Dresden is a village that is well known throughout the country as a town with talented craftsmen thanks to its basket weaving roots. A new educational workshop, The Carriage House Scroll Saw Shoppe, is a perfect fit for Dresden.
Experienced woodworker and artist, Tom Taylor’s new endeavor offers personalized instruction for those looking to learn or enhance the skill of woodworking.
The shop, located at (1015 Main Street) will allow anyone ages 8 – 90 to come in and create a project using scroll saws, lathes and other tools at no cost. All materials are included and there is a plethora of tools and equipment to learn.
Jay Mcquistion has learned a lot from Tom and has mastered the art of making intricately cut pictures out of wood. Initially, when Jay was introduced to the idea he did not think he would enjoy it, but now loves it and finds crafting with the scroll saw to be relaxing.
It takes a lot of patience and sometimes over 100 hours to work on some of the detailed pictures like the framed artwork Tom has on display in his shop. Tom has about 20-40 hours in some of the less detailed ones.
“Almost everyone thinks they don’t have the patience but once they try it they are hooked,” said Tom.
Nearly any picture can be made into a template, a pet, family member, beautiful landscape, you name it! Smaller projects like ornaments and puzzles are popular among children who stop in to craft at the shop.
This is the third woodworking shop Tom has had. His original shop was located in Zanesville. He, his wife Tammy and volunteers like Jay help to work with the kids. Safety is a huge priority for Tom. Both the police and fire departments have been by to check out the building and there have been cameras installed for added security. Good ventilation and dust collectors on the equipment help to keep the work environment clean.
Instruction has always been free but donations are welcome. Tom sells his completed creations to help fund the rent for the building, supplies, and other expenses. You will be able to shop and purchase his finished products in at least one of the local shops soon.
Tom’s craftsmanship and kind heart is getting a lot of attention. He has been featured in three woodworking magazines and PBS is scheduled to stop by the shop this winter.
There will be an open house on October 19 and classes will begin on November 9th.
The photos in the above gallery were submitted.
