I take what was once a treasured teacup or teapot and turn them into bird feeders, bird houses, garden and house decor, and now jewelry, im giving purpose to items that have lost their value in the eyes of are twenty first century non clutter way of life. Traditions change over time and when my family immigrated from England over one hundred years ago they still enjoyed their tea time and up until
my Grandparents, Earl and Joyce Bumphrey passed away we still partook in that tradition rain or shine, in the middle of harvest or seeding, time was taken to enjoy a hot cup of tea. Its now the 21st century and although we’ve carried on the family tradition of farming the land are ancestors claimed as their own and drink a cup of tea as an ode to times by gone not everyone still does. Now i find my self getting contacted by local and not so local folks wanting to get rid of great grandmas fine bone china, i often get asked “i bet the elderly cringe when they walk by” and my honest answer is, “not at all! They take a business card and contact me when they are ready to sell them, they are genuinely happy to see their china put to use once again”. I often receive hugs with wistful looks upon their faces telling me that what im doing is wonderful and its nice to see china put to use once again. I don’t take enjoyment in drilling holes in some ones once prized bone china teacups, i take enjoyment in the fact that they are once again being used in a different manner. When i drill that china i fondly think of my grandparents and how much they enjoyed tea time, and whenever i complete a project i’ve put more love and TLC into those projects than i probably should, and i sort of feel bad when i see one i created a year ago still waiting for its home. I LOVE selling my items one on one, seeing peoples faces when they see those whimsical hanging teacups or a teapot with a pretty sun catching crystal hanging from the spout I know that what I do isn’t about sales its about making an item that makes a connection with its soon to be owner. I try to keep my prices as low as i can so my customers can enjoy their purchase without feeling like i took them to the cleaners, cause like i said its not about the money, the look of wonder and awe on a customers face makes it all worth while.