The Seguin Gazette-Enterprise from Seguin, Texas • Page 17

The Seguin Gazette-Enterprise Sunday, February 15, 1987 Page 1B IMAGE Local couple handcrafts mystical forms By IMMKKN HOW AIM) Kdilor If you store your car keys In a pyramid, you can cure a car that doesn't run. blades kept in a pyramid will give you 2(X) smooth shaves without a knick. Cats that sleep in a pyramid will become vegetarians, eating their way to better health Milk stored under a pyramid for weeks at a time will not curdle. Or so are the claims of believers What might lie described as basic coffee table adornments, pyramids are purchased by people for various reasons curiosity, cultural statements, decorating impact, belief in psychic phenomenon. Gene and Beth Cody of Seguin handcraft pyramids and other geometric forms in rare woods that sell in galleries and art fairs nation-wide, their creations arc available at Shanoah Gallery.

I.a Villita and Southwest Craft Center in San Antonio also display the Codys' wood works. In New York City, their pyramids, I boxes, dodecahedron boxes and obelisks are shown at the Carlin Gallery. Art Fair in the Greater Chicago area displays the Codys' treasures, too The Codys are regular participants at the Texas Rennaisance Fair, in Magnolia, north of Houston each fall Their display booth at the medieval is a large pyramid. What fascinates Gene Cody and precipitated his pyramid venture is the rare woods used to fashion the boxes. He was a cabinet maker by trade in his native Georgia and built items for airlines.

"We worked with exotic woods in the shop, and I loved them. I would save the scraps to make small boxes and started selling them at art shows. I found out you could make a living at it," Gene explained. "I was looking for an interesting small box-type item that would sell. Pyramids were it, because they are reputed to have powers," continued Gene.

After investing in power saws, sanders, lathes and other specialized woodworking equipment, the Codys entered the pyramid business full- time. That was ten years ago. Gene does the pattern-making, cutting and machining. Beth assembles, glues and sands the boxes She is also the sales force and business manager Theirs is a combination of talents that has been successful Xebra wood (a striated, mellow wood from Africa rosewood, lacewood (from Australia), ebony and even Bois de Arc. an American exotic, are showcased at their best in geometric forms like pyramids and obelisks The hedgeapple tree or Bois de Arc is native to the central plains of the United States.

It is also called osage orange, referring to the bright orange color of the wood and a connection to the Osage Indians who inhabited and still inhabit the central plains. The tribe made their bows and arrows of the supple, yet hard wood. Pattern, grain and color of each timber lend a unique quality to the creations. The Codys have expanded the original selections of pyramids and geometric boxes to include clocks built into architectual forms, earrings bearing i a hieroglyphics and obelisks all in exotic woods Beth said, "The geometric shape of a pyramid has the ability to draw Fashion show for brides is Feb. 25 Once again, couples taking that step towards wedded bliss will be treated to a bridal fair and style show by area businesses Wednesday, Feb.

23 at the Seguin-Guadalupe County Coliseum. The showing of fashions and sharing of ideas for the perfect wedding will start at 7 p.m.'and is sponsored by Gift and Gourment, Seguin Bridal and Formal, and Al's Formal Wear. Local models will present the lastest in wedding apparel from Seguin Bridal and Formal, and Al's Formal Wear. Door prizes will be awarded, too. Booths featuring items of interest to persons planning a wedding will line the coliseum walls affording the opportunity to see all in one location.

Greenery Station, Glenewinkel Photography, Precious Moments, Vordenbuam's Hallmark Gift Shop, Sandy's Hair Design, The Art and Craft Shop, Travel Vistas, Gift and Gourment, Hill's Jewlers, Handy Rents, Seguin Travel and others will be represented. Wedding parties, family members and anyone interested are invited to attend the informative event. JEFF KOEHLER OF GIFT AND GOURMET, one of the sponsors of the Bridal Fair and Style Show at the Seguin-Guadalupe County Coliseum Feb. 25 checks the script for the style show featuring gowns from Seguin Bridal and Formal and tuxedos from Al's Formal Wear. Gladys Roeckei, owner of Seguin Bridal, looks over Jeff's shoulder to make sure the description in the script matches the dress that Jamie Vaden, one of 20 models, will wear in the show.

(Staff photo). magnetic energy." She explained about her own experiences using a cardboard pyramid to cure a diseased plant. Visitors and customers at the Codys' art show booths always have tales of pyramid power to share. According to Beth, a lady dog trainer claimed that by putting her jewelry in a pyramid every night, she had avoided being bitten by any dogs. Other customers claim they have fixed problem cars by storing the keys to the car in a pyramid.

On a personal note, Beth said, "I put a fruit bowl full of bananas underneath a pyramid for two weeks and they stayed yellow. Within eight hours after I removed the bowl from the pyramid, the bananas turned black." The flier that the Codys hand out at art shows and gatherings, states that one side of the pyramid should be aligned with magnetic north to: increase the potency and improve the taste of herbs, teas and spices; sharpen razor blades; restore, dehydrate, preserve; draw energy and bring luck There is no scientific- basis for these powers, but there are believers In fact, in Italy, a milk company packages all its milk in pyramid-shaped containers. The company claims its milk will keep indefinitely without refrigeration. Pyramid power is the belief that occult energies emanate from the geometric form of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The energies can be utilized for beneficial purposes.

Throughout history, many cultures, including the Greeks and Romans, were fascinated by the precise measurements of the structure, its sheer magnitude and its air of mystery. At the turn of the century, a Frenchman named Bovis visited the Great Pyramid of Giza. He claimed that stray cats that had wandered into the stone burial tomb and died, did not decompose, but were mummified. Bovis speculated that the shape of the pyramid caused the reaction. On his return to France, Bovis claimed to reproduce the phenomenon in a miniature pyramid he built.

Fifty years later, a Czech, Karel Drbal, alleged he could keep razor blades sharp indefinitely in a similar structure. Supposedly, the Soviets have experimented with pyramid power as part of their psychic research programs. There were claims that a pyramid could preserve food, kill bacteria, encourage plant growth and enhance psychic powers. GENE CODY handcrafts pyramids of all sizes in his workshop at home along the banks of the Gudalupe River. In the background a stack of precisely measured, cut and beveled pieces await assembly, glue and sanding by wife Beth.

Theirs is a family venture. Locally their crafts are available at Shanoah Gallery, as well as in San Antonio, New York City and Chicago. (Staff photo). One theory is that the shape of the pryamid alters gravitational and magnetic fields above and below its vertex and acts as a resonator for microwaves. Although the Great Pyramid of Giza (the mathematical model for miniatures) is a precise mathematical puzzle that astounds modern scientists, there is no actual scientific proof to the claims of pyramid power.

It remains just a curious odditv. EARRINGS FASHIONED from Bois de Arc or osage orange wood, an American exotic timber native to the central plain states, bear hieroglyphics from ancient Eygpt. The Codys just recently have added the jewelry to their line of handcrafted items. (Staff photo). Enter teen contest If you are between the ages of 13 and 18, single, never have been married, you are eligible to participate in the Miss Coastal Bend Teen Pageant.

You need not live in the Coastal Bend in order to participate. Judging for the pageant consists of personal interview, swimwear, and evening gown. Talent is not required. Modeling experience is not necessary to enter, as Barbizon will be on hand to instruct the girls to model. The lucky girl chosen as Miss Coastal Bend Teen will be flown via American Airlines to compete this summer in the Miss Texas Teen Pageant.

She will also receive a modeling scholarship from Barbizon and a modeling portfolio from John Tedrowe Photography, along with a custom designed gown by Winifred. She will also receive an autographed Bon Jovi album. The contestant crowned "Most Photogenic" will receive a modeling scholarship from Barbizon and a modeling portfolio from John Tedrowe Photography. Every contestant who participates will receive a $200 modeling scholarship from Barbizon. Any girl registering in the pageant by Feb.

14 can participate in our Clothestime photo shoot. Pictures taken at this shoot will be published in our pageant program. The Miss Coastal Bend Teen Pageant will take place Sunday, March 1, at the Sheraton North Hotel. If you would like information about participating in our photo shoot and pageant, you can call Anna at 1-8575700. OBELISKS EXECUTED IN EXOTIC woods are another recent addition to the line Cody Woodworks of Seguin handcrafts.

The strong geometric shape is a favorite decorator item in home magazines, decorator showcases and designer shows. (Staff photo). Shelter holds a training session The Guadalupe County Women's Shelter Volunteers are holding a training session Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Seguin-Guadalupe County Public Library meeting room between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

A participant should bring a sack lunch. The Women's Shelter concerned men and women to donate their time and in many areas. Spend one day learning how you can help. Call Laura Grimsinger at 3712780 for pre-regutration and information..