By Anne Groebner

In a world full of factory-made goods, working with your hands builds patience, tradition, and personal joy. Buying something handmade connects us with ancestry and nature, and offers unique items made with care. Linda Lucas creates many unique handmade items that she sells at Made in Greer, in Pinetop, Arizona. Lucas practices many techniques such as crochet, fabric cut-out t-shirts, quilting, wreath making, and sock art — including monkeys. She also builds beautiful solar lighting and colorful planters.

“My mom was definitely the one who got me started with my love of arts and crafts.” Lucas tells me. Her mom taught her how to crochet so she wouldn’t keep asking her to make things for her. She told her she needed to learn how to do it herself — and she did! As a young wife and mother, Lucas made all homemade gifts for friends and family. She continues to create many items, each unique in its own way.

When she had built up some inventory, she needed somewhere to sell her creations and found Made in Greer — an artisan consignment shop that displays a vast variety of arts, such as paintings and sculptures; and crafts, such as bird feeders, handmade greeting cards, memory boxes, wreaths and wood carvings. They also sell puzzles and yard art.

Lucas’ crafts are inspired by nature, which is visible in her “bee and flower-themed” items, She also creates rock art, pinecone art, solar yard jars, Post-it note boards, and assorted penny jewelry. Some of her popular items are her car charms, keychains, bookmarks, and letter openers.

Lucas and her husband discovered the White Mountains in 2012 and, shortly after moved here permanently. They love their beautiful community! “I enjoy having fun with my crafts and keeping busy.” She says.

Come and see Linda Lucas’ homemade crafts at Made in Greer, in the Times Square Plaza across from Charlie Clark’s in Pinetop. Their summer hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. They also offer arts and crafts classes. 

Go to madeingreer.com.