An interview with Martha Myers
Her role – making angels
1. How did you get started making angels?
There was a little lady in Findlay. She was 92 years old, and she taught me how to make the angels. They are hard to learn. I had lost two children and a grandchild. I got a lot of pleasure from making the angels. It made them feel closer to me. It seemed the more I made them, the more settled I am with their loss. I’ve come to the conclusion that your lost loved ones don’t want you to feel sad.
2. What kinds of angels do you make?
They are all made out of wire and white pearls. I started out with the copper wire, but now I do copper, gold and silver. They’re like they are flying, and it’s quite involved to make them. I didn’t start out with the pins. I sold a lot of them, though. I started with a bigger angel that has a hook on the back. You can hang it on a picture or a mirror.
3. How long have you been doing this?
Approximately a year and a half. Last fall, it was the first time I tried a craft show, and I sold so much. It’s fun. I love craft shows. I love the people — I’m a real people person!
4. How long did it take you to learn to make them?
It probably took me six to seven months. It isn’t something you just pick up and do.
5. What’s the most challenging part of making them?
Putting them all together. There are a lot of wires, and you have to put them together. Oh, and putting on the head is hard, too.
6. So this is not just a hobby for you?
It’s a hobby/business. I call it Angels by Martha, and I call them guardian angels. If I sell them, then I sell them. I do it for fun. I’m 74 years old. It gets you out, and I have a lot of fun. I have a workstation in the living room, and I make them there.
7. How long does it take you to make one?
It takes me about an hour and a half to an hour and 45 minutes.
8. Do you have a favorite one you’ve made?
I made angels for all the people who lost someone in Sandy Hook. There was one little girl, Gracie. Her parents said she loved colors. For her birthday, she asked for her cake to be purple with a turquoise peace sign. I just couldn’t make hers gold and white like the others. I sent away and got all different colors. I even found a turquoise peace sign and put it in the hands of the angel. I packed the box with purple tissue paper. Hers just had to be special. So, the one I made for Gracie is my favorite. Every little bit of making it was special.
9. Do you see yourself quitting any time soon?
Oh no – it’s just I get a lot of joy out of it, and I love meeting people. As long as my fingers will do it, I’ll do it.
10. How many craft shows do you go to?
All I can. I have three for this year lined up already.
11. How many have you sold?
I don’t have any idea, and I probably should. I’ve probably sold several hundred because I’ll often sell like five at a time.
12. So what does you husband think of this?
He really enjoys my doing it, and he does everything he can to help me around the house. He does all the cooking and the dishes and helps me with the laundry. If I didn’t have all the help from him, I wouldn’t be able to do it.
