Artist Spotlight: Sherry Dodd

Now and then Heart to Heart will feature one of the wonderful artists who sell their work through our store. Today we would like to introduce Sherry Dodd, who creates the many amazing gift baskets you see throughout the store.

Sherry has been designing gift baskets for over 25 years. To start with it was just for her own family.She would make baskets for baby showers, anniversaries, holidays, her children's birthdays, and other occasions. She would buy several smaller presents instead of on larger one, find a reusable basket that fit the theme, and decorate it with cellophane wrap and coordinated ribbons.

In time she began doing it for other people. She started selling her baskets at Heart to Heart Gifts and Home Decor back in February, beginning with Valentine's Day. Since then she's made many baskets--some of which were by special request.

Her gift baskets don't cost as much as you might think. Prices range from $10 to $50, including the gifts, which she will pick out to your specifications. Just tell her what you want, and what you know about the likes and dislikes of the person it is intended for, and how much you can spend, and she will go to work to create just the right basket. So far she's never had a complaint!

Sherry was born in Arkansas and has lived in Meridian for 22 years. She has been creative for as long as she can remember. She paints, draws, makes homemade greeting cards, arranged flowers, and many other artistic pursuits. She says she will often focus on a specific art or craft and do it for years before she'll get tired of it and try something else.

She also calls her an avid outdoors person. Whether it's the back woods or her back yard, she loves being outside. She and her family enjoy camping, fishing, four-wheeling, or going on picnics. She loves landscaping her yard, as well. Sherry also enjoys her grandchildren, and worked hard to create each their own special gift baskets last Christmas, each in the child's favorite color.

Her gift baskets are perfect for a variety of occasions. She's done basket for children and teenagers (including the Hannah Montana basket shown at right and currently available in the store), as well as baskets for Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Valentines Day, anniversaries, baby and bridal showers, and even for new members of an organization. Her housewarming baskets would be ideal for real estate agents as a "thank you" gift for clients.

The bottom line is that if you can think it, Sherry can make it! If you think one of her baskets might be just right for you or someone you love, drop by Heart to Heart Gifts and see what is already available for ideas. If you would like to request a personalized basket, just talk to Diana at the counter! She'll set you up with Sherry!