The Story of Trimmers

A note from the artist…

Trimmers began as a hobby in 1982. I was a stay at home mom and wanted to keep it that way. I kept contemplating what I could do to earn extra spending money for our family while at home. Back then, craft shows popped up everywhere. That sounded like the perfect solution! I robbed the grocery money and bought a band saw, sander, drill press, a couple sheets of plywood and a lot of painting supplies. Since Christmas was my favorite holiday, I decided to make Christmas ornaments. I vaguely remember making about 50, and they all sold. It was a wonderful feeling to see how people loved what I had created enough to purchase them and hang them on their trees for years to come! I was hooked.

And so it began, simple as that. It also became apparent as the years passed and my business grew that I could not keep doing all the steps myself. I hired a cutter. I gave him a pattern for an ornament which he cut, drilled, sanded and delivered to me ready to paint. When the base painting and assembly also became too much, I hired additional employees. That left me time to do all the detail work, the part I love best.

Trimmers are made out of 1/4” and 1/8” plywood good on both sides. As of 8 years ago, they are now cut out on a laser machine, which also does engraving. The edges are primed and then the ornament is sanded on both sides. An airbrush is used for solid base painting and I still employ two base painters to “paint by number” as I call it. Then it’s my turn to detail every one. Finally, the ornaments are assembled and ready to be personalized just for you.

We have over 200 designs, usually retiring 15 and adding 15 new designs each year. We make between 7 and 8 thousand ornaments each year, all 100% handmade. I detail every ornament, except for those which are engraved by the laser, so there is a limit to what I can make each year. I love to paint, and I look forward to putting memories on your Christmas trees.