Under the great oaks of Destrehan Plantation, Mary Alice Smith and her husband, Bruce, were both selling their crafts – she her soap and him his tables – uniquely as a couple.
“Actually, doing something like this together was a dream of ours back in college,” Mary Alice said of the Destrehan couple selling their creations at last weekend’s festival, also in Deestrehan. “We talked about it a lot as we were raising our four children and travelling around the world in the military. So, this is, quite literally, a dream come true for us. He involves me in his design and construction of the pieces he makes and I also do much of the finishing work. We really do make a good team and we play off of each other’s ideas.”
Bruce heartily agreed, adding, “I wouldn’t even try without her.”
In their booth in Destrehan, her fragrant soaps in their earthy colors of cream, yellow and brown tantalize the senses. Throughout the rest of the booth are her husband’s handmade tables.
“I love anything handmade; it’s more personal,” she said. “I was also fascinated how women made soap back in the 1700’s and in the 1800’s. I’ve been working at Destrehan Plantation for about a year and was really, truly motivated by my wonderful experience working there to learn more about life in the 18th and 19th centuries. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the great people at the plantation. It has been an incredible growth opportunity for me.”
Also, soap making is an experience with its combination of oils and lye mixed with essential oils or scents.
“There are many formulas and variations to the combination, which is where the art comes in,” Mary Alice said. “Think of it as a combination of cooking and chemistry class.”
Calling it a lifelong passion, Bruce’s love for woodworking came from his father.
After their kids left home, he started attending woodworking schools around the country and then got really serious about doing in the last three or four years.
“I have a fairly extensive wood shop at home,” he said. “I begin by creating a design (with Mary’s advice and input) and then going shopping for wood at some of the local hardwood retailers. I then cut each piece as precisely as I can and then take great care in assembling each piece.”
Bruce said he strives for classical designs in his work, many with intricate inlays or “something of an old-fashioned look.” Yet, from this effort, he said they have also created some modern creations with a cutting edge.
Although they’re fairly news to the crafting community, they both say the best part of doing crafts is being part of that community.
“We meet and talk with all sorts of interesting and incredible of people,” Mary Alice said. “They are incredibly welcoming and helpful with lots of wonderful suggestions about marketing and pricing.”
Bruce has felt equally rewarded in the experience.
“I really love to talk to the public and our potential customers,” he said. “Those conversations teach me a lot about people’s tastes, the economy and what they really want me to create. I also love to learn from other, more experienced woodworkers.”
Mary Alice added, “Just like any other walk of life, it’s always the people who make the experience incredible.”
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