Who Am I??
I am a Catholic single mom to three kids named Joseph Nicholas (May 2012), Brookelyn Anne (Jan 2014) and Amberlyn Rose (Mar 2015). I was homeschooled from 2nd grade through high school, and then attended a local community college for a couple of years before getting married.
I am the oldest of seven kids and, several of us still live at home with my parents. One of my brothers is also in Seminary discerning the Priesthood. The phrase “It takes a village” has never meant more to me than it does right now. Moving back in with my family following the separation and divorce was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
In 2012, my mom (owner of Loreto Rosaries) was asked to be a vendor at a Living Advent conference. She had the idea to sell some cute little felt saint dolls in addition to her Rosaries, but didn’t have enough time to make them. I offered to help, and fell in love! After a successful conference, I decided to start my own business and expand my inventory.
I design and hand-sew stuffed felt saint dolls. Each doll is roughly 5 inches tall and an inch thick. They are the perfect size for little hands! My son started playing with them at about 6 months old, and my daughters (9 and 11) still play with them. I keep a few in our Mass bag for the kids to entertain themselves with when they start getting a little too rowdy. Some people have ordered them as stocking stuffers, others have put them in Easter baskets, and some even give them as First Communion presents. The gift possibilities are endless!
I started out with only three Saints – St Nicholas, St Lucy and Our Lady of Guadalupe. I now have over 90 Saints to choose from! I also accept custom orders. I love designing new dolls, and I think I say the same phrase every time: “This is my new favorite!” Honestly, if you were to ask me which is my favorite, I wouldn’t be able to choose. I love them all!
In 2013, I expanded my business by designing a Nativity scene. I offer both a 3-piece set and a 10-piece set, which includes the Three Wise Men, Angel, Shepherd, and animals. I offer the Three Wise Men separately as well.
In 2014 I designed a 28-piece Jesse Tree set. This is probably one of my favorite accomplishments in my business. One of our main Advent traditions growing up was doing the daily Jesse Tree devotions with paper ornaments decorated every year, and a wooden dowel tree that was built at some point during my childhood. I love those memories but I wanted to design something more durable and permanent. I love how the ornaments look on a Christmas tree. We usually set up our Christmas tree at the beginning of Advent with purple lights and use it as a Jesse Tree until Christmas Eve.
In 2015, I created Saint bookmarks, a couple of Lent and Easter items, finger puppets, and headbands. I was also a vendor at the IHM Homeschool Conference in Fredericksburg, Va in June 2016! I occasionally participate in a weekly Catholic artisan auction every Tuesday on Instagram over at @zelieandco.
I hope you love my items as much as I do! God bless!!
