Timing is key to collecting the various elements of our creations. Winter is quiet for collecting but random pieces of birch bark can be found loose on fallen snow and burls can be seen more clearly in leafless forests. Red pine cones used for finials can be found after a blustery winter day. Spring is much busier with white birch bark easily taken from trees as moisture is again entering their white trunks before leafing out for summer.
As soon as ice and snow have left the Hudson River banks, Paul finds driftwood to make bases for our lamps, wall sconces, or to be the backbone of our hanging designs. Drag your feet here and you will be fighting poison ivy and 3’ tall grass to obtain your next crop of twigs.
Stones are collected where they are found with the majority of them coming from local sand pits throughout the spring and summer. Summer is spent mostly filling in voids in our product line for stores and shows as our stock is turned over at this time of the year.
Fall is the time to hunt for yellow birch after the leaves have fallen and excess moisture in the tree keeps bark snug to the trunk. Root bases are surgically removed from the earth to end up as table or floor lamps. Yellow birch is kiln dried and stored for later projects while roots may rest a year or more before being used.
Other antique and collectibles are found throughout the year at various yard sales, thrift shops and antique stores. Our shows provide us with various themes that have inspired us to bring new life to old treasures when combined with Teresa’s complimentary lamp shades. We continue to search for new ideas to expand our inventory, challenge ourselves and engage people with our latest bright idea!