Etsy's Handmade Blog
Handmade Portraits: Wood Mosaics
Story by weirdwolf, woodmosaics
Published on September 19, 2008 in This Handmade Life

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(music by Michael Chapman, Nathan Salsburg, J. Seger)

Robin and Kathy Tucker of woodmosaics stopped working in town back in 1986. After Robin's intricate wood-inlayed work was featured in The Best of Missouri Hands catalog and commissioned by Ralston Purina, they were on their way to full time crafting. Influenced by Amish quilt patterns, Robin's excellent woodworking uses exotic natural woods that range from Satinwood from Sri Lanka to Purpleheart from Central and South America. All of the wood is completely natural, with only a clear finish added to punctuate the beauty of the wood's innate color.

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Choosing to live as off the grid as much as possible, Robin built a windmill so the family could hand pump their own water. Kathy made their clothes for years and they slaughter their own meat from the goats and chickens they raise. However, the one amenity they can't live without is the internet. After a dozen years of craft shows across the country, Robin and Kathy prefer to stay at home, tend to the farm and sell their goods via laptop rather than mall shows. While the juxtaposition of an outhouse and high speed internet would seem strange to most folks, the Tuckers have chosen to make certain sacrifices to keep costs down while in pursuit of a self sustained lifestyle. Living in the middle the country in Spickard, Missouri, the Tuckers keep connected through the latest in social networking via their Myspace and flickr sites, with a solar powered back-up generator in case the electricity goes out.

 

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Check out Robin's homemade videos from the farm on Youtube.
Tags carpentry, furniture, Handmade Portraits, Missouri, mosaics, Robin Tucker, Tara Young, THIS HANDMADE LIFE, video, weirdwolf, wood, woodmosaics, woodworking
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74 comments     Login to add your own!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. julieboyles

This is beautiful, beautiful work! I've admired it for a long time. I love the contrast of a windmill and high speed internet! Brilliant!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. leolucaescobar

I love that they use Etsy and have a water pump in their kitchen and how he cuts wood with a pedal. This is such an awesome portrait, I've been eyeing the cutting boards for awhile so it's really cool to see the behind the scenes!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:18 p.m. t8designs

fantastic portrait of world-class artisans. thank you so much for sharing your story!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:20 p.m. littlepurls

WOW! Absolutely gorgeous work! The Tuckers are an inspiration, both by the crafts that they've mastered and by their lifestyle choices.

Your family deserves all the success Etsy can offer! Good luck!

xoxo Tally

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. PeteCorrie

Great portrait of amazing artists! Wicked!!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:25 p.m. cuddlycozy

Incredibly exquisite work. What a gift to possess! Only the best in going forward to The Tuckers.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:26 p.m. harvesttextiles

Such a lovely story.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. TheSingingBird

I love seeing and hearing stories like yours. Thank you for sharing, and I hope your sales go zooming! :)

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. autumncomfort

Incredible work and incredible people. Thank You.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. MyNovember

Really beautiful work. I love the juxtaposition in their lives.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. thefunkyfelter

What a great life! And such amazing creations too. They are from right here in my home state too which is even more inspiring to me :)

Sept. 19, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. FeltInspired

I'm in awe--that is truly inspirational.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 5:20 p.m. RonH

Great story. As a woodworker and admirer of his work, I am glad to learn more of the people and process.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. woodmosaics

Hi, Tara, You sure did a wonderful job on this whole thing. I’ve got some relatives that would say that you wouldn’t have a bit of trouble in making a “silk Purse out of a sow’s ear”. We surely do thank you.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. twolefthands

What a sweet and wonderful life! I enjoyed your story and your work is wonderful! Congratulations and may you have continued success!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 5:39 p.m. HomeStudio

One of the best articles I've read here. They are awesome!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. weirdwolf

Robin, it was so wonderful visiting with you and Kathy at the farm and seeing where the magic happens! I am so thankful I had the opportunity to shoot this portrait... Now on to the wood mosaics mini series!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 6:23 p.m. Vanessa

I'm a proud owner of one of woodmosaics' coasters. It's the most beautiful piece of functional art!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 7:58 p.m. UglyKitty

What a fantastic profile! Thanks for featuring them. It really shows you how Etsy has brought together all types of artists for the common goal of doing what you love! I wish the Tuckers all the best and much continued success. :)

Sept. 19, 2008 at 8:26 p.m. autumnsarrival

Oh my GOODNESS! SUCH art! How absolutely beautiful!!! I love the couple and I love their work and I love their house!!!! WOWSA!

Sept. 19, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. UniqueDesigns39

This is a great article Robin. Tara really did you proud with this one. A great description of your lifestyle and work. Congratulations to you both, Brother and Sister-in-law.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 9:04 p.m. jasonmseger

Serious beauty there

Sept. 19, 2008 at 9:11 p.m. badcatjewelry

They rock.

Sept. 19, 2008 at 11:52 p.m. nanouke

I'm just amazed, thank you for sharing this!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 12:07 a.m. mtraub

That foot-powered saw is kind of mind-blowing; I'm in awe.

Sept. 20, 2008 at 12:08 a.m. vintageland

Missouri sure does produce alot of artists, wish I was one I am in Missouri and born there,These people are awesome have to google spikard and ride down there with hubby on the motorcycle,yea,thanks for the beautiful work you do its awesome and of course your faith in Etsy!!!!!!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 1:07 a.m. dogties

Amazing Woodwork!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 1:09 a.m. LushMommy

wow, humbling to see the real deal in these kind folk! truly an american tradition of living off the land and using the talents you have to give to others, in return you will have plenty. beautiful :)

Sept. 20, 2008 at 1:48 a.m. mayahayuk

WOWWWWW!!!! thank you for letting me into your beautiful, magical world. i love how your crafts intermingle. simply stunning. thank you!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 4:28 a.m. pgandwooster

You beautiful people! I am s pleased to see that people can live a sustainable life whilst still using technology ...and creating such beauty. Truly inspiring!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 4:37 a.m. snowflakeglass

So Impressed - this is incredible work.....Congratulations from a fellow Missourian!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. HossLass

Absolutely awe inspiring work! I can relate to the off the grid lifestyle, I grew up using an outhouse and cistren water and butchering chickens too, although I don't have any desire to head back down that road, LOL!Reminds me of how my grandpa used to do his woodwork boxes.

Now, thanks to this article, I've got a place to go for Christmas gifts! Thank you!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. confections

Robin and Kathy, your work reminds me of my father's inlay work on handcrafted walking sticks. He's gone, but that tradition is alive and well in Missouri. This story touched me deeply.

Sept. 20, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. TeenAngster

This is so amazing. I envy the simplicity of this Robin and Kathy's life! This is truly inspiring.

Sept. 20, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. canadianwoodcrafts

Congrats on being featured Robin, your work is awesome and most deserving. :)

Barry

Sept. 20, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. notmoira

This is awesome. All of the pieces are just beautiful!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. GreetingFriends

Such detailed, beatiful art. That's what it is. Wonderful art!!!!!!!!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 8:32 p.m. silentlanguages

Wow, how beautiful! I first started to appreciate work like this when I studied in Granada, Spain, and here in Maine lots of artists are working in this format. I find the natural colors to be so soothing.

Sept. 20, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. no2alike

I share your love for wood working but I see now that I need a few more lessons. Thoroughly enjoyed learning about you two. Thanks and keep up the good work and above all...teach someone else how to do what you do.

Sept. 20, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. LynetteFast

Aren't these mid-western values great! So glad to see this spotlight on a wonderful family!

Sept. 20, 2008 at 11:07 p.m. atomicveggiecom

Oh... this is amazing! :D

Sept. 21, 2008 at 12:48 a.m. marylynnplaisance

Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 1:20 a.m. NikiJewellery

beautiful, beautiful work! Love your lifestyle too :) All the best!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. Throughmariseyes

Your photos say it all . You both look like you are doing what you truly love! RIGHT ON!

I am a jewelry designer and use Australian felled wood that are turned into stunning BEADS!They are stunning. Take care and enjoy.
Best,
Mari
throughmariseyes ~hand crafted jewelry
open 24/7 I LOVE ETSY

Sept. 21, 2008 at 8:18 a.m. SugarAndSpice

Beautiful work! I loved the interview!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 9:35 a.m. SingingSky

This made me cry and laugh and smile! This is the most inspiring thing I've seen in a long time. What amazing craftsmanship and patience! Oh and I want some of those water pumps in my house! How positively wonderful!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. gottacraft

Beautiful work, beautiful people.

Thank you for sharing your story with us. So inspirational!

God bless.

Sept. 21, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. appcraftsmen

This is what America is all about. What a great story!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 3:59 p.m. adubois

True artistry- wonderful!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 5:42 p.m. chakrapennywhistle

Oh my goodness! Thank you so much for this portrait!

The video is just amazing. Fantastic story!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. hearthsidetreasures

Awesome, inspiring work, fellow Missourians! Thanks for the inspiration to keep creating, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life!

Sept. 21, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. WingsDove

Robin and Kathy have my applause: Living self-sufficient lives, living their bliss, creating beautiful hand-made art.

Sept. 21, 2008 at 10:23 p.m. twiststyle

Fabulous job, Tara! That woodwork is just amazing - and I am so very touched and inspired by Robin and Kathy's story.
I join the masses in extending thanks for such a lovely piece - THIS is one of those things that make Etsy such a wonderful place!

Sept. 22, 2008 at 3:14 a.m. ohmybuttons

Incredible!! The woodwork is amazing and what nice people you seem to be, and living your dream, too :) Thank you for the inspiration.

Sept. 22, 2008 at 11:47 a.m. dancingcircle

This is the best artisan feature I've seen thus far in the Storque - an excellent example of classic American craft.

Sept. 22, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. KalliopeJewelry

Wow, gorgeous woodwork, absolutely stunning! Love it that you're sustainable! Thank you so much for this inspiring story, best of luck to Robin and Kathy.

Sept. 22, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. BlackStar

Your work is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Sept. 22, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. helgesok

I love this! I've been so inspired by woodmosaics ever since you were the featured seller a couple of months back. Thanks for sharing your story!

Sept. 22, 2008 at 11:29 p.m. tnkerr

As mentioned in the treasury - Truly an inspiration.

Wow

Sept. 23, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. flandersfield

Wonderful article, wonderful art!

Sept. 23, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. RedPrairiePress

so inspiring. wonderful to hear of someone NOT in a city and still thriving with an online shop. Love it.

Sept. 23, 2008 at 4:11 p.m. imogeneANDannie

thank you so much for a beautiful, inspiring portrait.

Sept. 24, 2008 at 9:04 a.m. solidio

those tables are amazing! kudos to them. living the life!

Sept. 24, 2008 at 12:27 p.m. VickiDianeDesigns

wierdwolf thanks for exposing this wonderful craftsman. ( I´ve exposed him in another way )
Robin is a TRUE fabulous artist whose work speaks for itself. I am priveleged to be an Etsy friend and a kiss goes out to him and his lovely wife Kathy X

Sept. 24, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. VickiDianeDesigns

( Should clarify my comment about *exposing* Robin... he was featured as the artist behind his lovely work in one of my Treasury´s )

Sept. 24, 2008 at 3:31 p.m. calebwalt

agreed with everyone else. beautiful as always, tara. i've watched it several times since it went up. touching and inspirational.

Sept. 25, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. priyacreations

Very inspirational work!!!! Thank you for this post!

Sept. 25, 2008 at 9:38 p.m. sean11

Just had a chance to watch this. This is so awesome.

Sept. 26, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. jared

That was just absolutely wonderful!

Oct. 2, 2008 at 2:33 p.m. modmomfurniture

What a fantastic portrait! I'm in awe of his craftsmanship and inspired by their story.

Oct. 24, 2008 at 2:08 p.m. dottyral

I so enjoyed that! Just fabulous!

Oct. 25, 2008 at 11:41 a.m. beachglassbaba

I really enjoyed this portrait. What a talent!

Jan. 1, 2009 at 8:43 p.m. CHenry

I really love this story of the Tuckers and their life on the farm. So creative and talented.
What a wonderful exsistence in these very strange times !

I love the work you do. It's incredible.

Oct. 30, 2009 at 11:37 p.m. crudeco

Heard and viewed Mr. Tucker's comments of his own work on Utube two days ago......I could not pull myself away from screen....I watched all of his video's and could not believe such beauty. Just fabulous.

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