He is a tin smith; she’s a sewer of purses and crafter of decorative home items. While he cuts and welds, crimps and bends metal for Colonial-style lighting fixtures that they sell in their shop and through trade shows, she keeps busy with customers in the historic Burwell building (c. 1880), where they lease space.
Besides tin chandeliers, table and floor lamps, sconces, lanterns, etc., they have an 1830s shelf clock with wood works, a 1740s Massachusetts high boy made of maple, and reproductions of numerous artifacts for sale.
They make their own Prim Lights for Christmas trees that give off a delicate glow.
Patricia and Jim Perry of San Antonio, in town visiting family, stopped in the shop last week and bought Prim Lights to decorate their mantel.
“I like them for their delicate beauty and uniqueness, and they’re made right here, which makes them very special,” Patricia Perry said.
The Tin Peddler will be part of the traditional shopkeeper’s open house in Downtown Tipp City’s “A Winter’s Yuletide Gathering,” sponsored through the Tipp City Partnership, Nov. 14-15.
Shops will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
“We usually get thousands of people through here then,” Jim DeCurtins said.
What started as a hobby in his Dayton basement and garage, grew into a career.
“I’ve been blessed to be able to make a living with it over the years,” he said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2341 or kullmer@DaytonDailyNews.com.
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