Feature Story
Amber Signs of Harker Heights started when she was just a kid living in Ohio. She found that with a few simple tools, a ready supply of softwood and a little creativity she was able to make inexpensive yet beautiful gifts for friends and family. Wood burning is an enjoyable hobby, one that can be enjoyed at any age.
Anytime I hear reference to a wood burning kit, I think of Jeff Foxworthy’s comedy skit about how when the older generations were kids our parents bought us these kits for Christmas that had a short cord. Where did we plug them in? I will tell you where next to the window with the long formal drapes. When you think about it Smokey the Bear was big then too. I wonder why? Amber apparently obeyed Smokey the Bear’s words of wisdom. Over a decade later, she has turned her passion into a business like many entrepreneurs.
After spending the afternoon with Amber and her fiancé Eric, who is a Disabled Veteran, I could not help but notice how dedicated they are to what was once, just a hobby for Amber. Amber and Eric met online, being that I work for a dot com company who would have thought that their chance meeting would have been via the internet? Rarely does a television set get turned on in this house hold unlike most of Americans in this day in age of American Idol and many other reality type shows. Instead they live in their own reality. She finds relaxation in her work while spending quality time with her family.
It is a family affair with the support of Eric and their children who readily volunteer to help. It takes anywhere from 2-8 hours to create any one piece. Kyle who is13, and Bryan who is 10 along with Amber's adult children Christopher, Rick, and Marcelo all of whom are 22 are her biggest fans.
Those are just a few, her business partners Laurie Roach and Joyce Burns owners of Sisters of the Earth & Sea are amongst the long list. It was their words of encouragement that got Amber her start. Her works of art, gifts, and novelties are on consignment at their Harker Heights store. Otherwise, Amber is a stay at home mom with a lot of love and compassion to give that comes through when you see her work or meet her wonderful family.
She offers everything from wooden bracelets, boxes; trays candle holders, spirit boards, altar boards, spoons, Chester drawers, book boxes and even custom orders. Her prices are more than reasonable. If you want to see more of Amber’s craft or have the pleasure of meeting her like I did you can often find her at our “Business of the Week” the Sisters of the Earth & Sea.
Amber is putting the Art in the Craft!
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