Honestly I was able to start my shop because of the recession. Not having the extra money to buy presents for family and friends I started creating unique gifts for them. I have always loved making things that maybe aren't traditional, a bit whimsical, and unique from other things you may see from other handmade merchants or in the stores. Then I met a incredibly talented artist who loved my ideas, encouraged my creativity and introduced me to my first local bazaar. My items were very well received and that gave me a great boost of self esteem. It lead me to believe that what I make for my loved ones could also be enjoyed by others. I put my heart into every piece, and encourage other people to make special requests and from those ideas I continue to come up with other new creations.

The wood I use for my candle holders comes from fallen trees found on our property, or gathered from my community or friends. I will change my products and create new items if the wood available to me runs out before my ideas do, but living in wooded Washington State I don't see this as being a problem any time soon. The variety and availability of a certain type of wood may vary each year but I will always be able to come up with wonderful ideas with the supplies nature provides me.

As for the other unique items in my shop, they are items I have found in thrift shops, or at garage sales and the like. I recycle/re-purpose them by taking them apart or I by adding additional details or adornments to them to make it original, something totally different from what I started with.

I am thankful to have this opportunity to do something I love and hope that all of the items I create bring a smile to the faces of the people who see them, buy them, or receive them.