Paul A. McClintock of Clinton won the highest award as a traditional artisan in this year’s Directory of Traditional American Crafts, and his work is showcased in the 2012 August issue of Early American Life magazine.

The experts selected the top craftspeople working with traditional tools and techniques for the magazine’s 27th annual Directory of Traditional American Crafts. McClintock’s handcraft showed mastery of the art form, heritage techniques and workmanship, according to the judges.

The Directory of Traditional American Crafts is a special listing that appears in the August 2012 issue of Early American Life, a national magazine focusing on architecture, decorative arts, period style and social history from colonial times through the mid-19th century.

The Directory has been used for nearly three decades by curators at living history museums, owners of traditional homes and motion picture producers to find artisans to make period-appropriate furnishings and accessories for displays, collections and use.

“The judges look for authentic design and workmanship, whether the piece is a faithful reproduction or the artisan’s interpretation of period style,” said Tess Rosch, publisher of Early American Life, in a press release. “Scholarship, as well as use of period tools and techniques, is particularly valued in this competition.”

The August 2012 issue of Early American Life, on newsstands June 19, lists all artisans selected for the Directory as well as contact information for those wanting to own their work.

The Directory layout features lush color photos of many of these artworks photographed at Renfrew Museum and Park in Waynesboro, Pa.

To learn more about Early American Life, for subscription information, or to purchase a copy, visit www.EarlyAmericanLife.com.