I began to write this blog in May of 2009. The focus, then, was on Blue Stone Folk School. I began a bird carving project to raise money for the school. this project, 50 Little Birds for Blue Stone Folk School (Later simply 50 Little Birds), grew to replace the Folk School as the focus of this blog.
Since that day in May, 2009, I’ve written and posted 345 posts that have been visited almost 25,000 times. Small potatoes for some blogs, but we’ve quite a loyal following!
Here I present my top 10 posts ranked by visits:
1) Another Family Tradition – Fraktur and Pennsylvania Dutch Decorative Arts -
Here I discuss my mother’s work with Pennsylvania Dutch decorative painting and its influence on my work. I visit this theme recently when making Christmas ornaments. It’s pretty apparent that there are folks wanting to know more about Fraktur.
Just what the title suggests. I reference some Pennsylvania Dutch carvers that I find significant and influential. Again the Pennsylvania Dutch theme plays strong.
3) Cape Forge – Bird Carving Knife
I firmly believe that I use one of the finest caving knives available. Many carvers are all about the search for tools (Not me, I carve with two knives — both from Cape Forge.)
My ever popular ukulele building class.
5) Berea, Kentucky is the Real Deal
Berea is a magical place to explore creative handwork and a culture embracing it
6) Preparing for Bloomington Handmade Market
I used this article to address show preparation during an Etsy forum discussion about setting up and merchandising for shows. It generated some great discussion.
I mislabeled a photo of the tail of a black and white warbler. It should have been BWW-Underside-of-tail. I learned afterward that BBW means big beautiful woman to folks trolling for porn. This gets a hit almost daily and I continue to chuckle at the disappointment these men must feel. I wrote about it here.
8) Bloomington Handmade Market
A popular show and also discussed on the Etsy forum.
9) Carving Little Birds – An Introduction to Whittling.
This is why I started the Folk School. Folks are looking for instruction and want to make things — birds, ukuleles — whatever. DIY is hot!
10) Meat ‘n Taters Ukulele Construction
Ditto.
I’m a bit curious about what this data means. Is Fraktur really that popular or does it get hits because it was posted fairly long ago? I sure there is meaning to be derived from this. Please feel free to post away.
Much to my dismay I discovered that I had never shot photos of my wife and daughter making applesauce at Celebrating the Handmade Tradition. The ladies outdid themselves making different applesauce blends using a variety of heirloom apples picked from Indiana’s own Wild’s Apple 
