Tent 1

A multi-generation stringed instrument maker.  Turner learned to play the banjo at age 5 from renowned banjoist Grayson Dalton.  He will demonstrate the craftsmanship of his forefathers by making another stringed instrument, a dulcimer, while also sharing the resonant sounds of this unique instrument.

Tent 2

"Miz Millie" preserves the traditional craft of corn husk doll making by presenting at various venues across the Southeast.  These old-timey dolls were once the only type of toy most pioneer children had to play with, but now Chaplin is helping a new generation to appreciate and create their own special heirlooms.

Tent 3

A 20-year veteran Revolutionary War re-enactor and past dairy farm worker, Wilkinson will present the process of butter-churning and bread making, essential domestic skills of a housewife in the 18th century.

Tent 4

Young women of the past were expected to learn sewing and needle crafts skills as part of their general education.  Bumbalough will teach pocket making and embroidery techniques that resulted in both utilitarian and aesthetic pieces of art.

Tent 5

Archeologist Wayne Roberts reveals the skill of flint-knapping, a demonstration of the ancient art form of chipping stone tools, knives, and projectile points.  He will also offer hands-on opportunities for visitors to grind corn and crack nuts using stone tools made exclusively for that purpose just like Cherokee Indians once did.

Tent 6

Conaway, who has been making Windsor style chairs for 14 years, shows the process of using historical tools and native woods to construct masterful furniture pieces.

Tent 7

As he sat on the knees of his grandmother Edith, Catawba Indian Little Bear learned the time-honored skill of Catawba pottery making.  He now teaches the skill at museums across the Southeast and produces works that are recognized as outstanding pieces of Native American art.

Tent 8

Passing down skills from mother to daughter is a tradition of the Gullahs of South Carolina.  One suck skill, sweet grass basket sewing, will be presented by this artisan.

Tent 9

Boiling wood ash and discarded animal fats together produces a most necessary and wholesome cleanser:  soap.  Ashworth, a veteran presenter at Biltmore Estate's River Bend Farm, will demonstrate the fundamentals of making homemade soap in a black kettle over an open flame.

Tent 10

Having made over 1000 Shaker boxes in his 10-year career as an artisan, Behre serves as the senior resident crafter at Biltmore Estate.  He will display the skills that are required to make heirloom wooden boxes in the Shaker style.

Tent 11

Blending an interest in science, art, and botany, Kompathoum will give audiences a try at the traditional skill of papermaking.  Once a highly valued luxury item, paper is now readily available, but the skill to create it remains the same.

Tent 12

Founder of the celebrated Palmetto Light Artillery, Marlar will re-create the camp life of an artillery man during the War Between the States and show the weaponry and necessities of a battle-weary soldier.

Even more to see: