Kentucky Coal Crafters

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Kentucky Coal Crafters Figurines and jewelry handcrafted with coal. Selling both wholesale and retail. After buying the business I relocated it to Pikeville, Ky.

Kentucky Coal Crafters began as Midwest Crafts in Whitley City, Ky from 1975-2002. Alvin Powell and Buddy Wilson decided to buy the mold and mixing secrets and open as Kentucky Crafters and moved to Stearns Ky next to the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Along the way, Buddy left and two new partners, Rosetta and Milton joined Alvin and continued coal crafting until September 2023 when they approached me about buying their business. Alvin who was there from the beginning has trained me in the art of coal crafting and making the molds for the figurines. Coal crafting is a process of mixing coal dust with resin and pouring the mixture into molds that are made on site. I am also able to make custom pieces as long as there is something I can use to form the mold. I am also bringing jewelry back to the catalog and website. I sell both retail and wholesale to businesses with a resell certificate. There are several places nearby selling our items. As I get the chance I will add those to this page. A few place where you can by KCC figurines: Jenny Wiley State Park, Prestonsburg, Ky; Breaks Interstate Park, Breaks, Va; Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park, Big Stone Gap, Va; Kentucky Coal Museum, Benham, Ky; Anthracite Heritage Museum, Scranton, Pa; Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, Beckley, Wv and Honeysuckle Vine, Berea, Ky.

The Crawling Miner is another original piece I introduced a couple of years ago, and it’s had pretty good success. I gue...
10/18/2026

The Crawling Miner is another original piece I introduced a couple of years ago, and it’s had pretty good success. I guess you could say it’s found its way into some pretty good company!

Some folks might know it better as “Friends in Low Places,” and if you’ve never worked in the coal mines, you might be wondering what that means.

Back in the day, miners working in low coal seams often had to spend their shifts crawling or lying on their sides to get the coal out. When the seam wasn’t tall enough to stand up in, you did what you had to do to earn a living. It was hard, dirty work that took a special kind of grit and determination. Around these parts, that’s just part of our Appalachian heritage.

My Crawling Miner is handcrafted from coal, turning a piece of our mining history into a unique conversation piece and a reminder of the men and women who helped build our communities.

You can find the Crawling Miner in my online catalog at KYCoalCrafters.com or in my gift shop gallery.

I’m always trying to come up with something new to add to my catalog, and I’ve got a few more ideas rolling around in this head of mine. I sure appreciate everybody who continues to support my small business and the tradition of handcrafting gifts from coal.

Made right here in Kentucky, one piece at a time.

Kentucky Coal Crafters
Handcrafters from Coal

I am honored that the McCreary County Heritage Foundation has ordered five of my coal miner and cart pieces, which will ...
10/17/2026

I am honored that the McCreary County Heritage Foundation has ordered five of my coal miner and cart pieces, which will be making their way down toward Stearns, Kentucky in the near future!
Looking at these pieces really makes me reflect on how hard the miners had it back in the day. Loading those coal carts using nothing but a pick and shovel, often working alongside mules or small donkeys, took incredible grit and strength. It is humbling to look back on history and honor their legacy.
Moments like this also make me so grateful for everyone who supports my small business. I want to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who has stopped by, bought gifts, and supported me along the way. A special thank you to the Mayor of Coal Run for stopping by yesterday to pick up some items for City Hall!
If you enjoy following my journey, please consider taking a moment to like, share, and follow my page. Every share helps my little business grow, and I appreciate each and every one of you!

Got two of these coal miners with their dinner buckets mounted on wooden bases, getting ready to head to the McCreary Co...
10/16/2026

Got two of these coal miners with their dinner buckets mounted on wooden bases, getting ready to head to the McCreary County Heritage Foundation in Stearns, Kentucky.

I make the wooden bases myself, route the edges, stain them, and then mount the coal miner with his dinner bucket on top. It’s a little piece of Eastern Kentucky coal country that makes for a pretty special gift or keepsake.

These two will be making their way to the Stearns area in the near future, so if you’re over that way, stop in, give them a shout, and check out what they have to offer. They’ve got some wonderful history and local craftsmanship worth seeing.

I sure appreciate the McCreary County Heritage Foundation supporting my small business and everybody else who takes the time to support what I do here in Eastern Kentucky. Every piece of coal I turn into something special has a little bit of home in it.

Now, tell me what you think about these two coal miners and their dinner buckets. I’d sure like to hear your thoughts!

I’m working on my third order for the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Big South Fork Railroad in...
10/15/2026

I’m working on my third order for the McCreary County Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Big South Fork Railroad in Stearns, Kentucky. They also have a museum and an artisans gift shop, and I’m proud to have some of my coal creations on their shelves.

This anvil is one of the pieces I’ve made for them, and I’ve got three of these heading their way. Now, you can just look at that anvil and almost hear the hammer hitting the metal, fresh out of the hot coals, as a blacksmith works it into something useful for everyday life. There’s a whole lot of history behind a piece like this, and it sure makes you appreciate the folks who worked with their hands to make the things people needed.

I sure do appreciate the McCreary County Heritage Foundation continuing to stock my items in their gift shop. It means a lot to a one man operation here in Eastern Kentucky to have folks believe in what I’m making from coal.

If you happen to be traveling through Stearns, Kentucky, take a little time to check out the Big South Fork Railroad, their museum, and their artisans gift shop. There’s plenty of history to see, and you might just find yourself a little piece of Kentucky craftsmanship to take home with you.

Handcrafters from Coal!

Everybody was all fired up Saturday about UK bringing back the Power K! For those who don’t remember, that logo goes all...
10/12/2026

Everybody was all fired up Saturday about UK bringing back the Power K! For those who don’t remember, that logo goes all the way back to 1975 under Coach Fran Curci. Well, I’ve been bringing it back myself for about three years now, and mine comes with a little Eastern Kentucky twist!

I made mine out of coal, and if you look down there in the bottom corner, you’ll see I’ve outlined the state of Kentucky in silver. I figured I’d better do that so folks wouldn’t get confused and think I was pulling for Kansas or Connecticut!

Now, I know Connecticut starts with a C, not a K. I’m not that uneducated. But you know how phonics works around these parts. Say Connecticut out loud a few times, and you might need to check the spelling before you buy a Power K!

So if you’d like to show your support for the Wildcats with something a little different, something made right here in Eastern Kentucky out of real coal, I’ve got just the thing for you.

Only $14!

It’s a little piece of Kentucky coal, a little UK pride, and just enough silver to make that K stand out. And don’t worry, I’ve clearly identified which state we’re talking about!

Made right here in Eastern Kentucky by Kentucky Coal Crafters. Handcrafters from Coal.

Go Cats! And just remember, if you’re buying one for somebody from Connecticut, make sure they know which team they’re supposed to be cheering for!

Shoutout to our wonderful customer in West Virginia who just ordered the Bear and Cub set along with the Two Bears! Your...
10/11/2026

Shoutout to our wonderful customer in West Virginia who just ordered the Bear and Cub set along with the Two Bears! Your package has already shipped out, and we hope you love them.
Looking for something special for your home or a gift? We ship anywhere in the United States! Head over to our website to browse our collection and place your order today.

Two of these big ol’ bison are getting ready to make their way to North Dakota State University! That’s a pretty good ha...
10/09/2026

Two of these big ol’ bison are getting ready to make their way to North Dakota State University! That’s a pretty good haul from these parts, nearly halfway around the world from Eastern Kentucky!

These fellas ain’t exactly lightweight, either. Each one weighs almost three and a half pounds, so they’re some pretty substantial pieces of coal craftsmanship.

This makes the third order I’ve had from North Dakota State University, and I sure do appreciate them coming back and doing business with me again.

Running a small business is a whole lot of work, but having customers who keep coming back makes it all worthwhile. Whether you’re right here in Eastern Kentucky or clear up in North Dakota, I appreciate every single person who supports my small business.

Thank you, North Dakota State University, for your continued business, and thank you to all my customers near and far for helping keep this little Kentucky coal crafting business going!

Handcrafted from coal, made in Eastern Kentucky. We ship anywhere in the United States.

Here’s another praying hands desk set, handcrafted from coal right here in Eastern Kentucky.This set includes an ink pen...
10/08/2026

Here’s another praying hands desk set, handcrafted from coal right here in Eastern Kentucky.

This set includes an ink pen with “Coal keeps the lights on” inscribed on it. It makes a pretty neat little piece for a desk, office, or anywhere you want a reminder of where our Eastern Kentucky roots run deep.

In between working on my regular orders, I try to keep the items that have sold out in my store made and back on the shelves. That way, when somebody walks in looking for something special, I’ve got something here for them to take home.

Everything is handcrafted from coal and made right here in Eastern Kentucky.

I also ship anywhere in the United States. So if you see something you like, give me a call or check out the website.

I sure do appreciate everybody who continues to support my small business. Every order, every visit, and every time you tell somebody about Kentucky Coal Crafters means a whole lot to me.

Handcrafters from Coal
Kentucky Coal Crafters

Address

130 Power Drive
Pikeville, KY
41501

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm
Saturday 8:30pm - 12pm

Telephone

+16063767535

Website

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