Artisans
David Mize, woodworker and owner of Little Mill Woodworks, had a background in construction but came to enjoy creating smaller objects to be used inside a home rather than building the house itself.
His shop is named for the Little Mill flour and feed mill that used to be an important part of Trigg County life. The mill is gone but many of the hardwoods that now grow around the mill’s stone foundations, such as cherry, walnut, ash and tulip poplar are used by Mize to produce his one-of-a-kind furniture pieces. His shop sits on a cliff overlooking the old mill site.
The simple, functional nature of the furniture one sees at the Shaker Village is one of the main influences for Mize’s designs, along with the famous works of Roycroft and Nakashima.
According to Mize, “I hope you use these pieces and enjoy them as much as I did when creating them, and I know they will be lovingly passed on to the kids and grandkids one day.”
David Mize
Christine Roth
“I like to make pieces that are beautiful but also functional.-that can be a part of your everyday life but also special. I also love the tactile texture. These current pieces have a very touchable glaze. My favorite pieces are the craggily ones, the rough ones. I find that there is beauty in ugly. Everyone sees something different. It’s like an ink blot test, and I like that about it. I like it heavy and tangible, where the whole family can interact with it without fear. I think that important about art. Everyone should be able to interact with it. You shouldn’t have to be so careful.”
Dodie
Gorgeous cicada wing jewelry. Both made by our guest artisan Dodie.
Erikka Cavanah
Check out these gorgeous apothecary and Morse code bracelets by our guest artisan Erikka Cavanah!!
Sandra Woodard
Sandra Baldwin Woodard, Designer/Seamstress
Sewing is in my genes, both on my father's side and my mother's. My father's grandmother was a professional seamstress in Orange County, California. Although I never saw her sew, she sent beautiful fabrics to Kentucky, matching skirts for me, my sisters and cousins for Christmas. She didn't use a store-bought pattern. She cut her own patterns from newspaper. My Mother made sample shoes for International Shoe Company, bringing the designer's vision to life. Later she worked at a clothing factory and learned to use professional machinery and techniques.
I began sewing in middle school and was rewarded for constructing a garment. When I realized I could create what I wanted as well as what I needed, making clothing became a passion for me. My passion paid off years later when I was the mother of three children and working in a bank. I sewed for myself and my children. My middle daughter caught on to the fact that she could design her own clothing, and I could bring her vision to life. That brought me the greatest joy.
When my Mom and I started a home-based business, I purchased machines, and she taught me to use them. I now own six different machines, each with a unique purpose.
My daughter has created paintings and poems based on our shared experiences in the sewing room. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from NC State University with a degree in design.
It's also in her genes.
Kevin Mize
Lamps by Lotek Designs
“These lamps are a culmination of many influences. The love of nature, a background in architecture, the experience of building, and a passion for light, all combine to form these sculptures.
The blooms are primarily made of re-purposed plastic containers that have been layered and heated.
By making these lamps, I hope to inspire people to be less wasteful, more resourceful and to manifest beauty in whatever way possible.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.”
Kevin Mize
Artist, Builder, Gardener
Laura Gillespie
Clay Artist, Laura Gillespie
Laura Gillespie creates functional pottery and whimsical clay sculptures from her studio in Cadiz, Kentucky. She’s been practicing her craft for the past 10 years, selling her work in regional shows and shops. She originally studied under Paul and Trisha Ferrell of Brushy Fork Creek.
Tina Bruce
Fiber Artist, Tina Bruce
Tina Bruce is a wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys painting, drawing, sewing and reading. She has lived in Christian County for 27 years and has been an avid supporter of Milkweed since we opened. According to Tina…
“I simply love Milkweed.”
Her Microwave Cozies hold most container types while in the microwave, allowing you to pull them out safely without burning your hands.