Spotlight Member of the Month: Susan Williamson
Meet Susan Williamson, our Spotlight Member of the Month in Design With The Pros Club! Susan’s journey with wreath making is as inspiring as her beautiful creations. Let’s dive into her story and see what she has to say about her passion, her favorite projects, and the impact of being part of our wonderful community.
A Bit About Susan and Her Start With Wreath Making
“My name is Susan Williamson, and I retired from the Alabama State Department of Education as an Education Administrator in 2020. I’ve loved getting my hands into florals since I was a child growing up in South Florida. At nine years old, at a family barbecue, I used fronds cut from my uncle’s prized sago palm and blooms from the red and yellow hibiscus bushes beside it to weave my first wreath and a matching hat for my little brother. I was pleased and proud of my inspired handiwork—until my uncle, aunt, and parents came to call us for lunch. They stopped, horrified, in their tracks when they saw my brother wearing his hat, and me sitting on the ground surrounded by the wreath, garden shears, cut fronds and holding blooms in my hand. Despite the lessons painfully learned that day, my love for wreathing and florals has remained throughout my life. I’ve made simple wreaths and decor for years and, post-retirement from my 42-year career, I decided to start my small business, Sun Cottage Wreaths, selling on Etsy and in a couple of retail shops.”
Inspiration to Join Design With The Pros Club
“Several years ago, I joined another wreath group because I wanted to learn more about the basics of wreath design. I stayed for a few years but I needed to learn more than I currently was and I found out about Design With The Pros. I read Amanda’s “Business Blueprint” and knew I could learn so much by joining this group. There are so many more activities and more opportunities to learn about design with Sherry and Amanda. Additionally, the interaction among group members is amazing, warm, and wonderfully instructive. A further point for me is the fact that Sherry and Amanda, too, are running a business in a very small Alabama town.”
Favorite Projects and Designs
“I am enjoying learning more about designing and making vintage plate wreaths. Those wreaths have been my favorite this year. Last year, my favorite design was a blue and white chinoiserie pumpkin wreath.”
Impact on Skills and Creativity
“I still have so very much to learn about floral design; yet, I am developing more of a sense of where design gaps are and how to fix a problematic wreath. I know the wreaths I am making today are better than the ones I made before I joined DWTP. Back then, I tended to make ‘kitchen sink’ wreaths that contained a bit of everything with no real focal point or connecting theme. The monthly critiques are truly a source of insight and help us to develop our internal abilities to appraise our own work more effectively.”
Overcoming Challenges in Wreath Making
“My challenge is deciding on the colors of ribbons for a wreath, particularly, the multi-colored and patterned ribbons that—when well-chosen—make a design POP! To overcome this challenge, I use a color wheel and I study how others use ribbons that complement or contrast effectively.”
We are incredibly proud to have Susan as a dedicated and creative member of our Design With The Pros Club. Her journey and growth are testaments to the supportive and enriching environment we aim to provide. Keep inspiring us with your beautiful wreaths, Susan! Be sure to browse her entire collection of handcrafted wreaths in her Etsy Shop, Sun Cottage Wreaths.
Are You Ready to Take Your Wreath Making to the Next Level?
If Susan’s story has inspired you, imagine what you could achieve with the support of Design With The Pros Club! Join a community of passionate creators, gain exclusive access to tutorials, monthly critiques, and a wealth of resources tailored to elevate your skills and creativity.
Don’t wait any longer! Click here to join the Design With The Pros Club today and start your journey towards becoming a wreath-making pro just like Susan!
SAVE THIS FOR LATER
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