Deb and Rick Reis handcraft useful and beautiful artwork, mixing multiple medias to create unique gifts and decorations. Their items include clocks, desk accessories, frames, and jewelry, which each combine different natural wood and rocks. The wood and rock are cut and polished from raw materials to retain their natural beauty. They also produce Nantucket style baskets made out of reed or colored fishing line with hand made bases and handles.

Sometime in the late 1980's, Rick and Deb got fed up with the whole Christmas mall thing with the scramble around, buy something, give a gift just like everyone else was giving, and then have it returned. As a family, they decided that they would make gifts instead of buying them. That way nobody could return them. After a couple of years, the process became a lot more formal and they did the lottery where you could draw a name, and then were committed to making elaborate homemade gifts.

Rick and Deb’s planning always started in January. They would usually start with an idea, acquire any necessary tools, and then start working on the craft. As would be expected, there would almost always be failures because it was the first time making that item. They would read the books, but would usually think that they had found a better way to do something. Of course, once you start to master the skills required for a craft, then you don’t need to go to the mall for birthdays, weddings, housewarmings, graduations, etc.

Crafts to Rick and Deb are therapy and a diversion from their technical “day jobs” in Computer Science. Since becoming empty nesters, they are finding more time to pursue their passion for making handmade crafts. This passion for doing crafts led them to the Chester County Craft Guild (CCCG) where they met great people and got good advice and encouragement for their craft business. Rick and Deb have honed their skills in specific craft areas now, and they are very proud to be juried members of CCCG in woodworking, jewelry, and basketry.

Deb and Rick Reis, of Reis Renditions, live and work at their crafts in Charlestown Township, Chester County, PA.

Visit their website at www.reisrenditions.com.

Members of The Creative Hand since 2008