I am from North Carolina and whenever I drive or fly up to see my sister, I always ask her to take
me to Crafts People. The hospitality and the beauty of the place keeps me coming back. It's wonderful to relax and enjoy a
beverage as I shop. Everyone is friendly and the prices are great. I always tell others that if you are in that area, it is
the place to go. In fact, you'll be seeing ya'll next weekend! Can't wait to bring some treasures and memnories home. Thank
you for making it a special place!
Cookie Holmes
Crafts People is the perfect antidote for people who are sick of the mall, tired of the lines, annoyed by
overpriced, poorly made art and products, and feel accosted by salespeople every time they step into a store.
From the time you pull up the driveway at Crafts People, you know you're in for something different. Four
charming buildings surrounded by lush greenery, with the smell of a fire-burning stove entices you in. How many shops have
you been to where you're offered hot cider or cold lemonade when you walk in the door?
Mary and Rudy, the owners, set the vibe. They are so talented, creative, gregarious and unique, and seeing
them every time feels somewhat like a homecoming. The craftspeople whose work they display, in addition to their own, reflect
their appreciation of all things beautiful and functional, from whimsical little Christmas ornaments to gorgeous haute handmade
jewelry, pottery, glassware, and woodworks. Did I mention the birds? They have two beautiful parrots that will speak to you
if you pass their extremely high standards of acceptable human companionship.
I live in NYC, and every time I walk into an American Craftsman store, I am fondly reminded of Crafts People
and the contrasts they provide. American Craftsman, while it carries many interesting and beautiful crafts, is a store first,
a destination second. Crafts People is a place where you can while away an afternoon, engage in stimulating conversation,
and pick up beautiful works of art for people you love to extend a bit of that feeling to them. I often dream of dropping
out of the 'rat race' and living their lives :) And I send everyWoodstock visitor to Crafts People. It's a can't miss destination.
Kristen, NYC
Hi Rudy and Mary,
I really enjoyed reading about both of you and learning about the Crafts People gallery and your careers
in craft.
Thank You
Liz Franklinh Jewelry
Hi Rudy and Mary,
I cannot say enough about Crafts People. We absolutely love the shops and love you guys too. As you know
we've been coming up there for more than 30 years! Boy, are we old. As natives of New Jersey we were able to get up there
quite often. The ride up the New York Thruway is beautiful and only took about two hours. Now, unfortunately, we live near
Pittburgh, PA which makes the ride about seven hours, so our trips are much more infrequent, but nevertheless, we still make
the trek at least twice a year.
We've always loved the area, the Ashokan Reservoir, the Catshill Mountains, Woodstock, etc. It's gloriously
beautiful any time of the year. It's wonderful to have Crafts People as a destination when we travel up there.
I've not found another shop like Crafts People, where the selection is enormous, the quality impeccable,
and the atmosphere so warm and inviting. When we walk into the shops we are welcomed like family, with the offer of a beverage
and a friendly hello. Mary and Rudy, you fill the air with your wonderful conversation and complete knowledge of your inventory.
Not only do you offer your own hand crafted items, you offer works from more than five hundred artisans
from around the country. The items you sell aren't like the cheesy arts and crafts type of stuff sold at flea markets, what
you represent is high quality works of art made by highly skilled craftsmen, from jewelry to stained glass, pottery, and glassware
to stationery...and all at very reasonable prices.
Whenever we need to buy a gift for a special occasion we make sure we head up to Crafts People. Thank you
for providing us with the best selection of hand made crafts in the country!!!!
Karen Nusser
Pittsburgh, PA
I commend Rudy and Mary for their devotion and passion for providing such high quality crafts in a gentle
country setting. I envy those who live only a few hours from Crafts People; ours is a 7 hour drive but we take the journey
gladly. We always find special treasures for our friends and family at very reasonable prices. And speaking of treasure: my
wife and I proudly wear silver rings which were made by Mary to commemorate our 25th wedding anniversary! And I do admit to
seeking out pottery with Rudy's distinctive signature on the bottom! Great shops (don't miss any of them!); Great gifts (be
sure to treat yourself!);Great hospitality! Great People!...all nestled in the beautiful Catshill Mountains near the Ashokan
Reservoir. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day like we do!
Don Nusser
Pittsburgh, PA
I always make sure I drop in at Crafts People when I am in the area, and it is my whole family's favorite
"tourist stop" to share with out-of-town guests. Its selection of handmade items is a delight to browse, with glorious variety
in types of items available, materials and workmanship. Good craftsmanship is a hallmark of items sold at Crafts People, and
the wide variety of items allows us to find treasures in all price points. Perhaps most importantly, the atmosphere at Crafts
People is comfortable and friendly. The owners and staff offer a variety of drinks to all shoppers, and are will both to allow
the shopper space to explore, and to engage in conversation.
Thanks for all you do!
Sarah
Dear Rudy, Mary, and all who make Crafts People a special place-
Here are my musings on a cold icy day-
Since I live in Boston, I am only a once a year visitor, but I make sure that it counts! Living closer would
be a bigger delight to my gift recipients.
The area has been a perfect annual meeting spot for old college friends from PA and MA for the past 10 years.
Since we are also 'children' of the '60's, Crafts People offers a welcoming array of timeless treasures that will entice everyone.
Where else can you peruse the varied talents of hundreds of artists with a glass of lemonade or wine and talk to a parrot
too?
I have never walked out empty handed...included potted plants at the end of the season (and a dented exhaust
system too :-(
I've passed along the link to relatives and friends from Rochester,NY to the Berkshires and they have raved
about it too.
Keep up the good work and Happy New Year!
Jan Smola
This little collection of stores is a shopper's dream, and the perfect antidote to everything mass produced
and mail-marketed. Wander through the four charming buildings in West Hurley countryside (near Woodstock) and prepare to lose
yourself among the baubles, paintings, handmade candles, handmade children's toys, smooth-as-silk wood carvings, and jewelry
galore. After many years of living and shopping in Manhattan, we discovered Crafts People and it has remained our go-to place
for gifts. Wander with a steaming cup of cider, talk to the resident parrot, and prepare to discover treasure after treasure.
I now live in California but still manage to make at least one pilgrimage a year. Don't miss it if you find yourself anywhere
in the Woodstock area.
Sonya
Hi, I love your shop and did spend money there last winter. I love coming and will again. It is a fun place
and I have told many friends. I live at the Jersey Shore but my son has a ski house in Pine Hill. I will be seeing you sometime
this winter. Have a Happy New Year and thank you for the gift.
ENJOY "(_"PAT
Greetings to Everyone in the New Year!!!!
I know it will be better than last year?! I would like to thank Rudy and Mary for being so supportive of
my 10 year old daughter. Although I now live in Connecticut, we make the trip to see your crafts several times a year. Christine
bothered me for weeks to show the two of you her clay art she had been working on. She detailed the clay family room right
down to the remote, mug, and bowl of popcorn. She could not wait to show the two of you. She was so proud when Rudy told her
she could sell her items at the store if she baked them solid. I showed her how to do macrame, and she is working on clay
decorative beads for me. Her hands are so tiny, I think she could make items for doll houses. Thank you again for making her
so happy and excited about her art. Until we see you again....
Laura B
Where else can you go that upon entering the door you are not only offered a libation but made to feel as
if you are a friend, not just another customer? You leave not only with a newfound treasure, but with the gift of friendship.
You make me feel more welcome than most of my relatives! (and yes, rudy, you can print that!) I remember the early days of
just one room and a long table filled with pottery....Blessings and kudos to you all.
Darcee
The CRAFTS PEOPLE shops offer the best of the Catskill/Hudson Valley's artistry at very reasonable prices.
To shop there is like visiting a summer crafts fair without the heat or hustle of the dusty crowds. When you arrive, you are greeted
with soothing music and beverages. As you browse through the different buildings the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
Best of all is the exceptional quality and diversity of the crafts. For more than 15 years we have relied on this wonderful
shopping oasis for all our gift giving: engagements, house-warmings, birthdays, thank yous, and holiday presents.
Val and Pasco
Hi Rudy,
Happy New Year! It has been awhile since I have been to your awesome
location. I always look forward to my visits to the Woodstock area from NJ. I love the creativity, talent and the warm friendly
atmosphere of Crafts People! I look forward to my next visit...and the wonderful warm cider :)
Kind Regards,
Deb Coakley
Rudy and Mary,
Greetings from our new home in Northern Maine! I love it here. The
saddest part of moving away from the Catskill Mountains however, is that now have a 9 hour drive to get to Crafts People!
The holidays this year were really tough without you! For the past 15 plus years I have done 90% of my holiday shopping there
- I could always find just the right gift for everyone - from the toddlers who adore wooden toys to my mom who collects fine
blown glass. Not to mention the camaraderie that always helped get me back in the spirit when I was at wits end from cleaning,
wrapping, shoveling....
You can be certain that I will be back every chance I get. I know
that it will be just the same - warm, welcoming, and filled with wonderful creations. I have always thought of Crafts People
as my own private art gallery - and I miss it. I wish you all the best in this new and wonderful year. I hope to see you very
soon!
Beth
Dear Rudy and Mary,
Crafts People is a magical place! Thanks for making it possible for folks to browse your shops
for the most unique hand crafted items in a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. It is now more than 25 years since we first
became acquainted and had that first glass of white wine with you.
I remember the first time visiting CP and recall all the beautiful pottery and planters on
your front porch/stairs leading to the white country 'house' of crafts. I purchased a mug and kaleidoscope, I still have both.
Back then we visited the area almost every weekend, if not, at least every month, for a few years.
After the kids arrived, we weren't able to visit for awhile, but the kids always heard about
Rudy and CP and eventually they wanted to see what all the talk about Woodstock and Rudy and Crafts People was. We tried visiting
once a year, now we are lucky if we visit once every two years, we are trying for the last weekend in June this year.
Everyone should plan a visit to the area, even if it is just to check out Crafts People. The
warm welcome and vibe that abounds will have you feeling like you just don't want to ever leave and the hand crafted jewelry,
pottery, glass and all sorts of baubles and niceties will have you coming back for more!
Stacey Katz
New Jersey, formerly NY
I have never seen so many earrings in my whole life
Sarah
Rudy and Mary
It's holiday shopping time again!!! I'm coming up next weekend (if the weather is good). I
can't wait!
This time I am hopiing to have some of my famous Christmas cookies ready for your tastebuds!
I am bringing myself (Laura) and my mom, Joyce, and as many neighbors that can come with us. My neighbor Anne across the street
was amazeed at the jewelry selection and the great prices!!!! Can't wait to see you both! Laura P.S. The kids are staying
home this time!
Hey guys, stay happy.
Glenn
