Most of the items in my shop are created by myself. I make jewelry, dish towels, pot holders, stained glass, artwork, aluminum can flowers, t-shirts, magnets, coasters and much more. I always like trying something new, so you will never know what my latest creation is.
The Artists
Chuck Gauthier,Rochester, MN
Treasures on the Trail
Art by Pat Smith, Everett WA
Kay loves bicycling and is the creator of AbsurDudeez, a spandex clothing line that is rediculously fun to wear. At Treasures on the Trail, you can find her headbands, seat covers and lip balm holders which all come in bright fun colors. To see Kay's complete line of products go to absurdudees.com
Robin is part of a volunteer organization, Pollinating Life. She creates beautiful jewelry that celebrates pollinators. All profits after material costs go to pollinator and prairie non-profits.
Kay Lum, Madison WI
Handcrafted, original cards for all occasions.
Crooked Pine Soap, Lewiston, MN
Crooked Pine Farm was established in 2011. We are a little farm located in southeastern Minnesota where farmland meets rolling valley and bluffs. We raise a small herd of French Alpine dairy goats that supply us with fresh milk for our handmade soap. Ever since I was a teenager, I have always wanted to learn how to make handmade soap the traditional way. I then had the opportunity to become fast friends with a special woman who gave me a "beginners" recipe for cold process soap and from there on I began experimenting and sharing the results with family and friends. Thus, Crooked Pine Soap was born. Here at Crooked Pine Soap, we believe you have the right to quality, handmade soap done the traditional, artisan way. We use our fresh goat milk, organic oils of coconut, sunflower, shea butter, non-gmo canola, olive, rice bran and castor oil in our original recipe, as well as formulating specialty recipes with other oils and natural butters. We also use sodium hydroxide, which is used during the saponification process to turn the oils into soap and none remains in the finished product. All real soap is made with saponified oils. The only additives we use are true and real, such as raw honey, oatmeal, clays, herbs, cornmeal, coffee grounds, pumpkin puree, etc. The passion we have for our farm, homesteading ways and respect for the land around us is shown in each and every bar that we offer.
Carol Young, Shoreview MN
Joan Johnson, Howard Lake MN
I like to experiment with new techniques so there is not always an answer to why I do what I do. I'm inspired by always wanting to learn something I haven't done before. "Found" surfaces are an inspiration, and challenge me to explore new avenues of expression.
Paintings evolve slowly, through layers of paint and glaze. Scraping away with a palette knife adds texture and movement. Building layers of color with a palette knife and brush, using techniques that allow the paint to have an uncontrolled life of its own.
I'm inspired by reclaimed objects...canvas, old books, wood and metal. They come with a personality and I add to that with my art and create my own style.
Water Color & photo art.
Chuck Gauthier started his art learning experience while in grade school by attending weekend classes taught by UW Stout instructors and interns in Menomonie, WI. The learning continued through high school. After completing college, and while working for IBM in Rochester, Chuck rekindled his interest in art by attending acrylic painting courses at the Crossroads Center. Most recently, after retiring from the IT industry in 2016, Chuck took up watercolor painting. His primary subject of choice has been a combination of Florida Gulf Coast and Minnesota fish species. The art learning experience is still in full swing, with Chuck being mentored closely by his sister, Meri Gauthier, who taught art in the Twin Cities School District for nearly four decades.
Robin Oanes, Decorah, IA
Jane Lewis, Owner, Treasures on the Trail, Whalan, MN
Fishing lures.
Wayne Carrigan, Chatfield MN