My name is Laura and I've been married for 28 years to my high school sweetheart. I've been a stay-at-home mom for 15 years with our three sons, ages 20, 18, and 9.

I'm a California gal. But I think I'm a southern gal at heart. I love the movie classic Gone With The Wind... I know, it's corny, but you can ask my mom how many times I watched it when I was young and liked to sketch southern belle dresses! I appreciate things from days gone by that are considered vintage or antique. I think it's amazing when I can hold in my hand or touch a wornout item that someone once owned and used so many years ago. It makes me wonder about that person... who they were, where they lived, what their life was like.

Aside from sewing classes in school, and a few quilting and painting classes along the way, I am self taught. I began crafting and sewing 10 years ago for family and friends, and was encouraged to sell my finished products. I love handmade quilts; my youngest son, Jack, and I think pumpkins and jack o' lanterns are cool during fall, that's why I chose the shop name... "The Quilted Pumpkin." In 2006 I began selling at local craft shows and by word of mouth; in 2008 I joined Etsy, and then last year opened this website. Yay!

I cut, stitch, and craft a patchwork of seasonal and holiday decor for the home. I craft my items from 100% cotton quilt quality fabric or pine and poplar wood using a variety of crafting and finishing techniques. My favorite items to make are snowmen and pumpkins, with German glitter glass and a cinnamon-coffee stain being two of my favorites items to use to age and finish each piece.

I currently do not design patterns, but use patterns that allow me to sell my finished products. I give the credit to the pattern designers as they devote their time, creativity, and materials in designing their patterns. They are the professionals, I just interpret their printed work. If I feel a creative moment coming on, it's currently for my own use.

Although it costs a bit more, for quality reasons I always use quilt shop fabric in my projects. Therefore, I guess you might call me a "fabric snob." Also, I admit to being a "fabric addict." {"Hi, my name's Laura, and I'm addicted to fabric."} I can never have too much fabric! (I've been known to sneak a bag of fabric in when my husband's been asleep...shhhh!)

I am inspired by primitive, vintage, folk art, timeworn, and whimsical designs. I don't limit myself to only one genre; I appreciate all the different styles and think they they are all fun to craft.

Workmanship is important to me, so I will not sell a product that I would not buy myself. To ensure this, each piece is crafted or sewn by me. I make only several items at a time so they're not rushed. However, each piece being handmade with slight imperfections offers a distinct uniqueness to that crafted piece.

A challenge I have found since starting my business is balancing family and the time to craft, sew or post on my blog. Aside from that, all the customers who have bought from me on Etsy or my website have been wonderful! With the support of my family that allows me to continue in my crafting endeavors, what ultimately pleases me is when a customer is happy and satisfied after purchasing one of my finished pieces!