Let me preface by saying you will not meet anyone more welcoming and genuine than Stan and Sue Jennings. I arrived a half hour before the end of the work day and everyone in the workshop was busy at the task at hand. I was immediately greeted by the staff, followed by Sue and the canine welcoming committee. It seemed this visitor caused a joyous stir of excitement.

I apologized for not arriving earlier as planned, but announced that I had had some car trouble a few miles out. My delay was waved off and Sue insisted on taking the time to show me around their workshop. They employ eight-plus employees who help them cut, shape and finish each piece. And it’s clear how much they value and appreciate each member of their team. More than once I’d hear Sue describe members of her team as “my right hand and we couldn’t do this without their help.”

Allegheny Treenware is located on a pristine 45 acres in Preston County, W.Va., along Rt. 50. They buy most of their wood in logs (they prefer cherry, but will work with many different woods) from local folks who do select cuttings when the need arrives. They mill the logs down into boards and cut/craft each piece from there.

As per my automotive saga, a member of the Treenware team (”all he drives are Subarus”) graciously took a look under the hood and discovered a crack in my radiator. Oy! Stan very graciously said, “Well, I guess Sue will run you home.” And bless her she was quick to put my embarrassment of the situation at ease. “It’s what you do. You take care of your neighbors.”

And it is that down-to-earth, give-back personality they both share that has built their business and supported their community. And as it turns out we had a wonderful talk about the business of art and humanity in West Virginia. It turns out we’re both “door knockers” who know the value of asking a question and sharing what we’re excited about.

Sue credits Stanley for allowing her “the time away from work to follow her passion” and lobby for the West Virginia artist community. She and fellow MountainMade artist Donna Lohr (Whimsical Woolies) helped start the Preston County Arts Council. She’s active with the Tamarack Foundation and MountainMade. “I’m so excited about being able to give back to the artist community and to be able to help artists coming up as Stanley and I were. We’re very fortunate.”

That’s what lots of people seem to think. In fact, it’s such a wonderful time to get married, that you may at this very moment, be bombarded with wedding announcements.  If you are looking for the perfect springtime wedding gift, look no further than MountainMade. MountainMade makes your shopping a little easier this season.

Since I am privy to quite a bit of insider knowledge (I am in charge of our entire inventory after all), I thought I might help you out with some wedding gift ideas. Here are my top 5 favorite suggestions for your bride and groom:

1. Set of Ron Hinkle Wine Glasses. This a a perfect his and hers wedding gift. These would be great paired with a lovely bottle of wine. These wine glasses are very unique because they have a hollow stem. Ron Hinkle is one of the few artists who has the artistic skill to create stemware in this manner.

2. Blenko Water Bottles. Not only are these beautiful functional additions for the home, you are also giving a piece of American history. These Blenko Glass water bottles have been produced since the 1930s. They make a great gift and are collectible pieces of art that can be passed on from generation to generation.

3. Jim & Brenda Good Cutting Boards & Marvin Wotring Paring Knife. This set makes a wonderful addition to any kitchen. I personally use my Jim and Brenda Good cutting board and the paring knife by Marvin Wotring daily. With proper use and care this is a gift that will stand the test of time.

4. Chris Cooper Wooden Salad Bowl & Allegheny Treenware Salad Tongs. Another beautiful set makes the perfect addition for the newly weds’ kitchen. These are both made from beautiful cherry wood and the quality is exceptional. I think the two pieces compliment each other perfectly.

5. Jeff Fetty Calla Lily Candlesticks. This gift is a perfect accent for any home. Bring passion and romance to the table with this beautiful set of 3 candlesticks.

Need more suggestions? Feel free to call and speak to one of MountainMade’s knowledgeable staff to further assist you. We will be sure to help you find the perfect handmade gift from West Virginia’s finest artists . Don’t forget that we do offer gift wrapping!