Greenfield mom Lisa Schmidt and her daughter Lucy took their love for crafting and created a “shiny” new business to partner in. “A Crow’s Gift,” aptly named for their joint fascination with the birds who love shiny objects, was born three years ago. The mom-daughter team became a regular vendor at the Greenfield Farmers Market this year, giving them the opportunity to showcase their projects to the community.
Lucy is a 14-year-old who will head to Saratoga Springs High School this fall. Schmidt says her daughter has a passion for art and has been creating clay figures for more than four years. Lucy creates dozens of the sculptures, which are about 1/2 inch to three inches high, each week. These colorful miniatures include things like frogs, frogs, clowns, UFOs and bears.
“I like working with my hands to create things,” Lucy said.
Mom creates stainless steel and beaded earrings, necklaces, that range from $8-$15 a piece. Schmidt says she finds many new ideas by researching Pinterest. She decorates ceramic trinket trays with alcohol inks and crochets “worry warms” (pictured here) inspired to magically help people rid themselves of worries each night before falling asleep.
“We had been creating so many pieces of art that we didn’t know what to do with them anymore, so we decided it was time to start selling them,” she said.
The two have attended craft fairs at Congress Park, the Wiawaka Center for Women, Ballard Elementary School and attended Greenfield Recreation’s first “Sip & Shop” event on Black Friday last year at Brookhaven Golf Course.
Schmidt, a special education teacher at Ballard Elementary School, finds that crafting helps “clear her mind” and also benefits her students.
“I often use crafts in the classroom with my students because it helps keep them engaged and helps teach them other lessons, like following directions,” she said. “The crafts also make great parent gifts.”
The family moved to Greenfield in 2008 from Wilton, when they found the perfect three-acre property and home on Route 9N.
“Greenfield is so peaceful and we have found many close friends and neighbors,” Schmidt said. “The farmers market is a great community event and we are meeting so many great people there. Everyone is so helpful and friendly.”
“We love that this mom and daughter have joined us at the market this season,” said Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch. “It is wonderful that residents are sharing their talents and becoming part of this special weekly event. We hope they will inspire others.”
TOG Farmers Market business has been steady for the pair and they really love being a part of it. If you want more information about “A Crow’s Gift,” visit them each Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Middle Grove Road or email them at acrowsgift@gmail.com. They will attend every week this summer, except July 24 and August 14.
