Sunday, February 24, 2013

Ozark Folk Center State Park

Mountain View, Arkansas holds a jewel that gives me one more reason to love my Ozark Mountains.   Ozark Folk Center State Park  is a wonderful way to enjoy yesterday.  The goal is to preserve and teach the craftsmanship of these Ozark Mountains in an entertaining way.  Everyones here knows that company is coming and sure do make you feel welcome! 


Apprenticeships are available during certain times of the year.  Folk School is held in March each Spring.  Classes are limited to small groups so they fill quickly.  Click HERE for the 2013 Class Schedule.

There are several shops throughout the grounds.  You might remember my post about Aunt Linda's Soapmaking Class that was held in the Apothecary.  What a wonderful hands on learning experience!


Each building is home to skilled craftsmen.  The Candlemaker was mesmerizing!  In the few minutes we were there, we learned so much about the history of candle making materials. 


The Spinning and Weaving Shed held another surprise.  They were spinning dog hair!  Apparently a hot trend in spinning right now is the use of pet fibers.  This particular skein was made using fur from a husky breed of dog.  What a beautiful color profile, ranging from taupe to cream!  It's very soft.


Baskets of raw material were visible!  It was fascinating to consider all the options available for spinning and weaving fabric.

 
 The Old Time Print Shop is home to several antique print presses.  During our visit, an apprentice was working in the Print Shop.
 

His enthusiasm was contagious.

 
Watching the Copper Smith was as interesting
 
 
as visiting with the Broom Makers, the Basket Weaver, Bead Makers, and the Potter.

 
Being a gardener, though, my favorite spot was the Herbary.
 
 
You can bet I made additions to my herb collection and to my library! 
 
If you are looking for a skilled craftsman or a sweet vacation destination, consider visiting a jewel snuggled in an Ozark Valley.    Ozark Folk Center State Park  is an extraordinary place to enjoy yesterday! 
 
;-)  -Marci
 
   

9 comments:

  1. Ooooh...I always wanted to make a basket! What a fun place and you sure have enjoyed it! I've enjoyed reading about it!

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  2. Oh what a wonderful place. We have a few places nearby that do some of these things, but nowhere that has all of these types of demonstrations.

    Great post!

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  3. This looks so cool! The Herbary looks amazing. I've never visited a place like this, so it's great to see some photos. It would be such a fun-filled day if I could visit!
    ~Kim
    http://2justByou.blogspot.com

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  4. What a cool place! I love living history museums. We don't have any here but there is one near my mom. Hopefully this summer I can take the girls! Thanks for sharing on We Made That!

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  5. How much fun, I wish I lived closer! I am showing this off tonight, thanks for linking up.

    Carlee
    www.ladybirdln.com

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  6. I would love to visit this place! I've never been to The Ozarks and have wanted to since reading Little House on the Praire as a child.

    I'm visiting from The CreativeHome Acre Blog Hop.

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  7. I can't believe they had so may demonstrations going on at once. We have a museum near us but they don't have nearly as many demonstrations.

    I found you at the homeacre hop.

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  8. Growing up, one of my grandmother had a farm and we would watch her spin wool. She sheared her own she, cleaned it and spun it so that my OTHER granny could make a sweater for a family member. Your post brought back so many lovely memories!
    Thanks so much for linking up at the Creative HomeAcre Hop. Hope to see you again this Sunday!

    http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2013/05/the-creative-homeacre-hop-im-co-host.html

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