The Stone Mill Inc., Lakeview. Like many Michigan beach walkers, Steve Miller’s fascination with stone began by collecting unpolished Petoskeys. Today the fourth-generation mason transforms houses into homes with natural stone veneer made from Michigan granite and limestone. “Natural stone veneer never loses its color,” he says, and every order is treated as a custom project, allowing homeowners a range of stone veneer options to meet personal design needs. Miller finds his selection of materials across the state, including excavated stone from construction of the Sault Ste. Marie Locks. The Stone Mill also custom-carves boulder fire pits outfitted with hand-hammered copper bowls (thestonemillinc.com).
Stair Specialist Inc., Battle Creek. Inspired and taught by his father, William, second-generation fine wood artisan Ted Goff has been hand-crafting custom staircases for four decades, including dramatic curved and spiral showpieces. While he specializes in helping homeowners wishing to create a one-of-a-kind foyer for both new and remodeled homes, Goff emphasizes that just as much detail and craftsmanship is dedicated to traditional straight staircase orders.
“It takes time to perfect some of the techniques in our custom work,” said the artisan, who works with woods cut in Michigan and the Midwest including cherry, walnut, oak and maple. “There’s a lot of satisfaction in producing something extra special.” (stairspecialistinc.com).
Lloyd/Flanders Industries, Menominee. Innovation has been the hallmark of this Upper Peninsula-based company since founder Marshall B. Lloyd invented the Lloyd Loom in 1917.
The unique process for crafting fine woven furniture gave Lloyd Manufacturing claim as the world’s largest producer of wicker baby carriages and prams.
Today, as the leading manufacturer of all-weather wicker furnishings, Lloyd/Flanders’ renowned, durable year-round furnishings are sold nationally and abroad in a diversity of distinct styles and finishes, inspired by traditions of American craftsmanship and nature’s elegance (lloydflanders.com).
— Cindy Crain Newman, Michigan BLUE Magazine.
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