Articles & Information

  Robbin is a doll maker and customizer. To construct her dolls, she uses various materials including cloth, clay, resin and wood. She makes finely tailored doll clothes and natural fiber wigs. Her business is called “Mad Wife in the Attic”. Robbin was born in Huntington, WV.  Growing up, crafting, … Read more

  A proud Jersey Girl, Merle was born in Camden and got her AB at Rutgers University. Having  worked in libraries since elementary school, it was not a hard decision for Merle to go for her masters in Library Science from Drexel University School of Library and Information Science. Following … Read more

   Born in Columbus, OH, Alecia moved around quite a bit as a kid, spending time in Georgia, Illinois, Ohio, and Florida before settling in PA. She went to Drexel University in Philadelphia and got her degree in Fashion Design. She has continued to take classes at art centers and … Read more

  Pastel painter, Donna Streisfeld’s life clearly revolves around music and art. Born in Queens, NY, she was a music major at Queens College. She went on to study music therapy at the University of Miami and also has a masters in Special Education. She is a Registered Music Therapist … Read more

Our Helge Speth recently had the thrill of presenting one of her ceramic artworks to Dr. Anthony Fauci just before he retired as the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President. How did this come about? It all began … Read more

  Born in Rochester, NY and educated with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science from SUNY College at Fredonia, Carolyn started her work as a jewelry artist in 2011. In her own words, here is her story: “Life certainly has taken me down some unexpected paths. I’ve always considered myself … Read more

  Photographer Stephen Smith, aka Dr.Stephen David Smith, is a graduate of Lafayette College and received his D.M.D. Degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He served in the U.S. Army Dental Corps including a Tour of Duty in Vietnam. He was in Private Dental Practice in … Read more

Beth was born in Washington, DC and grew up in the Maryland suburbs.  She has a BA in Political Science from Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, OH) and a Masters in Social Work Administration and Policy from the University of Michigan. Before starting a family, Beth worked in nonprofit organizations … Read more

  Cathy Hetznecker is one of the founders of The Haverford Guild of Craftsmen. In 2009, she partnered with Rudy Miller to create the Haverford Chapter of the PA Guild of Craftsmen. And for 6 years, she was the president and show coordinator of the HGC. Cathy was born in … Read more

  We recently learned of the passing of our dear friend,  HGC Member and Master Metalsmith, Donald Firth in December of 2021. This from Donald’s obituary: “Donald was born on July 23, 1932 in Hull, England. He is survived in England by beloved sisters Enid and Avril, son Andrew, daughter Helen … Read more

  Jeweler Maxine Burkholder was born in Harrisburg but lived all over the US as her Dad was in the Navy, and the family moved where his jobs took them.  She graduated from Penn State with a BS in Chemistry. But she took every art course she could squeeze into her … Read more

  Jeweler Dori McClennen was born and grew up in Lycoming County, PA. She attended the University of Pennsylvania majoring in Education. She taught middle school in Philadelphia…reading, writing and arithmetic and then became a stay at home mother before discovering jewelry metals. 17 years ago, she began her study … Read more

  Award winning Fiber artist and weaver, Hedy Lyles, has worked with fiber and fabric in many forms throughout her entire life but found her niche when she started weaving in 2000.  The story of how she started weaving is an interesting one.  Hedy used to show dogs — Samoyeds … Read more

  Jeweler Jo-Anne Frazier has  been working in silver off and on for 25 years, working with metal clay for five years, UV cure resin for four years, and playing with beads her whole life. She has been a member of the Chester County Craft Guild for four years and … Read more

  Mosaic artist Carol Shelkin is a PGC Master Artisan and has been an HGC member since its beginning in 2009. Born in SW Philadelphia, Carol’s art education started young. Between the ages of 7 -14, she took classes at Fleisher Art Memorial and Philadelphia College of Art (University of … Read more

  Grace was introduced to garment construction when she was 13 years old, creating a lifelong interest in textiles, making everything from her own outfits and tailored wool coats to dresses for her two girls as children and their beaded prom gowns. After taking a workshop in Shibori dyeing a … Read more

  Chair Maker Doug Starry has been an HGC member for 5 years and is a Master Artisan. His chairs are in the flavor of the Arts & Crafts movement and are influenced by Shaker designs. Doug was born in 1954 in Gettysburg, Pa where he lives and works today. … Read more

  Photographer Patricia Danzon was born in England.  She holds a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Oxford, England, and a PhD from the University of Chicago in Economics. She was a professor in Health Economics at the Wharton School, Univ. of Pennsylvania, for 30 years, … Read more

  Laura Demme is a multi-faceted artist, working in painting, collage, poetry, found object, ceramic, and concrete. Laura was born in Norristown, PA.  When she was 6, her family moved to Mexico.  She grew up in Mexico City until the age of 12, then moved back to the U.S.  Her … Read more

In our October 2021 meeting, we showed a demo video produced by Hali MacLaren showing us all on how she makes a “simple” ring with a Q&A. We didn’t record the meeting, but here is Hali’s video for all to enjoy!

  Philadelphia born Jennifer Wankoff has always been interested in making art. As an only child, it was a way to entertain herself. Says Jen,” I remember drawing and making little books and I started getting into crafting 3d objects- I can remember making my own cocktail umbrella- we had … Read more

  A Delco native, who is about to move into a new home in Philly’s Fishtown, Peter started working in ceramics in March, 2000. Peter does not have a formal education in ceramics, but has learned a lot from talking to other potters, and from his own experience. He’s been … Read more

  Marcia was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and moved to the Philadelphia area when she was a baby. She graduated from American University with a BA in Graphic Design, and went on to get her MS in Fashion Design at Drexel University.  She  worked in both industries and still … Read more

  Pastel, oil, and mixed media painter Madeleine Kelly was born in Abington, PA. After receiving a Liberal arts degree from Temple University, she set off on a career path that was varied, working in theatre, psychology, and criminal justice. Though she had a passion for painting as a child, … Read more

  A local girl, Pat was born in Darby, PA and grew up in Newtown Square. She received her BS in Art Ed from Moore College of Art with a minor in painting. Pat student taught at Friends Central and did some substitute teaching there.  She also did college recruiting … Read more

  Born in Mt. Airy, artist Angela Duffin has been selling her jewelry in area shops and galleries for over 30 years! The Haverford Guild is lucky to have had Angela as one of the 12 original signers of our Guild’s Charter in 2009. As is the case with many … Read more

  Wood Turner Paul Woolf was born in New York City. Highly educated, he had an impressive career in the field of Endocrinology. After retiring in 2011, he started exploring wood turning as an avocation, reinventing himself as “BowlsbyPaul.” Here is his story. After graduating in the first class of … Read more

  A Fellow of the International Guild of Miniature Artisans since 1998, Carolyn is probably best known for authentic mini replicas of traditional pottery from many different cultures. Born in Mineola, NY on Long Island, she lived in Glens Falls, NY for 40 years, then 14 years in New Bern, NC. … Read more

Who knew when she was born here in Delaware County that she was destined to travel to far away India and back again to find her inner voice both in life and in her art. In addition to her other degrees, Nancy holds a PhD with Distinction from the University … Read more

  Master Craftsman, Alan Shaw tells stories through pen making. Through this profession, he has met people from all walks of life- truck drivers and Presidents. In fact, he has met three US Presidents: George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Here is his story: Alan’s Dad … Read more