Prairie Workshops LLC, a small workshop located in Vicksburg, Michigan, produces quality handmade goods.

Our products cover a broad range of items including hand-crafted wooden buckets, pitchforks and hay rakes. Hand-forged blacksmith items are also an exciting part of our product line.

Coopered Vessels/Woodworking

A coopered vessel is made from wood. The wooden sides are shaped at an angle and are called staves. Two common types of coopered vessels are the bucket and the piggin. The bucket is similar to those used today with a handle. The piggin is seldom seen but has a long handle and was traditionally used for milking or maple sap collection.

My buckets are made from either cedar or basswood. The bucket staves are individually jointed. The staves are held together with either wood or metal bands. The metal bands are riveted in a traditional manner. The wooden bands are usually made of white oak or ash and have a hand-carved, interlocking notch and arrow joint. The buckets are watertight after they sit a short time with water in them. Handles are usually made from rope and secured with a knot or braided eye. Some bucket styles have a metal bale with a small forged eyelet.

These are individually handcrafted items and variations in size, material and wood color are to be expected. The descriptions on the following pages are intended to be a fair and honest representation of the work done in my shop.

Blacksmithing

Blacksmithing is a craft that has been practiced for thousands of years. Blacksmiths do not shoe horses; that is a farrier. The varieties of items that can be produced with blacksmithing techniques are enormous. In my shop I focus on small items that have utilitarian purpose. The most popular items are small hooks and hangers that have many uses around the house. These items can be made in a variety of sizes and shapes. These are generally classified by the size of the material used. Items made from square stock will commonly have a twist in them to add texture and detail. Black pyramid head screws are provided for hanging. Some variation will occur because of the handcrafted nature of these products.

Ironwork that is used outdoors is painted black.  If used inside, a wax coating can be applied.

Special projects and changes to the sizes of listed items are welcomed.