ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I have always been what many call a “crafty” person. I know how to knit, crochet, macramé, cross-stitch, embroider, and more, and I enjoy creating projects with all these mediums. So, I thought it would be easy to write a book with projects. It wasn’t as easy as I thought. Writing clear, concise, understandable step-by-step instructions was challenging. But with the help of an amazing team of people, it became easy, fun, and a great learning experience.

I’m going to attempt to thank all the wonderful people who listened, gave me advice, and helped so much with this book. First, a huge shout out to Heather Saunders, whose expert advice on each and every project was immeasurable. Your input and photos were priceless! To her partner Robert Brusseau, whose help with building projects, hanging plants, backdrops, and shelves, and acting as design coordinator with Heather was amazing. Thank you also to Robert and Heather for opening their home and garage for photo shoots. Thank you to all the models in the book, Hayley Steinkopf Bonafede, Kelly Ardito, Joy Crocker, TJ Williams, Christina Quirk, Lily Stotz, Serena Pham, and Tara Boinpally. Thank you also to Harrison Saunders and Kelly Ardito for opening their home for a photo shoot, and to Kelly for her photo design assistance. Thank you again to Danielle Dirks for the use of her Detroit Airbnb loft for photos. To my brother Brian Eldred for his help making sure the wood projects made sense and the measurements were correct. To my sister-in-law Beth Eldred for her help with the macramé patterns, and to her and my brother Keith for taking such amazing care of my mother and giving me peace of mind. What a blessing to me and our entire family. To Kurt Smith of The Flower Market for his help with the bonsai project and for lending materials. To Michael D’Arcangelo of MD Botanicals and the members of the Michigan Cactus and Succulent Society for all their expertise with grafting cacti. To Rachel Nisch of Graye’s Greenhouse for her help with the plants for the stem and leaf cuttings. To my best friend Jeanine Merritt for her editing advice, endless support, and listening ear. Thank you! To my close friends Colleen Burton, Julie Smith, Susan Martin, and Jean Mancos for their support and prayers, and to my church family as well. To my good friend Nancy Szerlag for her editing help and advice. To the team at Cool Springs Press who have been exceptional, especially Jessica Walliser, my acquisitions editor, who came up with many of the project ideas. She has been generous with her advice and was a true pleasure to work with!

As always, I give all the thanks to God, for through him all things are possible. And last, but never least, to my biggest cheerleader and support, my husband John. He is so understanding of the boxes of plants, projects, and stuff everywhere while I am writing (and when I’m not). I love you! Thank you to all my friends and family who have been here for me as I continue along this new path in life.