2013 Craft Vendors & Demonstrators
Terry Ratliff (Master Woodworker)
Terry is a self-taught chair maker from the head of Stephens Branch in Floyd County, KY. He has dedicated his past 30 plus years to woodcraft. His chairs, tables, bowls, benches and other woodcrafts are not only functional but true works of art.
Loneli Polly (Weaving)
Currently I have 3 or more looms set up at a time each with different projects. My largest loom is an antique Newcomer loom that I use to make blue jean rugs . I cut off the legs, and cut them into long strips to weave. It is a labor intensive process. I also weave rag rugs, looper rugs, place mats, and runners
My next projects will include overshot and Inkle band weaving.
Marsha Freeman (Southern Ocean Jewelry)
My husband, Peter, who is from New Zealand, and I incorporate shell from there in most of my jewelry designs. I primarily use paua shell, which is a type of abalone, but it has much more beauty and vibrant color because of the water temperatures around New Zealand than abalone found throughout the world. The Maori term of paua can only be used with shell originating around New Zealand. Freshwater pearls and gemstones are used to complement the shell. Handcrafted copper necklaces and earrings are also offered – some with shell and others not. Also offered are resin cast pieces such as keychains, bookmarks, letter openers, purse hangers, and mirrored compacts – most with paua shell. Some designs will be similar, but all are unique due to variations of the shell and use of various components.
Luann Vermillion (Wildflowers by Luann)
I collect flowers from the mountainside behind my home (where they grow wild) and transform them into beautiful, usable works of art. Creating something beautiful with my own hands gives me great sens of personal satisfaction and happiness. I have learned how to make paper through trial and (lots of) error. I recycle scrap paper and junk mail into handmade paper and make it beautiful by adding in the blossoms and leaves of wildflowers. The flowers are actually embedded in the paper, not just pasted on top.
Nancy Kelly Allen (Author)
Nancy Kelly Allen proves the old adage true: Write what you know. Many of Nancy’s books have Kentucky settings. Her books focus on the positive aspect of the region and affirm the value of the Appalachian culture. In Trouble in Troublesome Creek, kids find strange rocks as they explore a cave. The rocks are Minnie balls, old bullets left by soldiers from the Civil War, over 150 years ago. Water from the cave drips onto the bullets and the lead-poisoned water seeps in Troublesome Creek. The adventuresome Troublesome Creek kids help clean up the environment and solve a mystery.
Nancy’s writing is versatile. In What Sea Creature Is This? The author takes readers on a sea voyage filled with creatures–beautiful, interesting, and strange.
Robert Smith (Handmade Wood Carvings)
Robert makes beautiful hand-made carvings of various mountain animals, figurines and Native American sculptures. During the festival he will work on simple hound dogs showing the various steps. Robert will also be working with a mallet and chisel on a Native American bust and will answer all questions and even try to get folks involved in carving. So be ready to join in!
Judith Vermillion (Painted Quilt Squares)
Judith will be set up and painting her wonderful quilt squares at the festival this year. She will be working with 2′x2′ squares and answering questions about designs, paints, finishing, etc.
Larry Counts (Broom Maker)
Larry Counts is a Seedtime regular and we’re very excited to have him back again for this years festival. Larry will be making hand-tied brooms on-going throughout the weekend.
Jim Cornett (Author)
Jim Cornett has been writing since 1996, and his first book sold over 4,000 copies. He has now written over 26 books. He was born 1937 and raised in Letcher county, mostly in Whitesburg and Blackey. He attended Stuart Robinson School, graduating in 1955. He is a 1964 graduate of the University of Maryland and has a Master’s degree from Wright State University. He is retired from the USAF and now resides in Burnside, KY. He is the Chaplain of the Somerset, KY VFW and teaches at Jordan Christian Academy.
Chelsie Webb (Wreaths)
My name is Chelsie Webb, and I am the owner of Chelsie’s Creations. I specialize in making various types of wreaths including: deco mesh, grapevine, yarn, crayon, balloon, and burlap wreaths. I have always been a crafty person so I thought why not sell some crafts and try to make some extra cash in my spare time. Since last year I have attended a few festivals and am very excited to be at this years Seedtime on the Cumberland festival. I will be there Friday and Saturday, and I hope to see you there!
Debbie Tuggle Pendley (Wood Artisan)
Debbie lives along Troublesome Creek on the Knott-Perry County line. She hunts, cuts, totes, trims, sands and finishes one-of-a-kind spiral walking sticks, staffs and canes. These sticks are all found in the woods surrounding her home in Meadowbrook Hollow at Dwarf, Kentucky. The spirals are created when a vine wraps around a tree limb and tightens, growing into the tree as it expands. This artist finds it very satisfying to finish something coming from a tree that can help someone get around with greater ease, steady their balance and serve as an artistic representation of Mother Nature’s craft. When people see this work they will see a fine, finished, completely unique stick, showcasing the wide variety of beautiful woods in eastern Kentucky. Many of these walking sticks are up-cycled from downed trees. Troublesome creek Walking Sticks, Staffs and Canes can be found on Facebook.
Martha Risner (Pottery)
Traditional Early American Redware: plates (drape mold pottery), coiled wall hooks and small animal figures. Martha also makes ornaments in Redware style. During the festival she will be conducting coiling clay demonstrations, allowing folks to join in the making of clay animal figures and wall hooks. Martha will also be demonstrating slab rolling and drape molding and Sgraffito, scratch carving on clay, a decorating technique.
