American Made Makers: Rust & Wicks Candles

As the Christmas season rolls on there are so many makers out there, especially those making by hand here in America that deserve to be highlighted, celebrated, and cheered on. As we continue our Christmas season we are thrilled to showcase a few of our favorite American made makers!

Today we begin the week long series with Rust & Wicks, a candle company based in Northern California. Owner and founder Grace shares with us a bit more about her business, her inspiration, and her love of American made.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS: Rust & Wicks is a handcrafted Northern California scented soy Candle company inspired by slow cabin living and growing up in a small town in Mendocino County, Comptche. 

WHY CANDLES: I’ve always had a passion for candles, I can pinpoint when the passion started which was on a gold rush field trip in 4th grade where we did candle dipping. I begged my teacher to let me stay at that station and  she let me. I’ll never forget that and the women running the station. She was so sweet and genuinely loved candles and I just remember thinking it was the coolest job. 

WHY BE A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER: I am a small business owner because of many reasons but 1 being I started with 50 bucks and my stove. I’ve grown this candle company slowly and at my own pace. Slowly expanding and teaching myself all the aspects to running a small business. 

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST ASSET TO BEING A SMALL BUSINESS OWNER: I think you get a sense of community with your customers that box stores will never be able to do. I had a girl about 15 run to my booth once and she was almost in tears (of joy) and said my candles help her sleep at night. She was so sweet it was incredibly heart warming. I’ll never forget her and she is the reason we small businesses keep going. Sometimes it’s easy to feel like why am I doing this? And someone from your customer community says something like that and you snap out of it. 

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST DRAWBACK: Wearing alllllll the hats! Haha. 

WHAT DOES THE CHRISTMAS 2023 SEASON LOOK LIKE FOR THE BUSINESS: It is going to be back to back makers markets until Christmas. It’s a lot but so invigorating and fun to meet so many people that love handcrafted goods. Then it will be cozy on the couch with my two sons and husband. 

TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE GIVING AWAY FOR OUR 2023 CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY SERIES: I am giving away our Woodland Collection Candles in Orange Peel + Redwood 

This scent is my best seller and the same fragrance that sweet girl said helps her sleep.  

It says winter to me, it reminds me of a crisp winter day gathered outside making garlands and orange pomanders. It’s a blend of  that sweet smell when the cloves push into the orange and twisting evergreens  together to deck the halls. A memory I cherish deeply.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU: I am Inspired by the trees! I love Northern California and it’s Beauty. From the towering redwoods to the gorgeous Pacific Ocean, northern California has my heart. 

WHY SHOP SMALL: Because small businesses are what keep us thriving. They put back into our communities. They care about craftsmanship, quality and their consumer.

WHY SHOP AMERICAN MADE: It’s so important to shop American made. You’re not only keeping American based jobs thriving and growing, you’re increasing the demand. Which we all benefit from. You support more than just American workers, but their families, safe working conditions and child labor laws. 

TO SHOP & LEARN MORE CLICK HERE

Creating Halloween Memories: Johanna Parker

Few people can say they are as devoted to Halloween as Johanna Parker, of course it isn’t as difficult to fall in love with the holiday when it is also your birthday. Johanna Parker, the namesake of Johanna Parker Design has spent her life loving Halloween and collecting anything that represented the holiday for her. Now a folk artist, Johanna creates inspired and inspiring creations of papier mache reflecting all of the memories and joy that the season brings to her life.

How did you get started with Folk Art? How did you start creating folk art as a business? My mother lead the way along my path to creating folk art. In my early years, she was a weaver and textile artist, and I followed her to various art show exhibitions. Clearly, I was interested in art as well, and at the age of 12 she invited me to make my own goods and sell them at fairs by her side. I stitched pillows and samplers, painted blocks and gnarled branches and illustrated on paper bags just to name a few. These creative explorations helped me find my niche, and through the years I realized how much I enjoyed crafting and sharing my creations with others.

I started Johanna Parker Design at the tail end of a 6+ year career in TV news graphics. The high pace of news art direction left little time to nurture my creative side and whimsical imagination. So, on a whim, I decided it was time to fly and follow my passion for folk art as a new career. I began sculpting vintage-style Halloween characters, photographed my pieces and started submitting my work to show promoters and magazines.

Have you always been a designer and creator? Yes. Mom tells me that I was drawing people with five fingers at the age of 3. Fortunately, she nurtured my talents, and I was always creating art. I was that girl in elementary school that was constantly nominated by her classmates to paint the posters and visual aids for the team. And, somewhere, I have a dusty box of blue ribbons from childhood art contests from my school days.

How did you get started creating? I believe that my mother being an artist intrigued me as a child, and of course I too wanted to play along and be included. She supplied me with crayons, colored chalk, markers and paint, and family friends were always dropping off old dot matrix printer paper and other materials for me to draw on. I thoroughly enjoyed the artistic process, and the adults around me saw my potential and cultivated it.

Did you always want to create your own products as a business, or did it start as a passion on the side? I think the idea of creating my own products was always in the back of my mind, but when I graduated from the Art Institute of Colorado, I wanted to explore graphic design. I had visions of being a package designer, but soon jumped at the opportunity to design for TV news. However, I realized that design for TV was not tactile, and I missed working with my hands. To fill the void,I continued to make folk art for the holidays on the side.

How did you get started with papier mâché?

I must have been a teen when mom brought home a bag of papier mache mix for me to  experiment with. Together, we tried our hand at this medium, and it truly resonated with me. Even though my first attempts were extremely crude, I continued to work with it when time allowed and slowly refined my skills at sculpting.

What was your inspiration in creating the brand?

Years ago in art school, I was assigned the challenge to design a logo and letterhead for my own resume as a designer. I decided that “Johanna Parker Design” had a ring and would one day become a recognizable brand that could encompass many different things. A stylized pumpkin with stars, which has now evolved into a jolly jack-o’-lantern, is my logo because I was born on Halloween. Later, I would find that my business would morph into an all-year celebration of Halloween via the collectible holiday folk art characters I create.

How do you find inspiration for your designs, how do you create them?

I am inspired by swirling patterns, vintage hues, nature and the flowing lines and bold shapes of the Art Deco era. My one of a kind folk art characters are each hand sculpted in a multilayered process. My husband and business partner, JP d’Andrimont, fine tunes each piece with carving tools and abrasives. And lastly, I paint each piece with individuality, often adorning each with trims and illustrated hats.

Do you have a favorite?

They are all special to me and bitter sweet to let go of. The time that is poured into each piece shows my dedication to my craft, and honestly it’s difficult to choose a favorite.

Any new upcoming fall projects?

Well, I am currently creating my annual Halloween collection of originals which I will unveil at Denver’s Halloween Trunk Show & at Michigan’s Ghoultide Gathering. Collectors interested in seeing what’s new will just have to “haunt” me down.

When did you first fall in love with Halloween designs?

As a child, Halloween was extra special since it was the day I was born on. Mom would festoon the house in Halloween ephemera which always signaled my delight. When I was old enough to appreciate them, I started gravitating toward vintage Halloween novelties as mom and I loved to haunt the antique stores.

johannaparkerdesign.com

American Made: Mark Albert Boots

Our story with Mark Albert Boots is in FOLK’s Slow Living issue.

For Mark Barbera a love of well made boots has turned from a sketch and a dream into a full fledged business that hopes to keep a decades old Pennsylvania boot factory alive.

I’m the founder of Mark Albert Boots. It all started when I was a freshman in college in 2015. My style had began to mature beyond sneakers, which led me to the Chelsea boot – a popular, versatile boot for everyday wear. The problem was that I could not afford the likes of Common Projects but did not want to skimp on $90 H&M either. Upon further research, there was really no middle ground. I was home over Thanksgiving break when I had shown my Dad some sketches of Chelseas that I designed. He told me that I should take them to the “local factory” and see if they would make them. First, I had no clue that a local boot factory existed, and second, I was sure they would want nothing to do with a 19 year old and his ideas. 

Regardless, by my father’s insistence, I visited the factory with my sketches. Long story short, I was granted the opportunity to make this design a reality but I had to meet a nearly $13,000 minimum order. At the time, I was working landscaping in the summers and had about $550 to my name so I was a bit discouraged. After some thinking, I decided to pay my friend (and still my content creator to this day) about $300 to make a Kickstarter video. Kickstarter ended up really well and we sold just over $22,000 in 30 days. This gave me what I needed to get started. 

I became obsessed with the factory, its story, and its capabilities. This factory has roots in our town since 1948, and I was fascinated by the potential. Since then, I have shown my products at the most prominent wholesale tradeshows across the globe, from NYC to Florence, Italy. Today, we are a Direct-to-Consumer brand, selling the best product we’ve ever produced at the best prices through our website.

I think that its important to support the trades that still exist today in the US. It is easy for us to shop based on the best price, given that there are so many options from foreign manufacturers on the market. However, we rarely think about the repercussions of our fast-fashion culture today. Beyond the immense environmental damage caused by the disposable nature of products today, it is also the driving force that is crushing middle class America and further separating the rich from the poor. I firmly believe in buying far less, far better things. Also worth noting, just because something is “Made in USA” absolutely does not mean it’s the best. However, due to the competition from the global economy, those brands still manufacturing in the USA have found that quality is the only thing that will keep them in business, as the prices inevitably will be higher due to higher labor costs.

Our greatest strength is our experience. We can combine over
60 years of bootmaking heritage with modern sales and marketing strategies to completely revitalize this factory, or that was the plan, and its working already in a short year since the real implementation of our direct-to-consumer model.

Our greatest struggle is workforce. Sure, we need to update machines
to modernize the process a bit, but ultimately, workforce will make or break our factory. We have employees here who have worked here for over40+ years, following their mother before them. We have some excellent younger workers as well, but it’s a systemic problem these days to findyounger workers who both value the craft and also value hard-work. Lets face it, the younger generations are entitled. Its sad that everyone thinks they must go to college to be successful. Unfortunately, that has led to a swarm of kids who really would have been better off going to trade school or apprenticing at a business (like ours), who are now stuck swimming in debt. My goal is to really show younger workers

why they should invest their careers in this factory- we are not just
an assembly line. We are a group of incredibly hands-on, skilled craftspeople and our workers should be compensated as such.

I personally love supporting American-made because I’ve found that my clothes last longer, my food quality is higher and so and so forth. It’s been a challenge in the past to find, for example, t-shirts, that are Made in USA. But now, there is no excuse given social media, the internet, and amazing venues like Shop AF who promote American-made makers across the country. Some of my favorites (mostly clothing) are: 3Sixteen, Shockoe Atelier, Bradley Mountain, Jungmaven, Witness Co, Dehen 1920, and Ball and Buck.

Oh man, there are so many about the employees, but I will leave that
to the Meet the Makers section of my website. A super amazing story to me is the way that my family personally ties into this story of Mark Albert.
As I mentioned, the factory is here in Somerset, PA where I was born and raised, and where my family has been for almost three generations. I was in the factory one day, probably 8 months or so after I started working with them, when I was approached by Bill, a partially-retired mechanic and guru of all things mechanical in our factory. He says, “Joe Barbera was a great man,” and I’m thinking “Who the hell is Joe Barbera? My uncle?” then it hits me, he is referringto my Nonno (great-grandfather).
My Nonno was an immigrant from Sicily who was a master shoemaker and cobbler here in Somerset after settling coming to the States. Bill continues to say “Joe used to come into the old factory when we were first getting started and talk shop, give advice and answer any questions about shoemaking that we had.” I was shocked because I had never even met my Nonno, he had passed before I was born, but here I was, standing in a factory where my family heritage has come full circle. It was a surreal moment.

The business has come so far since the beginning. I was honestly just
a nuisance to the factory when I started, sort of that young kid who gets in the way. Now, after taking Mark Albert Direct-to-Consumer, we have seen 246% growth in one year. Our line is exciting, we are growing a strong social media following, and we are building profitable boots

for the absolute best value that the consumer can find out there. The best part is that its been authentic from the beginning, no smoke and mirrors, just following a passion and working with the fine folks who have given me the opportunity since the day I first walked in the door.

I am planning on acquiring the factory this year. Its been a two year process, but it seems like we are finally approaching an agreement.
It has been incredibly tolling, but I am so excited to carry on the torch and hopefully evolve this business in ways we have not yet imagined. We have so many opportunities on the horizon.

In owning the factory, its no longer just about Mark Albert. We have 50 employees and we make thousands of pairs of boots a year for Mark Albert, our work boot line, Silverado, and our other brands. We hope to expand the reach of Made in USA footwear by private labeling for several large retail partners and brands. Lots of uphill climbing to do, but I am so excited to be on this journey.

Curiosity in Every Gaze — Laurie Meseroll

Occasionally, you meet people who see the world through fresh eyes. People who carry curiosity in every gaze. People who are never satisfied with one simple answer. (These aren't the nosey neighbors who stare your direction from across the street in efforts to evaluate the kind of person you are based on your landscaping.)

Artists like Laurie Meseroll look at the world with a whimsical curiosity. She sports her curiosity like a clothing accessory. Laurie is a nomad by nature, but is based along the banks of the Red Cedar River, where foxes and deer stroll through her yard leisurely. She stressed the importance of taking your own path, and shared her story with us. 

Tell us about yourself, what were you like growing up?

“I was just a boring little white girl from the Midwest — I’ve lived on a body of water of some sort almost my entire life and spent endless hours of my childhood hiking and exploring, drawing and dreaming. My parents must’ve recognized something in me because I always had a studio or room to create."

When did you start creating? What was the first thing you created?

“Painting was my first language. I honestly don’t remember ever NOT creating —when I was 3 years old one of my paintings was displayed at The Columbus Museum of Art. It was an angel that looks strikingly like my current paintings. Painting provided a means to develop my strong sense of self. My mother still says I never stopped asking questions —‘why?’ was my first word. I’ve always been interested in how and  what people think—and why. She taught me not only how to draw and paint people but also to construct images so I could tell stories about what my people were doing. These were clearly the beginning of my love affair with narrative painting and most importantly I learned how to communicate the meaningful people, places and events in my life."

“I’ve been passionate about my work since I was very young. I never really considered studying anything other than the arts and psychology. My parents were quite keen on my paintings she drawings but held off on the Play Doh so of course my major area of interest was architectural Ceramics. I started in Architecture at Kansas State and finished a BFA from Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY with a major in Studio Art (ceramics emphasis) and minors in Art History and Psychology. My masters is in Architecture from Cranbrook Academy of Arts in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Ceramics is very process-driven so I naturally work on my paintings very much like a would build and fire a series of tiles. I’m very methodical and organized even though it may not be outwardly apparent."

When, where, and how did you learn how to do what you create?

“My mother taught me to draw and set me free with paints. I don’t think I’ve ever actually taken a painting class so I always preface my advice by noting I’m probably not doing anything the right way but it works and it’s fun and I like it.”

What role does creating play in your personal life now?

"My personal life? Everything is about creating, isn’t it?The emotional, physical and spiritual energy of Painting is quieting, calming and meditative. The development of painting skills is complementary to my understanding of the world in general. It’s my primary mode of communication with others outside of my home so I do try to understand what it is I’m saying.  I am painting identities, events, intimate relationships from a perspective that may have been traditionally marginalized. While my images may seem at times to be merely entertaining there is generally a great deal of consideration concerning subjects like particular morals and customs, for example. I’m interested in the way people create meaning in their lives."

What are some of the steps in your creative process?

I work on multiple paintings at once so when I start a new batch I absolutely MUST have the studio space clean and orderly... then it’s a whirlwind of activity and everything goes to hell. Eventually I emerge from the mess with several pieces that are ready to leave the studio and go through my finishing process.

What is your favorite item in your studio?

“Hands down, my general’s carbon sketch pencils are my favorite tools. Two pairs of scissors given to me by my daughter and one from a best friend are always with me and used in almost everything I paint. A vase filled with old paintbrushes from an artist’s estate sale in Woodstock are usually close to me as I paint. I don’t use them but the memory of finding a long-lost friend at that sale makes the vase of brushes more beautiful than a bouquet of roses.”

What's the biggest challenge you face during the creative process?

“Sometimes it’s a challenge to sleep..I don’t have insomnia, I mean sometimes it’s just so interesting I don’t want to stop. It’s like reading a book—I can’t wait to see what’s going to happen next as I paint. I tend to hyper-focus, which is a blessing as much as a curse I suppose. Five children could be somewhat of a distraction at times but thanks to my wonderful ability I easily became completely absorbed in my work. My daughter Tatiana refers to this as my “hey mom the house is burning down syndrome”  

What's been your biggest accomplishment?

“I’m still waiting to see what happens next. Anytime I am successful in my attempt to communicate meaning and emotion to an individual give myself a mental high-five. Meeting the people who enjoy or appreciate my work is endlessly fulfilling to me. I can see in their eyes when they look at a painting and relate to it in some way that activates it —the painting is no longer a passive object if in someone’s mind it becomes relived in the present. That’s what it’s all about. I want nothing more in life than to keep that line of communication going.”

Laurie’s work is available through HERE & Earth Angels Studios

A New Era of Quilting: A Conversation with @farmandfolk

I adore the work of Farm & Folk. They have brought quilt making into the new century in the most beautiful and timeless ways. Familiar classic time honored designs with a fresh feel. I wanted to learn more about Sara, the owner, and her story. | This story originally ran in FOLK’s Tourist Welcome issue.

I’M SARA BUSCAGLIA OF FARM & FOLK AND ANCIENT FUTURE FARM. I’m an organic farmer and textile artist. I work with natural dyes derived from plants and minerals and apply them to organic cotton and linen fabrics, then use the fabrics to make heirloom quality hand-stitched quilts. My family grows a lot of the food that we eat and we’re always striving to be more self-sustainable in that way.

I first became a maker when my first son was born and I took time off from farming to care for him. I found myself a little lonely and needing something to do, so my friend convinced me to buy a sewing machine and a few patterns. That’s how I learned to sew and suddenly I was making my son little clothes and then making myself clothes. Sewing eventually led to knitting and when we bought our farm we got a flock of sheep, which led to me learning how to spin wool into yarn, which led to natural dyeing, and so on.  I think making is like that. Once you make something, the maker’s mindset is instilled in you. You think outside the box of buying something already made and learn how to make it yourself.

Quilt making came to me totally out of the blue about eight years ago. I had been sewing garments for my kids since they were born and had a scrap basket that was overflowing with all the remnants left over from those garments. I was going to send the scraps to the thrift store but had a sudden urge to attempt to turn them into a quilt. That first quilt was a simple patchwork-square quilt, and it came together much more easily than I expected it to. In my head, quilting was something that was very difficult, but it turned out to be a very fun and inspiring kind of challenge, and suddenly I was a quilt maker. That discovery of quilt making was so fulfilling to me because I was able to turn my passion for sewing into an art. Cutting up fabrics and creating expressive shapes that in turn became functional pieces of art felt and still feels radical.

To me, a quilt is a preservation of the maker’s love in the form of fibers and stitches. The colors and patterns that the maker chooses tell a unique and personal story. A quilt can be like an autobiography in that way. My mom has a Cathedral Window quilt that my great grandma made, and it’s a true expression of who my great grandmother was - the bright colors she used on a white background, and her perfect hand stitches. I have quite a few quilts that my grandma made which I was lucky to inherit, and they too are very much an expression of her personality. The brown and white solid and calico fabrics and the perfect tiny hand stitches tell her story and reflect who she was. My mom makes quilts that tell her story, and now I make quilts that tell mine. My choice to naturally dye fabrics, the style that I use to cut the fabrics up and sew them back together, and my imperfect hand stitches are an expression of who I am and my values.

During my journey as a quilt maker, I’ve learned so much about the history of quilts. For example, in 1856, an 18-year-old man named William Perkins was experimenting with synthesizing quinine, an anti-malarial drug. In an experiment with aniline he obtained a black precipitate, which he then extracted in alcohol to create a purple color, which he discovered was an amazing light- and wash-fast dye on silk. He patented his discovery in 1856.  This was the birth of synthetic dyes, which very quickly extinguished the natural dye industry because synthetic dyes were very cheap to produce and easy to apply. So all dyed fabrics and textiles, including quilts of course, were naturally dyed until 1856 when synthetic colors took over.

I believe that once you find your passion as a maker it’s all about commitment to your craft. It has taken me years to become confident in my work with natural dyes and the colors I create, and in my stitches and seams. Putting in the time and research and energy to improve my skill set, to dig deeper, and constantly evolve, is what keeps me going. It took me seven years to learn how to achieve a beautiful strong red on cotton fabric with madder root. These big achievements and the many, many small ones along the way are what keep me going and growing.

At this point I think my biggest success so far was in finding the confidence to launch my website. To put my work out there and begin selling it. That was such a giant leap. I wasn’t sure if anyone would be interested in my quilts, and when they began selling it was such an amazing feeling. It really helped me to have confidence in my work and to make more and to evolve and expand and improve.

Of course, along with successes come failures, but I don’t let the failures get me down. Most disappointing to me was perhaps the experience of failing at making a strong red dye for seven years. Projects that don’t work out after spending hours and hours of working on them can be very frustrating, but failures are so necessary! If I fail at something I get kind of obsessed with figuring out how to succeed. Failure is probably my biggest driving force.

To me, “slow living” means intentional living. You plant the seeds and take care of the plants, weed the garden. You are committed to that work. Harvest is the long-anticipated reward. It’s the polar opposite of buying something on the internet and having it arrive on your doorstep two days later. It’s building a fire on the hearth in winter from the wood you chopped on a hot summer day. It’s canning peaches from the peach tree you planted 15 years ago. It’s the selfless act of planting trees and caring for them and watching them grow slowly with the understanding that those trees will benefit generations of stewards that will come after you.

The biggest part of my way of slow living is planting my garden of food and dye plants. I also plant trees – they are the epitome of slow living! I raise chicks every spring and witness ducklings hatch. I bring in the harvest and fill the larder every fall with the food we grew in the summer. I tend the fire all winter and sew quilts made from fabrics I dyed with plants, and I hand stitch them. And then I do it all again when spring comes back around.

There’s a huge disconnect in modern society. Most people have never thought about where certain things come from. Folks go to the mall and buy a bunch of clothes but don’t really think about what they’re even buying or who made it or how it got to the store. Once I began making things it helped me to connect a lot of those dots. I began thinking about the work that goes into making a dress, for example, and where the fabric came from and how it was dyed and what kind of pollution those processes may have caused, and the people who worked in the factories and what they were exposed to. I don’t necessarily try to inspire people to think about these specific types of concepts but I think that when people see me making a quilt from scratch for instance, and they see all the work and love that goes into creating the colors, it really helps to encourage them to think about ways of slow living. I think when people see other people living slow lifestyles it helps to connect the dots of, for example, where food comes from and all the work and love and commitment it takes to produce it. It’s really easy to be unaware of these things because of all the distractions out there. Ads telling us to buy this and that. It’s not like you hear anything about food production on the nightly news or see garment factories and all the egregiously bad conditions that commercial agriculture workers and textile producers face. There’s plenty of information out there about it but you have to actually look for it, which is difficult when there are so many things distracting us.

I love the saying “do what you can with what you have.” I think that’s a great piece of life advice. Also, knowing that it’s the little things that can collectively turn into really big things. I think the most difficult part in life is making a decision about what you want to do. Once you make the decision, you find a way to make your plan happen and you get there one small step at a time.

I never really thought “I want to be a farmer,” it just happened, and I have never regretted it. I quit college two years in because it was time to choose my major. My advisor kept handing me this printed-out list of majors and told me it was time to pick one, and that I could always change my mind if it didn’t work out. There was nothing on that list that felt right for me and I felt like it would be a big waste of time and money to blindly choose a career. I quit school with the intention of taking a year off to figure out what I wanted to do. I met my husband a few weeks later and we eventually planted a garden which kept expanding and turned into a small farm. We got a booth at the farmers market and that’s how I found my career. It felt right so I kept at it. I figured it out by process of elimination and some good luck, hard work and dedication. I hope to never lose my inspiration because that’s my driving force. To make mistakes and learn from them as a person, as a farmer and as a business. To constantly evolve in all aspects.

Farming has taught me everything. It has been my biggest influence. When I’m out in the field pulling weeds or hoeing and I hear the birds above me, the insects buzzing, I think about the worlds of microbes and mycelial networks at my feet. It’s a serious vibe. It’s a connection to nature and to the food I grow that I cannot describe in words. It’s something you have to experience to understand. I can pause to watch an ant colony in action and gain a better understanding of the world through the ants. When I see the generations of crops sprouting every spring and returning to the earth every fall it reminds me that I am only here for a short time, that I too am part of that infinite life and death earth cycle.

Autumn is the smells of coffee, green chile, and hashbrowns in the morning kitchen. The golden light and crisp air. We harvest our potato crop in October and that always feels like a holiday. We have potato soup for dinner every potato harvest day. We harvest the pumpkins and dry beans and dry corn and store it away in the cellar. We light the fire again and give thanks for this good life.

Christmas at Home with Johanna Parker

A sweet tradition of opening our home and offering eye candy delights for the gift-giving season will see it’s 10th year this December! As such, a Colorado Christmas would not be complete without a visit to our annual Holiday Folk Art Show & Open House! Folk Artist, Johanna Parker (that’s me) and my husband JP d’Andrimont transform our 1939 cottage home into a cozy holiday shop each year. After weeks of shuffling furniture, decking the halls and walls and arranging my holiday collectibles, we are ready to open and share the spirit with friends!

Snow often blankets the ground and frosted flurries fall, creating a nostalgic winter wonderland for guests. Vintage Swing-style holiday tunes fill the house as collectors frolic in to see the latest curios I have created for the season. One of a kind snowmen, Santas, wintery owls, cats, mice and such traipse across the mantel and dangle from feather trees. These hand-crafted papier mache delights serve to both spread smiles and often can hold sweets. Guests arrive early from both near and far in hopes to acquire a one of kind character or more. Alongside originals, I also offer a fun medley of my licensed designs. Signed figurines, ornaments and illustrated notepads create a well-rounded blend of wares. Lights twinkle, candles flicker and the sweet scent of spice and hot cider fills the house. The mood is magical, and guests meander from room to room collecting special treasures along the way to give as gifts and to keep.

The festivities take place on the first weekend of December just outside of Denver in Lakewood, Colorado. Like last year, the exterior of our home is still undergoing an authentic facelift. A cozy vestibule addition is in the works and visions of an arched entry are slowly taking shape. Craftsman of many trades, JP has undertaken this enduring task to revitalize our old home. As we are both artists, the attention to detail and the desire to make custom each and every aspect can be a process indeed! While the visions of a storybook cottage unfold outdoors, the inside is certainly warm, whimsical, cozy and very inviting!

Folks interested in attending this year need only to join my Mailing List for the official invitation. Please visit my website johannaparkerdesign.com for more information on my schedule page.

Stories Within Squares- Vintage Giggles

STORIES WITHIN SQUARES

QUILT MAKER VINTAGE GIGGLES

“We make quilts, but we also write the stories of people’s lives within those squares.” Located down in Miami, Florida, Rebecca Lambert shares the heart behind Vintage Giggles and what being a maker means to her.

What is your business? We make quilts from personal items that carry a lot of significance to people.  Basically, people call on us when they want to clear out storage bins of unused, but significant pieces of clothing or linens.  Instead of taking up space in the attic, unseen, their items that hold memories can now be seen and used everyday.  Most commonly, we work with collections of outgrown children's clothes, an eclectic collection of t shirts, select items from a loved one's wardrobe who has passed away, a combination of items from multi-generations of family members, wedding party attire, and even grandma's crocheted doilies.  You name it, we quilt it.   

Did you come from the corporate world? Were you always a maker? My background is education.  My degree is in elementary education.  I taught fourth grade for two years before handing in my resignation and looking for ways outside the walls to teach and inspire people.

Tell us about your process to becoming a maker. It started with my mother always telling me that a man should have a toolbox and a woman should have a sewing machine.  I never understood.  I could buy anything I needed, so why should I make it?  Until one day, when I needed a gift and no store had what I had in mind.  So, because my mom won the battle of me owning a sewing machine, I was able to make that gift. Not knowing how to sew, I literally lost sleep trying to figure out how to sew squares together, maneuvering around corners and how to put an edge on a finished quilt. What way did I need to fold the fabric?  How did I need to cut the pieces?  How do I cut fabric? I needed to figure it out myself.  My own stubbornness held me from learning in conventional ways.  I didn't want to be told how to do it, I just had to try. And it was so much fun, that I made a lot of things for that gift.  And I am still making those things that I gave as a gift that day. 

Why are you still a maker? I am still a maker because of the happiness it makes people feel when they receive what I make. To give someone a tangible way to hold memories in their hands is something that I will never tire of making.  

Is this your main job? Yes, second only to raising our family of six kids.  

Tell us about your creative process and the evolution of that process as you've perfect your craft and as you've grown as a business. Listening is the biggest part of our creative process.  Reading people's handwritten stories pinned to articles of clothing that hold their memories, hearing the trembling in a voice on the phone telling us they don't know how many more days their loved one will have to live, reading descriptions of siblings' bubbly and artistic personalities, holding the fabrics that memories were made in is where it all starts for us.  We make quilts, but we also write the stories of people's lives within those squares.  And so, we don't operate under strict rules.  Rather, we let what is important to each customer lead us.  

What inspires you? Colors and stories.  Colors inspire us as if each one carries it's own frequency, creating visual melodies and harmonies when they are combined.  And stories of families, generations and heritages sit cozy in our hearts, surfacing as squares of colors that become a quilt.

Who inspires you? Anyone with a story to share stirs our hearts. Nostalgic stories about traditions laid forth by grandparents, love stories that celebrate the little things, stories of loss and the seemingly insatiable heartache it leaves, sporty stories of athletic achievements, childhood stories of our own fast growing children, or stories of our childhood, as told by the worn thin knees of a bell bottom pair of corduroys and a matching peter pan collared polyester knit striped shirt. It all matters.

Who are your role models? Our role models are people who have not missed the opportunity to take a chance.  To see a person with a passion so big that they take a leap and put it into action, not knowing if it will work or not, will always be the people we look up to.  

Who has been your biggest champion as you've progressed as being a maker? My family.  My husband's continued encouragement and belief in this little company that I started has carried me through times in which I didn't know if I had what it took to make it through.  He leads me when I get stuck, and helps me handle it when the workload is high, easing my fears and building my determination. And my kids.  They see me working when the first wake, and they know that after tucking them in bed at night, I will probably go to my studio to finish the day's work.  They look at and point out their favorite squares as the quilts come together.  They know that they can do hard things because they see me pushing through, when it would be easier to give up.  And to be able to teach them that, by example, makes them champions.

How have you grown your business? Social media has been the biggest community in which my company has grown.  The platform it gives to share pictures and stories is such a beautiful way to show what we do.  Word of mouth and charitable offerings have also increased awareness of what we do.  And from a phone call to a dear friend of mind that started out something like, "you won't believe it, but I started a company!", she has believed in what we do, owns one of the first quilts we made and has shared our work on her social media platform, and organically becoming one of the biggest influencers and advocates for my company.

How have you perfected what you make? Time and practice.  Over time, our methods have become more streamlined, and through practice, we are able to take on challenges with the confidence that what we make is quality and has the durability to last for generations to come. 

Has this growth been easy? Easy, hell no.  Because it has required a lot of patience.  Patience when poor decisions have been made. Patience to perfect our sewing.  Patience to learn how to operate the machinery.  Patience for sales to be made.  Patience for people to like our product and believe in what we do.  Patience when life happens and time does not allow for the focus that the business needed.  Patience to find a like minded team who doesn't just sew, but works from the heart.  But, the one saving grace is that from the beginning, we allowed the company's growth to happen in it's own time, in God's time.  And so, the patience has been hard, but never stressful.  

What advice would you give based on your own experience? Slow and steady wins.  A shotgun start with record growth will tire soon.  Pumping funds into the hopes of a successful business may leave pockets empty.  Take baby steps. Small, but steady. Put love into what you do. And the results will speak for themselves.  

What are your goals as a business? Our biggest goal is to keep doing what we are doing, keeping the same attention to detail and methods of making as we continue to grow.  We will always be a team of makers that laugh and cry together as we create each quilt.  We will always put our hearts into what we do.

What does the future hold for you? We will always continue to create huggable memories through our heritage quilts. We also make a line of hooded towels with the same attention to detail as our quilts are made. In addition to that, who knows....we are always up for a challenge!

Give us three tips you've learned as a maker that can be applied to everyday life. When you come to a bump in the road, use it as an opportunity to increase your capability.  Always think positive by putting your mind on the results you are aspiring to achieve.  Gratitude keeps your success in check and ensures that your drive is coming from the heart.

How do you find the divide between work and personal? That's a million dollar question for me.  With four of the six kids at home with me, (now all day since the quarantine), a lot of my in home studio work is done in small segments of time when I see the opportunity.  It has taken me literally years to be able to do my work and be present for their needs as well.  But, on top of those stolen moments, it helps to keep to more of a rhythm than a schedule.  It's a rhythm where I know what parts of the day I can dedicate to each, but not so much of a rigid schedule, so that bumps and changes can be accommodated for more easily.  Being able to flow with the moment is key. 

Why should we support and buy maker and American made? Buying something from a maker gives you an item that is not as easy to come by, and it gives a maker the opportunity to keep creating something that is otherwise not available in mass.  And in today's world of tension and confusion, purchasing from a fellow American is a way to give a pat on the back to our struggling nation in hopes that the roots that made us will stay strong.

How do you ensure quality of your brand and your products? We have refined our methods to the point of confidence in our work.  Everything is looked over closely and pre-washed to ensure stability to be washed and used often!  

Is flannel always in season? Flannel is most definitely always in season.  Even in Florida.  In fact, anyone ever seen a good flamingo flannel?  Asking for a friend.  

How do you live authentically? Focus on what is important to you and not what the world says is important.  Let your inner passions and talents lead you, being mindful as to what influences your work.  

You can find Vintage Giggles products for purchase on their website or follow their work on Instagram. For custom requests contact threads@vintagegiggles.com.

You're Invited! A Kentucky Handmade Weekend

A KENTUCKY HANDMADE WEEKEND

A  weekend long popup shop of American & Locally made goods, vintage finds, & folk art along with a series of workshops, demos, & classes.

A one hundred and twenty one year old farmhouse sits back off the one lane rural route road. Wildflowers, crops, and butterflies line the lane. Two decades old maple trees cast shadows and shade over the white farmhouse as time worn wooden swings welcome you to come and sit a spell. Memories of the past, of farm life, and of life outside a small town of three hundred dance and swirl all around. Heirloom quilts on the line, a garden back behind, and apples ripening in the orchard just beyond tell timeless stories. Life is simple and slow here. Life is sweet here, just like the ever present iced tea. We welcome you into our world, we invite you to in, we hope it feels like home.

This summer we start a new tradition at the farm…A Kentucky Handmade Weekend. A weekend where we celebrate hand made, maker made, locally made, and American made. We invite you to join us for a weekend of classes and workshops taught by expert instructors on topics ranging from quilting to basket making, illustration, and pottery. We invite you to join us for our popup shop of hand made goods, art, and vintage finds. We invite you to come and relax and watch the corn and beans grow. We’ll provide endless lemonade and sweet tea. 

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SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

FRIDAY

POPUP SHOP 10-5

Browse our tent filled with handmade, locally made, and American made goods, along with a mixture of fine antiques and vintage goods.

INTRO TO HAND LETTERING 2-4

Terri Minton will lead this workshop that  takes you through the skills and exercises needed to master hand-lettering. $30

SATURDAY

POPUP SHOP 9-4

FLORA & FOLIAGE POTTERY WORKSHOP 9-11

Claudia Overstreet guides this pottery workshop. Students will be creating plates with impressions of foliage. $30

LEATHER BOUND JOURNAL WORKSHOP 11:15-1:45

Riley Minton will guide students through the art of journal making and binding. $35

FARMHOUSE JELLY BASKET WORKSHOP 11-2

Janice Tomblinson leads this beginner basket making workshop. Create a simple and easy to master basket that is farmers market ready. $35 

GOURMET SACK LUNCHES

Available throughout the day. A perfect quick lunch between classes. A delicious homemade "sack lunch" of a sandwich, fruit cup, drink, and dessert will be available for $7. Gluten free and vegan options will be available. Must reserve before event.

SUNDAY

POPUP SHOP: 9-4

BASKET MAKING 9-11:30 (SECOND OFFERING)

FLORA & FOLIAGE POTTERY WORKSHOP 11-1 (SECOND OFFERING)

HOLLY HOBBIE OPEN HOUSE 11-1

The national Holly Hobbie convention is the same weekend in Beaver Dam. During this time we welcome attendees for a light lunch and conversations on the lawn of the farmhouse. 

BLYTHE MEET UP & PLAY DATE

Earth Angels Studios owner Jen O'Connor hosts this light and festive Blythe meet up. Bring your Blythe and a spirit of whimsy. 

A HOLLY HOBBIE & HEXY QUILT PINKEEP 1-3

Guest educator Christie Jones Ray will lead this workshop that celebrates Holly Hobbie. $30

LEMONADE WITH LETTY 3-4 

The weekend draws to a close with a toast to 2021 and fresh lemonade with bear maker and soft sculpture artist Letty Worley.

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WORKSHOP INFORMATION

WEEKEND HOSTED BY OHIO COUNTY ARTISTS GUILD & EARTH ANGELS STUDIOS

INTRODUCTION TO HAND LETTERING

Have you seen all the brush calligraphy around and want to try it for yourself? In this two hour workshop Terri Minton will teach you the basics of this creative hobby. 

$30 workshop fee includes: 2 hours instruction learning basic strokes, letters, forming words and how to practice your new hobby. Your own brush pen by Tombow USA and sample of the papers best used for practice. Printed practice worksheets written by Terri to help you continue to improve.

FLORA & FOLIAGE POTTERY WORKSHOP

$30. Students can make either one large plate or two small ones, by pressing leaves and other foliage into the clay and draping the clay over molds.  Both round and square plate molds will be provided.  Leaves, stamps, and foliage will be provided but you may bring your own from your home or garden to make your piece more personal to you. 

The pieces will be left to dry, and Claudia will add colored pigment to the texture and a clear glaze over top then fire them in her kiln. Pickup will be arranged approximately one month after the date of the class.  All completed pieces are dishwasher, microwave, and oven safe.

LEATHER BOUND JOURNAL WORKSHOP

There is nothing more timeless than a leather bound journal. Whether it be details of a long awaited trip or your grandmother's secret recipes, a journal can hold all your favorite memories. What would be more special than making it yourself, a treasure to pass down to the next generations 

In this 3 hour class Riley Minton will show you how to bind your own journal and make a leather wrap around cover and tie. All materials and instruction are included in the $35 class fee. You will leave with a beautiful hand-bound leather journal to keep for yourself or present as a thoughtful gift.

FARMHOUSE JELLY BASKET WORKSHOP

Make your own rustic Farmhouse Jelly Basket and then tuck two of your favorite flavors into it. A generous 8 1/2” long, 5” wide and 9” high. Features a double wire and wood handle. Can also serve as a great basket to keep your cell phone and keys corralled. This is a beginner basket class - suitable even those who have not previously made a basket. Class fee includes pattern, all materials to make this basket and class instruction. Some “tools” will be provided for use in class. Students should bring an apron or old T-shirt,  and an old towel or hand towel. Class cost - $35.00

HEXIES & HOLLY HOBBIE WORKSHOP

Hosted by Author, Illustrator & Toymaker Christie Jones Ray. Won’t you join us as we take a little trip down memory lane...back to the calicos and ginghams of the 70’s...Inspired by Holly Hobbie’s patchwork frocks, we will be hand-stitching a small cushion of vintage muslin, calicos, and ginghams, embellished with an EPP flower, stuffed with fragrant lavender buds and natural cotton, with the finishing touch ...a tiny vintage shell button. 

You decide if your cushion will be safekeeping for pins and needles...a sachet...or a pillow perfect for your dolly’s bed. If you are new to the world of English Paper Piecing, Christie will be offering tips and tricks, in hopes that you’ll fall in love with this traditional craft that has a fresh appreciation among many.

All materials and keepsake notions provided. Basic sewing skills needed. Please bring your favorite pair of scissors for cutting fabrics. $30 

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WEEKEND HOSTS

The Ohio County Artist Guild was created a decade ago as a community of local makers, artists, and creatives that desired to promote and celebrate the arts within rural Ohio County, Kentucky. Today The Guild hosts a variety of workshops and pop up shops each year throughout the county. The Guild is incredibly proud to sponsor an annual arts based scholarship each year to a student at Ohio County High School. 

Earth Angels Studios is a well-recognized source for contemporary folk art and a trendsetter in the handmade industry with an on-line gallery and a calendar of appearances across the US and Europe. Owner and Founder Jen O’Connor also works as a consultant, providing business development services and coaching artful entrepreneurs. Jen writes "I live a handmade life.  In 2000, I left behind a career organizing urban markets in my hometown of New York City to cultivate my own business managing a talented group of female artists and selling their creations as I raised my kids in Orange County, New York.

LOCATION The weekend’s events are located at the Walton Creek Inn an airbnb and centuries old homestead outside of Centertown, Kentucky. Starting in August 2020 the home will be available for short-term and long term Airbnb rentals. 321 Chandle Loop, Centertown, KY 42320

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321 CHANDLE LOOP, CENTERTOWN, KENTUCKY

OHIO COUNTY ARTIST GUILD & EARTH ANGELS STUDIOS

to register: earthangelsstudios.com

Beautiful, Timeless, and Well Made — A Conversation with Fount

This conversation with FOUNT co-founder Jackie Wachter originally ran in Where Women Create

JACKIE WACHTER and her husband Phillip, are the creators and owners of FOUNT Leather of Cleveland, Ohio. FOUNT produces an ethically-produced high-quality line of leather goods, which has allowed them to support and enrich their local community. When Jackie and Phillip are not in their studio, they are taking care of their two beautiful kids and managing their two retail locations.

I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, and according to my mother, I was a creative person straight out of the womb. My family fostered my creativity. I have my grandmother to thank for teaching me to sew when I was seven or eight- years-old—she was a very special person in my life. When I was younger, I used to daydream about potential craft projects at school. Often, I would get off my school bus with a list of supplies and have my mom take me straight to JoAnn Fabrics.

In 7th grade, I started my first business out of my locker. I loved to make macramé hemp jewelry, and my friends started to ask for their own. Soon, the girls from my classes were coming to me with requests for their own brace- lets. By demand, I would talk to my clients, sketch designs, and then go home to create their jewelry. I sold the bracelets for $12 each and was selling several a week. Unfortunately, my venture garnered the attention of the faculty, and after about a year of business and a trip to the principal’s office, I had to close up shop.

LOOKING BACK, I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SOMEONE WHO LOVES TO WORK WITH MY HANDS.

After high school, I attended the Virginia Marti College of Art & Design and pursued a degree in fashion. While there, I was allowed to hone the skills taught to me by my family and channel them into something I was very passionate about. This was still many years though before I met my husband, Phillip, and we started FOUNT together. After college, I moved to New York for a while, but I found myself missing something. I was very lonely there, and I craved the Midwest charm I’d always known. I was seeking purpose, and after a six-month activist trip to Africa became passionate about becoming involved with my community and supporting local and ethical work. This experience allowed me to get a better view into what I could eventually create through my craft and passion.

A few years ago, all of the stars seemed to align. I met my husband, Phillip, and he became someone who inspired and motivated me daily to be creative. He is also someone who enjoys crafting with his own hands, and like me, had his own schoolyard business (selling homemade beanie babies). In our first year of dating, we decided that we would make all of our gifts for each other. Phillip made me a pair of wool mittens using a vintage Pendleton coat, as well as a cutting board. I made for him a wool pencil case, laptop sleeve, and journal. After looking at our gifts, Phillip suggested that the sewn goods could be beautifully made out of leather, and I agreed. We sought out leather and found a local cobbler that sold scraps from his hides of leather. We bought our first leather, and the sweet older couple taught us about some of the hand tools and techniques we should use.

Our first product trials were a leather wallet and lucky penny pouch. Phillip and I quickly fell in love with our newfound hobby, and after a little trial-and-error, we started to make more leather goods. At the time, I was selling vintage clothing and goods at our local market; slowly we started to introduce a small table of our leather goods alongside it. It was at one of these markets that the mother-in-law of my friend Nikki said we should start trying to design a purse. She wanted a bag for Nikki for Christmas and suggested that I give it a try. Soon after, during church, I sketched a design, showed her, and she said she would help us buy our first sewing machine to get us started. After finding a listing for a Singer 111 on Craigslist, we went to test it out. It had been used to stitch WWII parachutes, and it ended up being the sewing machine we used for our first six months of business as FOUNT.

Our first great bag was created after many discussions about what every woman would want. It quickly became apparent that our best chance would be a tote. The first produced tote though was designed in our first apartment together on Bellfield Avenue, in a tiny studio that was ten-by-ten feet. The Bellfield Tote was designed to be a durable everyday bag for anyone. This tote is now our number one seller and is currently available in three sizes. It’s gone through many small transformations, like adding two pockets and straps that are designed to be unbreakable.

OUR MISSION has been, from the beginning, that we want to make products that are beautiful, timeless, and well made—enough to last a lifetime while also being made ethically.

From that simple beginning, we have now grown our husband-and- wife business to a team of forty-six employees. It has been a wonderful four- year journey, and I am so happy that we have been able to create a thriving community within and around it.

Today, after years of hard work and leaps of faith, FOUNT has not just one, but two retail locations—as well as our studio where we manufacture. Growing up, my parents had a wire manufacturing business in the United States, and as production in our country started to move over- seas, it saddened them to have to move some of those jobs out of the

U.S.A. in order to survive in their industry. When we started FOUNT, I wanted it to be able to stimulate my local economy by making all of our products here in the United States. Today, we are happy to say that we have been able to do that by supporting our forty-six employees, as well as supporting local printers, graphic designers, packaging companies, web developers, photographers, models, etc.

FOUNT is a direct-to-consumer business, so we don’t have a face in the consumer market and boutiques. This can be a challenge, but until recently, we have regularly marketed ourselves by attending maker shows. We take pride in making a high-quality product, and word of mouth is our best type of marketing. In every bag, we place a little pouch filled with a couple of business cards that asks our new friends to share our message when people love their bag. It’s a very simple marketing solution, but FOUNT has had a lot of success because of it. We recently had an event in our Cleveland store, and a lady pulled out three business cards and approached me. “I work for Apple, and I can’t tell you how many times I have complimented your bags, but after getting several of these business cards I had to come to see what you were all about,” she said.

Aside from opening our two retail locations—in a time when people say brick-and-mortar is dead—one of the greatest accomplishments we have had has been our success in building inventory. When we first started, we were making each bag by hand, one-by-one. Now, we do batches by type of hide or pattern. We were part of a television show that helped business-owners with their models, and one constant piece of advice we were getting was that our website was always sold out. We learned that we needed to take a leap of faith, bought a ton of leather, hired nine new employees and built our first inventory. It was a great success and having a product on hand that a potential customer wanted has allowed us to grow our business further. We now offer handbags, as well as, clutches, wristlets, wallets and other leather accessories.

Every day with FOUNT seems to fly by. It’s very rewarding, and a lot of work, but getting to work with artists and artisans to create and share products makes it all worth it. We have three new designs coming soon and are planning to create more elevated designs that can be formal as well. Through this business, I’ve been able to do something impactful, both in my community and across the world—like our partnership which brought over ten thousand dollars to dig wells in Africa and provide clean water. Being able to share our products with the world and see the positive impact they bring to our families, friends, and community makes every minute of this business worth it.

— www.fountleather.com

Create to Heal — Bessie Zinz

Take your work to a place that changes your perspective and opens your mind.

BESSIE ZINZ designs and crafts handmade handbags and soft, home goods from organic fabrics and vintage textiles under her label, Besserina. She also creates traditional art and takes photographs inspired by her daily living on a woodland farm. Her love of handmade led her to co-found A Day in the Country Handmade & Vintage Market—an annual gathering of like-minded makers in Bessie’s hometown of Northeast Ohio. She spends her days loving on her five sweet children, creating beauty and keeping house.

I GREW UP sitting on the fender of a Minneapolis Moline tractor bottle-feeding runt piglets, ear tagging calves and breaking steers. I spent my summers cooking for farmhands, eating warm tomato sandwiches with my brothers, digging potatoes, swimming in the pond and napping under a willow tree. I still live in this same county where I grew up, now managing my farm and woodland. Our house sits on the edge of a lake, surrounded by oaks, pines, hollyhocks and hydrangeas—a place of solace that I love dearly.

Most of the members of my family were entrepreneurs. Call it stubborn or call it hard- headed independence; it’s just built into my DNA. My mother made art dolls, and her sewing studio was in my bedroom. Most nights I’d nod off to sleep listening to the whirring of her old Kenmore. My job was to turn doll arms and fill them with stuffing. She and my grandmother would host a private show in the woods around the holidays. It was by invitation only, but women would sneak in and strip the place bare.

My drive to create has changed over the years. I used to lock myself up in a little playhouse in the backyard and paint my little heart out, just to try to escape from reality. As I got older and started a family, I created out of necessity as young families on a budget sometimes do. In 2012, my husband was diagnosed with cancer and passed away three years later. I struggled to create over the next few years, as my husband was my biggest fan and greatest supporter. Without him, what was I?

Then one day a family friend asked me to alter some of his clothes to fit him; he’d lost his arm in an accident. I cried the entire time I was stitching away. Grief is a funny thing. It brings out something inside of you that is raw and real. Slowly I started making and quickly realized I was making to mend my heart.

Six years ago, in my hometown, I co-founded a handmade and vintage market—A Day in the Country. Finding and connecting with other inspiring souls, as well as, assisting them with an outlet to showcase their passions means the world to me and is the premise for our market. As a handmade maker, it can be frustrating to be a part of a show or market and compete with reproductions and mass-produced items. Our market strives to bring authentically handmade products to our attendees. It’s a two-day event in the fall, with amazing makers both local and from afar. We incorporate make-and-take projects and also get children involved by teaching skills like embroidery and crochet. Keeping these gentle arts alive by passing them on to younger generations and sparking their creative spirit is very important.

Creative magic doesn’t always have to happen inside your studio, no matter how much of a sanctuary it is to you. Inside your house, above the garage, or off your property in a rented warehouse, wherever it may be, find a place that is easily accessible that you want to escape to. I incorporate aspects into my studio that invigorate all of my senses. Sturdy wood furniture helps me feel grounded, windows lend fresh air and provide a beautiful view and a comfort- able chair provides a place to relax when the need arises. Plenty of storage and a place for everything help tremendously. French doors allow me to be closed off from the rest of the house but still keep an eye on my children. Stations for each project with an easy flow help me stay organized and on task. I maintain a mood board filled with magazine clippings, sketches, photos, ideas and goals.

Setting up my studio properly has given me a workspace to clear my mind and find my purpose again; learning to use that raw sadness to look inside myself and find my authentic gifts and what really matters in life. I no longer create just to make inventory—I create to heal.

The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in
all the details of daily life.

William Morris

More On Bessie

Besserina.com

Instagram: @Besserina

A Trip to Hudson Woods

A dwelling nestled among the Catskill's.

A place where nature meets design.

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hudsonwoods.com @hudsonwoodsny

Dream of a place, a place where autumn lasts just a little bit longer. The season sets on early as the summer humidity lays in favor of crisp nights and fresh air. The feel that the eternal spirit of autumn is coming. Wildflowers fill the valleys and pastures of the mountain sides, the landscapes become washed with vibrant goldenrod, the deep reds of the Sumac trees, and the black eyed susans that pop up along the winding roadways. Autumn is coming to the Hudson Valley. Many of us have been waiting all year for the first signs of changing leaves, the first signs of apples ripening on the weather worn trees, and the first signs of the many festive weekends to come.

Long winding roads, the kind of roads that you took as a child…big bench back seat, sliding across the leather seats…legs too short to touch the floor. Windows down, the sun shining, the radio dial tuned in to Glen Miller. A Pontiac, a Ford, a 1941 Plymouth with that gas station sticker still in the window, a reminder of the leaner days. The spirit and the imagery is there, the narrative is universal. Autumn comes a little earlier in the Catskills, the Maples start to show their color round about the same time as the goldenrod hits peak color. The autumn lasts a little longer here too. The final colors of the season fade and fall as the frigid days sit in, as Christmas trees are chopped and laboriously tied to the roofs of cars or haphazardly tied in the back of old wooden bed pickup trucks.

Here the season is more than just the changing of the leaves and temperatures, it’s a way of life and a season that is prepared for all year. The mountains and their hollers and many cool spring fed lakes are filled with old fashioned boats and canoes and levity all summer long. Rich greens meet the rich browns and shadows of the forest floors. Autumn though, autumn is a sea of color, a warmth of the spirit, and the idea that nesting season is coming. Pumpkins are gathered, apples are picked, oh so many glorious apples are picked from the aged trees that cascade down the hills and dot the landscapes.

Short swim trunks and leather soled sandals are replaced with clothing designed and produced from nature’s bounty. The purity of the wools, flannels, and leathers bring a naturalness to the season and a knowledge that these timeless pieces were produced by the earth and crafted by the hands of man to created garments designed to cloak and shield man from the chill of the season.

The Catskills are a vast region that is filled with nature, endless nature, history, culture, a dynamic mix of people, and landscapes that invite you in and ask, if not implore you to explore.

That love of nature and upstate New York led us to Hudson Woods Hudson Woods has long been on our radar. Back a couple years ago Paige went for a visit on a frigid early December weekend. Since then we’ve been itching to go ourselves.

Hudson Woods is actually a residential community outside Kerhonkson, New York. The tag line is “where design meets nature” and it truly feels that way as soon as you enter the development. The property designed by Lang Architecture and Brick and Wonder is designed to be a weekend escape from New York city for those that love modern design and the sanctuary of nature. Over the past few years the show house has been used for countless photo shoots and architectural studies. The home is largely built and furnished with materials and goods from regional makers and craftsmen.

I wanted to start this Catskills travel guide series by sharing a few of my favorite images from the home. Our next piece in the series will be a conversation with Hort and Pott, the landscape design studio and shop in the nearby town of Oak Hill, New York.

The home itself is designed to be one of those that compliments the landscape and has a feel that says…. I coexist here, I am a part of this lands story, this land isn’t mine, but I am its. A simple timeless frame holds a home that is so well designed that you will feel an otherworldly experience just by touching the doorknobs.

Maggie Pate || Nåde Studio

Maggie Pate || Nåde Studio

FROM WHERE WOMEN CREATE

MAGGIE PATE began her career in fashion as a model but is now the owner and designer behind Nåde, an independent textile company featuring her hand-dyed fabrics based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Maggie teaches sold-out workshops on natural hand-dyeing and weaving. She is adamantly committed to sustainable practices. Maggie aims to create beautifully crafted textiles using food products and food waste as well as foraged plants from the mountains of Tennessee and around the world. Her hope is that the hues rendered from these plants and food waste will challenge others to experience food and nature in a new way. She currently splits her time between Tennessee and New York City.

I spent most of my childhood in East Tennessee. When I was an early teen, I began modeling in New York City, which encouraged my interest in textiles and gave me the opportunity to travel more. In my travels I was able to experience the life and culture of other areas, and was able to see the textiles unique to each.

The fashion industry is notoriously wasteful, and it inspired me to find ways to create more sustainable and thoughtful processes by which to create my own fashion brand and textiles. A career that I began as a model has now evolved into me owning and designing an independent textile company featuring hand-dyed fabrics made here in Chattanooga, Tennessee. My brand is called Nåde, and it’s the passion project of my love of fashion as well as my love of natural, sustainably hand-dyed textiles.

“Seeing others dedicated to creating with the same care and passion as myself ignites my passion again.”

Growing up, my grandmother inspired my interest in sustainable living. She grew up in an orphanage in Alabama and became a very resourceful woman. She made her five children’s clothing as well as garments for many of her grandchildren.

Sometimes when I am working on a dye bath or weaving, I feel like a historian keeping the art of slow craft alive in this industrialized world. Both natural dyeing and weaving are becoming extinct as trades as the majority of companies dye synthetically and use machinery to produce materials.

“I love that my products have a story of conservation and a narrative that grounds people within the slow food and slow craft movement.”

The thing that pushes me to keep creating through struggles, both personal and economical, is that my work has a purpose beyond aesthetics or commerce, or even being simply a job. Natural dyeing is about sustainability and more specifically dyeing with food waste makes use of items that could be and will be thrown in the trash. My hope is that my work will educate followers, admirers and those who purchase that there is a better way to create.

You are not a mistake. You are too many exquisite details to be a mistake.”

-Nayyirah Waheed, Salt

I am not sure if being creative has much to do with how I view the world, however I feel that as a creative I am more visually sensitive to it. Therefore, I am constantly observing, making connections, and using visual metaphors. That’s probably just me being idealistic and romanticizing my surroundings.

Travel is a wonderful means for me to both disconnect and reconnect. When I am traveling, it forces me to be away from my workspace and social media, which allows me to disconnect from

the rat race, (which is often how it feels). Often when I travel, I visit countries with a rich history in textiles or natural dyeing. Visiting cultures where textiles make up a large segment of the cultural sphere allows me to reconnect with the craft.

Community plays a huge role in how I create. I rely heavily on local farms and restaurants to collect food waste, which allows me to continue to produce favorite items for my customers and experiment with new ideas.

Luckily, the textile world is truly full of open, generous and encouraging humans. Thanks to social media, I can have conversations with other dyers and weavers from all over the world. I can connect and collaborate in the blink of an eye, and I love that aspect of social media.

Social media can also be a gateway for self-doubt. If I’ve learned anything, it’s this: don’t compare your Chapter 4 to another’s Chapter 20. Comparing where you are in your business to where another might be is only going to create frustration and anxiety. I tend to want to jump to the end of books and it is the same with my small business. I want to jump to the section when the business is completely tenable, but everything takes time.

Like many creatives, I have to do freelance work to make ends meet financially. I take photography and styling jobs occasionally; other makers I know have part-time or even full- time jobs. Managing my freelance jobs with my studio work is a struggle, especially since natural dyeing is typically a process that takes several days.

I would say my biggest accomplishment thus far is my natural dye book, The Natural Colors Cookbook, which was released in June of this year. In researching it, I spent over a year exploring the cross-section where food and slow craft intersect. The book aims to create beautifully crafted textiles using food products and food waste straight from your kitchen, pantry or compost. My hope is that the hues rendered from this food waste will challenge you to experience food in a new way. I also hope to urge others to reconnect with the narrative of food and the history of slow craft textiles.

When it comes to my business and my craft, I’m still figuring it out. Not having an answer sounds more appealing and exciting than knowing it all! I think artisans and makers are always finding their style and journeying toward real things. My business and my style are ever-evolving, which honestly helps me stay engaged in my craft. So, for now, you can find me working on my new favorite item in my studio, a large weaving that combines my love for weaving and my passion for natural dyeing with food waste.

MORE ON MAGGIE:

nade-studio.com IG: @maggie_pate

P.S. I Love This

Right now, my favorite item in my studio is the large weaving I am working on. It took a month or so to source all the natural fibers, which come for Australia and Iceland, as well as North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Texas. Then the wool roving was dyed using black bean food waste to create the icy blue hue. Because it is not a commissioned piece, I only get to work on it when I have free time...so it has been on the loom for 4 months now!

Of the Same Mold || Katherine Hanks & Stephanie Anne Martin

Of the Same Mold

Katherine Hanks & Stephanie Anne Martin

FROM WHERE WOMEN CREATE

KATHERINE HANKS AND STEPHANIE ANNE MARTIN are the owners of Annie Hanks Ceramics in Chattanooga, Tennessee. After bonding over their love of ceramics in their hiking group, the two began a journey of creating a collaborative business together. Katherine brought with her the experience of growing up in San Antonio. Her family runs a summer camp in the Texas Hill Country, and it was there that she developed a great appreciation for nature and her relationship to the earth. Stephanie grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, and had a mother who encouraged her and her brother to explore through their creativity.

Annie Hanks Ceramics is a collaborative utilitarian ceramics studio in Chattanooga, Tennessee, formed by myself, Stephanie Anne Martin, and Katherine Hanks. Katherine and I first met through a climbing group, and after meeting several times, became friends and learned that we shared a common interest in ceramics. After a while, we started collaborating together to create beautiful functional pieces that our local Chattanooga friends and customers knew as Annie Hanks Ceramics.

I spent most of my childhood between Asheville and various places around the Southeast. My family moved quite a bit, but my mother encouraged my creativity by blocking out time every day for me and my brother to paint or draw. My brother was a big source of inspiration for me growing up, and still is today. When I was 8 years old, we sat for each other to draw portraits. I recall feeling a huge sense of pride in my work. Eventually, I found my own special medium in ceramics and flourished in it.

Katherine was fortunate to be born into an amazingly creative family as well. Each summer, her family would pack up their lives in San Antonio and move out to the beautiful Texas Hill Country to the camp and retreat center run by her parents. This camp, at its core, aims to recover a sense of the sacred. The property is nestled in a limestone canyon with towering abstract and aesthetic bluff walls, and through it flows the crisp, emerald- green Frio River—clear enough to see 20-plus feet below the surface. Having this experience pulled Katherine into spiritual conversation with the natural world and with wilderness. She created her first clay pinch pots after a rainstorm and fell in love with the process.

There are aspects of our studio and business that make Annie Hanks Ceramics exceptionally unique, especially in the way our studio is run. Often, it’s challenging for people to understand what a collaborative studio and collaborative work entail. It’s a foreign idea to many makers, because creativity and artistry is often a single-man concept. Katherine and I have a similar style and aesthetic, and we use that to our advantage as we work through new ideas, new forms and new glaze lines.

Each piece that passes through the creation process within our studio is touched by both of our hands and is of a higher quality for that very reason. We take pride in the fact that we each pay great attention to line and detail and allow each piece to pass through the scrutiny of both sets of eyes.

Our first joint-show was held at Rivers Edge Gallery in Kerrville, Texas. There, the gallery owner, Clay, gifted us two framed shards of pottery from the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. These are prominently and proudly hanging amongst our shelves of completed and in-process work, reminding us daily of the rich history of our craft. Our work is ultimately inspired by the power of nature and landscapes, as well as the softness of the feminine form. Our style developed from our friendship, our passion for the natural world, and our desire to create designs that are as intriguing as they are simple.

Chattanooga is such an incredible place to live as a creative! We have a strong community of small businesses that understand the value of supporting one another. Within the creative community, we have enjoyed working on various projects and collaborations with other creatives. It is through this that we have found a strong community and space for growth within our own medium. We have worked closely with several businesses around town, namely Wildflower Teashop, Niedlov’s Breadworks and Nade Studio. Out of these collaborative projects have come a network of support, friendships and the growth of all businesses.

Aside from being inspired by natural landscapes, we both find inspiration in secondary creative activities. I enjoy working with my hands and finding a rhythm in the kitchen to draw new inspirations. Katherine enjoys gardening and seeing the world through a different creative lens in the form of photography. Practicing these other kinds of creativity, we are able to bring together our unique inspirations and ideas to create beautiful collaborative work.

There are several struggles that can take place in a small business, especially a creative one. It can sometimes be difficult to be taken seriously as a female business owner. Managing a business can be a struggle when you haven’t had a formal business education. But we have done well so far. In the end, our biggest accomplishment is that we successfully opened Annie Hanks Ceramics together, and that every day we get to work together to make beautiful and functional pieces of art for people who appreciate it.

Pursuing creativity makes every day richer. Finding ways to invite creativity into your daily life is a healthy place to start, rather than feeling like every moment of every day must be filled with creative genius. Begin with a sketch-a-day or by making a photograph at the same moment each day, several days in a row. Then allow that inspiration to grow and seep into the rest of your life. Creativity is a rewarding practice and has the power to take you on adventures.

Teressa Foglia + A Modern Millinery

TERESSA FOGLIA

reinventing an age-old art

originally ran in Where Women CREATE

Teressa Foglia is an entrepreneur who recently opened her first millinery shop in Industry City, Brooklyn, New York. Starting her first business just after college, she quickly grew her online following as well as her social and professional circle. Now the owner of two businesses, we catch up with her, plus hear a bit of her story and advice for hopeful entrepreneurs.

Growing up in Troy, New York, I always knew I wanted to explore the world. I was close with my entire family but it was no surprise to them that when I turned 18, I wanted to move to the West Coast.

After graduating, I switched jobs four times in a year. I was 23 when I started a social media company after I quickly realized that neither climbing the corporate ladder nor office life was for me. It was during that transitional period that I picked up my first few social media clients. My company continued to grow through word of mouth and we successfully built up an agency that worked with incredible brands all over the world.

I spent my late 20s as a digital nomad. Working and traveling to 35-plus countries, many of them alone, often wondering, “Why am I here?” “What is my true passion?” A question that I think so many of us search for—some finding it earlier than others. When my heart was broken, I took off to Europe on a one- way ticket. I allowed myself a break. It was a huge soul-searching time in my life.

It was during this time that I thought it would be fun to learn how to make the beloved hats that I wore on my head—every single day—just for fun. When my friends started to see me wearing my own designs and product, they started asking for their own as well. So, I got busy and focused more energy into a creative project that brought me happiness.

Currently, I live between the West Village and Los Angeles, but the majority of my time is spent in New York. I still have my social media business, which now has its own team of creatives and marketers to help me grow it, but I also own and operate a store and atelier in Industry City, in Brooklyn, New York. I am constantly trying to learn new skills and I always encourage others to do the same— just as I did with my career-making hats! If I could encourage budding entrepreneurs to do anything, it would be to make travel, hobbies and other activities part of your regular routine. Tasks like that are how I’ve found success in my business and discovered new loves.

When it comes to my millinery business, I try pay attention to the small details. Every hat is one-of-a- kind, whether it is made-to-measure from my ready-to-wear collection or a custom hat. I don’t believe in mass-production, so I painstakingly try to ethically source all of our materials used. We donate all scraps to a local university, have eliminated almost all plastic we use and believe in making a product that our clients will have forever.

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“WE BELIEVE IN QUALITY OVER QUANTITY, HANDMADE OVER MASS-MADE, AND THAT standing out is always better than blending in.”

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I tend to invest a lot of time in my social relationships with other entrepreneurs. Being able to find guidance and understanding with people who run similar businesses allows me to grow and flourish in my own. I often find advice from friends like Kaitlyn Barclay + Willow Hill of Scout Lab Creative, Emily Katz of Modern Macramé and Lindsay Zuelich of Wood Brain, three fellow women business owners who always inspire me in my own work.

Opening my space has been my biggest accomplishment. I’ve never worked in retail, and when I first started, my only hat sales were to family and friends. But I went with it! I knew this wouldn’t be a space for just making and selling hats.

Our foundation is to create a place where a community can gather to learn, to share a meal or to listen to live music—a place where anyone can feel inspired. It’s because of this community we have had such a successful first few months. When you’re starting a business or even just pursuing a new hobby or project, trust your gut. Don’t be afraid to start today, and when things are going well, don’t be afraid to take a vacation— you deserve it! Above all else, enjoy the journey!

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Choose Success

➀ Be less afraid to fail. We learn the most from our failures, and if a project or product doesn’t work out like you’d hoped, you ideally will have learned something from the process.

➁ Have a good team. Surrounding you, cheering for you, in both your business and personal life. And cheer even louder for them!

➂ Put your all into every piece you make. It’s an extension of you!

➃ Don’t be afraid to ask for help. And accept help when it’s offered to you.

➄ Take breaks. Daily meditation is key for me.
➅ Go for it. “The right time” never comes soon enough. Go after what you want now.
➆ Take the vacation. The good life is all about balance.

— TeressaFoglia.com Instagram: @TeressaFoglia | WHERE WOMEN CREATE

Christy Jo Stone + Serving Southern Sweetness

CHRISTY JO STONE

the fruit tea chicks

The tiny town of Hartsville, Tennessee, and its surrounding countryside, with its rolling pastures, southern charm and small-town sensibility, provides the perfect palate for Christy Jo Stone to grow her businesses, raise her kids and serve up her signature blend of deliciously refreshing fruit tea. From her family’s farm outside of town, she has transformed a shed into a beautiful space for creating teas, hosting her annual Strawberry Patch Barn Sale and making plans for the future of the Fruit Tea Chicks.

I live in Hartsville, Tennessee, the same town where I was raised. Trousdale County is the smallest county in Tennessee. It’s predominately a farming community. Like so many others, I grew up in a broken home. My parents divorced when I was in the fourth grade, at which time we moved from Lafayette to Hartsville, which are about 15 miles apart.

Growing up in a small town, I never felt comfortable expressing myself and lived somewhat of a caged-up
life I guess you could say. I really didn’t recognize this until I got older (probably in college) and more in touch with my inner-self. In small towns, it’s not always easy to be “different.” In fact, it was frowned upon, so I chose to conform.

As I got into high school, I quickly realized if I ever wanted to unleash the beast within, I would have to get the heck outta dodge. So I did. I headed south to Ole’ Miss, which was not a good choice in terms of proper places to unleash the beast! It was one of the most uniform schools I have ever been to, with lots of old money, beautiful people and rich southern gals—none of which applied to me.

I left there after one-and-a-half years and transferred to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where I ended up getting my degree in psychology. While there, I had the opportunity to travel abroad to Australia, where I backpacked and lived in hostels for four months. I made this journey all alone, and it’s where my passion for handmade, color and pastry shops came alive. The inner beast was finally released!

In 2003, I became a stay-at-home mom and a member of the local garden club. Each month we had a potluck, and my “dish” was always my homemade fruit tea. The little old ladies would fluff me up about how good it was and make me feel proud of myself. I started with just a basic recipe, but before long, I was super-bored with it. I started tinkering with the recipe, adding fresh puréed fruits and such.

That worked on a small scale, but when I started the business, that recipe just didn’t work. I finally perfected my own unique recipe using fruit juices, concentrates and a few other specialty blends which have stood the test of time. It’s the one I hope to use until my tea-making days are over.

I used to journal and doodle a lot. About a year ago, I cleaned out my sewing room and found a journal entry dated June 2009. In it, I had written about my dreams to start my first Barn Sale—The Strawberry Patch—and how I wanted to sell my homemade fruit tea by the jug. I had forgotten I had a vision for my tea, way back when. All these fruit tea ideas finally came together in July 2016 when I did my very first show at Swanky Plank at Rippa Villa.

I’m completely self-taught with my own cooking. I grew up eating good-old southern food like pinto beans and cornbread, where the only seasoning used was salt, pepper and lard. Being a single mom with three kids going three directions, I never get enough time home to cook. I don’t like frozen or boxed dinners. I love food blogs and pics.

I’m not sure if it is because of the artfulness of the picture, the staging and styling of it or the beauty of the finished product itself. I’m fascinated by chefs and their ability to create a piece of art using food. I love cookbooks like “The Plantiful Table” and “Whole Food Energy.” I love the pictures in them just as much.

At the end of the day, I’m a single mom without any formal training who is chasing her dreams and doing the best she possibly can. My greatest dream is to deliver a creative product that people will want as a staple item in their pantry for years to come.

“I’m good at fruit tea—that about sums it up!”

Summertime Tea

Fresh berries for muddling (such as strawberries or blueberries)

Three parts fruit tea
One part gin
Thyme or rosemary for garnish

In a cocktail shaker, muddle your choice of fresh fruit. Pour in the fruit tea and gin then add ice and shake. Serve on or off the rocks and garnish with your choice of fresh herbs.

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Chelsea Farmer + A Very Colorful World

CHELSEA FARMER

originally from WHERE WOMEN CREATE

Chelsea Farmer is the owner and founder of HorseFeathers Gifts - an online jewelry and lifestyle company that gives modern women globally inspired and locally rooted designs to express themselves. Educated in gemology and energized by lots of color, Chelsea loves connecting with real women and their real stories through handmade jewelry. 

I was born in Kentucky, but my family was moved to Rhode Island when I was two years old—and from there, all over the world. As a Navy child, I grew up all around the world. I spent most of my childhood traveling Europe while we lived in Spain and Italy. We moved back to the States when I was eight-years-old, including the South and Great Plains. We really did live all over! 

According to my mom, I’ve been making pretty things since birth. My mom is incredibly artistic and always had projects for us to do. I remember painting, coloring, and making jewelry from the time I was three-years-old. We would spend hours making decor for our home. Mostly, we were always trying to bring color into the boring, white-walled military base housing we always lived in. I’m always looking to bring more color into our lives because of it!

I feel like being a creative person has opened my eyes up to more beauty in the world. I see art in everything around me. I am inspired by colors in old buildings, flowers, and sunsets. It is intertwined with how I grew up and my passion for traveling and connecting with the world. I find joy in the differences in cultures and styles, architecture, etc. I am always looking for patterns, and color combos, and textures.

My heart is drawn to the world and all it has to offer and see. Even though my roots were—and are—in my Kentucky home, my heart branches all around the globe. Creating is a way to pull those branches back in and draw all the inspiration and joy I have discovered and the memories I’ve made in so many places. It pulls it all back home—and lets me share my heart with the world.

My style is influenced by my travels. It is best summed up as globally eclectic, as it is influenced by colors and textures that I have seen all over the world. Not being from just one place, I find myself feeling quite at home almost anywhere—or maybe everywhere, some eclectic combination of everything. 

Our studio is located in Owensboro Kentucky overlooking the beautiful Ohio River. We moved here in 2015, and after having lived all over, this just feels like our corner of the world. It is our favorite place to be and to come back to, even after international travel or scooting around the country in our renovated Airstreams. (We have had a few over the years.) 

It is always nice to take a break. I like to just physically step away. If I am feeling stumped in the studio, I will grab my son and we will get outside. Being in nature always seems to refresh me and inspire me. The Ohio River practically runs through my backyard so there is always something to explore. We also have three rescue dogs who keep us moving out there and help us to just stop and enjoy nature.

I also try to get out and get involved in the community. Sometimes, we will just hop in the car and go volunteer at a church—either with jewelry or something random. Recently, my stepmom and I spent a day cutting fabric for a quilting circle at a local church. Just talking with others, hearing their stories—and playing with multi-colored fabrics—brought lots of fresh creativity! It is not long before a new idea pops into my mind. 

As an introvert, I do thrive most when alone in my studio. As a mom, sometimes just a quiet moment is all I really need. It is always refreshing, and important, to get together with other creative people and get recharged.

I love encouraging and inspiring other women to fulfill their God-given talents. I’ve made so many wonderful friends over the years simply by reaching out to them on social media and complimenting their work. Being a creative person can be very lonely sometimes. I’m thankful for the artsy women I have met over the years and the encouraging community that we have build through these friendships. 

If ever there was a time to turn your creativity into a career, this is it! When I started this journey back in 2009, people looked at me when I was crazy when I said I make jewelry for a living. Friends on social media would see me traveling around the United States mingling with celebrities and be totally shocked that at 21, this was my life. Etsy was still kind of new.

Social media was still new for a lot of people. These days, everyone knows someone who sells online—on a website or through social media. That stigma is not quite there anymore—so go for it, learn from others, and create your own path! 

Social media has positively impacted my business over the years. I love connecting directly with our customers from all over the world and forming actual relationships, more than just a sale here and there. This allows me to get a better feel for my customers and what they are looking for in our pieces. Over the years we have developed such a great following and we regularly ask their input on new designs and projects. I enjoy allowing customers to become a part of this business. 

— horsefeathergifts.com

Lena Schlabach + More Faith than Fear

Lena Schlabach was born and in Ohio’s Amish Country. She was once herself a little Amish girl. She is now a fashion designer and gets to travel the world with this dream job. Her life is way more than a little Amish girl could of ever imagined. She now gets to empower women with the brand she has developed in the three short years of business. Lena is passionate about making that her patterns fit a size 28 women as well as a size 5. She believes everyone should feel beautiful when they slip the Frock on.

More Faith Than Fear.

Make your decisions on faith not fear.

I was born and raised in Ohio’s Amish country. I grew up in the Amish culture with my family making everything they needed and watching my community farm. As a child, I always had a desire to be creative. I remember sitting in an outhouse restroom by the one room schoolhouse I attended and creating rose flowers out of the toilet paper. I loved the reaction of my friends thinking I was talented. It inspired me to continue finding unique ways to be creative. I think it’s always possible to make something beautiful out of something ugly. It’s that way with life too.

Though I grew up in a naturally beautiful community, I always dreamed of growing up and leaving the Amish culture to live on the beach. I’m sure in retrospect that is because we love the new and mysterious, but it was always something I wanted to do. Today, I no longer live the Amish way of life, but it is the culture of my family. One of my sisters still lives in the community, and I live just next door in Millersburg, Ohio—the heart of Ohio’s Amish country.

Though I always had the desire to leave, one day I heard the saying, ‘Bloom where you are planted.’ That changed my way of thinking and my way of living. Suddenly everything changed and my creativity blossomed. I started sharing a photo-of-the-day and giving people on social media that I’d met at vintage events or fairs a glimpse of the beauty of Amish country. At the same time, I started to dream about the kind of products or business I could create that meant something to myself.

As a plus-sized woman, I have always been frustrated by the reality that there aren’t m any companies that make ‘cute’ clothes for me that look good and fit well. Suddenly, I found myself wanting those bohemian clothes that had become popular but there wasn’t a company making them for me. I decided that if I set my mind to it, I could be that company, and I could make a garment that was just as beautiful and well-built for a size 28 as it was for a size 5. 

I had the vision, but as a kid I didn’t really learn to sew. I’d always dreamed about moving out of the Amish country, so any lesson my mom would try to give me went in one ear and out the other. Luckily I inherited the Amish work ethic and resourcefulness. Gathering inexpensive thrift store curtains and fabrics, and enlisting the help of my local Amish community of seamstresses, I slowly taught myself to sew enough to start making frocks. Speaking the Dutch language of these talented women, I was able to build a community with them helping me achieve my dream.

I have been in business as Farmhouse Frocks for going on three years now. It has become a business that feels not only creatively rewarding, but also fulfilling in my ability to create beautiful pieces for other women and bring happiness to them. My garments are an extension of my goal to empower women of all shapes and sizes. I am also lucky to be able to work with both of my daughters. Sydney, my younger daughter, acts as my personal assistant and aids with my online presence and styling, while my older daughter, Felicia, is my lead salesperson. 

Six months into our business, we outgrew the basement of my home where we were producing all of our goods. We were utterly out of excess space to work and create, and people were starting to ask us about opening a small space for retail, so I began to look in our historic downtown for a usable location. Eventually, we found our space, with its industrial roots, high ceilings, and ceilings decorated with tin roofing, and using 28 gallons of white paint we painted all of the walls white and found a new home for Farmhouse Frocks.

Wed have grown rapidly, but I feel blessed. My biggest passion has been empowering women from maker to consumer, and I vow every day to make my decisions out of Faith, not Fear. It’s too difficult to make clear decisions that are hard if you’re fearful. That is why I always try to operate with faith. We even started and use the hashtag, #MoreFaithThanFear. 

Today, I am happy to say that employ 40 people, and I love that I can involve my Amish community in my business. We now have a great leverage to create jobs in the community for Amish mothers that aren’t able to work outside of the home. Last year the local chamber gave us the reward for Small Business of the Year because of the impact we have had on our community. Now that I have a team that can now help me with all the day-to-day needs, I have more time to travel and feed my soul with inspiration. When I’m not drawing inspiration on the road, I love to browse Pinterest and Podcasts.

I love to think of ways to better my business/events. How can I make it more creative? Sometimes that becomes building new fixtures, or figuring out creative solutions. Generally, I love my work and never feel too overworked. As I’ve always heard, ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Always make sure to figure out a way to make money while doing what you love. Sure, sometimes working at fairs or events can be stressful, but my workspace makes me smile and I think that’s important. 

Favorite Thing: I don’t like to get attached to things but if you’re talking about material things it’s all of our chandeliers. The huge one in the front of the Studio is my favorite one. The spirit of love that you feel when entering is my most prized possession.

Jackie Watcher + Making American in Cleveland

This story originally ran in WHERE WOMEN CREATE

Jackie Wachter, together with her husband Phillip, are the owners and creators of FOUNT Leather of Cleveland, OH. FOUNT produces an ethically-produced high quality line of leather goods that has also helped them to enrich their community. When they’re not at their studio, they are taking care of their two beautiful kids and managing their two retail locations.

“Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes, but when you look back everything is different?”

C.S. Lewis

Looking back, I have always been someone who loves to work with my hands. I grew up in Cleveland, OH, and according to my my mother I was a creative person out of the womb. My family fostered my creativity. I have my grandmother to thank for teaching me to sew when I was seven or eight-years-old, she was a very special person in my life. When I was younger, I used to daydream about potential craft projects at school. Often, I would get off my school bus with a list of supplies and have my mom take me straight to JoAnn Fabrics.

In 7th grade, I started my first business out of my locker. I loved to make macrame hemp jewelry, and my friends started to ask for their own. Soon, the girls from all classes were coming to me with requests for their own bracelets. By demand, I would talk to my clients, sketch designs, and then go home to create their jewelry. I sold the bracelets for $12 each, and was selling several a week. Unfortunately, my venture garnered the attention of the faculty, and after about a year of business and a trip to the principal’s office, I had to close shop.

After high school, I attended the Virginia Marti College of Art & Design and pursued a degree in fashion. While there, it allowed me to hone the skills I was taught by my family and channel them into something I was very passionate about, though it was still manny years before I met my husband, Phillip, and we started FOUNT together. After college, I moved to New York for a while, but I found myself missing something. I was very lonely there and I craved the Midwest charm I’d always known. I was seeking purpose, and became passionate about becoming involved in my community and supporting local and ethical manufacturing after a six month activist trip in Africa. That experience allowed me to get a better view into what I could eventually create through my craft and passion.

A few years ago, all of the stars seemed to align. I met my husband, Phillip, and he became someone who inspired and motivated me daily to be creative. He is also someone who enjoys crafting with his own hands, and like me, had his own schoolyard business selling homemade beanie babies. In our first year of dating, we decided that we would make all of our gifts for each other. Phillip made for me a pair of wool mittens using a vintage Pendleton coat, as well as a cutting board. I made for him a wool pencil case, laptop sleeve, and journal. After looking at our gifts, Phillip suggested that the sewn goods could be beautiful made out of leather, and I agreed. We started trying to find leather, and found a local cobbler that also sold scraps from his hides of leather. We bought our first leather, and the sweet older couple taught us about some of the hand tools and techniques we should use. 

Our first product trials were a leather wallet and lucky penny pouch. Phillip and I quickly fell in love with our newfound hobby, and after a little trial-and-error we started to make more leather goods. At the time, I was selling vintage clothing and goods at our local market, slowly we started to introduce a small table of our leather goods alongside it. It was at one of these markets that my friend Nicki’s mother-in-law said she should start trying to design a purse. She wanted to have us make a bag for Nicki for Christmas, and suggested that I give it a try. 

During church soon after, I sketched a design, showed her and she said she would help us buy our first sewing machine to get us started. After finding a listing for a Singer 111 on craigslist, we went to test it out. It had been used to stitch WWII parachutes and it ended up being the sewing machine we used for our first six months of business as FOUNT.

Our first great bag was created after many discussions about what every woman would want. It quickly became apparent that our best chance would be a tote. Our mission has been, from the beginning, that we want to make products that are beautiful, timeless, and well-made enough to last a lifetime while also being made ethically. The Bellfield Tote was designed to be a durable everyday bag for anyone. It’s gone through many small transformations since, like adding two pockets and straps that are designed to be unbreakable. 

The first totes, though, were designed in our first apartment together on Bellfield Avenue, in a tiny studio that was ten-by-ten feet. The Bellfield Tote is now our number one seller, and is now available in three sizes. From that simple beginning, we have now grown our husband-and-wife business to a team of 41 employees. It has been a wonderful 4-year journey and I am so happy that we have been able to create a thriving community within and around it.

Today, after years of hard work and a leaps of faith, FOUNT has not just one, but two retail locations—as well as our studio where we manufacture. When I was growing up, my dad worked in a factory here in Cleveland and I had to watch the systematic loss of jobs and manufacturing until his job was ultimately outsourced. I always knew that when I was able to create a business, I wanted it to be able to stimulate my local economy and make my products here in the United States. Today, I’m happy to say that we have been able to do that by supporting our 41 employees, as well as community outreach through events.

FOUNT is a direct-to-consumer business, so we don’t have a face in the consumer market and boutiques. This can be a challenge, but until recently we have always marketed ourselves by attending maker shows. We take pride in making a high-quality product, and word of mouth is our best type of marketing. In every bag we place a little pouch filled with a couple of business cards that asks our new friends to share our message when people love their bag. It’s a very simple marketing solution, but FOUNT has had a lot of success because of it. We recently had an event in our Cleveland store and a lady pulled out three business cards and approached me. “I work for Apple, and I cant tell you how many times I have complimented your bags, but after getting several of these business cards I had to come see what you were all about,’ she said.

Aside from opening our two retail locations—in a time when people say brick-and-mortar is dead—one of the greatest accomplishments we have had has been to build an inventory. 

When we first started, we were making each bag by hand, one-by-one. Now, we do batches by type of hide or pattern. We were part of a television show that helped business-owners with their models, and one constant piece of advice we were getting was that our website was always sold out. We learned that we needed to take a leap of faith, bought a ton of leather, hired nine new employees and built our first inventory. It was a great success, and having a product that a potential customer wanted allowed us to grow our business further.

Every day with FOUNT seems to fly by. It’s very rewarding, and a lot of work, but getting to work with artists and artisans to create and share products makes it all worth it. We have three new designs coming soon, and are planning to create more elevated designs that can be formal, as well. Through this business I’ve been able to do something impactful, both in my community and across the world—like our partnership which brought over ten thousand dollars to dig wells in Africa and provide clean water. Being able to share our products with the world and see the positive impact that they bring to our families, friends, and community makes me every minute of this business worth it. 

— FOUNT Leather

A Tour of Village Common

 

VILLAGE COMMON

A PEEK INSIDE THE CATSKILLS SHOP

They're one of our favorite candle brands. We've known Ben and Blake of Village Common for years, long before they created their continually growing brand. Back in the fall we popped into their Catskill, New York shop to see the new space and to learn more about the brand and their journey into retail. 

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Who are you? The Village Common - Blake Hays and Ben Lebel

What is the story behind Village Commons? Beginning in 1968, and from where we get our name, the first Village Common opened its doors in Avenel, New Jersey. It was run by Grandma Bernadette, current owner Ben Lebel’s grandmother. In its first incarnation, Village Common was an antique store of carefully selected, fine pieces from all eras. Grandma Bernadette also had beautiful plants and flowers for sale on the front porch that always attracted passers by to stop in. 

In 1984, the Village Common moved to Stroudsburg, Pa., on the property of the Stroudsmoor Country Inn, and was re-imagined into a country store by Susan Lebel, Bernadette’s daughter and Ben’s mother. Antiques were still available alongside candles, soaps, homemade canned goods, and unique gift ideas. Susan has since blossomed this once country store into a thriving floral and decor studio. 

 From our southern roots, Billy Hays, current owner Blake Hays’ grandfather, opened his first country store in Pineville, Louisiana in 1960. It served as a vintage bodega; offering local produce and custom goods. Because of the construction of the new “American Highway”, Billy moved and opened his second store in 1978. This time offering mouth watering barbecue and other country store favorites. After years of serving his community, he decided to close the doors to his store. 

We bring to you a new installment of these family traditions blended together. Creating handmade, natural apothecary goods, kindled by their family history, we are continuing the legacy of the Village Common.

Why did you want to become a maker? I believe it’s just who we are and born to be. We were always making something as individuals and as partners. We saw the yearning for quality goods and something besides the mundane or what was available at every corner store. We wanted to create that for people. We also found a beautiful community of makers in the Hudson Valley and Catskill region of New York and wanted to contribute our skills and heritage to the movement. 

TO READ THE FULL STORY PICK UP A COPY OF FOLK SUMMER 2019 HERE

Bags! {Christmas Gift Guide}

I collect bags. I have my go to every day bag (the FOUNT bag), I have my utility bags for when I’m teaching classes (the Sturdy Brothers and the Artifact Tote), I have a travel tote (A JW Hulme), and I have ones for special occasions that I pull out when I’m going somewhere special. I also have a few that I believe in not only for their amazing quality but because I love the people making them. Today I wanted to share a list of my favorite bags for this Christmas season.

Each day is supposed to be nine goods, but for this one I had too many I loved…yet I know I still forgot a few. 18..and go….

1) FOUNT is my go to bag. Made in Cleveland with insanely good leather. They’re basically the Birkin of handmade.

2) I love Peg and Awl. They are one of the original makers to popularize waxed canvas. The PA based team is as genuine as they are creative.

3) J.W. Hulme is a classic American heritage brand. They’ve been creating luxury American made goods for decades. They still hold true with creating timeless pieces that last for decades.

4) Red House VT is a maker I’ve known for years. Watching them grow has been an honor. Their clean Vermont inspired designs are always a refreshing take using rugged materials.

5) Liz Riden is somewhat new to the scene. Specializing in women’s leather goods she is making top quality leather smalls the attic of her Lancaster, PA home.

6) I have had an Artifact tote for eight years. The thing looks as good today as it did nearly a decade ago. They bring midwest charm and midwest frontier level quality to each piece they make.

7) I have two Sturdy Bro. totes and they are indestructible. The waxed canvas is so sturdy I’m convinced it’d survive a hurricane. These are the totes you want if you know its going to get messy and needs to hold up.

8) J. Stark brings a timeless southern feel to their brand. Each piece reminds me of a throw back to earlier days of handmade. Their brand feels like it belong on Main Street in a cute southern town. The entire brand is so well tied together.

9) Forest Bound is one of the OG’s. Like Peg and Awl, Alice has been making top quality well built bags for nearly a decade outside Boston. Her Escape bag has become icon.

10) Farmhouse Frocks is entirely made by Amish makers in the heart of Ohio Amish country. Their designs are always inclusive of all body types and sizes. Their leather goods are festive reminders of their farming, rural, small town roots.

11) One of my favorite totes to carry in the city is a canvas tote by Lineage. Well lined, well structured, and well designed. They bring a bit of modernity to a classic style of bag making.

12) Bradley Mountain is one of the OG millennial makers. San Diego based but inspired by the rugged mountains each piece is a beautiful reminder of good design.

13) I’ve known General Knot for forever. Originally known for their ties and bow ties their well built zippered totes have certainly won my heart.

14) Millican backpacks are the kind you use when you know its going to be a journey. Perfect in airports or camping.

15) Tracey Tanner is a Brooklyn based bad ass who brings fun and bright colors and leathers to the game. Her simple yet very well built designs are perfect smalls to carry on their own or to throw inside a bigger bag.

16) Loyal Stricklin, like Bradley Mountain is one of the first millennial makers to hit it big on social media. Made by a husband and wife team in Nashville each piece is touched and created by them.

17) Artifact Goods is bringing slick modernity to the leather game. Made in central California these bags are they perfect city bags. Timeless yet modern.

18) Our vegan option by Sole Society is actually one of my favorites. I am stopped everywhere I go by folks telling me they love this bag. It pairs perfectly with the Fount bag if you don’t mind mixing vegan and leather.

There will likely be a second bag list as I’ve already remembered several friends I’ve forgotten. Stay tuned.