1. How would you describe your particular folk art style?
Definitely delicate and feminine. I love that I can make something light and lacy or fun and funky depending on the weight and color of the thread I use (and the design of the motif, of course).2. How long have you been involved in the creative arts business?
I have been tatting for about 22 years now.
3. Can you think of any particular artist, friend or family member that inspired you to begin creating?
My mom taught me to tat and I can remember sitting on her sofa for hours that day (and night!) until I got that knot to flip upside down. Bless her heart, she fed and took care of my two little ones and let me work at it until I got it, I guess because she could see how much I loved the tatting that she did.
4. What do you think it the most important thing that you have learned along the way to building your business?
Believing in your dream and not giving up, no matter how long it takes.
5. What has been the most challenging?
Having the "free" time to pursue it. Tatting is very time-consuming and having multiple jobs and family members to take care of, well, those come first because there are hearts to tend to and bills to pay.6. How do you over come creative blocks or dry spells in your work?
Tons of ways! I shop (usually "junk-tiquing" or garage sale-ing), I flip through home decorating magazines, watch home decorating shows. A chat with my mom or a visit to my parents' house in Florida always helps too because my mom is a very creative person and her home shows that.
7. How do you use folk art or primitives in your home?
Every room is my house is different from the other, I think. I like having some dark rooms and some light-filled rooms, and that lets me decorate each room as I "feel" it -- sometimes using primitive antiques, or 50's era furniture (I have my family's and my in-laws maple furniture!) or feminine touches. Living with all males, I can't have everything all lacy in my house!
8. What holiday or subject matter is your favorite for your creations?
Gosh, each season is an inspiration and comes with new ideas of things to do. Although I have to admit, it "snows" all summer at my house tatting snowflakes for the holiday craft shows!
9. If you could tell a newcomer to this business one thing, what would it be?Don't give up on your dreams and don't listen to what naysayers are naysaying! Sometimes people can make you doubt yourself with their words (usually unintentionally), so tell your dreams to people you know will support you and work, work, work. Although for most crafters, I think, its more like play, play, play because we love what we are doing! Most important: pray, pray, pray!
10. What are some of your favorite materials to work with?
My favorite threads are about total opposites: very fine white thread and very chunky ecru thread. You can make the exact same motif with each of those threads and come out with a totally different feeling product. I also collect tatting shuttles, but usually use brand new ones with pop-out bobbins. Those old shuttles were a pain to wind thread on!!
11. Where would you like to see your career take you next?
Wherever God wants me to go. I am very blessed to be able to make money at tatting, but I get even more pleasure out of giving it as gifts to people who really appreciate it.
12. Is there something that would surprise us about you?I really am a tomboy! I love the fact that I had two boys because I got to play with trucks and things like that as they were growing up!
13. What art forms would you like to try that you haven’t yet experienced?
Stained glass -- I love colored glass and collect colored glass bottles and have blue glass dishes.
14. Is there something that you have yet to do that would achieve a dream?
Being the best Mother, Wife, Grandma, and Friend to all those that I love and hold dear to my heart…….maybe a handmade quilt for each and everyone of them?
