About Me

My mom told me that when I was 4 yrs. old, I would lay in the floor and draw while I watched Sesame Street. I have always loved art, taking every class I could during school. I majored in Graphic Design at Baylor University, and currently work as a Art Director for a company near Dallas, Tx.

It wasn't until I started working that I realized my love of gardening. After sitting in front of the computer all week, I couldn't wait for the weekend when I could put my hands in the dirt. I didn't have a garden of my own at the time, so I helped my mom with hers. I found it to be incredibly therapeutic! I am not at all an expert, but I know enough to keep most things alive.

I also found I had a desire to make stuff with my hands, the old fashioned way. I came across a quilting book one day and decided it might be fun to teach myself. I purchased a sewing machine and a few supplies, and started to quilt. It has since become one of my favorite hobbies! I just love handquilting the layers with all those tiny monotonous little stitches! Even the experts at the local quilt shop think I'm crazy!

I have also learned to crochet. My grandmother, Esther, bought me a little green hook and some bright red yarn when I was a little girl and taught me to make a chain. She never taught me how to make the second row, so needless to say, I made a lot of bracelets and necklaces in the beginning! My crocheting skills did finally advance beyond the first row, and every fall I start to get the itch to crochet scarves and mittens. My favorite project is this really great pair of cotton house shoes. I loved them so much I made another pair to keep under my desk at the office!

One of my favorite hobbies is decorating our home. I collect neat old pieces at antique stores and flea markets and fill the house with them. My latest great find is an old iron staircase railing that I found at a garage sale. I decided to use it as a trellis for my climbing rose bush! I love finding new uses for old things. Sometimes my husband will catch me staring at the walls and will ask me, "You're decorating in your head again, aren't you?" He's usually right...

I love to learn how to make new things, so I always have some kind of project going! I have found that there are others who share this same creative passion. My husband built me a huge table in my craft room surrounded by barstools so that my friends and I can gather to work on projects together.

I started DixieBelle in 2003. My husband was the one who encouraged me to start selling my pots after I painted one for my grandmother, Esther, for Mother's Day. My first show was an arts and crafts festival in my home town. The pots were a huge hit, so I immediately added more shows to our schedule, and we have been busy ever since! I just love doing shows, because I love the interaction with all of you! You can find out where we will be next by clicking on "where to find us" button on my website.

I also started designing greeting cards and note cards. I must admit, it is more of a creative challenge than I expected, but that is a great thing! I have enjoyed coming up with all of the designs, and the possibilities are endless! I am always adding new designs to the collection, so check the shop often for new products.