“Made in the USA” is a proud label. Lately, given the impact or at least the intent of tariffs, it is a label that is coveted by business across many sectors of the economy. This is nowhere more evident than in the furniture industry, as retailers scramble to find new domestic manufacturers to replace or supplement imports from Canada, Mexico, Vietnam and China. I’m grateful that no such adjustment is needed at DutchCrafters. For more… Economic Impact of American-made Furniture at DutchCrafters
If you’ve got a diminutive doggy, a canine that is long in the tooth, or a Rover in recovery after surgery or injury, you already know the struggle. Your dog is a part of the family and wants, nay, needs to be on the bed. Getting up there safely isn’t always easy. High bed frames and aging joints don’t mix, and constant lifting can strain you and your dog. That’s where handcrafted pet steps and… The Dog Sleeps in the Bed! A Guide to Dog Bed Steps and Ramps
Yes, sap streaks naturally occur in walnut wood. This question is a lot more common than you might think. Walnut is one of the furniture industry’s most premium, highly sought-after wood species. This post addresses any questions you might have regarding these streaks. Some people think they are a defect, and some wonder if they can order walnut furniture without the streaks. We recently received a call from a customer wondering if the light-colored streak… Are Sap Streaks in Walnut Furniture Normal?
We run into some interesting questions at DutchCrafters. Recently, a customer called us after three years to tell us their cedar hope chest was “sapping” on the inside. Is this normal? Is it dangerous? You may wonder if you caused this or if the builder made a mistake when they built it. As the former category manager for hope chests at DutchCrafters, I’ve often handled these kinds of questions. To give the best answer, I… Why is My Cedar Chest Sapping?
Many people assume that the Amish people do not celebrate holidays. There are many reasons folks might make this assumption. For example, you aren’t going to drive by an Amish community and see Christmas lights or Halloween decorations. If you aren’t entirely familiar with the Amish religion and culture, you may wonder if they celebrate holidays because you have heard of other religions that do not celebrate holidays. So let’s get into it and find… Do the Amish Celebrate Holidays?
We get a lot of questions about whether the Amish own guns. In fact, it is one of the most commonly asked questions we get. It is understandable to wonder how a community known for pacifism, humility, and nonviolence also has a reputation for owning firearms. The answer is layered, practical, and deeply rooted in their faith. So, first of all. Let’s address the most basic question before we take a deeper dive into the… Can the Amish Own Guns? A Look at Faith and Firearms
I love good restaurants, and judging from my waistline, I might eat out a little more often than I should. But when I say “good restaurants,” I don’t necessarily mean the most expensive places in town. One of my favorite spots for a bite didn’t even have a name, just “Errol,” a Jamaican man with an old-fashioned barbecue pit next to the bait shop at the Osprey Harbor Marina. I keep my boat there. Few… Restaurant Furniture: What Makes a Dining Experience Authentic