Made in America: Using Handcrafted Art at Home

by Randi Destefano

       I’ve always been a proponent of using handcrafted art at home.  I guess it goes back to my days as a quilter, and my love of using everyday objects as art.  Trips to the American Craft Council shows and juried arts festivals are some of my favorite ways to spend a weekend. They always fill my head with ideas of how to use them for clients…and at home.

      This week, our community foundation, here at The Reserve at Lake Keowee, hosted an Artist In Residence.  Matt Hanewald, of Cane Creek Chairworks in West Union, SC, brought his beautiful chairs to keep on display for the week.  He also taught a course on stool-making (my Father’s Day gift to hubby) that actually had more women in the class than men.

As I watched my neighbors oo-ing and ah-ing over these beautiful pieces, it made me aware of other types of handcrafted art we can use in our homes for function and focal points. 

      So let me share some of my favorites with you….

 Blue Ridge Folk Museum – Asheville, NC

Windsor High Chairs – Matt Hanewald collection

Trestle Table with Windsor Chairs and Bench – Matt Hanewald custom project

Windsor Chairs and Counter Stool – Matt Hanewald Collection

Windsor Chair – Matt Hanewald Collection

Handcrafted Basket – personal collection

Hand Thrown Raku Vase – personal collection

Art Quilt Wall Hanging

Traditional Quilt Wall Hanging

Handcrafted Hooked Rug

     These are only a few examples of ways to use handcrafted items in your home as art focal points.  It doesn’t need to be “high end” like the ones I’ve shown above.  Expand you creativity to “found art”.  Maybe something you’ve discovered at a flea market or antiques show. 

      When you let the piece stand in it’s own beauty it becomes the center of attention.  Let me ask you….What pieces do you have at home that could become a focal point if you displayed it in a place of honor?

          If you want to learn more ways to help you decorate and design your home, leave your information in the box to the right. 

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