I opened this shop as an outlet for my hands-on side, and named it, with the input of my sister, "CandyAppleCrafts," because the name evoked a homey, classic feel, like an old-fashioned country bazaar.

I got started crafting as a preteen. I had a long list of Christmas gift recipients, and not enough allowance money! That started the tradition of making Christmas decorations as gifts every year. I even sold a few handmade creations in a small local craft bazaar. I love Christmas time more than any other time of year. The smells and sights of the season brings back the old excitement of creating something special to bring a smile to someone's face!

I added vintage a little later, when I finally gave in to my curiosity about it. Ever since, I have learned a lot about the past 100 years of everyday people, and I've had a lot of fun. You might also be able to attribute this "vintage bug" to my granddad, who liked to visit auctions and estate sales, and who used to dig up old medicine bottles and model-T car parts, among other things, that washed up on the river bank behind his house. Owning vintage is like having a piece of history you can hold in your hand. I'm generally attracted to really colorful vintage items, things that seem to have a history lesson to share, or things that look well-loved and cared for, particularly ones that make me think, "I wonder where that came from," or "that looks like the mascot of a happy time in someone's life."

What is the aesthetic for this shop? I am developing a retro and fun-loving, brightly-colored style that inspires the imagination. This shop is populated with handmade decorations that take us back to our childhoods. I'm also happy to offer vintage treasures that intrigued me with their stories, designs, patterns, and colors. I hope you'll enjoy the mix!

When I'm not busy in the shop, I'm working my full-time day job as an Instructional Designer at the University of Oklahoma. If you wonder what that is--I'm building online classes!

Thanks for visiting! I hope you'll come again soon.