Why are you a maker? What drives you to continue making?

I have a passion for creating something people find happiness with and something they find worthy to hang in their home or give as a gift. I come from the stressful corporate world full of complaints and long hours with little positive reward. The happiness I experience when I deliver a custom piece people are thrilled with is something that resonates with me everyday and gives my work meaning and purpose.

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What is your favorite thing that you've created and sold at Worcester Wares?

Worcester state sign

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Do you make/sell other products that aren't sold at Worcester Wares? If so, tell us about what you make.

Yes, I make a number of general/custom signs with designs not related to Worcester, wooden flags, corn hole sets and children’s decor, to name a few.

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What is your maker process like?

I have to plan ahead with my pieces as paint and stain need multiple coats and dry time before next steps. I usually do my cutting and sanding in the mornings, painting and staining midday and finish off with adding design and lettering to the pieces. I find I work best in the quiet late night hours so after the kids go to bed, I usually continue finishing up pieces or taking the time to create something new.

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Any upcoming products, projects, events, or goals for 2019?

Growing the business and maximizing efficiency will be key for me this year. I’ve developed a number of collaboration projects with other local makers and we work together to keep the ideas fresh! I love the thrill of participating in a craft fair or event and will be attending more of those this year as well.

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If you could give advice to someone thinking about pursuing your type of craft what would you tell them?

You need a lot of space! My garage, dining room and half of our living room holds spots where I create and most of the time projects are spread throughout the house in safe places. It’s messy work with sawdust and paint/stain everywhere. You definitely have to be committed to keep the flow going.

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Tell us a weird/random/fun fact about yourself!

I’m always cold- like chilled to the bone cold. Which makes working in a cold garage in winter a challenge to overcome daily. Quiet often I walk around during the winter with two sweatshirts and two pairs of pants on! 90-100 degree days in the summer are my favorite. Not sure why I live in New England 😉

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What is your connection to the city of Worcester? (Live here? Work here? Grew up here? etc)

Grew up in the surrounding towns outside Worcester.

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One thing you LOVE about the city of Worcester.

It’s support of the arts and encouragement of arts to flourish

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One change you'd like to see in Worcester.

I tend to get lost easily when driving around. Better signage would help!