Bethany Lowe

Bethany Lowe is a self-taught artist whose love of antiques and holiday traditions has led her into the world of design. Beth began her career as an artist in 1987 when she created her first Nicholas in “the Nostalgia for Nicholas Collection.” Since then her line has expanded rapidly and is marketed through specialty shops, museum shops and galleries throughout the world. Many are based upon folk art legend characters from around the world. However, her most popular designs have been inspired by her own imagination and life experiences.

Through Beth’s work, everything old becomes new again as she captures the warm memories of her childhood growing up on a Midwestern farm. Holidays were a magical time for Beth’s family and the small community she grew up in with costume parties, mummer’s parades, pumpkin - carving contests, and trick-or-treating through the neighborhoods. Families went for horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skated together on country ponds, went caroling door to door, and built snow forts and snowmen to greet passersby. As a child, one of Beth’s favorite traditions was creating May baskets from paper and flowers - special gifts to be hung on the doors of friends and family.

Years later, these special experiences are reflected in Bethany’s artwork with her new whimsical collections of holiday decorations for your home.

Today, as she shares her imagination and memories with you, Bethany hopes to inspire fresh new traditions for your family.

Dee Foust Collectibles

Dee Foust’s passion for handmade goods is expressed in her line of personally crafted designs reproduced in perfect detail.

Her creative career began in the early ‘90s when she created the Holly Berry Hill Mail Order Catalog. This unique catalog showcased many of her handmade designs as well as other unique American folk artisans’ works. After several years in mail order, Dee decided to close her catalog and pursue other creative avenues. Her first endeavor took her to Iowa, where she accepted an editor’s position with Better Homes and Gardens© Creative Collection. She enjoyed producing several holiday publications, including the Santa Claus Book, and launching the first edition of Simply Creative Weddings magazine. In 2002 Dee licensed her first line of vintage-style collectibles to Bethany Lowe Designs. Now living in northern California, she continues to enjoy both careers. As an avid collector, Dee finds inspiration from vintage treasures. As an artist, she works to pass on the tradition and to capture the imagination of the past.

http://www.deefoust.net

Virginia Betourne of “Trout Creek Tales”

These wonderful whimsical folk art designs are the work of Ginny Betourne of “Trout Creek Tales.” Using an old-fashioned layered papier-maché technique, Virginia’s fanciful ideas come to life with humor and wit inspired by her creative outlook on the world around us.

“After earning a degree in forestry and working in the woods, I saw many beautiful places that looked like they could be homes for the gnomes and elves,” Ginny says. “Later, while raising my family, I introduced my children to the mysteries and possibilities all around us.

“Fifteen years later, I still haven’t run out of stories or ideas. I see my frogs hop from their pond to go to the flower garden looking for slugs every morning, and my day begins imagining what kind of party the frogs are having there! It is a simple step for me to see a carrot become a maniacal carrot, or a tomato become an angry tomato. I have a lot of friends on my worktable every day!”

Casey Mack

What do you say about someone who the last time they went trick-or-treating as a child, they went as a Christmas tree?

Casey Mack began his professional career in architecture, which he practiced for almost ten years in New York City.

Once, when combing the flea market, Casey just missed out on a rare vintage Halloween piece. The memory of that piece stayed with him and the idea of creating his own took hold.

This was something of a family tradition. As a child, Casey spent summers with his grandmother who instilled in him an interest in antiques and the pleasure of crafting. They often made holiday decorations together and those holiday ornaments are still proudly displayed each year.

Although his first pieces were made as gifts for family and friends, other collectors soon expressed interest and encouragement and a new career emerged. Casey maintains his interest in architecture, particularly older buildings, but now enjoys working in an entirely different scale.

Greg Guedel

Greg studied painting at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. His venture into woodcarving began with a surprise birthday gift of knives and chisels in 1993. Greg had never thought of woodcarving before but fell in love with the process immediately. As his birthday is in December, Greg’s first carving was of a Santa which started him on his current path. Greg loves pulling characters out of the wood and bringing them to life with paint in great detail. His favorite subject matter to work with are the whimsical characters of the holidays. All of Greg’s carvings are carved from either linden or basswood.

“Captured Carvings” by Anthony Costanza

Very few individuals can say they have made the transition from academia to nationally known artist. Tony Costanza is a self-taught woodcarver creating masterpieces that are regularly reviewed and acclaimed by major trade and retail publications throughout the country. Fashioned from “found wood,” Captured Carvings® are best known for their unique, rough-hewn beauty. Natural cracks and knotholes are used to enhance each carving. Every crack, every knot, every grain of wood is detailed into the resin. Tony’s following is substantial and loyal and we are proud to have the chance to replicate his original artwork.

Teena Flanner

Teena has gathered a following from every corner of the globe for her sparkling, timeless, papier mache collections. The very Ltd Edition Originals, available from the Teena Flanner showroom in Atlanta and the reproductions of her work have been eagerly sought by collectors. Featured in Victoria, Mary Englebriet, Southern Lady, and Country Living, she is a member of the exclusive Country Living magazine Guild.

As a licensed artist new to Bethany Lowe Designs, Teena is excited about the lovely, vintage quality captured in their reproductions of her work. Together Bethany and Teena are hoping to bring her lovely, romantic creations to a wider audience.

Recently, Teena has combined her Virginia and Wisconsin studios into her cozy Elm Grove, WI home to be closer to the people she loves. She is currently writing a beautiful, informative book which will include photos of her home and studio.

Using her collection of vintage ice cream and chocolate molds, Teena lovingly designs her holiday confections to be timeless and classic. With her unique and sparkly touch, the collection is an heirloom to be treasured and tucked away in the attic, gently wrapped in tissue, year after year.

Debra Schoch

Like many Artists, I am deeply influenced by the antique bug and collecting. A self-taught artist from an early age, I have left my mark on most everything I came in contact with... literally!! I was born in Texas. Grew up all over the southwest and California moved to Michigan, fell in love, married and had a family. Here I stayed.

For many years, with the support of my loving husband we did Art & Craft Shows plus an occasional Doll Show with my own designs. During this time I was always learning and experimenting with all types of mediums. The 'magic moment' happened when I tried Papier Mache. This was it! It's easy to get lost in the momemt of creating-some are planned out and others are happy accidents. They are my babies. They all have a familar look or trait, but each is its own character. Faces are what I look at and what I enjoy doing most. All my work is colorful, sometimes humorous, just silly sweet or even a little scary!! At this point in life, I'm just getting into my stride....So many ideas and critters yet to be born.

Bethany Lowe had acquired "HopHopJingleBoo" original creations for her personal halloween collection before teaming with Debra to market handmade paper pulp reproductions of her work. We are excited to add Debra to our wonderful group of talented folk artists.

Allen Cunningham

Seven years ago Allen started on a journey into dollmaking. With a keen interest in antique storybook illustrations, he decided to bring these quaint images to life.

Each of these whimsical small vignettes is meticulously reproduced by hand from Allen's originals. Up to seven different mediums are used in their construction, making them extremely detailed and difficult to create. Bethany hopes you will share in her enthusiasm for the quality and craftsmanship of these pieces.

"Step into my imagination. Dream a little fancy, make a lovely wish, and be swept away by the emotion of a touch of the past."

Kathy Seburn

Living in Washington County Maryland has been a great source of inspiration. Surrounded by beautiful mountains, valleys, and streams with places like Cool Hollow, Zittlestown and South Mountain, speckled with clapboard houses, iron gates and old stone walls that arouse the imagination.

Growing up, my Grandmother would come visit and entertain me with rhymes and drawings. The fascination never ended, it is part of me. I have a passion for design and writing children's stories

My sister Lisa and I own a gift shop, Wisteria Cove, that has allowed me to create and design for people in my home town. "Bethany Lowe Designs" has given me an opportunity to design for your home town and other hometowns across America"... it is my pleasure designing for you.

Johanna Parker

Since early childhood, whimsical art has been a natural way for Johanna to express her creative imagination. Her artistic mother led her along the path of crafting, and encouraged Johanna to start exhibiting her folk art at the age of 12. Illustration and paint became the focus of her talents, and as a young adult, she was drawn to the arts in papier mache, discovering that her abilities as a painter complemented her sculptured creations.

After side-stepping into an extensive career as an art director and animator in the television news industry, Johanna has happily returned to a creative niche that makes both herself and her collectors smile. Now, she spends each day designing and creating holiday-inspired characters with vintage appeal. Many of her originals are adorned with her own whimsically illustrated hats, a signature look of Johanna’s that folk art enthusiasts cherish and admire.

Inspired by her collections of vintage holiday novelties and a birthday on October 31st, Johanna admits that her favorite subject matter is indeed Halloween, but all holiday themes are fun to create. Her wish is to spread smiles and cheer with each creation and for every generation.

Vickie Smyers

Growing up in Frankfurt, Ohio that was originally known as Old Town, I have always been fascinated by old things-old houses, old furniture, and old toys.

I remember some of the first old Santa figures I ever saw and feeling the strong connection they brought between the present and so many long ago Christmases.

Although I loved those old holiday gents, I really couldn’t afford them so I decided to make just one Santa. That was over 20 years ago, and there is always just one more.

Along the way, vintage Halloween became another interest and passion. It’s such a fun way for me to express my creativity. I am proud to join all of the many talented artists represented by BLD.

Vergie Lightfoot

I announced at the age of nine that when I grew up I would be an artist and live in the mountains. Although I have always made things, my career as an artist started when I was 29. Then, in the spring of 1995, I moved to the mountain and have been there ever since.

One of my favorite sayings is "Imagine such a thing." It is curious how an idea takes shape once conceived and how magically the process proceeds until the piece is born. If my work inspires people and brings them enjoyment, then I feel as an artist I have done my job.

Halloween and Christmas hold special meaning to me because they give me the opportunity to express the child-like feelings I had when I was nine. Plus holidays, let’s face it, are cool! Thank you for being a part of this new chapter in my life. I hope you enjoy seeing the holidays through my eyes.

Margaret Haire of Maggie's Memories

Margaret Haire has many fond and special memories of going with her mother and grandmother to the Old German Village of her large Midwestern city to search for just the right gift or Christmas decoration. Based on that early love of all things pretty and old, Margaret and her husband, Dennis, began collecting antique Christmas, and then eventually, other holiday decorations.

In the early 1990's out of a love of family, faith and tradition, Margaret began to create whimsical pieces inspired by the charming bisque-faced Rolled Cotton People imported to North America at the turn of the last century. Maggie's Memories was created in memory of her mother and her grandmother and in honor of her daughter, Maggie, who is the fourth Margaret in a row.

Margaret is a self-taught artist who desires each of her pieces to tell a story, bring to mind a special memory, or evoke feelings of warmth, playfulness, and love. Margaret and Dennis invite you into the delightful world of Maggie's Memories charming little people.

More information about her work is available on her website: www.maggiesmemories.com.

Kim Kohler

Kim Kohler was born and educated on Long Island, New York. Her original career was in accounting. Then, in 1995, she purchased a snowman to paint and the results so impressed her professional artist husband that she began designing and painting wooden folk art.

In 1996, on a risky whim, Kim rented a store front and filled it with her art and other local artist's offerings. It worked so well that Kim entered the art world full time and eventually opened a second store.

In 2001, Kim moved to Florida, where her career took another turn when she began designing fabric dolls with wonderfully expressive hand-painted faces. Eventually she also started her own pattern line which is known today as Veenas Mercantile. Her work has been shown in magazines and on various websites as Kim continues to design vintage and primitive dolls and patterns. Kim would like to thank Bethany Lowe for giving her the exciting opportunity to design for her and be able to share her work with so many others.

Kim's Art can also be found on her website at www.veenasmercantile.net.

Mary Engelbreit

An entire industry has grown up around Mary Engelbreit, but it all began with a young girl who just wanted to draw pictures.

Mary Engelbreit is known throughout the world for her distinctive illustration style, imbued with spirited wit and nostalgic warmth. The unmatched following for her work has grown with a range of licensed products that stretches from calendars, to best-selling children’s books, millions of greeting cards sold each year, and thousands of gifts, crafts and home accents.

It all began with a young girl who just had to draw pictures. Mary moved into her first “studio,” a hastily vacated linen closet in the St. Louis home where she grew up, when she was just 11 years old. “We jammed a desk and chair in there, and I’m sure it was 110 degrees,” she remembers.

Mary went to work directly out of high school at an art supply store. Over the next few years she worked for a small ad agency and held independent art showings, but what she truly wanted was to be a children’s book illustrator.

In 1977, she took her portfolio to some well-known publishing houses in New York. She received a “mild reception” and a suggestion from one art director that she try her hand illustrating greeting cards. It wasn’t what she’d hoped for, as she’d already illustrated several lines of cards for local shops, but Mary took the advice and quickly found that the single-frame illustrations for greeting cards were ideal for her style and sense of humor.

Once Mary focused her talent on greeting cards, success came quickly. As her card line grew in size and popularity, it drew attention from other companies anxious to license her artwork on a wide range of products including calendars, T-shirts, mugs, gift books, rubber stamps, ceramic figurines, fabric and a list that’s grown to include nearly 6,500 products in all, with more than $1 billion in lifetime retail sales. Mary was also editor-in-chief of the award-winning creative lifestyle magazine, Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion.

Today, thousands of retailers sell Mary Engelbreit® products to her countless fans, and Mary Engelbreit Studios continues to add new licensees and product categories. Nearly 30 years after that first trip to New York, Mary fulfilled her dream of illustrating children’s books, and is now one of a select few artists with three New York Times children’s best sellers. Though many people tried to discourage her through the years, “I believed in myself,” she says, “and now I’m living my dream.”

Robin Armstrong Seeber

Art* always a part of her life, Inspiration* her mother and best friend, God rest her precious soul. Robin’s father and biggest fan, always encourages and supports her work, along with her family.

“Self taught” we tag it, but with successes and failures, having been taught and mistaught, inspired, uninspired, lead and mislead all by “self taughters” , Robin has found her niche creating whimsical folk art dolls. Robin continues to grow and learn from life, her dreams, and others. Past endeavors include; Sentimental Silks, Country Peddlers and Castlebrooke Originals, helping bring her to this place in her life. She is a wife and mother of 6. As a practicing RN of 20+yrs, she realized her life didn’t “fit”. Uncomfortable and unwilling to settle, and with great encouragement from her daughter Shanna, the 7 yr sabbatical from the art world ended in 2006. Beeswax candles began the adventure, making the Bumble Bee her signature doll.

After much trial and error the “Tinies” were born. Her inspiration is sparked by holiday traditions, fantastical movies with whimsical creatures and make-believe, from fairies and witches, to bugs and the macabre. Thanks to her loving husband, she is free to stay at home and create dolls full time. The dolls reside in private collections around the world.

Outside the Box Primitives dolls have been published in many popular craft and doll magazines. The cloth dolls are available as one of a kind from her website. Robin is excited and honored to bring exclusive designs to you through Bethany Lowe, and thanks her for this rare opportunity.

Lesa Dailey

Lesa Dailey was always encouraged to create things from an early age. From clothespin dolls to inventive accessories, imagination seemed to abound. A love for all things vintage, and enjoying the thrill of the hunt in flea markets and little out of the way antique shops there always seems to be something singing with inspiration to her. The need to pull character out of ordinary and everyday things such as a roll of crepe paper or Styrofoam seem to always lend fuel to the flame for creating.

From doing folk art shows to creating things for patterns to be used in her friend Renee Nannemans Need'l Love Company's books there never seems to be a shortage of outlets to create things for. Lesa has worked for Renee for many years in her company, where she always encouraged her to expand in so many creative areas including photo styling and design in many new mediums within the world of fiber arts.

Lesa lives in a little cottage home in the Kansas City area where art seems to thrive. Enjoying her family and meeting new friends always seems to inspire!

Lee Walker Shepherd

Educated at Mary Washington College (now the University of Mary Washington), mult-media artist Lee Walker Shepherd’s thirty career spans across all mediums and medias. As an art director in the toy, motion picture and advertising industries, she brought her studio home when the career of motherhood took front seat.

Motherhood led to not only a fulfilling bond with her children Craig and Dana, but to the invention of a baking system called Gingerhaus®. From the invention came a product line of creative gingerbread house, cookie, cake kits and giftware. Lee’s creations have been featured on the Today Show as Giada De Laurentiis favorite foodie gift, MSNBC’s Business to Business and the CBS movie premiere “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus.”

Her current creations don’t stop with gingerbread. Lee is a sculptor, mixed media painter, cookbook and children’s book writer, illustrator and food photographer as well. Her portfolio may be viewed on her website www.indigoart.net.