Esther O’Hara, another new member of the Blossom Bucket family of designers, shares her incredible stories!

What are your earliest Christmas memories?

I grew up in East Africa, where my parents worked in missions.  We didn’t have snow, nor did we have all the ornaments and gifts available at stores.  Every year we would go to the forests and look for a large thorn tree that had some resemblance to a Christmas tree.  My father cut the tree down and we took it home where we decorated it with handcrafted ornaments.   My sisters and I loved making things from scratch.  We would also make each other gifts.  I have wonderful sentimental memories of those days, and do not feel that we sacrificed the fun and spirit of Christmas in any way.

How have they affected your designs?

My sister, Beth and I loved crafts as far back as I can remember.  We would spend many hours painting, sewing and creating other things from scratch.  We continued this passion into adulthood and both of us now work with clay.  We enjoy sharing ideas with each other and seeing each other’s latest creation.  Because I grew up in Africa, I learned to appreciate cultural diversity,  I enjoy creating Amish designs since I am in Lancaster County, PA, where the Amish are my neighbors and friends.  I value the wisdom and simplicity of the Amish.

What is your Christmas design inspiration?

The Amish Nativity would be the only “Christmas design” that I have created.  I have sold my original Amish nativity pieces for many years, and now have many collectors who return for additional pieces to add to their set.  I like the concept of Christ coming to earth for every race and culture, so I have enjoyed portraying the nativity from an Amish perspective.

What is your favorite Christmas piece with Blossom Bucket? Why?

This is hard to say.  I enjoy creating all the Amish pieces.  One piece that stands out for me is the treadle sewing machine.  I have a Singer treadle sewing machine displayed in my living room which has sentimental value to me.  It was shipped overseas in the ’30s, where my Mother used it to make clothing for our growing family of eight.  I learned to sew on this machine.   I graduated from high school in the 70’s and returned to the US with my parents.  We had the Singer shipped back and I inherited it.

Has there been a piece that has been an unexpected success for you with Blossom Bucket? What is it?

This is my first year, so I would say I am pleased with the success of the whole Amish line.  I believe people are interested in the Amish culture and find it fascinating that they live the simple lifestyle in our fast paced, changing world.

Tags: Blossom Blogger, Christmas, Designer: Esther O'Hara, Holidays, Notes & Quotes

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