We’ve come to a bridge, we don’t know how long the bridge is, yet things will be different on the other side. How many times have you heard that analogy in the past few months? Annie Harlin of Leesport, PA, past president of the PA Guild of Juried Handcrafters has crossed many bridges as an artisan. Active in the Guild, she made the most wonderful teddy bears, then crossed to hand hooked rugs/wall hangings. Even appeared with Lynette Jennings on the Discovery Channel.We’re fortunate to have several of her original hooked wall hangings in our stores. A piece for a riser (you know what part of the stair that is?) has a patriotic theme. The “risers” don’t have to be put on a stair, but over a doorway, any section of a wall that needs something special. For each piece, she cuts the wool into strips, dyes them for the color she wants, then creates gorgeous scenes. Annie has had her own program on the Berks County, PA community cable TV channel, introducing Ned Foltz and Kim Ostramara.
We’ve known Annie for almost 20 years. Naturally when we opened our first store, we knew it was a must to have her work; a rarity outside of Pennsylvania. She has introduced us to other Guild artisans, for which we are very grateful. Along with other people who make hand hooked items, she calls herself a hooker. No further comment. Just come in and see her work. Maybe the sheep, a pussy cat, speckled bird or traditional heart will catch your eye. I would never walk on them.
