J & H
Crafts
Skiminorun
Productions
About
the Artist
After spending a number of my teenage years under Soviet and later Nazi occupation - and detained in their labor camps - I was fortunate to arrive in the United States after the war. Barely two years later during the end of the Korean War I was drafted into military service where I spent better than a quarter century of my life. Thereafter, I devoted another 20 years to the civil service before retiring on three beautiful acres on the outskirts of Williamsburg, VA.
Throughout my life I always enjoyed working with my hands - building, Remodeling, creating small toys, child size hobbyhorses, child play areas and numerous other wood projects.
During my last twenty-some years of paper pushing I found devoting my time to gardening and wood projects very relaxing. I began woodcarving and eventually switched to making small crafts for my wife to give away as presents. That led to building clocks from published patterns and designs. Once all my relatives and friends received such clocks as presents I had to start looking for an outside outlet for my clocks. That led me to participate in the two largest local craft shows and occasional church charity shows. In addition to sales at these shows I receive a number of orders that I ship in and out of state.
Finally, several years ago, I designed and copyrighted my own versions of clocks that have become popular with people that look for quality, contemporary designs and uniqueness. For scroll-sawed clocks I usually use my own patterns with the exception of occasional traditional design.
After retiring several years ago I now devote my time to horticulture, fixing up the house and property and, of course, I spend time in my shop. There with my two constant companions and helpers - one Rothweiler and the other part Shepherd - we produce a lot of wood chips and sawdust.
Hugh A. Kalns, J & H Crafts, Williamsburg, VA