“Feeling led to bless people with my creations is just a part of what I do.”
These opportunities just seem to arise at various times in my life, open doors if you will. I follow my heart, and do what I feel led to do. This usually involves creating something for someone I would have never had the opportunity to create for in my every day living. I then have faith that there will be a way for me to be able to get what I created for them into their hands, which happens more often than not.
I consider it an honor and part of a ministry to be able to bless people in this way.
Ty Pennington, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
I handmade a custom creation for Ty and was able to present it to him face to face. Knowing his love for turning old things into new creations I chose to used reclaimed Bloodwood, which I found on an old pallet in Erie. I inscribed the pendant with “ERIE” on the back. I combined the wood pendant with reclaimed seed and wooden beads and included local Lake Erie Beach glass to make it a special remembrance from his stop here in Erie.
Paige Hemmis, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
I handmade a custom purple heart pendant with “ERIE” inscribed on the back. I also include a special piece of Pink beach glass and an ornate bail to show it off.
Paulie DiMeo, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
For Paulie it was a little more difficult. I must have looked through hundreds of photographs to see what particular style of jewelry that he might wear. I could not find one picture with any other jewelry on other than his wedding ring. So I had to be creative.
Michael W. Smith, Singer/Songwriter
Wanting to take a trip to Nashville, we booked our weekend which included a concert with Michael W. Smith. As soon as we booked it, I felt led to make him and his wife something as he had inspired me as a youth leader years ago.
Lisa Whelchel, Actor and inspirational Speaker,
Upon attending a conference where I also had a display of my work, I was able to present Lisa Whelchel (from the show Facts of Life) with a necklace I was inspired to make for her as a remembrance of her visit to Erie.
Sally Singer, New York Times T Magazine and former Vogue Magazine Editor
Having my work displayed at a women’s conference I was able to Present Sally Singer from Vogue Magazine with a special custom, handmade necklace as a remembrance to her visit to Erie.
Robin Meade, CNN Morning Express
I had the incredible opportunity to be on CNN’s Morning Express show covering small business success stories. At the time, my husband and I used to watch Robin Meade every Morning. Following the show I sent a necklace that I had custom made for her.
Carrie Underwood, Singer/Songwriter/Actress
Headed to Nashville, my kids are wondering if there is any possible chance I would run into Carrie Underwood (a favorite in our household). I was prompted to make her something as a thank you for being such an incredible role model for our children as well as a very talented musician that I enjoy listening to. I still don’t know to this day if she every did get them….
Oprah Winfrey, Talk Show Host, Actress, Producer, and Philanthropist
This is another one where I followed my heart but really don’t know if the blessing ever landed in the actual hands of the recipient. I happened to be at a point in my life when I was watching the show and there were several topics that I was inspired by. In addition her efforts in Africa as well as just randomly blessing people through her show I found amazing. I wondered to myself if she is ever blessed by others with the ability to have the provision to buy whatever she would need. I decided I wanted to create something for her.
Sarah Palin, Former Alaskan Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate
Not even knowing if I could go, a friend got me a ticket to the Palin Rally in Erie. As soon as I knew I would be able to go I felt it was for a purpose.
Beth Moore, Evangelist, Author, and Teacher,
Having attended several studies conducted by Beth Moore in addition to a live conference, I have been inspired by her teachings for years. After attending a conference with friends I was particularly moved and inspired to create something special for her. She pours herself out to so many, I felt strongly led to bless her with something unconditionally.
Martina McBride Singer & Songwriter
I was surprised by my husband for my Birthday with tickets to see Martina Mcbride at Seneca Valley Casino. I have admired and loved her music for as long as I can remember. Of course I immediately felt “I need to make her something!” As always I look at pictures to try and capture a style the person I am creating for likes and wears often. I then pray that I am worked through to create a special one of a kind keepsake for them, that they will love and wear. I don’t know for sure if she received it, but i did (almost literally) run into her assistant on my way through the parking lot who assured me she was going to hand it to her right then. What an awesome opportunity to bless someone I so appreciated as a musical artist.
