As the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic continues, the world as we know it has come slowed. Businesses are closed and nonessential production has ceased.
Guild members find life in terms of business to be rather normal, albeit with a few changes. We continue creating Vermont-made, handcrafted furniture, much in thanks to the fact that “shops are at our houses” as Guild member Richard Bissell explains.
Work is moving forward; however, there are a few slight differences and possible challenges. Some members have extra hands around the shop. Timothy Clark reports that “work continues almost as normal here, except for having my wife and two kids home all day.”
Other members have faced challenges. John Lomas and other members have struggled working with limited materials. John chose to be resourceful: “I needed a pair of nightstands for one of our bedrooms, and I will be making them both from a single board of locally-sourced 4/4 Vermont Cherry.”
Nightstands by Guild member John Lomas.
He has encouraged fellow Guild members to do the same: “perhaps other members would like to take up the challenge.”
We are a resilient and supporting community of makers. We continue to create and are eager to take on new work. We have found small, owner-operated shippers who are still working, so we can deliver. These shippers who are able to communicate and work with customers in ways that make them feel safe about accepting a delivery.
Federal period chest of drawers by Guild member David Boynton.
As for pick ups, we are taking extra precautions by leaving the product untouched for a week. Some might have work delivered to their garage without any personal interactions with the shipper. Customers should feel free to ask what protocols the shipper will be employing during the delivery.
These times are hard and stressful, but we are here for each other and to serve you, too. We strive to have a happy customer and are aware of and share concerns about Covid19 and will communicate with customers to create a comfortable interaction when they receive their order.
We look forward to seeing each other (and you!) again.
