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Meet our Artist
Meet this months Featured Artist
Q: Where are you from? (state, Country)
I live in the beautiful Oley Valley of Pennsylvania. Our entire township has the distinction of being the first township on the National Register of Historic Places.
Q:
What mediums do you use to sell? Retail stores? Consignment craft stores?
Craft shows? The Internet?
My designs have been sold at every level known to man. I have sold at the wholesale - retail - consignment levels as well as teaching throughout the United States. We have an internet presence via The Prim Pattern - The Pattern Cupboard - The Prim Pattern as well as our own website Oley Valley Primitives.
Q: What type of wares do you sell?
Currently Penny Rugs are my passion but I am known locally as "The Santa Lady of Oley" as I design and hand craft one-of-a-kind life-size Father Christmas figures as well as Dicken style Carolers - and seasonal characters including rabbits-witches and scarecrows.
Q: How long have you been crafting?
I developed a LOVE of crafting more than 50 years ago as a teenager.
Q: What has been your greatest success?
I have had many wonderful experiences but some that stand out are selling finished products to Walt Disney World and to Meredith Corporation for inclusion in their "Family Circle" magazine mail order craft kit craft program.
Q: What is your biggest challenge in making this
a viable business for you?
Having been in the "business" most of my adult life there are not many things that crop up that are very challenging lately. I have "been there-done that" and the experiences I have had have "seasoned" me for whatever crops up. I believe that the one challenge that would say I have currently is reaching as many buyers throughout the world that love penny rug patterns and fulfilling their needs.
Q: What are your dreams for your business?
My dream is to be able to continue "crafting" for as long as I can as I no idea what I would do if I was not able to. There is a thrill in making other folks happy with new designs and I thank the Lord for giving me the "gift" of creativity.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in
crafting?
Be patient - price your products fairly - remember that you can't please everyone all the time - and just be the "best" business person-crafter that you can be. Follow the "trends" and stay on top of them. You may have to change your current offerings to stay "in the game" so be flexible.
Q:
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a 64 year young lady who has been crafting since I was old enough to hold a scissor - thread a needle and wield a paint brush. I have had the pleasure of presenting my designs at the national level via HIA (Hobby Industries of America) - ACCI (Association of Creative Craft Industry and NSTDP (National Society of Decorative Painting) trade shows through out the years. I have experienced great joy seeing others complete my designs in the craft kit form. I previously employed 35 workers who manufactured my designs in kit and finished form. The products were sold national through craft and gift shops. I married the "love of my life" John in 1994. He wondered why I was working so hard and convinced me to take a break so I down sized the business and have been doing all the "fun things" lately such as designing and presenting my goodies locally and via the internet. I now have the ability to enjoy a "home life" - cook - design - craft and not travel as much. We have 3 great shelter dogs as well as 6 adopted kitties. I love to garden and am learning to cook "gourmet" foods that are super healthy.
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