I grew up in a large family in the anthracite coal hills of Pennsylvania. My brothers, sisters and I employed a lot of creativity and imagination in our play around the house and neighborhood. Some of my favorite times involved creating cards and pictures for family, but nothing I drew rivaled my mother's doodles around her crossword puzzles. With a stub of a pencil and a few crayons, she pulled me into her arts and crafts sensibilities. While I never learned to draw, I did figure out that art and music were an essential part of my emotional well being.

In school, the teachers that went the extra mile -- incorporating the fine arts, music, movement activities and games into their curriculum -- always had my attention. In high school, one of my teachers taught us plastic canvas. (My mother STILL has a tired, old tissue box cover lovingly rendered for her that year, over 40 years ago!)

Time and again through the decades, when I have needed a Sanity Break, I have returned to my needle and pretty-colored yarns. Learning new stitches and collecting buttons and findings to add to plastic canvas projects has brought me great satisfaction. I still get that gleeful feeling when I give a gift of a handmade Christmas ornament, fridge magnet or sewn item to family and friends. Beginning with altering published patterns, and progressing to creating my own, I have taken my craft into new territory over the past few years. My Home Ec teacher would be proud!

As you browse my shop, know that these items are sewn with care and joy, by the little Coal Region girl that never left her yarn unattended for too long. Thank you for being part of my "craft therapy" -- the quiet, happy moments of creation that brighten my days. I hope that the objects you purchase do the same for yours.