Heritage Craft Center of the Eastern Panhandle

Karen Cartlidge, Basketry and Tin Punch
What is your craft? I like to experiment with a lot of different crafts, but I am currently focusing on basket making and fabric creations such as quilts, wall hangings, and table runners. Karen’s exhibit of basketry and tin punch items at the recent jurying for the Mountain Heritage Festival displayed her versatility as an artisan.
How long have you been doing it? I’ve been doing crafts all my life, learning basic skills from my mother and through Girl Scouts. I retired in January 2006, so now I have time to really get creative and produce a number of items for the home.
Who/What inspired you to learn this craft? I’ve always loved antiques, especially those used in the every day life of my ancestors. My mother made baskets for a number of years. In 2005, I began taking classes in basket making and found that I really enjoyed the challenge of putting together raw materials to make baskets that are both beautiful and useful. The first quilt I made was for my grandson, and it was hand-quilted. I’ve made quilts for all my grandchildren. I love the traditional quilt patterns; my favorite part is mixing and matching the colors and patterns of fabric.
What is the name of your business? In 2006, I started my own home-based business called Homespun Creations. I sell my baskets, punched tin, and other items through the Heritage Craft Center Shop in Martinsburg. I also plan to expand to other sales outlets as soon as I can build up sufficient inventory. I would like to do custom work as well, so if anyone has an interest in having custom pieces done, they can contact me at 304-229-9528 or at kcartlid@earthlink.net.
What is your ”signature”? I don’t really have a “signature” item, but I like to make every piece uniquely mine. I’ll usually start with a basic pattern, but then incorporate unusual materials to reflect the purpose of the item.	As chair for the Youth Education Committee, Karen has devoted hundreds of hours to Heritage projects like the Boys and Girls Club craft classes.
Do you have any goals or aspirations for the future related to your craft? My goal is to continue developing my own “brand” of products and find additional sales outlets. I would love to expand the Youth Education Program, but volunteers to help with the programs are in short supply. Those of us who have the skills really need to teach. I find that children are eager to learn and really take pride in what they create. If you would like to help HCCEP expand its youth education program please contact me.
Why are you interested in preserving the heritage crafts? I love the old pieces from our past – things that our ancestors made out of necessity that still added beauty to their homes. The skills it took to make a quilt, crochet a doily, or weave a basket could be lost to our next generation if we don’t teach these skills to our children and grandchildren
What is the most challenging aspect of your craft? As with most crafters, producing a unique and well-constructed object that attracts the buyer. With the availability of cheap baskets, quilts, and other items in discount or import stores, it’s difficult to make a handmade product that can compete in price for the person who doesn’t understand or recognize the quality and history of heritage craft items.
What is the most satisfying aspect of your craft? The ability to be creative. I love to “doodle” with paper and pencil and design special pieces.
What responsibilities/special projects have you worked on for Heritage? I’ve been the treasurer for Heritage and served on the board for the last 3-4 years. I’m currently in charge of the Youth Education Program for Heritage and conduct monthly craft sessions at the Boys and Girls Club in Martinsburg. Last summer I led the HCCEP volunteers who conducted weekly classes for the Club’s summer camp.
What other activities are you involved with? I love to travel and visit with my family. Recently I started a part-time job with Jo Ann Fabrics in Winchester to support my fledgling business. My favorite part of the job is helping customers pick out the raw materials for their projects.