Mountain Man Stoves – Design 1
When you look up the word ‘craftsmanship’ in the dictionary there are two definitions:
1. a person who practices or is highly skilled in a craft; artisan.
2. an artist.
When I was first contacted by Rodney Zell – a true craftsman, and owner of Mountain Man Stoves, I realized something about the timelessness of functional creativity and craftsmanship. The antique stoves that Rodney restores, were created in a time when many everyday items were made by hand – like our mugs. The similarities that Deneen Pottery shares with Mountian Man Stoves, is also tied to the ability for both of our business to succeed. People value craftsmanship!
In today’s world of imports and comparisons on price and only price alone it is a wonder that anyone would want to simply pay more for something… That is until you take a moment to consider the value of craftsmanship, and artistry. Yes I believe our mugs are amazing in their detail, durability and form, as are these baseburner stoves.
To heat a room or to drink a cup of coffee there are a wide variety of options on every price point. Inexpensive space heaters from Home Depot or Menard’s will get the job done, as will a paper cup… The joy and satisfaction one receives from sitting in front of a flawlessly restored antique stove while drinking coffee out of a handmade stoneware mug are far immeasurable!
Before and After
Those creature comforts and simple pleasures must explain why our mugs went over well with Rodney’s customers:
Hi Niles -
We are very pleased with the quality of the pottery mugs that you make for us, the artwork is beautiful. It compliments the antique stoves that we sell and the beautiful mountains surrounding the Estes Park area. Thank you for a quality product and great customer service.
The handmade mugs have a style and character all their own, much like the old antique stoves we show and restore. In just two months we had make a second order.
The mugs are such beautiful pieces. They don’t chip or hardly break… and they don’t tip over and spill, and they feel comfortable in you hand. Our customers love the mugs almost as much as they love these beautiful antique stoves – both are an easy sell because they sell themselves. We have several customers who have bought more that one – mugs and stoves – that is, and they make great gifts.
Thanks again,
Rodney
For Rodneys design we worked from a few images that he sent looking out of his shop in Estes Park – Not a bad view if you ask me!
For more information on Mountain Man Stoves visit Rodney’s site by clicking here.
Thanks for reading our blog.
Niles Deneen
Tags: Add new tag, custom handmade mugs, Deneen Pottery, handmade stoneware mugs, pottery mugs