For the holidays, we’re continuing our series to shine the spotlight on Maine craftspeople who make products by hand. It’s important to shop locally and support the innovators and entrepreneurs who keep the creative economy alive in this state. So each week, until Dec. 25, we will bring you this series until you can’t take it anymore. Ready. Set. Go.

Chart luminaria

The back story

Betty Kelly’s company, Papers by Popple Stone Press, was established in her home studio in Downeast, Maine because of her love of Book Arts.

“I was totally hooked on this art form and particularly enchanted with paper—its history, how it’s made, how it affects the aesthetics of a book…you get the idea! I’d been making small editions of handmade books and enrolled in a paste paper workshop, thinking the papers I’d be creating would be used in my book projects. At the workshop we learned how to make origami-folded luminaria and that launched my business—luminaria created from my hand-painted papers.” Two sizes of chart luminaria are available and range in price from $15 to $40. Each piece comes in a white gift box and includes a battery-operated candle.

Where to find them/price range

Online: zibbet.com/PapersbyPoppleStonePress
Store: Archipelago, the Island Institute Store, Rockland

In their words

My prototype, folded from an old chart I had laying around, was on the desk in my studio and everyone who came by immediately spotted it and wanted one. That’s when I realized I might be on to something unique. I use charts that span the Maine coast from Casco Bay to the Bay of Fundy. 

Upcycled keyrack with reclaimed hardware

The back story

In 2008, Don Chuba started his Etsy shop, Bear Paw Rustics, out of Dixmont. He is committed to using reclaimed, recycled materials in the making of original artworks and crafts and unique items from the Maine woods.

“I’ve always loved to create things from salvaged objects that would otherwise have gone into the landfill into rustic art and functional items. I soon found out there are lots of folks who appreciate recycled junk art as I do.” One of a kind keyracks are priced from $20 to $42.

Where to find them/price range

Online: Etsy shop bearpawrustics.etsy.com

In their words

Be it a keyrack, birdhouse or an art assemblage its always fun to come up with different ways to upcycle “junk” into something beautiful, unique or useful.

Checkerboard cutting board

The back story

Odette and Clive Brown opened Fair Cape Woodworks in Rockport, December, 2011 after 20-plus years of working on private sailing yachts as captain and chef. They make high quality outdoor furniture from Western red cedar at their workshop in Rockport. Odette’s years of cooking and love of working with wood gave her the idea to create unique, one-of-a-kind cutting boards, cheese boards and cheese slicers from hardwoods such as walnut, cherry and maple. She also makes chess boards and even wine bottle balancers. She uses food grade adhesive and finishing oil and each piece is burnished to a beautiful smooth finish. She has also made custom boards to suit particular areas or personal preferences. They have been popular Christmas gifts and are also ideal wedding or housewarming gifts. Prices start at $35.
 
Where to find it/price range

Online: faircapewoodworks.com
Showroom: 320 West Street (Route 90), Rockport and

In their words

I love how no two boards look the same. I’m always excited to discover the natural patterns of the grain when I cut a piece of wood and how it will look as a finished product.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com