Neighborhood Star:
When Sam Schoeler’s husband died two years ago, her life changed in more ways than she could imagine.
She began planning a new career that reflects her love of fairy tales and folklore, something that has fascinated her from the time she was a small child.
“Planning for this, making prototypes, and writing stories helped me to rediscover my creativity. I’ve always loved sewing. I began making doll clothes when I was 8.”
When Schoeler did a craft show several months after her husband’s death, a local business owner, Sue Loftus of White Street Gallery, saw Schoeler’s dolls and asked if she could have some for her shop.
“I thought I’d try to make a pirate fairy, and I began to think about what might cause a fairy to become a pirate,” Schoeler said. “A story began to form in my mind, and then a light bulb went on. That’s when I knew I needed to write a book to go with my dolls. It gives them personalities.”
“I really truly believe that this is going to work,” Schoeler said. “It just feels right. I see myself over the years creating a whole new world. It will depend on my imagination as to how big this fairyland will get.”
Photo by Ginger Brashinger.