Baldwin’s Dream in Downtown Sykesville

Custom Woodwork, Embroidery, Diamond Dotz, and Sustainable Art

The wand chooses the wizard, to quote Mr. Ollivander. Last year at Main Street’s Harry Potter Night, Baldwin’s dream sold out of hand-carved wands within the first half hour. Dale already knows he will be making more this year. He has been “working the lathe” for a long time. He has turned pens out of all kinds of wood, including a rare bog oak – oak trees found submerged in a peat bog in Ireland so long that they are deep black. Don’t miss the hand-turned bottle stoppers (I proudly display one in my latest bottle of wine from The Vine’s wine club) and darts (especially popular with Local Motive’s dart leaguers). Another of Dale’s creations are wooden seam rippers, inspired by Mari’s love of sewing. In fact, while Dale is up front in the shop, you can find Mari in the back with her latest project.

If cozying up with a pillow and a book (maybe from Park Books on Main) is your thing, you must check out Mari’s wall of pocket pillows. There are so many colors and prints, and all with unique embroidery. Choose from one of your favorite characters, something Maryland-themed, or many more. Mari took a customer’s suggestion and created some pillows featuring the highland cow… because who is not easily distracted by cows?

Most of the products in Baldwin’s Dream are made by family. Mari sends fabric to her sister on the West Coast and gets a finished product back. Dale and Mari’s sons help with the carving. Art from Kreavity by Kenz is created by a close family friend. It’s the perfect gig for these unique creators who love our small town!

By Nicole Musgrave - DSC Board Vice President