Ep 5. Cuckoo Clocks, Baseball Bats, Work Gloves

Handcrafted America season 2 episode 5 revolves around the theme of three different types of handmade crafts - cuckoo clocks, baseball bats, and work gloves. Host Jill Wagner takes the audience on a journey to meet three talented artisans, each with a unique story to tell.

The first artisan we meet is a cuckoo clock maker named John Rexroad. John's love for cuckoo clocks came about when he was a child and his father would bring home clocks from Germany. His passion for the intricate design and mechanics of the clocks led him to become a master clock maker. He now creates beautiful cuckoo clocks from his workshop in West Virginia. The audience is treated to a behind-the-scenes look at John's process, which involves painstakingly hand-carving every piece of the clock.

Next, we meet a father-son duo who craft high-quality baseball bats. The son, Victor Decolongon, had always dreamed of playing professional baseball. When that didn't happen, he turned to his father, John, and asked him to help him start a baseball bat making business. Together, they started Dove Tail Bat Company, which has now grown into a successful enterprise. The episode showcases the intricate process of making a baseball bat, from selecting the best quality wood to shaping and finishing it by hand.

Finally, we meet an artisan from Minnesota named Dan Mielke, who creates handcrafted work gloves. For Dan, making gloves is a family tradition that dates back to his great-grandfather, who started the business in the early 1900s. Dan is now the fourth generation to take up the family business. He uses traditional techniques and high-quality materials to create gloves that are not only durable but also stylish. The episode showcases how Dan hand-cuts, stitches, and finishes each glove, ensuring that each glove is of the highest quality.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of each artisan's craft. The accompanying narration provides an in-depth look into the history of each craft and the passion that drives each artisan. The episode also touches upon the challenges faced by these artisans in a world where mass-produced goods dominate the market.

Overall, Handcrafted America season 2 episode 5 is a fascinating exploration of the art of handmade crafts. It showcases the skill, dedication, and passion required to create each unique piece. Whether you're a fan of beautifully crafted clocks, baseball bats, or work gloves, this episode is sure to leave you inspired.