Crafty Chicks Organizes Creative Women

By Kellie Houx

More than 30 artists from around the metropolitan area returned for the eighth year to Heritage Hall in Liberty to sell their “uncommon and hand-crafted gift items.”

Most of the women have ties to Hallmark. Gretchen Finch, Weatherby Lake, and Cheryl Graham, Leavenworth, Kan., both gift-wrap designers, started the Crafty Chicks event after a co-worker sought help to raise additional funds to adopt a girl from China.

“Eight years later, our friend is busy with two beautiful daughters from China,” Finch says. “We thought an art fair made sense to help raise funds for her. Now, this group of creative women stays together and enjoys the chance to have a venue for their crafts. We have grown every year.”

Graham says word of mouth has helped attract artists and shoppers. They also have a database and an active e-mail list. Though the bulk of the “Crafty Chicks” works at Hallmark, they showed off their entrepreneurial spirit with their individuality and creativity. Finch says the money is secondary as most of the women see their work as a side business, but enjoy the outlet to express their creativity.

“The chance to be creative is good for us and good for shoppers who want to put some thought behind their gifts they will give this holiday season,” Finch says.

Finch and Graham make collages and jewelry with vintage buttons. Finch also makes paper pulp snowmen.

“We plan to keep the event the first or second week in November,” she says. “We just have to make sure we fit into the schedule here at Heritage Hall.”

Julie Lushbough, Blue Springs, works as a manager at Hallmark. She makes wire-wrap rings with buttons or beads for her hobby. During the daylong event, Lushbough made rings on demand, including a size 2 ring for a 7-year-old girl.

“I like vintage buttons or beads with a story. I had a friend visit Kenya and bring some beads back for me,” she says.

Her creativity has been mainly for friends and family. This year’s Crafty Chicks event marked her first public show.

“It is a hobby and some Mom time, whether it is for five minutes or five hours,” Lushbough says. “Hand-crafted works are meaningful.”

Diane Tompkins and her daughter Madeline Tompkins shared a booth. Diane, a retired Hallmark employee, makes shadow boxes. The two also packaged beads and buttons together.

“There are no strings or wires to limit the creativity of the buyer,” Diane says. “It is a chance to send these crafts items forward. I am glad there is an interest because once you’re an artist, you really can’t stop.”

Jeanee Wallace, Kansas City, works as a graphic designer at Hallmark. At Crafty Chicks, she sold aprons and belts. Wallace just learned to sew in April after a five-day class. Now she is addicted to creating multi-pocketed aprons designed for those who make crafts and funky patterned aprons for those who want to wear an apron before or during entertaining.

“Aprons are coming back,” she says. “I love Amy Butler fabrics for the bold prints. I look at patterns that might go together and just have fun. I am planning on adding purses soon.”
Pam Sledd, Waldo, is part of a group of nine artists called Trunk Show Jewelry. Seven are employed at Hallmark where Sledd works as a designer planner.

“It is a great outlet to make something with your hands,” she says. “It is almost an obsession. The end product may just help make someone more beautiful.”

Web sites:
Julie Lushbough
Mattie~Jules Jewelry designs and rings
305-2501
clushbough@sbcglobal.net

Jeanee L. Wallace
Dirty Laundry
yourdirtylaundry.etsy.com
jeaneewallace@hotmail.com

Trunk Show Jewelry
Pam Sledd, show director
361-1503
tsjewelry.googlepages.com