about_stosich family  In 1980, Davidjohn and his wife Adeana, lived with their ten children in Idaho, USA. Trained in art and design, his career in vocational education was not providing the kind of quality time or financial support he wanted to give his family.

  It was while attending a vocational conference in Atlanta, Georgia, that Davidjohn first encountered a small German saw, and the thought came that this could be used in a unique way for drawing patterns on wood. After experimenting with ideas, he had the distinct impression that this saw, together with his professional art training, was the key to his family's future.

  Davidjohn started small, selling at craft shows, with family members getting progressively more involved and sales increasing, until the day came when storeowners asked if the Stosichs would sell wholesale. 

  The pieces, at this stage, were sold unpainted and without much contouring round the edges. So Davidjohn invented a method of quick carving, resulting in a softened look, and began experimenting with wood staining. Sales leaped, and more family members joined in production, with Adeana heading orders, shipping and finances-a true family operation.

about_stosich   The Stosichs  added friends to their family workforce at times, and Davidjohn mentions two in particular who are essential to the smooth running of production. “Janice, a mother of five, has helped us for over ten years. She is a wonderful artist who has acquired a talent for our Woodlocks, and although she now lives seventy miles away, locks are sent to her so she can continue the work. Another friend, Jesus Rameriz, has cut our wood for many years, proving a frequent lifesaver whenever we need him.”

  The family decided on the name Stosich Woodlock for their product, thus giving credit to the family while describing their distinctive process of interlocking wood. The future looked promising. But, as with anything of worth, there are always people around who will steal. When the Stosichs produced a catalogue for wholesalers, they discovered a problem. Several account holders began blowing up patterns, making exact copies of Woodlock pieces. It was several years and thousands of dollars later before an attorney resolved these cases and preserved Woodlock’s rarity.

about_sandingMaking Woodlock is a time intensive process. Each piece is hand crafted, starting from scratch. Cutting the specially selected wood requires years of experience. It is an art in itself requiring love and patience for each piece. Any mistakes are discarded. Shaping takes more skill and time, as does hand painting with wood stains. Modifications are always taking place. After twenty years, designs continue to improve daily.

  What is it that is so delightful about Woodlock?

  Satisfied customer, Judy Moyer, owner of Animal Kingdom in State College, PA, says, “I’ve never seen anything else like them. They are beautifully made. One of the things I like best about the company is the way they are so willing to complete special orders. A buyer will come in with a picture of a pet and Davidjohn will produce a piece resembling that animal. 
 
  Over the years, Stosich Woodlock has been chosen as one of the best businesses in Idaho, has been featured in newspapers and on local TV and radio, and contributes regularly to local benefits and fundraisers. It is a family business producing distinctive products of the highest quality, Since all is hand crafted and takes lot of talent and skill the Stosichs are limited in what can be made each day, so if you have a Woodlock, you have something very unique, something you can only get in a few places.  We started small and we are still small. but still all handmade in USA.