The Craft Museum
May 15, 2009 at 12:36 am iamheidisue 11 comments
LOS OSOS, CA – Friday morning – This past Tuesday my mother Aleene and I went to the Los Angeles area to visit again with Hazel Pearson Williams. Hazel had been ill for a couple of months…but we are happy to report she is doing very well at 95!!!! Here’s a new photo of these ladies for the archives taken 5-12-09!
Hazel and Mom were the pioneers in the crafting industry. When you walk into Hazel’s home of 60 years, it’s like a journey back in time. Her home is full of all kinds of craft memories — resin grapes…yep she has them — bread dough flower arrangement (s) …check — eggery collection…it’s there — paper tole/decoupage…lots on the walls — draped angels and wisemen…double 
check!!! Every nook and cranny and lots of glass display cases fill the space with every craft she ever had including the early years of crafting. Here’s one case that is filled to overflowing with the most incredible egg collection that you could ever imagine. And the greatest thing is that Hazel still enjoys her collection everyday.
In her garage and studio is a different part of the her craft collection. Since Hazel Pearson Handicrafts was also a craft manufacturer and Craft Course Publishing was her craft booklet publishing company, there are boxes and boxes, from floor to ceiling all neatly marked with designs and books and instruction sheets.
It’s the collection in the garage that we were there to pick up. (It will take several trips!) It is Tiffany’s and my hope to someday see an actual physical Craft History Museum to honor these women and the entire craft industry. You have no idea how many crafts started from these two amazing ladies. Until that vision becomes a reality, we will, as time allows, start with posting some photos of Hazel’s wonderful collection.
What an incredible day we had. We sat at Hazel’s table for several hours and reminisced about the old days. Mom and Hazel giggled a few times about the good times they had at the trade shows. (I think I will keep a few of those stories to myself!) It was a fun day for all. Mom and I were sorry we had to leave.
So I leave you today with a few photos of that wonderful day enjoyed by all and I’ll be posting a few more photos over the next weeks! >>Love, Heidi
Entry filed under: Crafty Things, Heidi. Tags: Aleene Jackson Craft Museum, Hazel Pearson Handicrafts, Heidi Borchers, Inspired at Home.
1.
Cindy Groom-Harry | May 18, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Tiffany and Aleene – Loved the write-up on you and Hazel as well as the photos. You look GREAT and it’s so fun to see you both. I’ll be eager to see what you’re doing with the craft museum! So exciting. THANK you Tiffany! Love, Cindy Groom-Harry
2.
Andrew Weinstock | April 4, 2010 at 6:57 am
How do I get in touch with Hazel, regarding Hazel’s Shoe Boxes?
3.
Laverne Lotich | April 11, 2010 at 9:12 pm
I worked with Hazel at HPH from 1973-1980. would like to know how she is doing.
Also, knew Allene from this association and from all the HIA Trade Shows. I am still into crafts and use Allenes Tacky. I would like to get in touch with any old HPH employees
4.
Tiffany | April 11, 2010 at 9:16 pm
Hi Laverne! So nice to hear from you. I haven’t heard from any other HPH employees but maybe this blog post will reach them. Hazel is 96 and has had some serious health challenges this last year. Her passion is putting together the shoe boxes for her church. The last that my sister Heidi and my mother Aleene visted her they were picking up HPH project and book archives. I have the publishing rights to her books and believe that now is the time to review all those great vintage crafts. Thank you SO much for touching base! [Tiffany]
5.
Racell Ivie | May 22, 2010 at 6:56 pm
My grandmother used to work for Hazel Pearson Handicrafts, it was great coming across this page. There should definitely be a page, or website that shows the history, etc.
6.
ecoheidi | May 23, 2010 at 10:22 pm
Racell….Thanks for posting. We are working on getting everything together. I spent many trips to Hazel’s house picking up the archives. There is so much history between Aleene and Hazel. Lots to go through.What is your grandmother’s name? I will be going back to Hazels in the next month or so with Momma ALeene. Keep in touch-Heidi
7.
Jim Gick | January 16, 2011 at 1:09 am
Heidi,
It was nice to read these bits about Hazel & Aleene. These ladies should never be forgotten for their incredible accomplishments.
Give them my best!
Jim Gick Jr
8.
KLS | June 25, 2011 at 10:00 am
Jim,
Is Gick out of business? Your Prisma Stardust glitter is one of my favorite craft items ever! I can’t find it anywhere and am devastated. Please let me know what’s going on.
Thank you so much.
peach_jam@live.com
9.
Tiffany | June 25, 2011 at 9:08 pm
Yes – Gick has been out of business for many, many years! Their glitter was one of my fave’s too!
10.
Tiffany | January 16, 2011 at 10:05 am
How nice to hear from you Jim! Heidi, Mom and I are visiting with Hazel in a few weeks when I fly in for the Craft & Hobby Association show. We too agree that these ladies should never be forgotten for their accomplishments! Heidi has been collecting archives from Hazel over the past few years and we are slowly but surely cataloging them. So many newbies don’t realize what Aleene and Hazel accomplished that set the path for the rest of us. These amazing women were way ahead of their time! We’ll share more photos of our next visit!
11.
ecoheidi | January 16, 2011 at 11:50 am
Great to hear from you Jim…..I’m so glad you found the Craft museum. We have so much more content…just have to find more time to get it up on the site. You and your dad were also a big part of the early days….Can you forward some info of the history of Gick when it started etc. how many books you published etc. my e mail is heidi@ecoheidi.com….Please keep in touch…Heidi