A soft light reflects in Callie’s eyes where she’s perched on the back of the sofa. She’s monitoring the craft activities of the insomniac with the glue gun in one hand and a pin in the other. The rest of the family has gone to bed, leaving Freya Browning and her faithful feline companion alone in thought and creativity. Cups, saucers, fabric, ribbon, beads and thread are spread before them as they contemplate the combination for the next pin cushion creation.

Is this your hobby or your vocation?

I’ve been crafty most of my life. Mama taught me to sew. Mama sewed all my clothes. My baby doll clothes matched my clothes. About two years ago, during a financially challenged period in our lives, I needed to make our Christmas gifts. My son Evan has a large, giving heart. He doesn’t just need teacher gifts. He wants to give to the bus driver and the librarian, too. I stumbled on the teacup birdfeeder idea and that first Christmas everyone got one!

Is your family involved in your efforts?

I work in the middle of all of them- husband, children and pets. The chaotic state of family is the environment I work best in. Silence would unnerve me. I work full-time at the Georgia Mountain Research & Education Center and part time in the Ingles Bakery, and my crafting time has to be spent with my family. They all take turns helping sell at the market, too.

Where were you born and raised?

Right here in Blairsville. My father and mother have both retired from Union County Schools. (John Ledford taught school for 30 years and Bonni Ledford worked for the Union County Board of Education.)

What other hobbies do you have?

I love to read. I taught myself how to crochet and I do custom embroidery. I’ve also started my first quilt!

What do you like best about your teacup hobby?

I find most of my cups at garage sales. This way I get to satisfy my need to shop and my need to be creative. The pins I make just enhance the whole look of the pin cushion. I love to look at the bead, deciding which will compliment the cup design and fabric.

What is your favorite “tool of the trade”?

Glue, needle, thread and scissors.

If you hadn’t followed the path you have in life, what might you have attempted?

I think I would have liked to have been a nurse. I do wish I would have finished college. (Her daughter Olivia is on her way to start her freshman year at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton GA.

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This is third in a series of interviews we will be bringing you of the artisans that sell their goods at the Union County Farmers Market. Interviews are archived. Just click the hyperlinked names in the left column to read past interviews.