Vickie Arant Clontz

November 8, 2018 Kenersville News article:

Vickie Arant Clontz has a talent of working with felt and other wood material. She recently had a silk banner entry into the Houston Quilt Show, titled THE VIRTUOUS WOMAN, meant to empower women.

Clontz grew up in Kernersville, graduating from EFHS in 1973.   She learned to sew from her mother.   After high school, she attended UNC-Greensboro for clothing design, and expaned her interest in art and design.

"My mom taught me how to sew when I was 5 years old" she said.

Clontz spent several years working/designing in the clothing industry for a sportswear company in San Diego. she did this until she decided to stay home with her children.

That's when Clontz said she started her own business, Annie's Keepsakes.

"I wanted something to do to stay home with my kids an be able to contribute" she said, nothing that she has 2 kinds. "My daughter is very gifted with art too. She just published her second adult coloring book."

Clontz explained that her daughter, Maxi, drew the design for the silk banner that she entered into the quilt show in Houston.   "It's a Women in Power" exhibit, she said.

"My daughter Maxi has always been my muse. She has tremendous artistic talent, as well as being a creative genuis and has a sweet, beautiful spirit to match. The lady in my banner is from her first adult coloring book, "Enchanted Spirits", under her penname Maxine November. I ahve used her original image with her permission. In her book, Maxi describes her drawing as being "designed on a peaceful afternoon." I expanded on this concept with a reference to the 'virtuous woman' described in Proverbs 31. I particularly felt this girl embodied verse 25: she is rejoicing. She has no fear of the future. And if you look closely to where she's pointing, there is a hidden a little verse that will tell you why. She lives a life of joy and integrity, and draws strength from her faith that brings her calmness and peace." she said. "I, myself, have had to deal with many struggles, drama and losses in the last few years. I could not have survived without my faith, family and friends to help me through,and the knowledge that I have retained my honesty and integrity throughout it all. None of us are perfect, we just do the best we can and enjoy this gift we call life."

Clontz explained that the banner is silk. The image is drawn with gutta resist for the outline, then colored in with Sharpies and sprayed alcohol to make it look like stained glass.

Of the 3 catergories in the Houston quilt show, Clontz entered her banner in the "spiritual woman" catergory.

"I thought she was perfect for this beause if you have God on your side, there's nothing else you need," she said. nothing that the silk banner is 2 feet by 8 feet long. It took Clontz a week to complete.

Along with creating works of art out of various materials including felt, cotton and silk. Clontz teaches classes at the Houston quilt show, as well as locally at the Sawtooth Center in W-Salem. She has also taught at various other shows. Among the things she teaches : wet felt landscapes, wool beads, wool flowers, needle felting, marbling, wood sushi cane, Nunon felting, and more.

Clontz added that she has been invited to each felting in France.

"Next year, during the Mid Atlantic Quilt Show in Virginia, I'll be doing Celebrating Art and Fashion Show. It's celebrating all women.

Through the Sawtooth Center, Clontz said she not only teaches classes, but also teaches through their art and wellness programs.

"We do silk scarf dying, and wool bead patterns". Clontz also teaches a lot of cancer patients and their families.

Through Annie's Keepsakes, Clontz said she has her own pattern line.

"I went to a big wholesale pattern show and became acquainted with folks from a wool company." Clontz was told that if she designed patterns using their wool felt, that they would send her free wool, as well as promote her on the Internet.   Through this company Clontz makes a lot of hats and quick and easy patterns.

Clontz explained that she taught herself how to work with felt using books, YouTube, and just through patience.

For more info about Clontz's work, visit www.annieskeepsakes.com, or send an email to annieskeepsakes@carolina.rr.com