Golding Fiber Tools is a family-owned business that started in 2002 as an ancillary branch of Fine Art Woodcarving LLC. We are committed to producing fiber tools that will be used and enjoyed for their distinctive attributes of artistic design, fine craftsmanship, and precision engineering.
Our home and business is located on a 60 acre farm in Saxtons River, Vermont that is shared with Bart and Sam the alpacas, Attilla the guard llama, 14 Icelandic sheep, Woody our Icelandic sheep dog and Emmy the tabby cat.
Tom, Master Woodworker of 45 years and Master Woodcarver in the classical tradition for 30 years, is the primary designer and builder of our fiber tools. Diane, spinner, knitter, and novice weaver is the business manager of Golding Fiber Tools. She handles the packing and shipping, and tests spins all spindles and wheels before they leave the shop. At most other times she's either tending her vegetable and flower gardens or practicing the piano.
Both sons, Seth and Obe are involved in the business. Seth and his wife Lisa live in Essex, Vermont. A woodworker and woodcarver, Seth handcrafts many of the RingSpindles, and handcarves some of the spinning wheels. He is the designer and builder of our Micro Lazy Kate and is currently in the design phase of building a prototype for a travel size Golding spinning wheel.
Obe is a musician, Banjo picker and 2009 graduate of the Kentucky School of Bluegrass and Traditional Music. He works part-time for the business contributing his expertise in fine scrolling, woodcarving, and wood finishing. He handcrafts the Golding Lucets.
We are grateful to our loved flock of Icelandic sheep for the vital role they played in the formation of Golding Fiber Tools, for it was they who introduced us to the world of fiber. Diane's request that Tom make her a handspindle resulted in the innovative RingSpindle™, which led to designing and building the "Flock of the Shepherdess" spinning wheel, followed by a precision floor loom, and a growing line of spinning and weaving accessories. The enthusiastic response to our fiber tools is an inspiration as we continue to develop new products.
BELOW: Pumpkins For Sale (September 2016)
BELOW: Golding Farm Stand (July 2016)
BELOW: Finished Addition Interior December 2015 First Floor
BELOW: Finished Exterior November 2015 (addition at left of shop)
BELOW: Finished Exterior November 2015 (addition at left of shop)
BELOW: PROGRESS ON SETH'S SHOP AT GOLDING NORTH September 3, 2015
Inside below:
BELOW: PROGRESS ON SETH'S SHOP AT GOLDING NORTH JULY 1, 2015
SETH IS EXPANDING HIS SHOP AT GOLDING NORTH JUNE 16, 2015
Tom bringing in 8/4 Walnut Lumber for Wheels (March 2015)
Below: Chair Figureheads- Carving Completed (November 2013)
Below: Chair figureheads ready for carving (October 2013)
BELOW: Obe in his new shop in Athens, Georgia (applying finish to an Iris Wheel) September 2013
BELOW: WORK IN PROGRESS SEPTEMBER, 2013
Low Arm Iris & Butterfly Chair
Below: New GOLDING SOUTH Shop (Obe Golding) in Athens, GA
Below: Golding HomesteadBelow: Carving in progress (Taking Flight 9/12)
Plant your rows straight and long, temper them with a prayer and song
Mother Earth will make you strong, if you give her love and care.....from the "Garden Song" by David Mallett
Diane in the garden thanking Mother Earth for a bumper crop.
Tom harvesting Garlic July, 2012
DIANE IN THE GARDEN
SUMMER 2012
GOLDING NORTH
(Seth's Shop- Essex, VT)
Golding North (inside below)
Golding North (Micro Kate below)
Seth's second superinsulated shop was built in the early Summer 2011. Along with solar gain, it will heat on about 1 cord of wood.
Golding Central
(Saxtons River, Vermont)
Wheels under Construction (December, 2011)
Wheels under construction (below)
Below: Diane Playing Schumann 6/11/2011
Tom planting a willow tree 6/11/2011 with Woody, our Icelandic sheep dog.
Tom working on a commission piece May 2011
Obe working on a wheel May 2011
Obe putting a finish on a wheel May 2011
Cat in Tulips
Pears in Blossom May 2011
Rhubard patch May 2011
Tom in upper field with sheep/ Fall 2010
Below-Autumn picnic
August Rainbows on the Farm
Cat by the Window
Upper Meadow and Pond
Bart, Sam, and Attilla...the Camelids
winter on the farm
Diane in pasture visiting the flock