Welcome

Welcome to Shenandoah Crafts, where everything is handmade in the Shenandoah Valley.  Our wood crafts range from birdhouses, to bird feeders, to our famous Carpenter Bee Trap – see below.  Coming Soon: Designer Fabric Crafts from Karin’s Creations.  Visit us often, Inventory changes with the seasons.

Thank you for stopping by,
John and Karin Tipton

#1 Best Seller in the Shenandoah Valley!

The Carpenter Bee Trap is the best seller because it works!  But, how does it work?  Watch this Video to hear John explain it himself.

After being approached on the subject of building the bee traps, I did a lot of research on the feasibility of a marketable product.  I made several prototypes.  I tested different sizes and components.   I surveyed what the consumer thinks of the design and how it looks hanging on the home.

I started marketing my traps at Garden Shows, Home Shows, and Craft Shows.  The traps were accepted immediately.   The first show I sold 49 units in 7 hours at $20 each.  I knew then I had a product!  To read the full history and origins of the trap, click on this link:  Origins of the Captenter Bee Trap...

“Having a 40-year-old cabin means you have to be careful to keep the carpenter bees away.  I have two of these traps and they really do work.  As you can see, there’s a carpenter bee right on the top of the trap, and 2 inside.”  Mary, Shenandoah Valley


      

My first Bee Traps were made when I was 12 to 13 years old, as a fundraiser with the local Boy Scouts.

Fast forward to age 62 years old. While doing a Home and Garden Show a customer approached me and asked me to build him a carpenter bee trap. They were destroying his home. (Log cabin)

Background: I was a builder – contractor for 37 years. I built or restored Log Cabins for over 29 years.

After being approached on the subject of building the bee traps, I did a lot of research on the feasibility of a marketable product. I studied the product as to why it works, how it works, what type of wood works best, what the consumer thinks of the design and how it looks hanging on the home.

I made several prototypes. I tested different sizes and components. I developed 12 testing stations. I logged where I hung them, how many were caught, what conditions existed, what time of year the bees became active and how long they were active.  I studied their habits and movements.  I developed a procedure plan as to where to place the trap and why.  A plan to speed up the catch rate. The primary season in the mid-Atlantic region begins in March thru mid-July. All research was completed in approximately 12 months.

That was over 10 years ago.

I started marketing my traps at Garden Shows, Home shows, and craft shows. The traps were accepted immediately. The price point was not an issue. It was the results that proved the important factor.  The first show I sold 49 units in 7 hours at $20 each.  I knew then I had a product.