Pins & Tales is the quarterly digital newsletter of SAPFM, published in Adobe PDF format. Issues are sent to current members at the end of March, June, September and December with the latest listings of classes, events, news and articles on research, construction and finishing of historical forms of furniture. Members also have access to all previous issues of the quarterly. This is just one of the many benefits of SAPFM membership.
The SAPFM editorial team is pleased to present the Autumn 2025 issue of Pins & Tales
In this issue we list the latest classes, chapter meetings and events of interest. If you are a member and are logged into this website, you'll see a link to our newsletter archive at the bottom of the screen where you can access and download the current and all previous issues of Pins & Tales. On the other hand, if you are not yet a member of SAPFM scroll down to download a complimentary copy of the current issue. If you want to be part of an active, growing group of people you can join us at this link.
In this issue we have details for a number of events including our upcoming Annual Conference which will be held in Williamsburg, Virginia on October 10-13, 2025. The window is still open for last minute registration, but don’t delay. Join us and celebrate this year’s Cartouche award recipient Bess Naylor and SAPFM’s 25th Anniversary.
We also cover our upcoming election for seats on our board of directors. We encourage you to consider serving SAPFM in this role (or by volunteering for a committee or your local chapter. We are “all volunteer” and ask you to consider “if you don’t step up, who will?” Our Makers Challenge is also open for entries as is the 3 rd annual New England Furniture Competition. Our annual journal is coming soon, and we give you a preview of American Period Furniture 2025 as well as a reminder to make sure your dues are paid and your address is updated before November 1. We follow up with 2008 Cartouche recipient Alf Sharp and show the completion of a challenging project we covered last
winter, and we present a project that is guaranteed to amaze you.
Pins & Tales is one of the many benefits of SAPFM membership along with our annual journal, American Period Furniture, website, and regional chapter meetings. Please spread the word about our organization to your friends and neighbors, either in person or through social media. There are many folks out there who would enjoy our organization but aren’t aware of us yet. We need your help to increase awareness about SAPFM, the things we do and the fellowship among our members. If you
are not a member yet, download this issue of Pins & Tales and have a look at who we are and what we do.
Our publications, events and chapter meetings all depend on members to share your efforts in making furniture and growing our organization. Make time to participate, volunteer and explore the numerous ways to give back. Every volunteer is important. Your local chapter always needs help planning, organizing and conducting meetings. If there isn’t an active chapter in your area, consider starting one or stepping up to revitalize one. If you want to get involved on any level there are numerous opportunities. What you receive from your SAPFM membership is directly related to what you contribute.
If you have an idea for an article for either of our publications get in touch with me to find out how easy it can be and how much it helps everyone in the organization when you share what you are working on. We’re all in this together.
-- Bob Lang, editor