We are Jan and Donna Kohler, husband and wife. We believe a little whimsy is good for the soul.

Our home is full of our interests, a wall full of books in the living room, teapots in the dining room and treadle sewing machines in many nooks and crannies. Books transport us to the past or an imaginary world where dragons, fairies and elves live. At night we think we hear the teapots bickering and the old treadle sewing machines talking about their adventures.

Jan, pronounced yan, is a Dutchman, born and raised in the Netherlands, commonly called Holland. He immigrated to the US in 1981. He is an architectural illustrator and artist.

I’m Donna and call myself an American mutt, because I have ancestry from Mexico, England, Ireland, American Indian, Spain, and other places. I rescue old sewing machines like some people rescue cats and I dream and write.

We are do-it-yourselfers of home projects, the biggest one is my castle shed. It is enchanted and protected by the gargoyles. We bake all our bread, often cook together and enjoy having company in a casual atmosphere.

We lived in Holland for several years, a great experience for me as an American. Living in Europe I learned to appreciate the Dutch heritage and love of anything “gezellig.” That word itself is part of the Dutch culture.

Now, in Fresno, California, we combine our experiences of Europe, the medieval town where we lived, Amersfoort, and visits to Amsterdam, Paris, London, Brugge, Prague, and other cities.

To visit our pages click these links.

Jan Kohler - Illustrator

Donna Kohler - Writing and Blog

Treadle Lady - Treadle Sewing Machines