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Artist Jan Dwyer’s Amazing Carvings

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In August I traveled to Iowa to visit relatives and for the first time, go to the Iowa State Fair. When I entered the building that housed several artisans and crafters, the first booth I came across was Jan’s. I fell instantly in love with her wonderfully rustic carvings, full of country charm and warmth. It was definitely my favorite booth in the vast building. After oogling over her many pieces on display, I asked her for a photo. She was a bit shy about it, but I think she looks beautiful, don’t you? 🙂

The picture at the top of the snowmen and the letters that spell out JOY are just a small sampling of the amazing work that Jan and her husband do. They carve everything from Catalpa wood, which is excellent for cutting and forming shapes. After Jan or her husband carve out the pieces, Jan adds her finishing touches that bring these items to life. I now wish I had snapped more pictures of her booth as there are only limited designs available on her website and there was so much more to look at. She had each letter of the alphabet on display and after buying one, I would imagine they were pretty hot sellers.

I encourage you to visit Jan’s site, admire the designs available there, and maybe even drop her a line. Visit Jan Dwyer Collectibles.

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Comments

  1. What a nice article about our booth at the Iowa state fair! I only wish I didn’t have such a goofy look on my face!
    Thanks for sharing your site with me!
    Jan Dwyer

  3. I bought a beautiful nativity set from Jan at a holiday gift show in Denver several years ago. Does Jan have a current website? The link from the above story doesn’t work.

    Thanks!

    • Hi Kea. I looked and wasn’t able to find one, though I was able to find her on Facebook. Whether or not she’s active I don’t know but I have sent her a message. Thanks for the head’s up!

Have you read?

Building with Nature: My Experience with Natural Birdhouses

If you’re someone who enjoys DIY woodworking projects and has a soft spot for garden wildlife, Natural Birdhouses by Maria and Amen Fisher is a must-read. I picked this book up recently and have been completely inspired by the earthy, sustainable approach it offers to building homes for birds, bats, and even beneficial bugs.

What really drew me in was the focus on using found wood and natural materials—think branches, logs, reclaimed boards, and other bits of nature you can often source from your own backyard or a nearby forest. Not only does this make the projects eco-friendly, but it also gives everything a beautiful, rustic feel that blends effortlessly into any garden or backyard setting.

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