Historic Eureka Inn Holiday Craft Show

Meet the Artisan: Grandma Bessie's Custom

2009-11-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

Vicki, owner of Grandma Bessie's Custom, definitely seems to know a think or two about how proud a grandparent can be of those grandbabies!

She started her business in 1999 under the name Grandma Bessie's Custom Threadz. She specializes in personalized baby bibs, burp cloths, kid's quilted tote bags (hey, they can "go green," too!), and a kids sweatshirt line. However, it's her sweatshirts customized specifically for grandparents that draws the most attention! Vicki explains, "We custom create each design specifically for each individual!"

Shop: grandmabessiescustom.etsy.com

Meet the Artisan: Shaprink

2009-11-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

Amy Crowder, owner of Shaprink, majored in Studio Art at East Tennessee State University. While there, she practiced many artistic mediums such as weaving, ceramics and bookmaking. Creativity was nothing new to her, however! "I've been doing arts and crafts of all sorts since childhood," she remembers, "The one person who had the greatest impact on me artistically was my grandmother. We took painting classes together for years, and her encouragement gave me the push to pursue my artistic passions."

When asked what inspires the unique beauty of her handbound books, hand-carved ceramic pendant neclaces, wheel-thrown ceramic dishes, and hand painted tile murals, she explains, "During my undergrad years, I was heavily influenced by George E. Ohr and William Morris. Ohr had a policy of creating no duplicates in his ceramic work. Morris believed a person should "have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful." Both these principles are seen in Shaprink's creations. Why can't something utilitarian be beautiful and pleasing to the senses as well? All the products I make for Shaprink are one of a kind items. Nothing in nature has an exact duplicate; neither does anything from Shaprink's studio."

Email: acrowder@shaprink.com

Website: www.shaprink.com

Etsy shop: shaprink.etsy.com

Facebook: Fanpage, Group

Myspace: www.myspace.com/shaprinkbusiness

Meet the Artisan: Elyse McCoskey with Just the Right Thing

2009-11-07T18:33:00.000-08:00

After living in China for 5 years, Elyse is using her China connections to bring fine quality Chinese pearls to you! She also keeps a huge inventory including freshwater, saltwater and Tahitians pearls - plus unusual and fun items.

Come browse through her extensive inventory of jewelry and gifts. Gorgeous jewelry at China prices!

Frequent shopping trips to China keep her stocked with gifts and novelties that everyone will love… When you need a gift, she has Just the Right Thing …!

Visit her web-site … www.JTRT.net … for a peek into the studio!

Meet the Artisan: Flower Hill Botanicals

2009-11-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Deloris, former history teacher and owner of Flower Hill Botanicals, has had a long time interest in the historical art of floral preservation. She uses many of the time honored traditional methods - as well as modern techniques - in pursuit of maintaining outstanding quality in her handcrafted gifts and decorative accessories.

She explains, "As an avid gardener and floral preservationist, I cultivate, harvest and preserve the botanicals which I design into decorative products at my hillside home in Jonesborough, Tennessee. The flowers, herbs and other botanicals which are incorporated into designs are harvested from my garden at the peak of their beauty and then carefully preserved."

As well as her online shop and the upcoming Historic Eureka Inn Holiday Craft Show, Flower Hill Botanicals products can be found at The Jubilee Gallery in Rogersville, Tn, The Cave House Craft Shop in Abingdon, Va, and the Gift Shop of Jonesborough Visitors' Center in Jonesborough, Tn.

Shop: flowerhill.etsy.com

Email: deloris@flowerhill.com

Meet the Artisan: Jean Ann Poore

2009-11-07T17:21:00.000-08:00

Jean Ann Poore is wife to a wonderful husband and mom to three great kids. She works full time as a medical transcriptionist from home and as an educational assistant for six hours during the day.

When she can find free time she loves to create anything artistic and crafty. A self-taught artist, oil painting is her love - and one she is trying to devote more time to. She has even taken on portrait painting!

She now lives in Bristol, Tennessee, with her family and can enjoy God's artwork everyday in the beauty of East Tennessee.

Shop: jeanannpoore.etsy.com

Meet the Artisan: Bag and Baggage

2009-11-07T17:14:00.000-08:00

The designer behind Bag & Baggage is Becky, a stay at home grandmother, who along with her wonderful husband is raising three young grandsons. Quilting has always been Becky's passion, but life has taken a new turn and her sewing interest has turned to handbags and other small accessories. Many of the items are original designs, while others have new twists on old favorites.

Becky comments, "A new design usually begins with inspiration from other sources and then simmers in the back of her mind until the idea bursts from imagination onto the work table. It's fun and exciting to see it take shape and become a beautiful and useful object."

Shop: bagandbaggage.etsy.com

Meet the Artisan: Sisters Act Two

2009-11-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

The art of sewing and other types of needle work have been passed down to Cathi of Sisters Act Two by two generations of crafters: her mother and grandmother. "My dolls had matching dresses and if I had a scrap of material, I would just make something for them by hand. Grandmother and Mom both sewed all the time; my four sisters and I always had matching Easter dresses."

Cathi is now a social worker, though she says "I love what I do, but would love to do my crafts full time!"

In her shop, you can find an assortment of beautiful and practical items, such as adult and children sized aprons, food warming bags, and casserole carriers. Plan to check back often, because this talented seamstress adds new items and designs each season!

Shop: sistersacttwo.etsy.com
Email: needleworker@charter.net

Meet the Artisan: Play Pretty Hair Bobs

2009-10-25T21:49:00.000-07:00

Christy is a work-at-home mom of two sweet girls. She began making flower clips and hair bows nearly seven years ago upon the birth of her first daughter.“My daughters were born with so much hair, it was impossible NOT to stick cute clips and flowers on them. I love to braid and fix their hair in different styles. A hair accessory is the icing on the cake-it just tops everything off!”

Recently she also took up sewing. “Now that my daughters are so far apart in size, it’s becoming hard to find matching outfits at retail stores. And, they both enjoy shopping for fabric and helping to design their own dresses or shirts.”

Christy began selling in a local salon and online in February 2009. “I do this because I LOVE to! It’s so much fun to see a happy little girl wearing one of my bows or clips!”

www.playprettyhairbobs.com

Email: playprettyhairbobs@hotmail.com

Meet the Artisan: Creative Touches Creations

2009-10-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

Creative Touches Creations, a "fabric bakery," indulges every little girl's fantasy with cakes, muffins, cookies, and much much more - all made from chenille, felt, and other delectable fabrics! Is your little girl not the "tea party" type? Barb, owner of Creative Touches, even handcrafts pizza slices, hamburgers, sandwiches, and chips!

When asked what inspired these play-food delectables, she replied, "My childhood was filled with memories of "helping" my grandmother and mother bake in their kitchens. My favorite memory of shared time in the kitchen is rolling out pastry dough and cutting out sugar cookies with my favorite red plastic cookie cutters. Our matching aprons were a must as I sprinkled more flour on myself and the floor than on the table."

Though her own children are grown now, she never let go of her childhood whimsies. "Playing in the kitchen, hosting a 'Tea Party' for my friends and stuffed animals and spending many hours creating fabric food and clothing for my dolls has now become a "Real-Life" business endeavor!"

Visit Creative Touches Fabric Bakery - Who said you cannot play with your food?

Meet the Artisan: My Baby's Time

2009-10-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

Erin, owner of My Baby's Time, was introduced by her aunt to scrapbooking at the tender age of eleven years old.

"I was already an ardent photographer," she says, "and I loved the idea of creating eye-pleasing pages for all of my beloved photographs."

But simple scrapbooking wasn't enough! Erin remembers, "When my son was born I received a typical baby book as a shower gift and the scrapbooker in me screamed at the lack of protection provided for the photos. I started to look for a photo safe version of the baby book but I was unsuccessful and thus My Baby's Time was born."

With My Baby's Time, proud Mommas and Pappas fill out traditional questionaires regarding their bundle of joy, and Erin creates your custom baby book for your family to enjoy for years to come!

Shop: www.mybabystime.com

Email: erin@mybabystime.com

Facebook: My Baby's Time

Meet the Artisan: Alice Pitchie (with "An Allice J. Collection")

2009-10-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

One-of-a-kind designs in gold and silver with precious and

semi-precious gemstones. Natural genuine stone beads, carvings, earrings, etc. Pearls, rubies,

jade, tourmaline, lapis, malachite, garnet, smoky quartz, turquoise, coral, and many others!

Email Alice: ajpthefirst@yahoo.com

Meet the Artisan: Huggie's Hodgepodge (a.k.a., Hippie Hempstress)

2009-10-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

Huggie, owner of The Hippie Hempstress, is a stay at home mom with two little boys, and an amazingly supportive husband.

Creating since she was a small child, she has found herself dabbling in practically every medium of art, constantly exploring new concepts and designs.

When asked what her favorite craft is, she replies,

"I don't guess I really have a favorite. My inspiration varies from season to season, and is reflected by events in my life."

Right now, her shop is sporting warm and snuggly winter accessories such as cowls, scarves, wristwarmers, and hats.

"I just love winter and fall! It gives you the opportunity to add a little bit more personality to your wardrobe with lots of layering."

Huggie is in the middle of transferring shops from "The Hippie Hempstress" to "Huggie's Hodgepodge." Be sure to check out her new shop!

Huggie's blog: http://huggieshodgepodge.blogspot.com

Huggie's email: huggieshodgepodge@artlover.com

Meet the Artisan: Jeri's Jewels

2009-10-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

Jeri, owner of Jeri's Jewels, has been an X-ray/cast tech for 34 years in a large orthopaedic office. "I love what I do!" she says. Her love of the medical field was instilled by her RN mother and medical assistant father.

But what inspired Jeri to create these beautiful pieces of wearable art?

"My friend was my

"jeweler" and she decided to move to further her education and I had her teach me how to make jewelry. After doing if for a few months, we started doing craft shows. I have become so fascinated with what you can do with beads and how much you can express youself that I have decided to set up a store on Etsy. I hope you enjoy

my jewelry as much as I enjoy making it!"

Follow Jeri's blog: http://jerijjewels.blogspot.com/

Email Jeri: jeridiehard@embarqmail.com