Discoveries and Apologies

Cleaning and reorganization strategies abound with the new year. Falling in with this trend, editor Susan and I cleared out a small area below the computer desk that I use on my days at the Farm and Dairy offices. We curiously pulled out a square cardboard package that had been tucked under the desk for months.
Postmarked last February, it had never been opened. Intended for the food editor, the box had somehow found its way to my workplace, but since I share the desk only one or two days a week, I try not to infringe on other employees’ personal stuff, and I don’t take stock of everything around the desk.
We opened the package to find a beautiful doily basket filled with an assortment of cookie cutters and a note from Mary Fox, co-proprietor of The Little Fox Factory in Bucyrus, Ohio, maker of unique, handcrafted cookie cutters.
Associated with the Ohio Arts and Crafts Guild since 1972, they have been in business for more than 30 years and featured in many magazines. Taking part in various craft shows over the years, they impress customers with the design and quality of their metal cookie cutters.
Sheets of electrolytic tin plate are laid out and sheared into strips. Next, each strip must have a rolled edge to make it stronger and easy to use. The metal is worked around individually designed molds by hand, using specialty tools. The cutters are notched by hand, and have a full bead of solder to give them a water-tight seal. This last step makes sure the cutters have a quality seal that will not spring apart.
Hundreds of shapes are available, from usual holiday themes to various special interests, and more than 50 miniature (2-in. size) cutters. Also featured are more than 40 dog breeds and most of the fifty states. Brochures showing the selection of cutter shapes are available by sending a stamped, self addressed business-size envelope to The Little Fox Factory, 931 Marion Road, Bucyrus, OH 44820. Pictures and designs can be seen at their Web site: www.thelittlefoxfactory.com.
I regret that it took so long for us to uncover the sampling of their products, and I appreciate correspondence from Mary Fox who went on to say that her daughter, Sue Hogan, used to write articles for the antique section of our paper. Many thanks, Mary.