Gina's professional background consists of 33 years of Human Resources/personnel Management experience. 
She retired from the Government in 2001 and has returned back to work three times because idle time just didn't seem to work for her.
If you're a Facebook fan, you may have seen some of her stunning creations of wreaths, swags and doorscapes for every season on her Facebook page - All About You Designs
Gina's Facebook page is very popular and updated frequently with new creations that she has designed and hand made for her friends and customers. She ships her wreaths all over the country.
One of the newest additions to her wreaths is custom made wooden monograms that are handcrafted by her husband.
Gina is married to her "best friend," Tony, who is a Firefighter of 22 years.
On his days off from the Fire Department, he handcrafts wooden monograms in many styles and sizes. All are hand painted with beautiful finishes.
Tony has a Facebook page also, Engine 7 Monograms, and he accepts custom orders there. His business is growing rapidly and it's no surprise as the craftsmanship is outstanding.
school.
C.J. will have his Masters and Soledad a degree in Nursing this December.
Gina and Tony live on five acres just outside the city limits of Kentucky's State Capitol in Frankfort.
Gina says it's more like "Green Acres"......but they like the calm and quiet country living sitting on the back porch in the evenings watching the wildlife.
Tony and Gina are the proud "pet parents" of two Chihuahuas ....Biggy who is 2 1/2 year old and their new little 12-week old girl, Susie.
We interviewed Gina to learn more about her wreath making and decorating business and here's what she had to say.
How did you get into crafting?
As a young girl, I was always at the heels of my Momma.
She quilted, crocheted, made flower arrangements, macramé hangers, etc. and was an incredibly gifted decorator.
As I grew into an adult, she and I did a lot of ceramics together. Little did I know how much I would cherish those times later in life. When I started housekeeping, I loved decorating my own home, making grapevine wreaths and fabric on the wire rings around the holidays.
As for the wreaths, I have to give Jeannie (Pence) credit for introducing me to deco mesh on a roll and a work wreath. I was acquainted with her prior to ever making my first wreath and just thru general conversation she said, "let me send you a roll of this deco mesh and a work ring".
And, well... you see what that conversation resulted in.. *grin*
If you ask me, it's "just for fun" :) It's my... something-to-do... until Tony retires from the Fire Department in four years.
I get up early each morning and prepare for the day just as I always did when I was employed elsewhere. I don't do anything unless I go at it 110%, so it's usually a 8-10-12 hr day.
In addition to the many long hours, I also have a large monetary investment in seasonal and holiday inventory in my shop that I know has to be moved... so that's another contributing factor that drives me.
In my own home, I usually start decorating two weeks before Halloween. There is something Christmas in every single nook of our home. We have 11 trees up, each with their own name/theme.
To me, there is nothing more cozy than a snowy evening/night, sitting in front of the fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate enjoying the lights shimmering on a Christmas tree.
After all of the decorations are set, we love having our Christmas "Open House". Sharing our home and spending time with family and friends is the best part of the holidays
We never miss a game and game day attire is always a UK t-shirt or sweatshirt... even if we're not leaving the house and watching the game on TV. Of course we support our other State schools as well.
It warms my heart when I run across them in our small community, get a hug and they tell me they made a wreath all by themselves and they love decorating with the mesh, etc. I still get messages and phone calls all the time from my students asking questions and I love hearing from them.
one word when they start dressing their wreaths, it is "RANDOM".
It's kind of like going into Sherwin-Williams to pick out a paint color.. the longer you look at it, the more aggravated you become. This is why I tell people my wreaths are my mental therapy.
If you ship your wreaths, please give a tip on shipping, packing, supplies etc.
Use good quality boxes that are large enough to accommodate your products. I've had customers complain to me about wreaths they've received from other businesses because the items were "crammed" into the box, which compromises the integrity of the whole product.
I dress the inside of my boxes with nice designer tissue because when my clients open them up, I want them to feel as though some thought and care has gone into packaging.
I really enjoy Ralph Waldo Emerson and one of my favorite quotes is what I wrote in my son's card when he graduated from college, which was ".... Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail".
Getting inspiration from others is wonderful, but use your own ideas and creativity .... don't be afraid to be different. After all, there is no right or wrong way to craft.
I tell people that God has blessed me with a little bit of talent and a huge imagination. I greatly attribute what humble success I have within my business to thinking outside the box.
Do your own thing... it will set your work apart from others.
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Gina's Facebook page is All About You Designs. Be sure to drop by and like her page so you can stay up with the latest creations coming from her Craft Cave)))
You can contact Gina through her Facebook page. And don't forget to visit her husband Tony's page, Engine 7 Monograms.
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