It all began with a 4th grade teacher trying to decide what to give students for Christmas. I didn't want to go out and buy a bunch of random items that would end up on the classroom floor (as so many other previous party items in the past had). I also know moms, as I am one, who has kids coming home with a bunch of gift bags that get left on the kitchen table, counter, or any flat surface space. I wanted to give something different that year. Something that would be special and exciting. It took a couple of days (a month in advance) to come up with the idea of giving handmade ornaments. These had to be something personal to each student. I decided to ask the class to write down their favorite dog on a piece of paper with a name attached. Some were curious, while others didn't think twice about it.
Fast forward to me getting materials, making the stencils, and figuring out how many of what type of dog I needed. Some had written their dogs name ( as though I knew the breed). I had to ask questions to those specific students about their favorite dog, so they could give me more information (without being aware of the why), to move forward with their ornament. Christmas Break was coming closer and I was getting pretty excited myself to hand out the gifts. I had decided to place the gifts in a paper sandwich bag so they were hidden until each student opened it up. Yes, I had given a few snacks inside, but the looks on their faces, the gasps, and the excitement was what I was happy to provide. I had several parents reach out over break thanking me for giving them something to add to the Christmas Tree. Several had siblings asking for one after break, and due to the reactions of my students and their families, it encouraged me to continue the tradition.
Since then, I have started to make other items, that you now see on this website. I plan on expanding even more at some point. But I wanted to share with you how it all got started. Prior to those ornaments I had designed some family gifts that received comments, and with other things in life, my crafts took a back seat.
-- I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about the business.
Add comment
Comments