Presque Isle crafter
takes art to another realm
By Kathy McCarty
LOCAL CRAFTER Traci Stone, owner of Realm of Crafts, of Presque Isle, is now taking orders from throughout Aroostook for handmade items of all kinds, from afghans to craft bags, slippers and mittens. Here, Stone is pictured with some of the many items she’s recently crocheted and has up for sale. Now’s a great time to place an order for that one-of-a-kind Christmas gift.
PRESQUE ISLE — For some, crafting is a hobby, but for one local woman, it’s a passion that continues to grow with each passing year.
Traci Stone has spent much of her life working on crafts in her spare time, be it knitting, crocheting or various needlework projects. It wasn’t until recently she decided to turn her labors of love into cash.
“I’ve been crafting since I was about 8. That’s about 16 years’ of projects, mostly crocheting,” said Stone, owner of Realm of Crafts. “I just love to crochet, whether it’s blankets, afghans, lap throws, or what have you.”
In addition to the items previously mentioned, Stone has also created craft bags, washcloths and dishcloths, clutches/hand purses, wedding favor sachets, slippers, hats, shawls, scarves, mittens and more.
“I can do just about anything with a pattern, and I can do some things without one. I also can do doll dresses if I know the size,” she said.
Stone said she’s learned a lot since she took up her first crochet hook.
“My mom taught me the basics; I learned the rest on my own. I find it easy to do. It’s simple — relaxing, something that comes second nature,” Stone said.
She said it’s a creative outlet that is easy to do, no matter where she is.
“I can fit it into my schedule — can even do it at night with the lights out,” she said.
A full-time college student taking courses online, she said she had difficulty finding work that would fit into her school schedule and her schedule as a mother of a 6-year-old son. That’s when she came up with the idea of putting her skills to work creating items in what spare time she had that she could then sell.
“I never get tired of it. I take my craft bag with me to my son’s swimming lessons, waiting for him to get out of school, between my classes or when the family has to travel,” Stone said. “It’s amazing how those few minutes here and there can add up in the form of a hat, purse or afghan.”
Trips aren’t measured in miles but stitches.
“I measure my road trips in what I call ‘crochet time.’ Smaller projects take a couple hours, so that’s like a ride to Bangor. Craft bags and baby afghans take about a week,” she explained.
Stone said she prefers taking orders over making items at random, then trying to sell them.
“I prefer orders over making items at random. That way I know the person is getting what they want; they pick the color of yarn, tell me what they want, then I create it for them,” said Stone. “With a custom order, I’m working on what they’ve requested, so I know it’s what they want.
She said customers can either describe what they want and leave it to her to find a pattern or bring her a picture or pattern to work from.
“If they describe what they want, I usually can come up with something. The Internet is a great resource for patterns. There are thousands out there,” Stone said.
Stone recently created a website, with the help of a friend, Krissy Dickinson.
“Krissy’s majoring in graphic design and worked with me to update my site. It includes patterns, places to look for specific yarns. It also has what I call a weekly link — there’s a ‘how to’ for beginners on the front page. I try to change that regularly,” said Stone. “I also have a contact form on the website, so folks can send me information or ask me questions, give me specifications, suggestions or any other comments they’d like.”
Stone is currently working with other local ‘cottage industry’ businesses that are cropping up in the Presque Isle area.
“I’m working with Jennie LaChance of Star City Coordinators on some projects. I make sachets for bridal gifts, wedding favors,” she said.
She’s also discussing crochet projects with Hannah Gartley, owner of Flawed Design, a local jewelry maker.
“I can make crocheted flowers and leaves for jewelry, using floss, for example. I can make more delicate items,” said Stone.
She said when it comes to customer projects, she likes to work by appointment.
“I like to set up appointments to meet with people to discuss projects. By going to them, I can see room colors and get a better idea of what would match — kitchen colors for dishcloths, bedroom colors for afghans, living room colors for floor rug colors, for example,” noted Stone, adding, “It also allows me a better idea of what the right size will be for the project.”
Stone said when considering a name for her business, she didn’t want to limit herself to just crocheting, thus was born Realm of Crafts.
“I dabble at a variety of projects and wanted a name that would encompass a broader spectrum. I can make more than just clothing and household wares; the possibilities are endless,” said Stone. “My motto is ‘Where dreams become reality.’”
Orders are being taking for the coming holiday season.
“Now’s the time to place orders for Christmas. Be it mittens or a nice scarf, one-of-a-kind handcrafted items make others feel special,” said Stone.
For more information or to place an order, call 554-7866, e-mail craftsbytraci@live.com or visit www.realmofcrafts.weebly.com.
“I also have an etsy shop. You can find me at www.etsy.com/shop/stone32004,” said Stone. “I’m also on Facebook, just look for Realm of Crafts.”
