Gina B. Ahrens - Artist

    I started making things at a young age with my Mother, Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers. They all crafted. Some were dress makers, others did needlework. I learned embroidery, crochet, sewing, cooking and more from as far back as I can remember.

    I love to create things. My mind is always thinking up new ideas for new projects. Even my Aunts, who are trained in fine arts, are amazed at the things I come up with, but hopefully in a good way. I remember my Dad’s Mom, Jenny Bronzini, sitting with me one day at her house to teach me something new. I wanted to learn to crochet. She said I had to do it the old way then. First I had to hem the linen handkerchief by hand. Then once that was done she would show me how to crochet lace around the edge. I love to take unusual things, change them up and make them into something beautiful. I guess this is now called altered art. Who new? I learned from my family to try to find things I already had and use them for my arts and crafts. That was recycling, again who knew?

    I have lots of memories like those of crafting with family and friends. I am a high school graduate with some college behind me. I am a licensed dispensing optician and formerly owned an award winning home daycare business.  I love kids they are so open and naturally creative. As an optician I got to make things too. I was the lab tech in the back room making glasses for the patients.

Art is in my blood and I wouldn’t have it any other way.