People are setting sail at Amish Country’s newest attraction, David Warther Carvings & Gift Shop. The artwork of David Warther II, a nationally recognized maritime artist, forms an artistic and highly educational exhibit. A fifth generation carver of Swiss descent and grandson of the late Ernest “Mooney” Warther, Warther creates his carvings using legal antique ivory and ebony wood. His exacting works are made with the use of blueprints and drawings furnished by maritime scholars and researchers worldwide.

Visitors are especially intrigued by the rigging of the sailing ships. Warther has perfected a special method whereby the ivory rigging is hand-worked to seven thousandths of an inch in diameter before being applied to the ship. Warther developed this technique and demonstrates this and other carving methods from his on-site workshop on a daily basis. The beauty of each carving is enhanced with delicate hand etching and engraving known as scrimshaw. To achieve this effect, Warther scores fine lines on the antique ivory surface with a hand stylus. Later, when ink is applied to the surface, the microscopic pores in the ivory absorb the ink while the polished areas remain white.

The new exhibit consists of five spacious rooms dedicated to different eras of shipbuilding. Visitors are given guided tours through the exhibit conducted by area Amish and Mennonite guides and often by the carver himself. Tours touch upon all aspects of the art project – history, art, art techniques and the use of exotic and protected materials as well as the family story of carving in the Warther family. The medieval room with its Viking ships and others is a favorite among visitors.

David Warther Carvings also is home to the David Warther Carvings gift shop, which has become an attraction in itself and can be visited separately. The gift shop provides shoppers the opportunity to find something very special. The shelves are lined with exquisite products from local Amish artisans to things that have been purchased from other areas of the country. The shop has a large selection of toys, glassware, candles, cards, clothing, purses, and home décor items. You can find David Warther Carvings & Gift Shop located at the brick clock tower between Sugarcreek and Walnut Creek at the top of Square Hill. You will want to climb the spiral staircase to the observation deck and take beautiful pictures overlooking the scenic Walnut Valley. A discount coupon, as well as, additional information, hours, and directions can be found at www.warther.org.