Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024 - 36

OF THE
MOUNTAINS
jade turtle represents the Cherokee creation
story of Grandmother Turtle. "
Her art (including a series of clay
miniatures) has grown in popularity
across the region via placements in galleries,
shows, stores, exhibits and a welcome
center. And her woodland spirits
sculptures have " found their way "
to homes in the Netherlands and
Sweden.
Moving forward: " Short term, I
want to continue creating my heritage
brooms. Long term, I would
like to add a studio on our property
(four acres in the Cherokee National
Forest) where I can work and
display my art. "
jacquelineyvette1.wixsite.com/
mountainlaurelclaycr
VIRGINIA
Greg Galbreath, Eggleston.
" I've always liked digging down
to the roots of things. So, I was
drawn to the open-back banjo
partially because of [its] deep
history. "
More than 27 years
ago, Greg Galbreath " discovered "
a love of old-time
music, learned to play clawhammer
banjo " in exchange for working on a
farm and in a woodworking shop " and
constructed his first instrument during
an " unofficial yearlong apprenticeship. "
The rest, as they say, is
history-which became an integral
element in Galbreath's
love of the banjo.
" I think it's very important
that folks know banjos
originated in Africa and were
brought to the Caribbean and the
Americas by enslaved Africans in the
1600s. " He explains that following " the
appropriation of the banjo by white
people [in the mid-1800s], it remained
primarily a 'white instrument' until fairly
recently, but is currently having a huge
resurgence in the Black community. "
Galbreath says, " I've always liked digging
down to the roots of things. So, I
was drawn to the open-back banjo partially
because of this deep history ... and
the
driving, rhythmic, dance-oriented
nature of clawhammer [heard in oldtime
music]. Also, the deeper, mellower
tone of open-back banjos appealed to
me more than the brighter, sharper tone
THE YARN YOU YEARN FOR
A
scenic journey through the country roads of Greeneville, Tennessee, will lead you to one of the most sought after
spots for artisans working with yarn-Two Roots Alpaca Farm and Fiber Mill. Owners Ruth Anne and Brad Goss love
sharing their piece of paradise and give behind the scenes tours to show exactly how they create this luxurious yarn
that is so yearned for.
Alpaca fiber is warmer than wool, and is also better at wicking moisture. It also doesn't contain
lanolin like you'll find in wool, which makes this a more hypoallergenic option.
The fiber from the alpacas' saddle area is used for the yarns created onsite, while the fiber
from the neck, back haunches and chest is used for felting. With that felt, Ruth Anne and Brad
create coasters, pre-felts for needle felting, and boot inserts.
There are several other items made with the fiber of the alpacas who call Two Roots home,
including Christmas ornaments, scarves, rugs and cat toys. The most popular finished goods are
hats and socks, though.
JoJo is one of the four-legged stars you can meet at the farm, and she has her own popular
line of socks called JoJo and Friends. Two Roots also has another unique line called Funky Socks.
These are made from leftover yarn that is left on the bobbins and no two pairs are alike.
Learn more at tworootsalpacas.com.
-Brandy Jo Hastings
36 BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM
Artists

http://jacquelineyvette1.wixsite.com/ http://jacquelineyvette1.wixsite.com/mountainlaurelclaycr http://www.tworootsalpacas.com http://www.BLUERIDGECOUNTRY.COM

Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Blue Ridge Country Nov/Dec 2024