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Meetings are held the second Wednesday of most months at 6:30 pm at the Thomas Brendle Museum in Schaefferstown.
Meetings consist of a business meeting and a program where members learn about and/or experience a new craft. Time is spent listening to guest speakers, craft demonstrations and creating individual products to take home. These projects have included redware pottery, beading, one-stroke painting, stenciling, needle felting, and more. Members rely on each others expertise and advice. |
Who we are... The Distelfink Crafters began when a group of stencilers came together to share their skills and knowledge. The group has evolved to reflect changes in the members interests and to attract more members by diversifying to many craft areas. Membership is open to anyone interested in stenciling and related arts and crafts. Due to space limitations, membership numbers are limited.
Officers... President: Marta Trainer Vice President: Lori Baker 2nd V.P.: Dotty Noll Secretary: Beverly Martin-Darling Treasurer: Amy Scheg |
History
The Distelfink Crafters began over 20 years ago with 7 people who had creativity in their hands, friendship in their smiles, and a yearning for learning and sharing in their hearts.
Originally named the “Distelfink Stencilers” due to the fact that all 7 members also held membership in Stencil Artisans League Inc. (SALI), a fast growing non-profit international organization striving to preserve, grow and develop awareness of the art of stenciling. And since all the members lived in south-central Pennsylvania, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Distelfink motif was chosen to represent the group. The Distelfink is the Pennsylvania Dutch symbol for “happiness and good fortune” and is often found in Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. The chapter of SALI chose “two” distelfinks for the logo, to further represent growth through membership. The heart symbol was added as it is the Dutch symbol for “love and friendship”.
It must have been the right choice, since over the years this little stylized bird symbol has certainly brought happiness, not only to the membership, but to all who have been touched by the many philanthropic and community service projects supported by the group.
Good fortune has been shared by all the friendships made, time shared, and through personal growth in learning and leadership opportunities offered. Part of that growth for the Distelfink Stencilers, then Distelfink Artisans, and now Distelfink Crafters, has been indicated in its name change as interest in the art of stenciling has grown to include many related arts and crafts. This change allows for greater diversity of interests among its members.
But no matter what the future holds for the chapter, love for each other, love for the decorative arts, and love for community will always be part of the Distelfink Crafters.
The Distelfink Crafters began over 20 years ago with 7 people who had creativity in their hands, friendship in their smiles, and a yearning for learning and sharing in their hearts.
Originally named the “Distelfink Stencilers” due to the fact that all 7 members also held membership in Stencil Artisans League Inc. (SALI), a fast growing non-profit international organization striving to preserve, grow and develop awareness of the art of stenciling. And since all the members lived in south-central Pennsylvania, also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, the Distelfink motif was chosen to represent the group. The Distelfink is the Pennsylvania Dutch symbol for “happiness and good fortune” and is often found in Pennsylvania Dutch folk art. The chapter of SALI chose “two” distelfinks for the logo, to further represent growth through membership. The heart symbol was added as it is the Dutch symbol for “love and friendship”.
It must have been the right choice, since over the years this little stylized bird symbol has certainly brought happiness, not only to the membership, but to all who have been touched by the many philanthropic and community service projects supported by the group.
Good fortune has been shared by all the friendships made, time shared, and through personal growth in learning and leadership opportunities offered. Part of that growth for the Distelfink Stencilers, then Distelfink Artisans, and now Distelfink Crafters, has been indicated in its name change as interest in the art of stenciling has grown to include many related arts and crafts. This change allows for greater diversity of interests among its members.
But no matter what the future holds for the chapter, love for each other, love for the decorative arts, and love for community will always be part of the Distelfink Crafters.
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Article on founding member, Sandra Coldren:
| in_loving_memory_of_sandra_jean_coldren.pdf |
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