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Sweet Cottage Rose Inspired Indulgences

in Accessories, Featured Crafters, Handmade on

I don’t make things to make money. I make things because they’re in me trying to get out.

Renee Holtzer

Random Facts About You?

1. Main Street USA in Walt Disney World is my favorite place - I've vacationed there more than 13 times beginning in 1972 with my family.

2. I love to read (historical fiction mostly) but only in the summer - not sure what that's all about:)

3. I wake up every morning with a song in my head. Every day - it's a great way to start the day!

1. I volunteer 2 days a week caring for my husbands niece with ALS, and I'm hoping this continues for years and years to come.



What got you started crafting?

What got me started crafting? My urge to craft and create has just been my natural way of being. Drawing, paper cutting, painting and designing houses is what I've been doing as far back as I can remember. Those of us who create do it because we need to, for profit or not, it's just part of our being. My mom is a professional seamstress and in true mother/daughter fashion - I can't sew:) Not that I can't, I actually hand sew a lot of things, but I'm just not a machine person so a sewing machine always alluded me. My paternal grandma taught my mom to knit and crochet, she loved crafting and I still have some of her treasures. For my wedding I wanted a specific cake topper, replicas of John and I and I just couldn't find them so I taught myself how to work with polymer clay. I've been playing with clay ever since - 22 years now. My love of polymer clay has now turned to cottage furniture appliques. I wanted something for my furniture other people didn't have and again I made them for myself, just like all crafters do - create what you can't find. My appliques have color, incredible detail and a one-of-a-kind uniqueness that makes them so special. If you love the cottage look, I know you'll love these.



What is your source of inspiration?

I'm inspired by my garden, catalogs, movies, suggestions from friends, all the wonderful cottage style blogs out there, sites like this and all the amazing fellow crafters out there.



What have you made recently?

I recently designed a set of four identical 3.5" rose/rosebud appliques for a cottage white dresser. The design idea was strait forward with the largest rose in the middle and graduating out to a rosebud and then leaf. I don't use any molds, so when I make duplicates they are still individual just like if you would go out to your garden and hand pick a bunch of flowers. I make one applique at a time but make the entire set in one sitting so I can keep the sizes all the same. I cook them at 275 and begin the coloring/glazing process which is unique and kind-of a secret (sorry). The end product is very durable, the roses have dark pink centers and the outer pedals are kissed with pink. The surrounding green leaves also reflect a little pink on the tips to tie the whole thing together. I think idea of these precious, always blooming, little roses bring a smile to your face and bring your garden into your home.





Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I sell my crafts by word-of-mouth, through my Etsy shop and through a few gift shops.



Why are handmade crafts important to you?

Handmade items are full of care, made with love, and holds a little piece of the heart of the creator.



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