| Meet
Pat & Butch
Butch
and I are currently enjoying life on Soft Maple Road
in Croghan
,
NY
at the foothills of the
Adirondack Mountains
. We live in a round granite stone house that we built, a house
that epitomizes our life philosophies. We positioned our home to
face South to take advantage of Passive Solar heating. The low
riding sun in winter shines in and warms the interior. That,
along with a small wood burning stove keeps us snug and warm
through the coldest winter night. Through our vast living room
window we watch
Adirondack
wildlife in and around our pond. We live a simple life and enjoy
simple pleasures.
Throughout our careers
different cultures and times have
inspired our creations. Much of our work is inspired by
Northeast Native American and New England Shaker
baskets of black ash splints.
Our baskets are made using
sterling and pure silver, and
solid high karat gold, exotic woods and sometimes
leather. Our goal is to make each basket reflect some
part of an old basket maker's technique. For instance,
Nantucket baskets have nailed rims, Even though nails
aren't needed for strength we include them for accuracy.
Our fascination with baskets
began during the 1960's when we were antique dealers. By
1976 we were selling both baskets and jewelry at craft
fairs. Jewelry was more popular and profitable and it
required our full-time energy. Our background as
construction silversmiths, making jewelry with hand tools, helps
us to achieve the detail of natural-fiber baskets. Nails,
working buckles and intricate handles and rims are what we strive
for using sterling and high karat gold.
 Throughout
our wonderful career, we have met many fascinating people - some
customers, some fellow craftspeople, some museum staff, and some
media contacts. We have appreciated the part all have played
in our success.
We have been fortunate to have
been mentioned or featured in many magazines and books. We
have also been honored to participate in many exhibits and
shows. You can see a complete listing in our Articles, Books
and Exhibits section.
We continue to make jewelry, as
well as, our one-of-a-kind baskets. Our daughter Lisa Nortz
has continued our family tradition of silver jewelry making.
You can see her creations at www.silverbenchjewelry.com.
In the last few years we have
cut down on the number of events we attend but still travel into
the Adirondack Mountains on occasion to show our work.
We have won many awards but
value most the compliments and trust given us by our
customers. Working with our hands has been very rewarding to
us. Finding something that makes your heart happy is a goal
everyone should pursue.
Thank you for looking into our
site and please return often.
Pat & Butch
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