I have always loved art, taking every class I could during school. I
majored in Graphic Design at Baylor, and currently work as an Art
Director here in Dallas, Texas. I also run this little business on the
side. Before DixieBelle, the thought never occurred to me to start my
own business. Sometimes I still wonder what I've gotten myself into!
My husband was the one who encouraged me to sell my pots back in 2003,
and we are still at it! I don't think either of us imagined it would
become what it has. It has truly been one of the most rewarding,
character building, stressful, and totally fun learning experiences of
my life!
Gardening
It wasn't until I started working that I realized my love of
gardening. After sitting in front of the computer all week, I couldn't
wait for the weekend to come, and I could put my hands in the dirt. I
didn't have a garden of my own at the time, so I helped my mom with
hers. I found it to be incredibly therapeutic! I am not at all an
expert, but I know enough to keep most things alive.
Crafting
I have an uncontrollable desire to make stuff with my hands, the
old fashioned way. I came across a quilting book one day and decided it
might be fun to teach myself. I purchased a sewing machine and a few
supplies and started to quilt. It has since become one of my favorite
hobbies. I just love hand quilting the layers with all those tiny
monotonous little stitches. Even the experts at the local quilt shop
think I'm crazy!
I also enjoy crochet. My grandmother, Esther, bought me a little
green hook and some bright red yarn when I was a little girl and taught
me to make a chain. She never taught me how to make the second row, so
needless to say, I made a lot of bracelets and necklaces in the
beginning! My crocheting skills did finally advance beyond the first
row, and every fall I start to get the itch to crochet scarves and
mittens. My favorite project is this really great pair of cotton house
shoes. I loved them so much I made another pair to keep under my desk
at the office!
Decorating
One of my favorite hobbies is decorating our home. I collect neat
old pieces at antique stores and flea markets and fill the house with
them. My latest great find is an old iron staircase railing that I
found at a garage sale. I decided to use it as a trellis for my
climbing rose bush! I love finding new uses for old things. Sometimes
my husband will catch me staring at the walls and will ask me, "You're
decorating in your head again, aren't you?" He's usually right...
Craft Parties
I just love hosting dinner parties, and I've finally found the
perfect way to combine that with my love of makin' stuff. My husband
built me a huge table in my craft room surrounded by bar stools so that
my friends and I can gather to work on projects together. We always
have a big dinner (first things first!) and then settle in for some
serious crafting! We host these craft parties regularly at my house,
and would love to have you join us! If you would like to join in the
fun, send me and email, and I'll put you on the list for next time.
