You may never feel the same about a jar of jelly ever again.
Linda Kester Hamilton has always had a creative soul. She currently works as a graphic artist from her home, and is a small-time producer of DVD productions using photos, mementos, film clips and new photography. She also does intricate beadwork and dabbles in a variety of other media.
After moving last year from the central coast of California town of Aptos, to Alamogordo, New Mexico, she found the change in local recycling facilities alarming. She began to hold onto things she would normally recycle or throw away, namely her wide mouth jars and lids.
"I remembered a teacher in high school had shown us how to make candle sticks using the same method I use today," Linda said. "Now, there are more modern crafting supplies to get neat things accomplished and I am very thankful for that."
In high school, she remembers cutting lace from her canopy bed set (hoping her mother wouldn't notice) to add texture to her candle holder projects. Aside from reusing her bottles, (her bed lace) and other recycled materials for texture and embellishment, Linda also fills her jars with shredded tires to add weight. This is recycled art in its truest form.
Over the years, Linda has made dozens of candleholders using everything imaginable. Her jar projects are so popular, she now teaches classes from her home.
Though it may seem like a simple craft, she doesn't see it as a child's project. "I did have my granddaughter Bailey pose for
some photographs last year, " she says. "But hot glue is dangerous, some glues are caustic, and broken glass just doesn't sound safe either!"
Linda has taken an old lesson, combined it with new materials and lots of creativity and created some truly amazing pieces. She says she is grateful to her two children, two grandchildren and her husband Bob for being so supportive of her creative endeavors. "I like that he doesn't ever seem to notice my messes!" she says.
Linda is a wealth of information on recycled jar projects and other high-end crafts. Please feel free to contact her with your questions. You can also visit her Facebook page, search for "Linda Kester Hamilton Creative Artistry" on Facebook.
Linda Kester Hamilton
1094 San Miguel St
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Tel: 575-446-4576
[email protected]