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Nancy, I am so excited about having you with us for this interview! Why don't you start by telling us a little about yourself.
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I live in Faribault, MN with my husband (and best friend!) of 27 years, Rick. We have three sons, Jordan, 24, Zach, 23 and Brett, 21 and a 15 year old dog, Maggie.
Although I don’t think I’ll ever get use to having an “empty nest”, I do feel blessed that our sons live close enough that we get to see them quite often. Our oldest son is getting married in September, so we’re very excited about that.
Rick and I have owned and operated a Credit Bureau for 27 years, so I also work fulltime.
My real passion is gardening! Our yard is filled with flower beds that I just love to work in all spring and summer. Faribault has several really nice nurseries and garden centers, where you can find a variety of unusual perennials that I enjoy planting. Winter is long in Minnesota, so when the warm weather arrives, we always make the most of it.
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How long have you been crafting?:
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For as long as I can remember! My Mother was a very talented seamstress and she taught me to sew at an early age. When I was growing up, (I come from a family of 10), my siblings and I were always doing something creative. I loved making Valentines and Christmas ornaments. I‘ve always liked to try new things, and I love a challenge! It just drives me crazy when I can’t figure something out, so I’ll work on it no matter how long it takes. With the help and encouragement of my son, I created my own websites, of which I’m very proud.
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Did you attend art school, or are you a self taught artison?:
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I’ve never had any formal art training, except for a few general art classes in school. I graduated from college with a double major in Public Relations and Marketing. I’ve always wanted to take a woodcarving class, and recently my husband gave me a gift to take a week of classes. Now, I just have to fit it into my schedule!
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How did you develop your signature style?:
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I think being self taught does have its advantages, because it helps you develop your own style. I’ve learned many things by trial and error that no one could ever teach you. There have been many times when something I did was a “mistake”, but it turned out to be just the look I wanted. I’m kind of a perfectionist and I’ve set strict standards for myself. I am quite meticulous in my work and the more detail there is, the more I like it. I am definitely my own worst critic!
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So, Nancy - you create wonderful whimsical rabbit statues - but you are also known as the Christmas Lady. Which do you enjoy more, the Christmas creations or your bunnies?:
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When the Christmas season ends, I’m excited about starting my bunnies and chicks, and then, when the weather starts to turn cooler, I can’t wait to delve into my Santas and snowmen! Right now I have a lot of custom orders I’m working on, so I do make some of my items all year long.
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Do you have a favorite piece that you have created?:
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I’ve had several pieces that were my favorite at the time I created them, and then I’ll make something else, and that becomes my favorite!
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What do you do when need some creative inspiration?:
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There’s nothing like a shopping trip to an antique store – one little item like a piece of trim, or an old Christmas ornament can inspire a whole new piece. I like to get up early and spend a few hours sculpting before I go to work– For some reason, I’m most creative at about 5:30 -6:00 in the morning!
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Tell us a little about your creative technique:
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I use a variety of materials to create my items, including papier mache, paperclay, vintage batting, super sculpey and cloth. My favorite medium to work with, though, is the paperclay. I’ve developed my own technique over the years, that I’m not sure is the “right” way to do something, but it works for me.
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Can you share with us any of your resources? Where do you find your wonderful trim and fibers, etc.?:
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Vintage fabric and trims are my first choice, but they’re sometimes hard to come by. I have a large collection of antique lace, silks, and trims. I’m always looking for fabric and treasures to use for my work and you’d be surprised at what can be recycled! Many times I’ll find an item and use it to make something it was never intended to be used for. There are people who will bring me things they know I can use, like the vintage batting, fur, trims, old buttons, etc.
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| Do you have a favorite quote?: |
“Find a job that you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life!”
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| What do you think of ZNE? |
I think it’s just great! ZNE is full of so many resources, tips, and inspiration! (I can’t wait for the workshop on the wool scrap chick!).
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Do you have any other exciting news for us?:
Thanks so very much for spending this time with us Nancy!
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I’m excited that Country Woman magazine did a feature article on my "Cottontail Collection" in the March/April, 2007 issue, due to come out March 13th!
Thank you so much for the honor of sharing my thoughts with you! I’m very excited to be part of ZNE, and look forward to “meeting” everyone.
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