Gentleman; Folk toy, Bird House and Feeder Maker; Planter Box and Rustic Furniture Crafter

My folk craft making career began reluctantly. My dad, Frank Ward, put me to work as his gopher by age four or so. By my early teens, I had learned to use his small drill press and disc sander. Unfortunately, I had not learned to use them all that well and lost some skin and fingernail growth. My dad told me "In woodworking, if you start the day with ten fingers and have them still attached at supper time, you're doing just fine".

My dad had his first heart attack during this time, and I had to take on more of the load in keeping our craft orders filled on time. By the time my dad passed on in 1993, I had a good handle on the business and a love of creating folk crafts.

At this point in my life I had to make a difficult choice: keep producing folk crafts or join the rat race commuting to and from work. I've never liked rats, so I began looking for new markets to sell my wares. My friends recommended the Watauga County Farmers' Market.

Since becoming a member of the Farmers' Market many years ago, I've met people from around the corner and around the world. I've thoroughly enjoyed selling my wooden folk toys, bird houses and feeders, planters and rustic furniture, and anything else my creativity can hammer into place. Never have I found a more friendly place from which to buy, sell, or just catch up with friends. I hope to be a part of Watauga County Farmers' Market for years to come.

To find out more about my folk toys and crafts call Hillbilly Joe's Crafty Stuff at (828) 297- 4782