Fun & Fantasy
In a time when everyone, even children, is glued to their phones or tablets, it’s great to see products that inspire kids to play on their own or with a friend or sibling. Everyone needs a bed, but why not go for a fun and funky piece of furniture that your kids will love? The Low Tree House Cabin Bed (left) is made in 
Denmark of solid knot-free pine and treated with water-based pigments, wax, and lacquer. The personalized storage drawer and pull- out trundle bed make it very practical. Its rustic cabin look will inspire many adventures. The Caravan Bed (above), Tent Bed (left), and Tree House Bunk Bed (below) are made in Belgium. All three come in 20 different colors to fit any décor. The roof of the Caravan Bed is made of cloth and can be opened or closed. It has a trundle bed and an interior shelf. The flap on the Tent Bed can be rolled up, left extended, or closed for quiet time or reading under the interior light. It also has a trundle, ideal for sleepovers. The Tree House Bunk Bed also has an interior shelf
and reading light. Its wood panels vary in size and shape to give it a more rustic appeal. All of the beds are made to order; they are designed to be both sturdy and safe. These imaginative beds are all available in the U.S. at www.cuckooland.com.
Call of the Wild
Inspired by the wonders of nature, John Beasley has raised the art of tile making to new heights. He designs and sculpts each tile in his Florence, Kentucky studio. A small staff that includes John, his wife Debbie, and two assistants brings each of the tiles to life in a small production studio in Cincinnati. 
The tiles are made one at a time from wet clay, trimmed, dried, fired, glazed, and fired a second time. Each tile is hand pressed and hand painted or brush glazed. By keeping production small, John is able to focus on fine details and exceptional quality. Because they are hand made, each tile is a unique work of art. We’ve selected just a few of our favorites to show here: Bear Pause (left) consists of two panels and measures 12 by 12 inches. We’d love to see this combined with other tiles to create a showstopping kitchen or shower mural. Taking It Easy (Blue Heron), Flying Bald Eagle, and Night Owl (Great Horned Owl) each measure 4 by 8 inches. All of the tiles can be installed, but also consider displaying one or two on an easel or hanging them for all to enjoy. Visit www.medicinebluffstudio.com to learn more about John and his art, view all of John’s other spectacular tiles, and find purchasing information. You can also shop for tiles at www.etsy.com/shop/medicinebluffstudio.
Form & Function
Thomas Dumke is applying his three decades of experience in joinery, wood technology, restoration, design, technical perfectionism, and meticulous craftsmanship to create furniture that will last for generations. Inspired by 19th-century furniture making, he uses traditional methods to create graceful, modern pieces. He is particularly inspired by the clean lines and simple design of the Shakers, 
which allow his furniture to blend with all styles of décor. He begins the design process by selecting the wood with the best figure to use on the tops, doors, and sides of the piece. He works in solid cherry, black walnut, maple, or birch, sometimes including exotic woods such as zebra, leopard, and ribbon mahogany, among others. The stunning side cabinet shown here was built with walnut and gorgeous zebra wood door panels with mortise and tenon joinery and pegged construction. The furniture pieces are solid, strong, functional and, above all, magnificent works of art. If you are after something specific, he also does custom work. Go to www.thomaswilliamfurniture.com for more information about Thomas Demke and his craftsmanship, a gallery of his work, shopping information, and a list of art shows he’ll attend around the country.