Soft and Sturdy: Quilts and Blacksmithing at their Finest

Members of the Missouri Community Scholars Network began a recent field trip on an old gravel road leading to the home and workshop of Patti and Bernie Tappel. They documented the visit with photographs and audio recordings. Later, they took time to quickly draft a blog post about the morning at Osage Bluff. Here's their account of the trip. 

Little did we believe that our day would develop so interestingly. The couple's devotion to art and history inspired us. We were intrigued with how each artist's interest began as seeds planted when they were children and then enhanced over a lifetime. The Tappels complement each other beautifully, and their love and respect for each other is obvious. Their passion for their art indicates how eager they are to share and impart their knowledge with others.

Patti's interest in sewing machines brought back childhood memories for many of us. We realized the patience it takes for her to create the quilts--with all quilts having a story--where the fabric came from and what it meant. A quilt turning (turning layered quilts on a guest bed in her home) took place. Patti revealed a quilt, told its story, and turned it down to the next example--each one more interesting than the last.

Walking into Bernie's workshop created an amazement to all. "Did Bernie make all of the items in his home?" group members wondered.  Community scholars were curious about the machinery in his workshop.
Everyone had a better understanding of the art of blacksmithing following the visit.

As we traveled back down the gravel road to the city, we realized how their art pervades their lifestyle--yet how comfortable and content they are.