Richard Scarborough wears many hats.  He is not only co-founder at Artisans on Main but is also an incredible wood sculptor, woodturner and furniture maker.  We are delighted to be showcasing his many works throughout the season and we invite you to come say hello!  We caught up with Richard to ask him some questions about his process, his work and what he loves best about living in WNC..

Your woodwork has many functional purposes, from decorative bowls and art pieces to large hangings, tables, lamps and chairs.  Can you briefly describe your process, where you find your inspiration and how you decide what to do next?

I lived in Southern CA for 30 years and collected  local woods which I milled and later brought to NC two years ago.  I also collected and sculpted many root balls as I loved the intricacy of their burls and figures. It is the figure in the wood that largely determines the final use and design.  The “gnarlier” the better. Straight grained wood is not my preference for projects.

As you “let the wood lead the design” what is the biggest challenge using root balls?  Also, what are root balls?

Some trees create large tap roots which go straight down into the earth. Others  create more of a round burl beneath the trunk which can be highly figured and of a very different character of what lies above.  For some trees is is a way of storing energy and a way for the tree to replicate itself when the tree above dies, or is destroyed by fire. Root balls will often have inclusions of soil, rock and other debris which makes it a challenge to clean up and work with without destroying your tools.

As a founding member of Artisans on Main, can you describe the current creative art scene in Weaverville, what art lovers can expect, and how it compares to other cities you’ve lived in or visited?

Weaverville is out of the main tourist flow of Asheville but still attracts an appreciative audience.  With so many galleries throughout the area Artisans On Main still receives so many “this is my favorite gallery” comments. It is unique for its warmth, friendliness, good smells and diversity.

What do you love the most about living and working in Weaverville and WNC?

I moved here two years ago from the LA area for retirement and ended up with two horse barns on the property. These have become my wood  and my welding/blacksmithing shops. We have the largest woodturning club here in the country and  a host of talented woodworkers in all areas. We also have a lot of wood.

What new projects or methods are you currently exploring?

Integrating wood, metal and lighting into my projects is the next big advance. Having worked with advanced composite in aviation, I will also be doing more “river tables” where the center of  a wood table will have a colored resin stream.

On Saturday, November 25th, remember to Shop Local, Shop Small, as many businesses in Weaverville participate in Shop Small Saturday, sponsored by American Express.

Art Accents Frame Shop will have a one day only pre-holiday sale. Receive 15% off all custom frame orders as well as 15% off all framed artwork in the gallery. We will be open from 10 to 3.

Also, we have a promotion until December 31st in conjunction with Larson Juhl and Biltmore Estate. Buy any of the Biltmore line of frames and receive two free tickets to the Biltmore Estate, which can be used from now (Christmas at Biltmore!) through June 30, 2018.

Hope to see you Saturday, and Happy Thanksgiving from Bob and Carla.

Join us Sat Nov 25th for Small Business Saturday at Crucible Glassworks!!

We will be celebrating our 19th annual Ornament Extravaganza, where a festive holiday atmosphere meets our biggest ornament sale of the season! Charming glass snowmen and polar bears add to the seasonal assortment of fine glassware and glass Art — all made on site.

Seasonal refreshments and holiday music to add to the ambience!! Come join the fun!

A harmonious blend of beeswax, soy wax & pure essential oils. 

This fall and winter we are delighted to feature a variety of new collections of savory seasonal candles and natural creations by Linda Guertler! For a unique candlemaking experience, drop by her Bee Light Candle Cafe located here at Artisans on Main (14 N. Main Street) to ask her about her process and take in some aromatherapy that will surely enhance your Weaverville experience.

We caught up with Linda to ask her about her process and why her candles make people so happy.

We love your natural candles!  Can you tell us how you came into making aromatherapy candles and what sets your candles apart from the many candles out there on the market?

I have always loved candlelight and about 12 years ago I bought a book and attempted to make one. Seemed like an easy process, but unfortunately it didn’t burn well or have a good scent. So, determined, I kept tweaking the technique and I researched and tested different wax mediums, cold and hot scent throw, heating and pouring temperatures, proper wick size, oil to wax ratios, pillars vs. containers, and so much more about using essential oils which throws another set of testing into the mix.

Healing, wellness & balance are incredibly important to me to share as I learn along my own journey. I want customers to have natural, pure, healthy, affordable products for their homes. My products are created mindfully in small batches and infused with holistic ideals and ideas.

Can you elaborate on your process and the materials you use and describe the importance of aromatherapy? 

It’s really important to me to use simple, natural ingredients. I use beeswax from a local family, USA non-GMO soy wax and essential oils I purchase from a local company that I trust that sources from all over the world.

With the testing and research of the wick & container size, oil ratios, pouring temperatures done, waxes are melted, oils are added and the pouring begins.

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to soothe, relax, restore and balance. Our olfactory system responds to aromas, forwarding information to the part of the brain where memories and emotions are stored. Because the olfactory nerves are a direct extension of the brain’s limbic system, reaction to smell is relayed immediately. One little whiff of an aroma can transport you back in time to a memory of a childhood home or a grandmother’s kitchen, or it simply allows a nice sigh and a calm breath that connects us to a state of relaxation and a safe place within.

What can visitors to Artisans on Main expect at your Bee Light Candle Cafe?  

For sure they can expect Lavender, Lemongrass, Clove, Lime or Vanilla wafting in the air and a grateful girl happily describing her natural candles, moisturizers, lip balms, herbal salve and aromatherapy mists made with pure intention.

They’ll find Magic Light Box Luminaries, Hand Etched Glass Container Candles, Pillar Candles wrapped in Honeycomb, Beeswax dripless Taper Candles snuggled inside Beeswax Fabric held together with Beeswax Buttons, Trust Your Wise Inner Owl Candles and Bear Hug Candles, Mason Jar Candles topped with locally handmade Magnets, Rosewater Mists, an Herbal Salve, several choices of natural Moisturizers including a warm Candle Moisturizer along with Coconut oil & Cocoa Butter Lip Balms.

Which are your favorite candles to make and what new products are you excited to share with everyone? 

That’s a difficult question since I honestly love everything I make. My favorite element and top priority of making each item is that it be infused with the intention to help in some small way. When someone lights a candle and they find themselves taking a calming breath, or they smooth on that moisturizer or lip balm knowing it was made with pure ingredients that are good for them…this is my favorite element.

I’m excited to share a few aromatherapy Holiday Sprays, a Honey Sugar Face Scrub, Beeswax Wildflower Luminaries and a delicious Spearmint Lip Balm. The possibilities are endless!

Next Saturday will be fun and educational at Crucible Glassworks! We will be celebrating the return to Fall and cooler temps with our Annual Fall Fire Up!

Southern Highland Craft Guild member Jason Janow will be doing a Lost wax Casting demonstration, as well as Junior Blacksmith Owen Riedesel will be demonstrating his forge skills on and off throughout the day. Mike Hatch of Crucible Glass will also be alternating glass blowing demos between the precious metal pours.

Fun for the whole family, and samples of all artists work will be available for purchase! COME JOIN THE FUN!!

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