Today's Featured Artist --- Teresa's Prim Treasures

 Today's featured artist is Teresa Miller of Teresa's Prim Treasures.

Tell us a little about you?

I'm married to Jeff and a mother to 3 wonderful children..... Stephanie is married with a son and a daughter.... Brittany is married with 2 sons and a daughter.... JC is a Junior in college! I love being a grammy!
I've lived all my life in rural PA...... grew up about 1 1/2 hours North of where I have lived for the last 22 years. My hobbies are crafting, rug hooking and I love to cook!

How long have you been in business?

I have been crafting since 1989! 

How did you get started?

I started out making Amish dolls for a local gift shop.... then expanded into the dressed bunnies (remember those back in the early 90's?) I had 3 small children and I wanted to stay at home with them so this was a way for me to have some spending money!  
A few years later I started setting up at craft shows and was soooooooooo excited to have others buying my creations! In 1996 I opened a website and doors have really opened since that!!! I've met so many wonderful ladies over the years!

What is involved in making your craft?

When it comes to the wood products.... the hardest thing is getting my husband to the woodshop! LOL  He will only make the item for me.........I then need to do the sanding, painting and staining!  He will help me with hinges and knobs when it comes time to put things together!  I'm not good at that! I usually only do the wood items during the warm months because I have no heated workshop with ventilation!

I use purchased patterns for sewing and some I have created myself!  When I decide to make something I never do just one!  I find it easier to create in multiples!  I may take a day and trace patterns onto the fabric, next day do the sewing so I have the items to cut out and turn when I set down in the evenings after dinner (and my husband thinks I'm spending time with him)LOL! 

I also like to do the stuffing in the evenings which can be done while watching TV.  Next day I will put together, paint and finish up what needs done!  

When I get tired of sewing I will take a few days to do some detailed painting!  I'm not an artist but do enjoy using some simple painting patterns that others have drawn.

I love shopping for fabric which is a very important part of creating the perfect sewing item!  Nothing like finding that perfect print for a bonnet and finishing it off to look old and well used! 

What is your favorite thing to make?

I really do so many different things but right now my most favorite thing to make involves wool appliques! I love to make penny rugs and other wool appliqued items like my cell phone/camera/IPod sleeves! I can't get enough of them right now!

Do you have set hours to work?

I don't really have set hours to work! I do find myself crafting everyday though!   My evenings are spent doing the hand work like stitchery's and working with wool appliques.  

What are your future plans for your business?

To continue to grow online and also start having an open house in the Fall.  My husband is hoping to retire in a couple of years which will mean more wood products year round.

What does handcrafting mean to you?

Handcrafting to me means being able to create a work of art in your own style! Producing a "treasure" that will last a lifetime! 

Where do you sell your crafts at? Online and Craft shows here in PA.

ETSY  http://www.teresasprimtreasures.etsy.com

Website  http://www.teresasprimitivetreasures.com
Blog  http://www.teresasprimtreasures.blogspot.com

July 9, 2011 Caledonia Start Park Arts and Craft Show, Fayetteville, PA
August 13, 2011 Lititz Rotary Club Arts and Craft Show, Lititz, PA
August 27, 2011 Shippensburg Corn Festival, Shippensburg, PA
October 8, 2011 Hartslog Days, Alexandria, PA