The Beauty of a Handmade Ornament
If you've been to 828 Market on Main Street in Waynesville, you've no doubt seen the handmade ornaments hanging on the wall across from the cash register. This week, Rumble sat down with ornament artist Megan James to hear about her entrepreneurial endeavor.
Rumble: When did you first begin making ornaments?
Megan: I’ve been making ornaments for about five years. It started as something I did for my family as sentimental Christmas gifts, then I started selling my ornaments around 2 years ago.
Rumble: Do you create other types of art?
Megan: I’ve been looking into other types of art to sell after this Christmas season. I’ve thought that personalized coasters may be a good start. I’ve also dabbled into epoxy and may attempt more art with that. For a friend of mine, I created a memorial dog bowl using his food bowl, his paw print from that day, his collar, a lower layer of glitter, and then filled it with clear epoxy. It turned out beautiful.
Rumble: What makes your work unique?
Megan: My work is unique because you can send me a picture or description and I can attempt to free-hand anything you want. I will be honest if something is too hard to paint and we can find a compromise.
Rumble: How does being an artist impact your life?
Megan: I enjoy making special ornaments for others. The look on people's faces when they see their custom ornaments makes them worth the work. This year I obtained my bachelor’s of science in nursing after being an associate’s RN for three and a half years. I work PRN at Haywood Regional Medical Center, and lately it’s been hard to get shifts with all the travelers we have hired. I have always enjoyed doing art, and now it's become a way to earn extra extra revenu, especially in the holiday season and when I’m not able to work as many nursing shifts.
Rumble: Why do you feel handmade ornaments make wonderful holiday gifts?
Megan: In my experience, gifting my family with custom ornaments adds another level of sentiment. It means more to receive a gift that was made specifically for you rather than a gift card or store-bought gift. Going to my family’s house on Christmas and seeing my ornaments on their trees makes my heart very happy.
Rumble: Where can peoople purchase your products?
Megan: I have a bunch of my ornaments at 828 Market on Main Street. You can also contact me on Facebook or Instagram to order a custom ornament. Facebook- Megan McCracken James, Instagram- Megannn_marie_
