With Father's Day just around the corner, we thought we would feature some of the wonderful products by Santa Fe Stoneworks.

Co-founded in 1978, by Bill Wirtel (pictured left) and John Iverson, Santa Fe Stoneworks has been a proud family operated business run locally in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

John Iverson retired from the business at the end of 1998. Bill is shown in front of a display case in the gallery that contains award-winning designs and rare custom knives. 

Recognized as a leader in the field, Santa Fe Stoneworks has consistently produced a range of knives from collector-grade, handmade one-of-a-kinds; to popular, affordably-priced gifts that comfortably fit most any budget or holiday list.

This beautiful Kershaw knife features a handle made of turquoise and inlaid with mother of pearl.

The knife above is from the Wooly Mammoth Collection. The handle is made from fossilized Mammoth Tusk, about 15,000 years old, inlaid with onyx. The blade is a Damascus blade... beautiful and strong.

In addition to knives, Bill makes other beautifully functional items, like this money clip made from Arizona Ironwood inlaid with lapis.

This little Tuxedo knife, in vein turquoise, is small, easy to carry, and very unique.

As Bill says about his continuing involvement, "My grandfather was a stone cutter from Upper Bohemia, where the logo for the Stonecutters' Guild was called a 'wirtel.' I proudly carry on that tradition."

Lois attended NYU's Tisch School of the Arts as a Radio & TV major. Pursuing her love of Radio, she began a career that  extended into music television programming, and a long stint at VH-1.  Although she always had a knack (ok, an obsession) for "making things", it was during this time she discovered pottery.

Moving to London for business, Lois found herself surrounded by a rich history in pottery and tableware design.  "The British consider Ceramics and clay work a fine art . I found myself constantly exposed to wonderful antique and contemporary work. I fell head over heels in love."   

Upon returning to the states, Lois began working in earnest as a potter. Largely influenced by Antonio Gaudi, Eva Zeisel, and the NY Skyline. Her work looks toward organic shapes, vivid color, and texture for inspiration. Her signature "Beady" glaze is tactile and begs to be touched.  "Don't take me to a museum.  I touch everything.  I like to feel things, which is perhaps why I'm drawn to tactile arts, like fiber and clay".  

Lois' tableware is hand thrown porcelain, which is extremely strong and durable.  "My work is made to be used and enjoyed. I want my work to be part of people's everyday lives. That little something that contributes to the uniqueness of one's surroundings."

Lois hand-makes all her work in her Brooklyn, NY studio. She is also an avid knitter and handspinner, a maker of messes, and a pretty fine cook.