Mary Jo, a Grand Rapids native, has had a passion for creative work since she was very young. Her lifelong mission is to find a creative piece in all that she does. Mary Jo loves to experiment with unique surfaces to bring an eclectic feel to a traditional painting method.
“I discovered macrame through my love of plants. Let me clarify -- my love of too many plants! I had no room left on the one windowsill my two adorable kitties couldn’t reach to chew my little plant babies. So I went online looking for creative ideas to hang my plants.
It began with macrame plant hangers, but soon I discovered the art of macrame... wallhangings of every size, texture, material. This was not your granny’s macrame! From loosely twisted, soft cotton string to chunky, luxe wool roving. It was all jaw-droppingly (that’s a word now) gorgeous.
I just had to get my hands on some rope and start learning.
It was love at first knot; and I haven’t stopped knotting since! I’ve been knotting for almost 2 years now. And my passion for this craft has evolved and so has my work. I’ve recently released my macrame jewelry, and it’s been a big hit! I love to create statement pieces that really elevate any outfit. I’ve also found that I love teaching macrame too! My hope is to touch as many lives as possible with my passion for this revived ancient art."
They offer an excellent selection of unique Artisan made preserves. Cooked in small batches without using artificial preservatives. Made from fruits grown here in Michigan
Amazing felting artist has her work at Sweet Peony and also teaches Wet Felting Classes at My Sweet Peony!
Margo Huver author of The Face In My Window
A Grand Rapids author shares her amazing story about her experiences as a young mother in Grand Rapids!
”In 1966, Margo was 25 years old with four children under five and a husband who worked nights. Late one night, a man’s face appeared in her window and remained for several seconds despite Margo’s pounding on the glass and her hysterical screaming. The stalking continued, and she feared for her life and the safety of her small children.
Little did she know her search for that face in her window would lead down an intricate and conspiratorial path.
If forensics were more sophisticated then and if women were treated with more respect, history may have been changed.”
“Hello! I have an affinity for letters and how they fit together. Words carry an enormous amount of weight, so I’m fond of making those words into art. What I create is perfectly imperfect; sometimes bold, sometimes soft. I have pieces that are clean and precise and others that are messy. My work mirrors the way life inherently will always be. Hand lettering has grown from a passion project to my entire livelihood and I couldn’t be more elated.
As much as letters are my signature (no pun intended), I also find myself filling my sketch book with linework, illustrations and watercolor florals.
I have lettered logos, weddings, canvases, cardstock, walls, windows and I hope the list never stops growing.
I’m so grateful to have had the honor of linking arms with the powerful women of My Sweet Peony this past year. Teaching workshops in their beautiful space has brought me so much joy. I hope to meet anyone reading this in one of my classes in the near future. I hope to welcome everyone with the warmest hug and send them home with something beautiful in their hands and a creative fire in their soul.
Cheers, everyone. Let’s letter.”
A wonderful Watercolor and Acrylic Painter who teaches classes at My Sweet Peony and all over West Michigan
“My desire is to create lovely jewelry + gifts designed to inspire and with prices that make your heart happy. For the best updates on new designs and events, check out @genesisonedesigns on Instagram. xo”
“Meet Cailyn Grace! She’s 12-years-old and she is the founder of 3D Grace
She makes jewelry out of natural hardwoods using 3D laser cutter. You’ll find that they are lightweight and extremely comfortable. All of the hardware is nickel free and hypo-allergenic”
“Peppermill is constantly evolving in an effort to always provide the best possible product. Every scent is created by Shannon, painstakingly mixed and meticulously tested to ensure exceptional cold and hot throw for each and every candle. Peppermill candles use only the highest quality ingredients to provide a candle that is long-lasting, clean-burning, and, of course, will fill your home with wonderful fragrance.”
Hand-knit wool hats. Made in Michigan