I was very lucky to meet Karen and Dirk Boelman at the NEOS picnic. Dirk is one of the finest pattern designers in the word today. His beautiful fretwork clocks have been cut by hundreds of scrollers around the world. Karen runs the day to day operation of the business and if you have called The Art Factory you have probably talked with her.I know the NEOS folks were thrilled that Karen and Dirk were able to make time in their schedule to attend the show. It was definitely a highlight of the show for me.
Dirk and Karen host the Midwest Scroll Saw Trade Show in Richland Center Wisconsin. This years show is August 3rd and 4th. This is the biggest scroll saw show in the US this year. If you have a chance make plan to attend.
Make sure you visit The Art Factory and take a look at all the wonderful patterns that are available.
The good folks from Thinwoods.com attended the NEOS picnic. I have to admit that I have not used their site to order wood. I did however take a few minutes to look over their stock and it looked very nice. When I return home I plan to place and order and check out their service. Their selection looks extraordinary. The ladies who were at the booth were friendly and the fact that they took the time to attend the show makes me want to support them. I'll report back after I have time to place and order.
After the NEOS Picnic, Patty and I drove over to Niagara Falls to spend a couple days relaxing. The weather was a little dreary but it is still an amazing sight to see. This was my first trip to the falls and I have enjoyed it.