Cedar Treasures

I am often asked how I came to be a Cedar artist. The answer is, by taking a step of faith...

In my early thirties I found myself in desperate need of medical treatments for a rare and life threatening allergy. Insurance would not cover the costly procedure or the cost of travel to get to the doctor that could treat me. I struggled for months trying to find a way to afford the treatment.

One afternoon I broke down before God and begged for his help. I knew alone I was going to fail. After praying I opened my Bible to read. When I looked at the pages before me the words were all blurry except for one passage. Climb into the hills and cut some timber. Bring it down and rebuild the temple. Do it just for me. Honor me. Haggai 1:8&9

I thought, “Um... Ohhhkayyyy. How in the world am I supposed to do that? And once I do, what am I supposed to build with it, and how?” I began thinking of possibilities, all of which were not at all realistic.

After a couple days of contemplation my mind came to rest on a day from my youth. I was twelve years old and my friend’s mom (she was a Native Alaskan weaver) took us into the forest and taught us how to harvest the bark from a cedar tree. She taught us that cedar is a sacred wood. Harvest with respect for nature and offer thanks as you do.

So, thinking this was something I was capable of, (I found it is MUCH harder work than I had anticipated) I began harvesting cedar. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with it, but I felt a powerful sense that I was on the right path. I prepared and stored my harvests.

For Christmas that following year I decided to make roses out of ribbon, as I had ooodles of it and no extra money to buy gifts. As I was folding roses on a break at work a co-worker (Haida Native) says to me, “Angie, we make those out of cedar.”

And so it began! I pulled out the cedar I had stored in my closet and started folding roses. I earned enough money to travel from Alaska to Ohio and receive my allergy treatments. I enjoyed the work so much I kept trying new things; teaching myself and learning as I created. Today this wonderful blessing from God has become my career, forever to be regarded as a gift from our Creator.

If you're in the Portland area, make sure you stop by the Expo Center and check out all the new treasures I have available! Get your loved ones a unique keepsake that they'll cherish always! These are just a few of the many beautiful creations available!

If you're not in the Portland area, don't worry... there's plenty of time to get that special gift packaged and mailed directly to your family and friends!

busy, busy, busy girl! with season in full swing i haven't had much fb time... hope summer is going great for everyone! xoxo

busy, busy, busy girl!! Looking at a smokin' hot season this year!! ...time to make all my dreams come true!

congratulations to Brandie Barnes on winning the Rain Charm give-away!

Time for another give-away! Like and share (only public shares will be entered in drawing, i can't see private shares) this photo for entry to win this one of a kind handmade Cedar Rain Charm. Winner will be drawn on Valentine's Day.

*Must "like" Cedar Treasures page to win*

I'm working on my wholesale catalog for 2014. If u are interested in selling my products please pm me. $1000 minimum order for resale. ...No need to have a store of your own, if u have a saturday market or like option in your area this could be a good opportunity for extra money in your pocket....

From the Tongass National Rainforest, handmade in Ketchikan, Alaska.