Local “Mision” Furniture Craftsman
In thirty years of woodworking Merle Yoder, owner of Merle Yoder Handcrafted Furniture, has come to appreciate and understand what it takes to make a quality piece of furniture that will last for generations. In this age of throw away mass produced furniture, it is important to him to craft furniture that will stand the test of time. His passion lies in the designs of Arts and Crafts or “Mission” furniture because it stresses function and unadorned beauty, strong simple construction and honest comfortable design.
The furniture h crafts is produced using solid quarter sawn white oak. “Quarter sawn” is a method of sawing a log so the cut is made parallel to the wood’s grain instead of across. This special cut yields a limited number of top grade boards, takes much longer to dry and therefore is in high demand. Cutting the log in this manner reveals the distinctive medullary rays otherwise known as “ray flake”. This furniture is built using the most durable construction techniques used in cabinet making. This is not furniture that is mass produced. Each piece is made one at a time, to the best of his ability. He is so sure of the quality of construction and craftsmanship that each piece of furniture is initialed and dated. Only the best materials are used from quarter sawn white oak to the finest finish materials available today. There are no shortcuts.
This is furniture that will be handed down for generations. This is furniture of simple design that delights the human instincts. It is gratifying to him to produce a product that will bring pleasure and joy to the lives of the people that invest in it.
Skiing at Grand Targhee Ski Resort in Alta, Wyoming is at it’s peak right now–fresh powder and sunshine go together–this photo was taken from State Line Road in Alta, Wyoming on January 11, 2010. Properties are available with these views. Call Kathy Runyan at 208-351-3706 for details.
Located just 5 miles north of Driggs, Idaho on Hwy 33 you will find the “Blue Fly Gallery” owned by Ken and Maureen Morrison. Ken is an astounding artist and excels in his sculpture and oils. Teton valley is extremely lucky to have such a talented artist in our midst. The gallery is open on a daily basis and special appointments can be made by calling 208-456-0900. 
