Elizabeth Guy

From Holland, Indiana - Creates Walking Sticks -

Elizabeth says:

"Walking sticks are formed when a honeysuckle vine wraps itself around a small tree.  As the tree grows, so does the vine.  Eventually the vine will kill the tree before it ever gets close to becoming a full size tree.  As the vine tightens its grip around the tree, the tree forms 'knots' which cause it to look spiral shaped.

"Most of the 'walking sticks' I've found are sassafras, a soft wood.  Although, virtually any kind of tree is susceptible to a honeysuckle vine or even a wild grape vine.

"Late winter is the best time to look for and to cut sticks.  They are easier to spot with no foliage and there is less possibility of the wood splitting after it is debarked.

"What I look for when I am searching for walking sticks is straightness and size.  Within a few days of cutting a stick down, I strip the bark off.  Usually, I wait several days after I debark it to start sanding.  I start with medium sandpaper and then I re-sand  with fine sandpaper.  I want the wood to be smooth, and not pitted or rough.  Finally, I'm ready to stain the stick and spray it with a clear gloss sealer.

"Each stick is unique, in that no two sticks are alike.  Some have more knots than others, different kinds of wood, etc."

Come by and see her fine work.