Downriver Designs
Bob and Joy live in the Texas Hill Country and stay busy in their workshop making handmade items from local Eastern Red Cedar. Joy makes jewelry from deer antlers, leather, beads and metal pieces. They also share their love of paddling and racing canoes in the two books they have written. The first was "Bob Spain's Canoeing Guide and Favorite Texas Paddling Trails" Their second book is "Texas Water Safari, World's Toughest Canoe Race".
Bob Spain's Canoeing Guide and Favorite Texas Paddling Trails covers everything you need to get started in canoeing. You'll learn the history of the first canoes used in the fur trade days in the northeast. You continue on to learn about the constuction of canoes, types and parts of the canoe. There is a large section on instruction on the paddle stroke and how to navigate down the river. Lastly, there are his 10 favorite Texas Paddling Trails with complete directions and all the info you need to get on the water.
Texas Water Safari, World's Toughest Canoe Race covers every part of the 60 year history of "the world's toughest canoe race". It begins with the early years of the race and how it all began. You will meet many competitors who have over the years, some as much as 40 years! There are numerous statistics, interesting facts and stories that will entertain and amaze you. You will be inspired by the "Women of Safari" and their stories and what the race has meant to them.
If you are interested in ordering a copy of either book...
The price for Bob Spain's Canoeing Guide is $26 + $5 shipping and handling. The Texas Water Safari is $43 + $6 shipping and handling. If you would like to order a copy or request a signed copy or have a special message written in the front cover of either book, email us at downriverdesigns@gmail.com.
Joy's jewelry designs are one of a kind pieces. Here is a sampling of her creations. If you are interested in a piece, email her at downriverdesigns@gmail.com
Bob's woodworking pieces are also one of a kind, each one unique due to creative design and the wood used. You may contact him also at downriverdesigns@gmail.com to discuss his beautiful creations.
Charcuterie boards made from various hardwoods. Sizes range from 12x20 to 14x23. Custom sizes available
