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-- 14 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, December 22, 1987 Creative Dads can help anyone be an 'artist' Folk art and country inspired crafts are popular these days, and can be picked up at just about any retail gift store. The origins of folk art are far less commercial, however. Originally, folk art sprang from the hearts and hands of simpler peo- ple, from the back kitchens of farmers who picked up a knife or a chisel and transformed chunks of wood into toys, decoys, or common household tools. These days, that "'art" fetches a pretty price as even the most citified folks turn back to their rural history for decoratiang inspiration. And while many people rely on their pocketbook to decorate their homes in a country way, others still May all good things come your way as you revel tn the festwities of this special holiday. Thanks for your valued support! = RAY'S TOWING On the I vst Doyf Ghristiooas.. Warmest thanks for your patronage. To all, we wish a joyous holiday season. JIM'S AUTO SERVICE Isabel and Jim Sackett and Family Jolly Santa's near, bringing lots of cheer! May his hearty spirit light your holiday! JAMES RANKIN ELECTRIC Jim and Family enjoy the satisfaction of doing it themselves. Bob Holdforth is just such a person. A tool and die maker by trade, this Scugog Island resident has turned the hobby of woodworking into a growing business, called Creative Dads of Canada. "I've always done woodworking as a diversion from my normal work," he says in a warm British accent. 'It happened that somebody said, well you're a creative dad. And I said, there's LOTS of creative dads." In fact, there are still more than a few 'dads' (or moms) who enjoy nothing better than working with their hands. Bob started out one Christmas making rocking horses for his grandchildren, working on in- formation from a book called Mak- ing Rocking Horses, by Anthony Dew. He was so enthralled by the clari- ty of the instructions, that he wrote Mr. Dew a letter congratulating him, and to his surprise, the English author wrote back. This happened in 1985, and it wasn't too' much longer that Bob, with the help of his wife June, was selling the books, rocking horse pat- terns and a full line of accessories for the finished horses (including solid brass harness rings and buckles, best quality leather sad- dles, real horse hair mane and tails, real glass eyes, and even rosette and dappling pads). "That started the ball rolling," he says with a chuckle. The rocking horses he made for his own grandchildren are carved wood, painted white -- solid, simple designs for active children. However, some of the other patterns available will build, literally, works of art. Some are worth thousands of dollars if purchased. But the joy of Creative Dads isn't in the buying, it's in the making. As the ad says, it's "a company devoted to the quiet pleasures of fine, traditional crafts." Rocking horses, obviously, aren't the only kits for sale from the Holdforths, who specialize in mail order from their home on Fralick's Beach. All manner of duck carving kits are available -- from easy pieces that only require painting, to full- scale, made-from-scratch carving. Confidential, Private COUNSELLING Maureen Salkeld For assistance with Individual, Marriage, Family or Stress related problems. call ... 985-8228 For information & appointments They even supply cut-outs ready for tole painting. Not to mention kids to make exotic musical instruments like the hammered dulcimer or the bowed psaltery. And while Bob will do custom work he prefers "to encourage peo- ple to do it themselves because I haven't got time!" Anything he does make is signed, "Made by Dad." June Holdforth knows her hus- MM band is talented (he has filled their house with beautiful woodwork), but both June and Bob say anyone can be "creative" if they want to. "I tell people, even if you make a hash of it, it's okay, as long as you get satisfaction out of it," he says simply. 'At least you've had the satisfaction of doing something." For more information about Creative Dads of Canada, give Bob or June a call at 985-8846. Meet the enthusiastic husband and wife team who run Creative Dads of Canada, a Scugog Island business that is becom- ing known across the country. June and Bob Holdforth market some of the finest rocking horses and decoys anywhere in the world. See story for details. B16 © 0) Rattan & Gifts 172 WATER STREET, PORT PERRY Bonna Gould 985-8972 leg) EECA RRR Rr RR RR RR ay ! on Fashion PORT PERRY PLAZA 985-0129 i A Monday, December 28th BOXING DAY SALE 159% +» 30% OFF No Christmas Exchanges this Day Please. OPEN 9:30 to 5:30 Teil » x 1