Crafty People Series #5 - Peggy Ward

Whenever I think of a crafty person, the first person that always comes to my mind is Peggy. I've never met anyone that knows so much about crafts than her. To prove my point here is a list of some of the things she does (and I'm almost certain that I'm missing some); beading, quilting, rug hooking, polymer clay, sewing, enameling, crocheting and knitting.
When younger she moved a lot, (Iceland, Wisconsin, Hawaii, Kansas, Virginia, Spain to name a few) and all of these places shaped and informed her crafts, her likes and dislikes. She is the kind of person who made her three children their clothes, and says that if she would have known how to make shoes, she probably would have made those too. Now Peggy is teaching herself how to play the banjo!

All of the things she makes, have that special quality that just shine through, you want to touch, admire or wear them. If you are ever in St. Augustine, Florida, where she has her lovely store The Bead Chick, do manage to take any of her classes, you won't find a nicer and more patient person to learn with. It is through her classes that my mom met her, and then eventually me, of course.

1. First crafty memory?
    I was 3, and we were living in Iceland and my mom bought me a cross stitch pattern that said; "Now
    I lay me down to sleep." I still have it somewhere!

2. Favorite craft you have ever made?
    There really are many - especially the quilts I made for loved ones, but there is one that I remember
    most, which was a quilt we made for a going away present for our pastor, and everyone contributed
    a square, we ended up having so many squares that we made two quilts. It was really a labour of
    love.

3. Favorite material to work with?
    Polymer clay! It is so versatile, I can do so many things with it. I'm obsessed!

4. Inspiring words you like?
    Actually two; My favorite saying is; "Those of you who think you know everything are annoying to
    those of us who do."
    And life verse; "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with
    thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all
    comprehension, shall guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Phil 4: 6-7

5. Favorite color?
    Not so much a favorite color but a favorite combination, now I'm going through a blue-green period,
    before it was aqua-sage, then purple-green.

6. Tea or coffee?
    Coffee

7. Mountains or beach?
    Beach everyday. When I lived in the midwest I discovered I was never as happy as I am by the
    water.

8. Where do you find inspiration?
     All around. Designs in nature, patterns in the clouds, when you look in a shop window the shadows
     of what you see inside and outside.

9. What do you collect?
     Tools. Special ones that no one is allowed to touch (see hammers in picture), and obviously
     everything I need for crafts.

10. What would you like to make that you haven't yet?
       I would really like to take a class with Ricky Frank and Linda Darty to learn cloisonné enamel.

Peggy: It was really nice to see you again. I love what you do and admire you immensely. I wish you all the best in your beautiful home.

For all information regarding her classes and store go to The Bead Chick.

Giova.