CHERRY VALLEY- Land and See Toys' wooden, hand-crafted gifts will be made available for viewing and purchase, just in time for the holidays.

Land and See Toys, established in 1997 by Charlie and Beth See, is a small family-owned company that creates original wooden sail boats.

Though Land and See Toys has been around for several years, local residents will now have the opportunity to visit the See's workshop.

"We wanted to bring people into the workshop," Beth See said.

The busy schedule of 20 craft shows a year makes it difficult to connect with people in this area, she said. The See's have been to "high-end craft shows" in places such as Washington D.C., Gaithersburg, Md. and South Norwalk, Conn.

After moving into the historical Creamery on Railroad Ave. in Cherry Valley in August of 1999, the See's have a "vision" for future renovations of the historic building. They plan to add residential rental suites for artists, workshop space, and a shop for customers to view Land and See Toys

The building will also contain a yoga studio and theater workshop, said Beth See, who received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from Ithaca College. She has taught theater arts at the Kirkland Art Center and yoga at the Clarks Sports Center.

Each boat they create is designed and built by Charlie See, with finishing help from his family.

After several trials, they found the best design and materials which allowed the boats to be sailable, said Beth See.

"I have to build things that work because my sons wouldn't want things that couldn't work," said Charlie See.

When displaying their toys at different craft fairs around the country, the See's actually bring a water table in which visitors can test the boats.

The See's have created several different models. Smaller boats are the cat boats, square sail boats and bath boats which range from 14 to 18 inches long and 10 to 18 inches high. There are several larger boats to choose from, including the pirate ship which is 32 inches long and stands 36 inches high.

The boats are made with cherry and are sealed with marine spar varnish, which is used on real sail boats, said Beth See.

Each boat includes a bar brass and a keel to give weight for balance. Sunbrella awning fabric, which is highly mildew resistant and fade resistant, is used for the sail.

The See's enlisted the help of Pat VanCauwenberge from Cooperstown Grand Slam Collectibles for the embroidery of names on the sail.

"Parents have actually denied their children the ability to put the boat in the water," said Beth See. She explained that the materials used in making the boats allow for wear and tear. "The boats will not change from what people see now," she said.

Charlie and Beth See also have other items such as a three or four bottle wine wreck and a Ship 'N Dip and Banquet Boat that each contain Dunnmoore Pottery bowls sealed with natural mineral oil and a pair of oars that act as food servers.

"It's all about putting the toys in their hands and watching their eyes light up," Charlie See explained.

After earning his degree from the Rhode Island School of Design and working as an architect and builder, in Clinton, N.Y. for the past 15 years, Charlie See realized he wanted a lifestyle change. He left the architectural business and began Land and See Toys.

The Land and See Toys workshop is located on 18 Railroad Ave. in Cherry Valley. They will be open every Saturday and Sunday through Christmas from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call Beth See at 264-3534.