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Tin Woodsman Pewter was born in 1985, when Jim and Deborah's closest friends decided to shut down their pewter studio to pursue other interests. Deborah leapt at the idea of learning pewtersmithing from them and turning their business into a hobby of her own. Within three years, it was obvious that Deborah's "hobby" was taking over the Chapman home. In time, the family became full-time pewtersmiths.
In true renaissance fashion, Jim and Deborah have brought diverse backgrounds to the company that has inspired their lives and influenced their designs. Deborah holds a masters' degree in French Literature from The University of Oregon and Jim graduated from Notre Dame University's Great Books Program. Deborah studied abroad in Belgium, Turkey, and France. Jim volunteered for the Peace Corps in western Africa and worked for three years in Venice, Italy as a writer, translator, and guide.
Creating pewter products together has been a natural extension of their individual artistic explorations - Deborah in ceramics and costume design, and Jim in woodworking and bookmaking. Both have been able to meld their knowledge and experiences into the pieces they produce - one reason why the designs are so unique.
Over twenty years later, Jim and Deborah feel blessed to work together in such a satisfying venture that allows them to express their creativity. Even their children have been involved, with the youngest declaring (at age six) that she would be the future "boss."
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