Memories to Heirlooms

 Mandy used to teach down the hall from me.  Her classroom was an amazing place where "kids" (students) felt free to learn in a safe, fun and energetic environment.  She is an outstanding teacher who left the profession to become a mother.  As I watch her posts on Facebook, it is clear that she is as good a mother as a teacher.  She has posted the school treats she makes as well and the birthday parties she produces for her children and it is clear that she is "that mother", the one who does things in a fun way that is a bit over the top!  
Recently  she has turned some of  her attention to starting a home business making custom signs, allowing her to work while her kiddos are in school.  Her work is amazing as you can see below and she takes on custom work all the time!  Perhaps she can make something for you!

As I embark on my own business I am so grateful for all the love and support I have in my life. So many people have lent their talents to help me succeed.  I am keenly aware and appreciative of all the help that has come my way; my sister Lee & Mom -sounding boards; my brother Chip and nephew John - tech support; Amy Sechrist - Facebook manager; Amy Holland & Pam Haines - Business consultants; Mom, Sue Miller, Amy, Carole, Jim and Otto Fry - proof readers (it takes a village); Ruthie and Maddie -backup proof readers (a big village!); Susan Heydt - quilting consultation, Sue, Kim, Mike and the Ellsworth clan - cheerleaders, Lenny and Murry - quality control . . .  This is a partial list of my circle, a  talented bunch, who bring joy and light to my life,  surround me and lift me up, question if they think I am off track, and always root for me.

In my studio hangs this mandala created by Susan Garman.  It is the perfect representation of my circle. Like a quilt, it has layers, some are closer than others but all are valued and important. I hope each knows that I am in their circle as they are in mine.​

Amy is a gifted teacher and an accomplished potter who pours herself into her work. I met Amy back in 2002 when she was my pottery teacher at the Lancaster Art Museum.  I loved her class so much I took it about ten times in row and set up my own studio at home complete with a wheel, slab roller and kiln. Through those classes I watched her work with all age groups and ability levels. She individualizes her classes to each student, meets you where you are, and can take you where you want to go. A class from her would be a great gift for anyone, even yourself  - and great fun to do with a group of friends!

She teaches classes at her studio in Lititz, PA, at The Lancaster Creative Factory, and can teach hand building almost anywhere!

A bonus to taking classes at her studio is that Walter provides moral support free of charge!

Amy makes handmade functional pottery on a kick wheel. Using a kick wheel is an art in itself - Amy powers it by, you guessed it, kicking a wheel.  There is no electric involved ! She uses a stoneware clay to make all her pieces oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. Her pottery is functional art.  (Notice her signature mark in each of the bowls she just threw!)  I enjoy many of her pieces in my home (I snatched up the compost bunny below as soon as she posted it!).

Amy works from her heart and makes what she loves.  Don't you want her to direct her talents to custom work for you? She sells her work from her studio,  her website,  or the Purple Robin in Lititz.

Danielle is the daughter of my hair dress, Monica Long, so I have known of her for years but am not sure we have ever met.  About once a month I get to hear what she is up to but it was not until I saw her work online that I had any idea the what a remarkable artist she is.  She does incredible work with unlimited talent. With two little ones at home, I don't know how she finds the time! I think her work is amazing - but judge for yourself! Can you think of someone who might love to have one of her custom pieces?  You can contact her at her Facebook page above.

I do not pretend to be an expert on the creative process but I am keenly aware of what works for me.  There are four factors that consistently play into my process.  

4.  Freedom for Faith - Over the years I have learned to trust my process. I have faith that:

• I can float and the answer will come
• a failure will lead to success
• flexing will lead to a confirmation of the original plan or a clear path to a new direction
• even if time demands and I have to start before I am ready, the process will kick in and get me where I need to be.

No matter what you pursue, it is my hope that you find a process you can trust to guide you on your way.

​Diane has been a dear friend for years and is very sentimental like me. When she asked me to make her two bears I knew it would be a real challenge. She gave me so many treasures; her daughter’s bridal veil, grandsons shoes, a match box car, beaded dress of her mothers, grandmothers. . . There was so much that I could not work them all into the bears but could not “bear” to eliminate anything. That’s when it hit me to make the bears a wardrobe and of course a suitcase for storage. I created stickers for the suitcase of places that Diane and her husband traveled. It is always fun to see what the bear is wearing when I visit.
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We will happily take your special items out of hibernation and transform them into a custom Bearloom, Heirloom or another Heirloom you wish.  Feel free to contact us and we can "bear" down on your project!