Join me for a visit to a magical house...
You'll find it in an enchanting spot in the woods...
Where Santas and snowmen dance through a winter wonderland.
Where Santas and snowmen dance through a winter wonderland.
It's as magical inside as out -- maybe more so!
And filled with Christmas in every corner!
This is the home of Stephanie Rawson (whose warm smile is second only to her skill with a paintbrush!)...
And V.J. (Vaughn), woodcarver extraordinaire.
Together they are "The Whimsical Whittler," creators of folk art Santas, snowpeople and Halloweenies that are recognized nationally.
Their work has been featured on the White House Christmas tree and in such publications as Better Homes and Gardens and special holiday magazines.
But it could be displayed no place better than their home, a placefilled with color, tradition, love...and greens!
You'll be seeing more of their work in future posts, but first I thought I'd take you to VJ's workshop to see what these creations look like before Stephanie takes them on with her colorful paint box!
It begins here in the studio shop.
Step one, sketches.
Big Santas, Little toys.
And then, VJ shows Jane the big blocks of wood that get "chiseled" into shape.
Pretty soon Steph moves into the mix with her colors...
And her work space.
And here are a few of my favorites!
And see that "Rocket Man" in the back, atop a moon? Pretty soon, he'll be coming home with me!
Stay tuned! More to come!
Wow!!
ReplyDeleteHe is really talented he makes wonderful piece of art :-)
It looks beautiful on your blog so lovely Christmas !!!
VJ and Stephanie are incredibly talented!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the Santa Fisherman hanging from the beam - innovative and gorgeous.
How absolutely gorgeous - what a truly magical place.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing place to visit! My parents use to make alot of artsy pieces like these except out of wood. I have alot of their pieces and really treasure them.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see more of your visit there.
xoxoxoxox
What a wonderful place!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe gentle beauty of this place seems so much more in tune with the spirit of the season than so many of the more raucous (and more plentiful) displays. A good place to find wonder... and peace.
ReplyDeleteWhat a talented couple! All the pieces are wonderful. I'd have a difficult time choosing a favorite.
ReplyDeleteWhat totally inspirational and festive pictures. I look forward to seeing your rocket man home and in situ.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful!!!! Can`t see enough of these creative couple!!! And the surrounding is perfect for that, what they do!! They must be very happy because being creative makes happy.....I speak from my own experience.
ReplyDeleteTell them, that,if I ever come to Michigan, I will visit them!!
Holy macaroni! What an incredible house, first of all. Then, what a fantastic view out their windows - wow! And the wood carving? Wonderful, festive, fun. Happy holidays!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe carvings are fun, and they're so talented - but it's the house and the woods and all of those windows that appeal! Oh, my... I rarely grow all covetous, but couldn't I drool over that house, so obviously built to let the light flow in.
ReplyDeleteLovely post!
Delightful (well, I'm a little disturbed by the very tidy work area). What a wonderful place to visit!
ReplyDeleteso much talent under one wonderful roof ... great holiday post Jeanie!
ReplyDeleteoxo
What wonderful work. Wow. I love the rocketman but I love that elf the best!
ReplyDeleteHow blessed you are in your friendships. This was so wonderful. Thanks for the peeks into the lives of such a create couple.
ReplyDelete