrafts.org/events/botanical-gelli-printing-august-10/

For 40+ years, artist Jeff Semmerling of Jeff Semmerling's Art Side Out Studio & MASK SHOP has been making leather, neoprene, and paper mache' masks as well as puppets for opera, dance, theater and parties. "I love watching the right mask come together with the right face. Every face is different and deserves a unique masks," Jeff says.

Mark your calendars to see his work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of Jeff's work on his website: https://www.artsideoutstudio.com/

Artist Emil Mellow brings a mix of pen drawings of locally inspired iconic landmarks and a series of gouache paintings inspired from waterfalls he observed when hiking along the Appalachian Trail and the Brandywine Creek.

Mark your calendars to see her work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of his work on his website: https://www.emcreativeservices.com/

Fiber artist Susan Pillay of Susan Pillay Wearable Art hand paints whimsical designs on clothing she sews for babies and children, making full use of a rainbow of vibrant colors.

Mark your calendars to see Susan's work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of her work on her website: https://www.susanpillay.com

Woodworker Brian Hendrix of BLH Collection handcrafts banks using genuine antique USPS post office box doors and beautiful hardwoods. He first restores the doors, which were in use between 1890 and 1960, then mounts them in handcrafted cases of hardwoods, such as oak, maple, and mahogany.

Mark your calendars to see Brian's work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of his work on his website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/blhcollection/?etsrc=sdt§ion_id=20981214

Glass artist Ilene Kille came to glass later in life but quickly found her passion. She has been working with kilnformed glass since 2010, and her work ranges from clocks to dishware to furniture.

Mark your calendars to see Ilene's work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of her work on his website: https://www.areyartistry.com/

Kick off your Friday night with a stop at the Guild Store, where we will be featuring artist demonstrations by fiber artist Tara Potter, who will be showing how she makes her felted stones.

"It brings me immense joy to take vibrant, fluffy wool and transform it through wet felting and needle felting into something beautiful and occasionally useful," Tara says.

Tara will be available to meet and answer questions while she demonstrates 5-8pm tomorrow (Aug. 2) as part of the First Friday festivities. The Guild Store is located at 335 N. Queen St., Lancaster.

Ceramic artist Karise Vaporakis of The Rogue Artisans draws inspiration from ancient pottery traditions and her Greek heritage to make pottery with a rustic feel that is intended for daily use.

Mark your calendars to see Karise's work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of her work on her website: http://www.therogueartisans.com/

Registration is closing soon for our Ice Cream Mosaics class with Aya Kinosh*ta on Saturday, August 3! Glass and tiles can make up a variety of yummy looking ice cream mosaics! In this new workshop, Aya will teach you how to cut the glass pieces and tiles, glue them to the board, and grout it. Everyone will make one ice cream mosaic (about 5-inch tall).

All materials are included in the tuition and tools will be provided. This class is appropriate for students aged 10 and up. Sign up online at https://pacrafts.org/events/ice-cream-mosaic-august-3/

Textile artist Uzo Ezekwudo first creates intricate batik designs on muslin fabric, which she then makes into eye-catching yet comfortable fashion.

Mark your calendars to see her work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

Mixed media artist Alecia Miller of Alecia Miller Studio makes ethereal paintings that evolve from translucent backgrounds layered with repurposed materials.

"While I may have a specific plan in mind when I start a painting, as I build up the background layers I try to listen to the muse and shift or adjust as seems fit for the piece. There may be sections of the collaged background that are lost completely under layers of paint and sections of pattern that just evolve and speak to me to be saved," Alecia says. "I recognize that this is reflective of life as we live it. Things that are key to shaping us get hidden away as we grow, but still make us who we are today. It is all part of the process as we emerge from the backgrounds into who we are meant to be."

Mark your calendars to see Alecia's work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of Alecia's work on her website:https://aleciamiller.com/

Coming up this Saturday! Make your own unique woven wall hanging in our class with Beckie Hynes from 1-4 pm! No previous experience is necessary and all materials will be provided. Sign up online at https://pacrafts.org/events/woven-wall-hanging-august-3/

Furniture maker Kevin Scheimreif of Steel & Grain received his first set of hand tools at the age of 10, perfect for his fascination with building, fixing and, at that age, breaking things to see how they worked. These days, he makes functional pieces built to last a lifetime by combining strong, elegant steel with natural wood grain that reveal the natural beauty of wood.

Mark your calendars to see his work (and the work of more than 75 other artists) in person at the PGC Fall Fine Craft Fair Sept. 28-29 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA! Tickets are only $8 if you purchase in advance at https://pacrafts.org/product/fine-craft-fair-2024-fall-fine-craft-fair-at-oaks-tickets/ or $10 at the door.

In the meantime, you can see more of Kevin's work on his website: https://www.steelandgrain.com/