About Me

I have been a crafter my whole life, but things really changed in 2008 when I received a Cricut for Christmas from my parents. I didn’t know such an amazing thing existed. It literally changed me forever! I began scrapbooking and making gifts for family members. During a scrapbooking trip with friends I saw the Silhouette Cameo in action and knew I had to have one! It is like a Cricut, but can do so much more! There is a learning curve to the software and I struggled in the beginning. In 2015 I attended Terri Johnson’s All Things Silhouette Conference in Peachtree City, GA. Since then I have gone to this event three additional times to learn knew techniques and meet up with friends I have met through Silhouette. In 2016 I traveled to Woodbridge, VA to attend classes to become a Terri Johnson Creates Licensed Silhouette Instructor. I started teaching beginner classes in client’s homes and at local Hobby Lobby stores. I started using Lilac Shanty as my business name, as well as my shop name on Etsy where I sell handmade gifts, décor, and clothing.

The name Lilac Shanty comes from my childhood memories and good times that I shared with my great-grandparents. They had lilacs in their yard and a little garden shed with two rooms that they called a “shanty.” I have vivid memories of playing in the shanty while my great-grandparents did their gardening. The smell of lilacs transports me right back to that time so it seemed appropriate to name my business after those memories.

Ever since I started going on crafting retreats with my friends I have dreamed of opening my own crafting retreat. That dream has come true with the new Lilac Shanty Retreat! I will also teach Silhouette classes and have guest instructors for other crafts. As an exciting bonus, there is additional space that will be a handmade market for crafters to sell their creations!

Welcome to my adventure!

~Rhonda

Great-Grandma & Grandpa’s Shanty