Behind every quality lure there is a quality sculptor. Two of the industry’s leading artisans are Sam and Lily Nottleman. If you have started collecting lures, you should definitely be aware of these names. They are a team that creates some of the best lure parts available. Here are some fascinating details to know about them:

1. They live in Minnesota.
Sam and Lilly create their magnificent lures from their home studio located in Winona, Minnesota. They are surrounded by rolling cliffs and the beautiful Mississippi River. Both Sam and Lilly are interested in both waterfowl and folk art. With Sam and Lilly’s respective skills in carving and painting, their marriage formed a team that has produced a magnificent collection of decorative lures that has become famous.

2. They create lures for the Loon Lake Decoy Company.
Those interested in collecting lures should consider Sam and Lilly’s magnificent lure creations. They began working for Look Lake in the early 1990s and have created several quality sculptures for them ever since.

3. The process begins with a block of wood.
If you purchase a Loon Lake lure, you will be able to fully appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into carving and painting the piece. The entire process begins with a block of wood (tupelo), which originates from Louisiana. Sam first draws the pattern of the lure. He then uses a variety of grinders and other tools in the process of refining the block of wood. Amazingly, shaping the wood requires over 100 hours for a single bird. Meanwhile, the largest birds can require up to 400 hours to create. Sam then uses a flaming pen to create the bird’s feather patterns. This process can take up to a month to complete!

4. Detailed painting adds the finishing touches.
Like those interested in collecting lures now, the painstaking process of creating a handmade lure continues with the addition of detailed paint patterns. Lilly uses a wide variety of brushes and various acrylic paints to do her magic. To give the lure a more natural appearance, she uses an airbrush to blend the individual colors into the piece.

5. His creations look real.
In fact, Loon Lake’s collection of lures has become world renowned for the natural appearance of its pieces. This includes the realistic features of the birds as well as their realistic action poses. Anyone serious about starting a lure collection of high-quality pieces should definitely consider Loon Lake’s.

6. Their Master Carver series is the best of the best.
Sam and Lilly have created various sculptures such as; “Columbia”, which is part of his Master Carver series. This unique work honoring the American Bald Eagle represents more than 600 hours of work.

If you have a lure collection or can start one, you should definitely consider the works of Sam and Lilly Nottleman. Their exquisite craftsmanship shows in the carving and painting of each piece they create. The Nottlemans’ works represent the beauty, precision and quality of a handmade lure.