A Legacy of Craft: Sterling Massachusetts Artisan History & Handmade Traditions

Sterling & Maple Team
Jul 22
2 min read

Sterling, Massachusetts might be a quiet town today, but its history is anything but sleepy, especially when it comes to art, craft, and making things by hand. Long before Sterling & Maple Design House opened its doors, generations of local makers were already shaping the town’s creative spirit through pottery, woodworking, and artistic expression.

A Town of Makers: Sterling Massachusetts Artisan History in Everyday Life

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Sterling was a community of farmers, tradespeople, and craftsmen. When the growing season slowed, many turned their attention indoors—to studios, sheds, and barns—where they created the things their families and neighbors needed: chairs, tables, bowls, and jugs. These weren’t hobbyists. They were skilled artisans, and their work helped lay the foundation for the artisan history of Sterling Massachusetts that lives on today.

The Pottery Tradition

Sterling’s soil wasn’t just good for farming—it offered the raw materials for pottery, too. Local clays were dug, refined, and thrown on wheels to create functional wares: jugs, crocks, bowls, and pitchers used every day in kitchens and pantries. These functional pieces are a hallmark of Sterling Massachusetts artisan history, and though few pottery studios remain, old stoneware stamped with local makers’ marks can still be found in antique shops and family attics, each piece telling a story of everyday life and creativity.

Furniture from the Ground Up

Furniture making was another cornerstone of Sterling’s creative history. In cold New England winters, when fields lay quiet, woodworking became both a necessity and a livelihood. Local families built what they needed from abundant native woods, crafting chests, bedframes, cradles, and chairs with hand tools and care. These weren’t factory pieces. They were made to last, often simple in form but rich in character. And while neighboring towns like Gardner became industrial furniture hubs, Sterling’s craftspeople kept their operations small and community-focused; contributing to New England's artisan heritage.

Art in Everyday Life

Though Sterling wasn’t known for large art institutions, creativity was woven into daily life. Decorative painting, hand-stenciled walls, quilt-making, and even calligraphy were part of the local expression. Art wasn’t necessarily framed and hung—it was built into objects and passed down through generations. This seamless blend of utility and beauty remains a central theme in the artisan history of Sterling Massachusetts.

Handcrafted furniture from historic Sterling, MA

Carrying the Torch

At Sterling & Maple Design House, we see ourselves as part of this long line of makers. We honor Sterling’s history not just by curating and creating beautiful pieces, but by valuing where they come from, both literally and culturally. Whether it’s a handcrafted ceramic vase, a restored heirloom chair, or a new piece built with traditional joinery, we believe good design is rooted in story and soul.