Did you used to have "show and tell" Fridays when you were in school? Let's say that's what we are doing because I decided this was a good day to share a few things with you! I was able to go to an art camp recently with a friend. Although it ran for a week, I attended as a visitor for a day and it was thoroughly enjoyable experience! Featuring heritage arts, the camp teaches crafts which have been handed down through the generations. I was able to see silversmithing, blacksmithing, basket weaving, natural fabric dyeing, wood carving, rug weaving, broom making, flower pressing, soap making and the list goes on and on. Nestled in a small church camp in (very) rural southern MO, it was wonderfully interesting to watch, interact and participate. I was able to attend two classes and also purchased a few items artists had for sale. This treenware came from a dear couple. The husband who produces the pieces is, obviously, exceptionally talented. Although he uses a variety of woods, I selected this 10 inch walnut plate to buy.
It's no surprise that treen actually means "of the tree". Not to be confused with furniture, treenware includes household items, such as plates, bowls, chopping boards, spoons, etc. Wood was, obviously, the available material before the days of silver, pewter or ceramic and so that's how they made what was needed. Treenware is quite collectible today. The moment my eyes spotted this particular piece, I could envision it as a lovely display platter.
I, of course, wasn't there long enough to weave any baskets, make any wooden pitchforks or carve one sliver of wood. I adored both of my classes I did take, though. This is my mini Christmas tree made entirely from nature. The base is a pinecone which I covered in moss and dried native flowers. I look forward to using it this holiday season and being reminded of the my camp experience.
I also had the best time playing with pressed flowers! The instructor had hundreds of perfectly-preserved natives for us and I loved seeing the creations of the classmates. I did three cards.
One of the best aspects of the day was talking to and learning from the artists. Kind, knowledgeable and down-to-earth, most of them had been taught by the previous generation. Now they are instructing others, including the "younger" students. In this age of instant, high-tech, assembly-line everything, it was a refreshing experience.
May you experience the simple joys of life this weekend and I hope it's a blessed one!