Repurposed hand-painted crafts and décor, plus group painting classes in Rogersville, MO
Arts-and-Crafts Products
Repurposed hand-painted and crafted home decor
My business is about taking unused, vintage items and making them something usable, practical, or fresh again. I love discovering a new way of looking at an old item and creating something totally different than its original intent!
Sometimes this involves applying a fresh coat of paint, then adding a picture and lettering to make it new again!
I love turning old barn tin into fun items like trees, snowmen, or pumpkins – and then adding a base for display in your yard or your porch.
I also paint on fence pickets to make gnomes. They are so fun to create!
I use suitcases, wooden window screens, barn wood, buckets, trays, hand saws, and so much more! Many of the items are one-of-a-kind.
I even make some custom items upon request.
There are so many things I can create. And you can make something fun too, at one of my painting classes!
Group Painting Classes (& Painting Parties)
Paint classes are really exciting! When people who have never painted leave with something they are super proud of, I know I’ve helped them. And when they want to come back to another class, that is the ultimate compliment!
Onsite paint classes
I host painting parties at Sassafras Country on a regular basis. Topics have included
- Cute gnomes painted on planks of rustic wood with a seasonal theme
- Snowmen scenes for fun winter gifts and decor
Private painting parties
If you have a group of 8 or more, I can also bring a party to your location for a special event.
- Host a fun event for the women’s groups at your church.
- Create a unique and family-friendly bachelorette party.
- Entertain the guests at your bed & breakfast, short-term rental, or vacation rental property.
- Enrich the lives of the students or staff at your school.
- Host a private paint party at your home.
About Valerie Willis
A new chapter of life
The arts-and-crafts field is my second career. I spent 13 years as a special-education teacher and 18 years as an elementary principal. I finished my career in the Marshfield R-1 School District, with 31 total years in education. I then worked as the office coordinator for Spencer Fane law firm in Springfield, before officially retiring.
My new career is a full-time crafter and paint class teacher. I offer painting classes (or painting parties) on my property. And I plan to open a shop that is open to the public with merchandise for sale and more space for classes.
Craft festivals!
I participate in a few festivals that are open to the public.
Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO
This major tourist destination has invited me to attend during the Pumpkin Nights fall festival for the last 3 years. I bring my unique crafts to travelers from around the country.
Watch for the upcoming dates we will be at Silver Dollar City for the 2023 Pumpkin Nights and Fall Festival!!
Sassafras Country’s Festival Under the Trees (July 15th, 2023)
The 3rd annual event is July 15th, 2023 (rain date of July 22nd).
This summer festival on our property has been growing. Last year we more than doubled in size! We had less than 20 vendors and 3 food trucks the first year. The second year we had 39 vendors and 5 food trucks/vendors!! This year we hope to have 42 vendors and 5 food trucks to fill every spot available!! If you hand craft items or have a food truck, we would love to visit with you!
I dreamed of having an event to recognize and support local craftsmen. I know how hard it is to get your name out there, and I wanted to do something to showcase those who work so hard to make crafts for others to enjoy.
Our first year the local television station KY-3 did a live segment, and I believe that helped us to reach 400 attendees! This past year, we had almost 600 attendees! Entry fee is $2 and half of the entry fee is donated to our local Rogersville SafeHavenNow!
We will have music playing while people shop and eat. It is comfortable under the trees, even at 90 degrees. We hope everyone comes out!
Contact
Sassafras Country
3030 State Highway B
Rogersville 65742
(About 3 miles north of HWY 60)
(417) 353-1833
ValerieWillis7657@gmail.com
© 2023 Valerie Willis
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