The Steppingstone Story

If my life, like any great novel or piece of art, contained a motif, it would be stepping stones.  I say that because as I begin the next stage on my path I can look back and see how each individual stone brought me to where I am today.  As a child I loved playing school with my younger sister.  The imaginary environment I created eventually turned into reality when I chose to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout and pursue a degree in Home Economics Education.  It was tough to decide between that and art education (as I was passionate about both), but in the end home economics seemed more practical.  After teaching for seven years in Clarissa, MN., I met my husband Dale and we relocated to Dassel.  Finding another teaching job proved rather difficult so I substituted and offered my services to a new picture framing and consignment craft gallery, Steppingstone Gallery, that had recently opened in Dassel. Working there a few hours a week, led to many hours a week, which led to a partnership, then moving the gallery to Hutchinson, eventually being the sole proprietor. My “job on the side” led to a 23-year career in the framing and art business.  I always knew the name of my gallery held special significance, which is why in 2005, I decided to sell the building and use it as a stepping stone to new and different things. 

At that time, Dale and I were talking about what I could do next.  He suggested I transform my love of quilting and being “crafty” into something.  I had attended a few weekend quilting retreats and always came back reenergized over old projects and excited about new ones.  With my love for crafts, cooking, and pampering others I felt it was definitely something I could plunge into.  As if it were meant to be, we soon found the perfect Victorian style cottage in Baxter, and I was able to turn my dream into reality.  Together we have enjoyed working on this next stepping stone in our lives. With Dale as my handyman, some inspiration from my four nieces, and lots of support from family and friends, I am proud to offer you Steppingstone Cottage, an art-filled place to gather, to create, and to inspire.