Kayaks, Door Knockers, Rocking Horses Dan Thaler ♦ Larry Virtue ♦ Alan Carr KAYAKS, DOOR KNOCKERS, ROCKING HORSES | Jill Wagner travels the country on a quest to find talented craftsmen who still make incredible items by hand. On the banks of the Hudson River in Shrub Oak, New York, Jill visits kayak maker Dan Thaler. His award winning vessels are one of a kind, floating works of art. Then, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Jill learns how Larry Virtue turns molten brass into incredibly detailed brass door knockers inspired by traditional Mexican architecture. Finally, in Fredericksburg, Texas, Alan Carr uses Texas Hill country’s native mesquite tree to carve Victorian-style rocking horses with their own Texas flavor. PHOTOS ♦ ARTISANS KAYAKS | Dan Thaler As you’re boating along the Hudson River, there are plenty of kayaks around you, but how many of them can last generation…Read more What do you enjoy most about your craft? There is something about taking a concept and some wood and turning it into a piece of floating, usable art that is extremely satisfying. I enjoy each step of the process. From milling the lumber…Read more MEET DAN | PHOTOS DOOR KNOCKERS | Larry Virtue Originally specializing in woodworking, Larry switched careers after cutting off one too many fingers, and figured it was time for a change. Larry starts designing a doorknocker with a pencil and paper. Then he carves a wax mold of the design…Read more MEET LARRY | PHOTOS ROCKING HORSES | Alan Carr Alan Carr’s family roots are planted deep in the Wild West. His grandfather designed the famous Concho Saddle in the 19th century. Alan carries on the family business—with a twist…Read more Why is it important for people to make things with their hands? Few, modern hobbies use our hands and minds in concert to produce a lasting work of art…Read more MEET ALAN | PHOTOS DISCOVER OTHER ARTISANS [rev_slider alias=”crafts”] #HandcraftedAmerica