John & Chandra are natives of Northeastern Pennsylvania and grew up on the other side of the Muncy Creek, outside of the historical town of Muncy, PA.  John started shooting black powder 40 years ago with his father.  He inspired him, at age 12, to start making simple powder horns and doing scrimshaw while working alongside him at  North East Trade Company  (a muzzleloading and trapping supplies store).  John continued to pursue his love of art until leaving PA to serve his country in the Army.  Upon returning home, he found work as a correctional officer for the state of Pennsylvania.  Thereafter, he moved from state to federal service, where he retired after 26 years of service.  In 1998, he met and eventually married the girl next door.  They have been married for 25 years. They live on 11 acres in a historical house built in 1863.  Their home is located outside a little village called Pennsdale.

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     Chandra attended Delaware Valley College for horticulture and landscaping and worked for several years in that field until she went to work alongside her mother in Occupational health which eventually turned into a position with the UPMC Work Center.  She is Master Trainer with NDASA who are on the cutting edge of new techniques in the field or drug testing.  Chandra began attending historical events with her husband soon after they were married and in the years that followed developed a renewed interest in needlework which she had learned growing up.  The past few years this interest spawned into visiting historical museums such as the one at Williamsburg, VA where she has been able to study original works and develop the correct style of needlework and embroidery, to embody the 18th century styles, she incorporates into her fire screens and bellpulls. 

 

       They both have become completely consumed by these ancient crafts.  They spend countless hours doing research and working away in their home to create both contemporary and historical wares.  during the times they are not making wares, they enjoy attending various 18th century events with family and friends and taking trips to historical venues.  John is a Past Guildmaster with the Honourable Company of Horners and the Current Event Director for the Gunmakers Fair at Kempton

 

    When they make these items, they keep in mind they are more than just items of purpose.  They will become heirlooms and more, outlasting us all.  They will be a testament to the heart and soul of the artificer and the craftsmen of old.   Awards and events may come and go, but they will never match the warmth and satisfaction gained from the friends they have made through this craft.  Years from now, when they are gone it is their hope someone will pick up an item they have made, show it to their son, daughter, or friend, and say, "Hey that's a DeWald piece." It is the preservation of a dying art, kept alive through caring hands.  What a great legacy that will be to leave behind for their daughter.