Posts Tagged ‘George Carruth’
« Older Entries Newer Entries »In Celebration of Mother’s Day
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
Mother’s Day is in the wind. The day when families everywhere take their mothers to brunch to remind them of how special they are, offering gifts of baby handprints and homemade cards from school where the alphabet has been practiced and sweet little drawings of the family appear made in crayola by little hands.
In our case Mother’s Day spans three generations honoring both the living and the dead. It is a time to honor Deb’s Mom, who at 89 continues to embrace life with vigor and joy, and a time to honor George’s Mom who is no longer with us but whom we adore and miss dearly. Deb who mothered three beautiful children and our daughter Libby who is a magnificent mother to our beautiful grandson.
We wish you all a wonderful Mother’s Day everyday!
I put together this short video showcasing a few of the designs I think make special Mother’s day gifts.
Finally, we take so much pleasure in hearing your stories about how you enjoy and celebrate the special days and holidays so we are again launching a Mother’s day contest on Facebook. Post your thoughts, stories, images and videos related to Mother’s Day and we will pick on person at random to receive a free Carruth design as a Mother’s Day gift.
Questions? post them here or on Facebook or send them to us in an email. We appreciate your input and value your support.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Tags: American Artisan, American made, Carruth Studio, Facebook, George Carruth, Gift ideas, gifts, Mother's Day, Mother's Day gifts
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Introducing A New Look on April 16
Friday, April 8th, 2011
We’ve been working hard to develop a new patina for my designs. We will be introducing the new look at my Spring artist signing on April 16. I think the new patina highlights the details in each of my pieces. In the past directional lighting was crucial for detail to “pop”, but with this new finish the sculpture comes to life in any environment. We posted some images of the new patina on our Facebook wall and received an amazing number of positive comments. People that have enjoyed the content of my plaques are now blown away as they discover all of the subtle details I include. I’m pleased with the dimension the new patina adds to my designs.
If you look at my sculptures, they almost have a children’s book quality. Every piece has a little story going on. Look closely for added details. Insects, tiny flowers, tiny objects and most of all, eye contact and body language. With all of these subtle images, most people are drawn into the scene by something THEY can relate to. I’m not choosing an audience. I’m piecing together images that tell a story. Sort of a snapshot, or starting point. Now it is up to the audience to dig into their memory bank and imagine what the rest of the story might be.
What do I hope to communicate? My goal is to share stories and images that make me smile. As I said earlier, my sculptures have a storybook quality to them. The viewer can observe all of the subtle clues sculpted into a scene, and feel as though they can relate to what is happening. It reminds them of something they might have seen or experienced. I’m sure you noticed that animals, nature and folklore are the themes that turn up in most of my sculptures. I guess I’m still a small child at heart…in awe of nature.
I’d love to invite you to join us for the artist signing. The event will be held at Garden Smiles, in Waterville, from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM on April 16. Call 419-878-5412 or click here for more information or to get directions to Garden Smiles. Hope to see you there!
Tags: American made, art, artist signing, Carruth Studio, garden, Garden Smiles, George Carruth, gifts, home decor
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Thoughts Inspired by Spring
Monday, March 28th, 2011
"Earl E. Bird"
Since spring is, finally, here I’m getting out and walking around the neighborhood. Every now and then I’ll spot a Carruth sculpture peeking out from someone’s flower bed. I do mean peeking. Often it is barely visible under a pile of matted down leaves from last autumn.
While passing by, I can’t help but wonder if the home owner remembers placing the stone there, or will re-discover it when raking and tidying up the yard.
Does this sound familiar to anyone?
I’m also aware of the vibrant chatter coming from all the birds. Although we hear them all winter, you can almost feel a different level of excitement with the warmer air and radiant sunshine.
"Bob White"
Several years ago, while sitting on our porch, there were several birds on the roof, hopping around on the gutters, probably hunting for bugs or seeds. With the angle of the sun that morning, shadows of these birds were cast on the ground in front of me.
The silhouette shadows of these little fellows hopping around, had the same jerky motion and energy of a puppet show. While they jumped around full of what I perceived as playful energy, I imagined a medieval puppet master using high pitched funny voices, entertaining a gathering of children, synchronizing his voices to the motion of the bird shadows.
"Miss Lovey Dovey"
This imaginary puppet show was the inspiration for Earl E. Bird, Miss Lovey Dovey and Bob White. I’ve created the characters, you’ll have to create your own voices.
What are you discovering as Spring approaches?
Share your stories with me. Who knows what they might inspire? I never know what I’ll be working on next.
Tags: American crafts, American made, birds, Carruth Studio, garden art, George Carruth, gifts, Spring
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Toledo.Com Video Tells Carruth Studio Story
Monday, March 14th, 2011
Here’s a new video by Toledo.com. I often have a hard time being in front of the camera but I think they did a nice job and this video really works. In the video I talk about how Deb and I got started with Carruth Studio and Garden Smiles and I also talk about some of the things that motivate me to sculpt. We shot it in inside of Garden Smiles so it gives you a real feel for the store and for the Carruth designs we sell-at Garden Smiles and online.
Do you like it? Let me know or just click “like” below. And, please share it with your friends. We appreciate your support.
Tags: Carruth Studio, garden art, GardenSmiles, George Carruth, gifts, stone carving, Toledo.com
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Buying American Made Matters.
Sunday, March 13th, 2011
Anyone see the ”Made in America” feature on ABC? The story described how almost everything for sale in the Washington D.C. National Gift Shops was made in China, Mexico or some other foreign country.
This included the Smithsonian, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial etc. They gave the impression that selling American made products were impractical, too costly or unobtainable.
The announcer then went across town and visited a craft gallery called Appalachian Spring, who sells ONLY American made products. At that point, they discussed how American jobs could be created by simply including domestic products in just the Smithsonian gift shops alone ( which sold $44 million last year). Little things add up very
quickly!
So buy American made. Appalachian Spring craft gallery is a shining example of the quality and affordability of American made products. By the way, they have been in business for 43 years, and successfully carrying Carruth Studio sculptures for over a decade.
Tags: American art, American crafts, American made crafts, Appalachian Spring craft gallery, Carruth Studio, George Carruth
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Finding Inspiration Right Outside My Window
Monday, February 28th, 2011
Inspiration for new designs seem to come when you least expect them. Friends share their ideas, time is spent browsing art and sculpture on the computer and I explore galleries and museums.
While Deb and I were in New York city exhibiting at the International Gift Show last month, we saw an incredible variety of designs from around the world. After being surrounded by all of this art for a week, I couldn’t wait to start sketching on the flight home.
At home the next morning I was sitting near the window trying to figure out what direction to take. I had a dozen or so sketches inspired from everything I had seen in New York. Eventually I noticed hundreds of footprints on the snow covering the hill behind our home. While we were gone, the neighborhood kids had been sledding and enjoying the deep snow and sunshine.
That’s when it happened! I was suddenly taken back to when I was one of those kids braving the cold and sledding with my friends. With fond winter memories spinning in my brain, this is what I sculpted, something cold, exciting and full of childhood joy.
After experiencing all of the great art in New York city, inspiration was found where I least expected it, right outside my own window.
Tags: Carruth Studio, George Carruth, gifts, Inspiration, kids, winter
Posted in George's Blog | 3 Comments »
A Valentine For My Wife Deb
Monday, February 14th, 2011
Deb and I at an outdoor art show in 1983
This Valentine’s Day, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to have married my wife Deb. Besides being a wonderful wife and mother to our three children, she has gone the extra mile over and over again with her involvement at Carruth Studio. 25 years ago she gave up her career as an occupational therapist, to help me try my hand at sculpting full time.
Looking back now, I realize what a gamble it was and how totally time consuming, frightening and frustrating running a small business would be at times.
But through it all, she was always up for any challenge. Because of her ability to connect with and enjoy learning from people, she was able to open doors and keep our little company always moving forward.
She accomplished this by organizing all of the paperwork, taxes, advertising, promotion, managing the office, going to trade shows and all the other endless challenges involved with running a business.
Deb and I today
This crazy chaos was kept under control, while at the same time being a loving wife, friend and mother. So Happy Valentine’s Day Deborah, and thank you for being YOU! I love you dearly, George.
Tags: Carruth Studio, Deb Carruth, George Carruth, Love, Valentine's Day, wife
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Our Gordy Groundhog Couldn’t See His Shadow…
Wednesday, February 2nd, 2011
Happy Groundhog Day to everyone! According to the news, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning and we will have an early Spring. I write this from snowy New York City, where Deb and I have been participating in a trade show for the gift industry. We see no sign of early Spring here in NYC, and the news from Ohio sounds wintery too. It doesn’t happen often, but Carruth Studio is closed today as Waterville digs out from last night’s storm.
Our own Gordy Groundhog did his best, 
but there was no sun to be seen until well after Noon, and that for only a short time. Looks like more winter for us. Poor Gordy Groundhog is hunkering down with the rest of Northwest Ohio and dreaming of Spring warmth and flowers. Gordy is not alone, according to Wikipedia, 6 of 15 groundhogs polled today, predict a longer winter. Of course, the other groundhogs disagree and are predicting an early Spring.
We marvel at the weather we’re seeing here and at what people are experiencing all over the country right now. Storms throughout the Midwest and East Coast and cold with rolling power blackouts in Texas. Deb and I are staying warm and enjoying our visit to the Big Apple but we’re looking forward to heading home soon. I’ve got ideas for new designs and am eager to get back to work.
So stay warm and hang in there, wherever you are. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! If you’re looking for entertainment while you’re snowed in, visit our Facebook page and post an entry to our Valentine’s Day contest. 
You could win a signed, numbered and hand painted “Froggy Dreams” or “Love Mini Stone”! Or, you could just visit us online and purchase your own. Not to toot our own horn, but Carruth designs make wonderful gifts for just about everyone.
Tags: Carruth Studio, Facebook, George Carruth, gifts, Gordy Groundhog, Groundhog Day, Valentine's Day
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My Special Valentines
Friday, January 28th, 2011
But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east and my Valentine is the sun. Oh Froggieo, Froggieo, wherefore art thou, Froggieo?
For Valentine’s Day this year, I wanted something special. Something different and something lasting. We have several designs that are popular as Valentine’s Day gifts already but I wanted to offer something new.
So with a little red paint, and a lot of patience, I painted, signed, and numbered 50 of two of my favorite sculptures, “Froggy Dreams“, and the “Love Mini Stone“. What a difference a splash of color can make!
”Froggy Dreams” has long been one of my favorites, and now with a tiny stroke of color, it comes to life for Valentine’s Day. The ”Love Mini Stone” is a classic, but the addition of red makes the heart feel contemporary and vibrant. Amazing how such a small amount of color can transform a design and give it more personality.
Happy Valentine’s Day, I hope these two sculptures remind you of that ”special someone” for many years to come.
Join us on our Facebook page. We’re launching a contest where you could win the first of the signed and numbered, hand painted, and hand-cast stone, “Froggy Dreams” or “Love Mini Stone”.
And, as always, if you’ve enjoyed this post please “like” it and share it with your family and friends. We appreciate your support.
Tags: Carruth, Carruth Studio, George Carruth, gift, hand painted Carruth sculptures, special Carruth valentines gift, Valentine gift ideas, Valentine Gifts Ideas, Valentines Days Gift
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The Influence of Stone Carvings in Cemeteries
Friday, January 21st, 2011
I like to visit cemeteries every now and then. In the early years, when I only did one-of-a-kind carvings from rough quarry stones, I studied the wonderful stone carvings in cemeteries. Here you could find everything from grand monuments to modest little family plots. My favorite cemetery is near Bedford, Indiana. This is the home of Indiana limestone. Near the turn of the century, Indiana limestone was an extremely popular building material. It was used extensively on churches and government buildings.
Any time you see a soft colored gray stone on a building, especially if it has lettering carved into it, there is a good chance it came from Bedford. What makes the little Bedford cemetery special is that it is the final resting place for many of the stone carvers and their families. Many were immigrants that had come from Europe. These were tough people, working in tough times, with little or no extra money. When a carver or family member passed, a friend or relative probably carved the headstone. As a result, there are highly personalized headstones that range from a full size carver’s bench, complete with tools and half-finished stone, to delicate angel images on the graves of young children.
During that period of my career, I was honored to carve several headstones for families that were familiar with my work. After that experience, I study headstones more closely and appreciate the thought and emotion that goes into designing and carving these incredible objects. Every detail must be perfect.
Although I no longer carve headstones, many of my cast stone images are used as bereavement gifts. Some are placed in cemeteries either on or near the headstone. Others are used in flower arrangements or sent as gifts. Again, I feel very honored to have designs chosen for such an important occasion. Some of the designs chosen for memorials include “Memories of You“, “Tree of Life“, and “Cherish Life and Family“. Oftentimes, an image more specific to the individual is used. Either way, these weather resistant sculptures are a lasting tribute, whether used in a cemetery or flower garden.
If you liked this post, please “like it” on Facebook and share it with friends and family. And, if you know someone who needs to find a really special sympathy gift, suggest that they consider a Carruth design.
Tags: Carruth Studio, cemetaries, Facebook, George Carruth, memorials, stone carvings, sympathy gifts
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