The refinement and mastery of a craft do not come easily; they develop over the course of many years of dedicated effort. This is the case for John Hember, a talented craftsman who has enjoyed woodworking for more than 50 years.

Hember is now, however, justifiably enjoying the fruits of his artistic labors in a successful "cottage industry" effort—making heirloom-quality hardwood doll furniture. The finely crafted, detailed pieces are made for 18-inch dolls such as the immensely popular American Girl Doll.™

Hember crafts an extensive line of the furniture in a professionally equipped workshop in his suburban Shawnee home. He not only builds and paints the furniture solo, but he also designs 98 percent of everything he builds.

"There are a few exceptions, where I build other items that are specially requested of me," Hember said. "All of the furniture you see in my shop and in home display areas is personally made by me in the heartland of the USA—more specifically, in my basement!"

All the furniture Hember builds is made of fine hardwoods to last a lifetime. One of his newest and most popular lines features cherry-stained furniture, an example being a poster bed of poplar wood, topped with blue bedding.

The cherry-stained line is one of about 75 diverse doll-scale items posted on a marketing Web site (www.etsy.com/shop/bedsandthreads) used to sell the handcrafted furniture developed for Hember's business, called Beds and Threads.

Although the 69-year-old Hember has been making doll furniture for more than 10 years, he has been actively specializing in the furniture and selling it only within the past year. His day job was at the international headquarters of Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Mo., from which he retired after a 35-year career.

Hember and his wife, Gloria, met while working at Hallmark, unaware that their retirement years would immerse them in a business of their own. They greatly enjoy their busy lives in what they describe as a "golden years venture."

Hember has received inquiries and orders from clients in 50 states and 48 countries. He has hosted open houses, in which an array of furniture offerings fills the couple's spacious living room and dining room. Hember has even created his own shipping department in the house, and personally packs and ships inventory to clients. Everything shipped or picked up locally is fully assembled and ready to use.

The online inventory includes oval and round tables and chairs, canopy beds, triple bunk beds, daybed trundles, four-poster beds, clothes and shoe racks, doll cradles, Victorian beds, school desks and chairs, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs. The pieces are offered in a variety of colors and finishes, and may be purchased with custom-fashioned bedspreads and bed skirts, table cloths, and even pillows, a tribute to the fine sewing and craft skills of Gloria, who expertly tailors finished fabric pieces for the collection.

Among the most recent offerings are a variety of toy dog and pet houses, created in a multitude of styles and color schemes. These have been popular among collectors of the furniture, and a novelty complement to the line of doll furniture.

As you might imagine, much of the finely crafted furniture is bought for girls by grandparents, parents, and friends, and many of the items are purchased for the holiday season or special occasions such as birthdays.

"I think the most rewarding part of what I do is seeing the excitement and pleasure my woodworking brings to the younger ones," said Hember. "We even receive e-mails from customers on Christmas morning, often complete with photographs to share and express their joy and gratitude for the finished products."

Items generally range between $40 and $250. One top-of-the-line item is a freestanding wardrobe of poplar, birch plywood, and Nantucket bead board. It can be used as a nightstand and provide a storage place for safekeeping of doll clothes and accessories.

Hember will display his craft at one more area venue this fall:

• 36th Annual Ladies of Charity Boutique, Ritz Charles Conference Center, 9000 W. 137th St., Overland Park: 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3; 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4; and 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5.
  
  

Orders must be placed early to assure availability for the holidays. A glimpse of the full line of current furniture is available on the Web site, or you may contact Hember at 913-631-4060 or johnmhember@gmail.com.

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