One of the products Jonathans Spoons sells is Made in America Blackened Coffee Scoops. A more complete list of their products is provided by Made in America Secrets, to review their list click here.

For more information about Jonathans Spoons and its Made in the USA products see the following:

It all started the day I forgot to put a spoon in my lunch bag when I was working as an apprentice to a furniture maker. I took a piece of scrap wood and quickly shaped a spoon. I had majored in art and design at the University of Illinois, and wanted to create something both beautiful and functional, which led me to explore working with wood.

In 1978, following my apprenticeship, I worked in a canoe-seat factory in Maine. When I was laid off from my job, I wanted to work for myself. My home workshop was in the garage, and at 20 degrees below zero, it was too cold for glue to set so I could only make single piece products.

Jonathan Simons
Jonathan Simons

That is when I remembered spoons.

After trading spoons for food, and barely surviving, I found a sales representative who helped launch my business with a whopping $6000 of sales in my first year. In 1979 I moved back to my home state, Pennsylvania, which has a milder climate and a good supply of native hardwood, began making spoons and selling them. At my first national craft show, I under priced my spoons and sold out my years' production in the first hour of the show.
My spoons have developed over the years. Originally made of uncommon spoon woods such as lilac, plum, and honeysuckle, I have since chosen to make my spoons of cherry wood. This is a hardwood with handsome color and grain, durable, smooth, and strong. My utensils have a unique sense of balance and warmth because they are designed with the hand and purpose in mind. Spoons have become spatulas, tongs, spaghetti forks, spreaders, and more. Today I offer a natural cherry finish, a flame-blackened surface with a sanded edge to reveal an accent of warm cherry wood, as well as flame-blackened stripes and spots.

My work has been influenced by the world around me as well as a truth held within. I grew up surrounded by magnificent architecture and design in my hometown of Bryn Athyn, Pennsylvania. The Bryn Athyn Cathedral and several local mansions built near the turn of the 20th century hold fantastic examples of wood, tile, and stained glass work produced during the American Arts & Crafts Movement. This elegant simplicity of design is considered in the evolution of my work. My father encouraged me to establish my own business. He taught me that God's creation operates from a principle of individual freedom, with power from God, given as if it is our own power, from which we freely create our own lives. This philosophy remains a major inspiration for me in creating and growing my work and business. My father also taught me that ideas come from the desire for, and activity of usefulness. In all of my work I strive for a balance of the use in the tactile and esthetic qualities, with the use of utility and purpose.

From the start-up days of producing spoons in a chilly workshop in Maine, Jonathan's Spoons has grown into a successful craft business. I have a shop in rural Kempton, Pennsylvania where two brothers, Shawn and Neil Claypoole have joined me in creating my many designs.

I exhibit my work at select craft shows around the country, to include the annual state show of the Pennsylvania Designer Craftsmen, American Craft Council shows, Paradise City shows, the Philadelphia Buyer's Market, and the New York International Gift Show. A busy show schedule requires a lot of traveling, fortunately I am often accompanied by my lovely wife, Julia. Together, we find it rewarding to share in the offering of quality American made arts and crafts.

Most of my time is spent creating new products in my Kempton, Pennsylvania shop, traveling to craft shows with Julia, and fathering four beautiful daughters and one son.

One of the products Kaminer Haislip sells is Made in the USA Bowls. A more complete list of their products is provided by Made in America Secrets, to review their list click here.

For more information about Kaminer Haislip and its Made in America products see the following:

Kaminer Haislip is a contemporary silversmith who designs and hand crafts
all of her work in her downtown Charleston, SC studio.
Her work includes functional objects, jewelry,
and custom commission pieces in silver and gold. The balance between my aesthetic and a successful function defines my creative approach to product design in silver. I am inspired by the concept of enhancing domestic functional rituals through traditional techniques underpinned by a contemporary approach to design and production.

As art and function combine to create design for living, utilizing an object to perform a function contributes to that design. In my view, functional objects display both the visual and conceptual relationship between art and living. Specifically, through the intrinsic ideas of my work's visual theme, function, and ergonomics this relationship is exhibited and accentuated. For me using a teapot that inspires thought and effectively works enhances the process of making tea. The activities of contemplation, favorable usage, and successful function take place within one domestic ritual. My work strives to demonstrate this theme and is inspired by interaction with functional objects.

Fine craftsmanship is an equally important aspect of my work. My design approach is not steered by fashion or trends, but focuses on timeless quality that is durable and lasts. I am devoted to exceptional craftsmanship and all of my work is exquisitely fabricated by hand. My concepts vary for different series, but all of my work is unified by elegant design.

Additionally, designing and creating custom commission jewelry and objects for clients is another facet to my metalsmithing. A commission piece merges the client's vision for a specific object with my technical and artistic ability. For me this combination is a unique approach to designing, because it creates an opportunity for my work to take a new direction.

One of the products Kentucky Cutting Boards sells is American Made Cheese Boards. A more complete list of their products is provided by Made in America Secrets, to review their list click here.

For more information about Kentucky Cutting Boards and its Made in America products see the following:

The idea for our unique American Made products began in a casual discussion over a glass of wine in our backyard.

Bill owns a flooring manufacturing company called Custom Hardwood Supply. Many customers complimented his flooring inlays and medallions created from beautiful hardwoods. We decided it would be cool to create decorative yet functional products that could be enjoyed by a greater number of people. We ran through a list of items that we could manufacture with the tools we already had and in that list, our cutting board business was born! The product line has since grown to include bread and cheese boards as well as lazy susans.

We enjoy choosing simple yet iconic designs that we think are well suited to inlays. Then there is the process of figuring out how best to incorporate the most striking features of several wood species to translate the designs into the boards in a way that looks both natural and unique. Our Horse themed boards are top choices (naturally, as Louisville is the home of the Kentucky Derby!) with the Fleur de Lis following close behind ? another Louisville trademark. Another great design includes the Pineapple which has become a popular gift for Realtors to give as a housewarming gift to new home buyers. One of our newest boards is our hickory bread board with a gorgeous richly hued wine bottle inlay which is a great option for Bridal and Wedding Gifts. Our prices range from $49.50 on up. Read some of the nice things our customers have had to say about our products!

Kentucky Cutting Boards was in the news last fall. Foxnews.com featured our Celtic Trinity Round Cutting Board as one of EIGHT great American Made Products!

We are always looking for interesting design ideas. If you are interested in a custom design, email me and I'll quote you a price.

Enjoy,
Jennifer Adams
President
Kentucky Cutting Boards
502-439-8851

One of the products Kirkhams Outdoor Products sells is Made in America Dutch Ovens. A more complete list of their products is provided by Made in America Secrets, to review their list click here.

For more information about Kirkhams Outdoor Products and its American Made products see the following:

We pride ourselves on not only manufacturing the best quality, best-functioning canvas tents, but also in maintaining a huge selection of outdoor and casual footwear, technical clothing, sportswear, travel gear, and back country ski equipment.

This also includes its core categories of sleeping bags, stoves, packs, camping equipment and, of course, tents. We strive to provide the best selection of merchandise available for a long camping trip, a travel adventure, or just a short hike in the woods. In keeping with our roots, we have a complete factory service department, selling different weights of canvas duck, Cordura? nylon, and other specialty fabrics. We also sell zippers, buckles, rope, cord, snaps grommets and other do-it-yourself project or repair items.

With this wide variety of products, an extremely knowledgeable staff, and the unique perspective of being both a retailer and product manufacturer, Kirkham's Outdoor Products continues to provide its customers with the finest outdoor specialty goods available. Our tradition of exceptional service has been our trademark for over 60 years.

One of the products Kokomo Opalescent Glass sells is Made in the USA Vases. A more complete list of their products is provided by Made in America Secrets, to review their list click here.

For more information about Kokomo Opalescent Glass and its Made in America products see the following:

Kokomo Opalescent Glass (KOG) has been in continuous operation at our current location of 1310 S. Market Street in Kokomo, Indiana since 1888.
The Gas Boom
The Gas Boom
To understand the inception of Kokomo Opalescent Glass you first must have knowledge of the events two years prior to the founding of the company. On October 6, 1886 in a corn field about one mile northwest of the glass plant a group of speculators drilling a well discovered natural gas at around a depth of 900 feet. The 20 foot flame lit up the dark sky that night.
Within a week here new gas companies were formed. Then next eight exploratory wells in the area were successful. By the end, on 1887 Indiana Natural Gas Company, one of the larger companies had over 23,000 acres leased and 475 gas producing wells. The news of the significant gas discoveries traveled quickly. It was thought that gas would last for 200 to 300 years but later that proved to be incorrect. This discovery of natural gas brought many entrepreneurs and developers to the Kokomo and Central Indiana area.
The Gas Boom

Starting Out


Early History
Charles Edward Henry was born in Paris France in 1846. Mr. Henry migrated to the United States in the early 1880's. He was a good glass chemist and he formed Henry Art Glass in New Rochelle New York in 1883. Henry Art Glass made glass buttons, novelties, and opalescent glass rods. While producing glass products Mr. Henry met many glass artists in the New York area including Louis Tiffany.
Mr. Henry heard about the gas boom in Central Indiana and returning to New York from a business trip to Chicago, IL he stopped in Kokomo. On April 27, 1888, the same day he arrived in Kokomo, he met with local officials about establishing a glass plant in Kokomo. Within 24 hours an agreement with local government officials was made and signed to provide Henry with a plant site and a natural gas supply.
After completing the agreement Mr. Henry returned to New York. Within 30 days he returned to Kokomo to purchase a home and to start building a glass production plant with a seven pot furnace. Actual production started at Opalescent Glass Works new plant on November 13, 1888. The primary product was sheet glass but electric insulators were made for Edison General Electric with the excess glass.
On November 16, 1888 on of the first shipments of sheet glass went to Louis Tiffany. The shipment included 600 pounds of blue and white opalescent glass.
By early 1889 Opalescent Glass Works employed over 50 people and was the only opalescent glass manufacturer west of the Appalachian Mountains. In early 1889 Henry sent 30 sheets of opalescent glass to Paris France for display at the Paris Exposition (Worlds Fair). On the Ocean journey to France 16 sheets were broken. The remaining 14 sheets that arrived was sufficient for him to win a Gold Medal for the glass and also obtain over $50,000 in sheet glass orders.
Mr. Henry's problems started upon his return from France. The original bill of $3,800 for the construction of the plant along with his trip to France and several other bills went unpaid. On January 10, 1890 the builder of the factory filed a lien on the plant for the amount of the unpaid balance. In a futile attempt to retain control of the plant on January 29, 1890 Mr. Henry sold the factory to the plant manager for $1.00. Three days later he married the 26 year old daughter of the plant manager. The wedding celebration was held at the plant and described as a gala affair.
On March 11, 1890 Opalescent Glass Works went into receivership due to unpaid bills. Later in the April 24, 1890 edition of the Kokomo Dispatch reported Mr. Henry was jailed due to violent behavior. The article also pointed out that Henry had developed a drinking problem. He also started writing bad checks.
On April 28, 1890 Charles Edward Henry was admitted to the Indianapolis Insane Asylum. He died there two years later at the age of 46.
New Beginning
New Beginnings
Opalescent Glass Works continued to be operated under the court receivership. In June 1891 the court started the process of selling the business. On August 28, 1891 three local businessmen Peter Hoss, William Blacklidge, and John Learner purchased Opalescent Glass Works for $5,310. These three partners were instrumental to KOG's early development, and their direct descendants have been closely involved in managing the company ever since, making the KOG a unique example of a successful, closely held, tri-family business enterprise.
Louis Tiffany continued to be one of the largest customers until the mid 1890's. In 1893 Louis Tiffany purchased over 10,000 pound of glass from Opalescent Glass Works.
On January 13, 1912 the name of Opalescent Glass Works was changed to Kokomo Opalescent Glass Company which remains operating at the same location in Kokomo, Indiana.
Tiffany Glass History
The Tiffany Years
Over the years KOG developed a reputation for product uniqueness, quality and customer satisfaction that was unsurpassed in the stained glass trade. Industry giants such as L.C. Tiffany, J&R Lamb, and LaFarge are among the prominent names that appear often on the company's early sales ledger. See The Tiffany Connection.
The OP Shop
The OP Shop
In 1973 KOG opened The OP Shop to provide customers with the opportunity to purchase suncatchers, sheet glass, and other custom glass KOG produced items to all those who came by or lived locally.
Today, The OP Shop operates our public and private tours, creates stained glass pieces, provides custom glass design services, restoration and repair services, and offers a wide selection of our sheet glass, cast glass, rondels and blown glass items for sale to the public. All items sold in The OP Shop are produced from KOG glass by local artisans.
Recent Hot Glass
Recently
The Hot Glass Studio was established in 1998 to produce a wide range of quality hand-blown and hand-cast glass using the world famous Kokomo Opalescent Glass. Our glass blowers create one of a kind and limited edition functional and sculptural glass objects and rondels.
Today
The above photo depects CEO John O'Donnell and President Richard Elliott recieving the Governers Century Award from Governer Mitch Daniels and Lt. Governer Becky Skillman on November 4, 2009.
Today
We continue to be a source for restoration glass and will create custom mix batches for our commercial customers. We still have and mix many of the same recipes that originally made us a premier glass manufacturer and continue to add exciting new colors and textures to meet the demand of an ever growing consumer audience.
We are happy to provide customers outside of our locality with an opportunity to purchase Kokomo Opalescent Glass art pieces via our Web Store. We continue to change with the times but always remember our rich heritage in the glass industry. We are America's Oldest Art Glass Company!