make it with.....yarn 'n burlap, 1969

from shasta daisys to mod monster animals this "craft-course book" is chock full of ideas and instructions. it's one of the many (probably hundreds) from the "handicrafts for fun library" put out by hazel pearson. i'm sure you remember the lovely aleene from last week? well even though they were technically competitors, hazel & aleene were best friends. she was right there along with aleene on the craft caravan.

based in rosemead, california, hazel was a powerhouse. in addition to her how to books, she taught classes, put out a full line of craft supplies as well as her famous "kaboodles" craft kits. now that i have discovered hazel's books i see that she was a major influence on the crafts my mom used to make.

here's hazel hard at work in her office no doubt writing one of her fabulous books. on the wall behind her are some examples of her copper tooling. (no date on this photo but it looks like the late 1950's to me.)

Comments

[kayte]

I have the "make it with yarn and burlap" booklet too!! i love it so much.
i found your blog via susan, an old friend of mine.
it looks great!

[minivanmomma]

I love the flower wall hanging * go pink!

[Arlene]

Hi, Cathy

I was doing a search for Hazel Pearson and found your website. I wondered if her business was still operating. I actually worked for her once at a dealer open house and visited Aleene's when she lived in Temple City, CA. What I am looking for is the plaster heads and hand for the figure draped 3 kings - the 3 wisemen. Can you help? I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you.

[cathy of california]

hi arlene,

how cool you got to work for hazel and meet aleene!

hazel pearson handicrafts is no longer in business. for all vintage craft supplies i point everyone in the directon of ebay!
good luck

[Suzi Ostrom Blocker]

I worked for Hazel Pearson in Rosemead, CA in 1967. I was a Sales Order Clerk and while working for Hazel Pearson Handicrafts I became "addicted" to crafts.