Sterling Creatives’ featured artist for July, Lesa Askew, poses for a photo with her wreath creations and fractal burn creations made by her husband, Bryan. You can see all of their work and meet the artists at the First Friday Open House on July 5. (Callie Jones/Journal-Advocate)
Just in time for Independence Day, Lesa and Bryan Askew are celebrating America and the military for their latest stint as featured artists at Sterling Creatives.
The Askews create a variety of home décor pieces together. Wreaths are Lesa’s specialty, made out of a variety of items including deco mesh and clothesline pines. For her latest display at the artist cooperative, she has focused on wreaths honoring each branch of the military and you’ll also find some red, white and blue-themed wreaths celebrating America and the 4th of July holiday.
Bryan’s focus is on items related to woodworking and fractal burning, a process that uses electricity to burn patterns resembling fir trees or lightning bolts (otherwise known as Lichtenberg figures) into damped wood. His creations include rustic flags, including one with a Maltese cross honoring fire service, as well as thin blue, red and green line crosses honoring first responders and the military. He also makes coat racks and key holders too.
With family members serving as firefighters, a police officer and most recently a daughter joining the Marines, patriotism and support of military and frontline workers have always been at the heart of the Askews’ business.
“We want to show support for those people and want others to show support for those people,” Lesa said.
The Askews sell their décor under the name CBF Home Crafts, which stands for Country Blended Family, in honor of their blended family with their children and their love of the rustic, country lifestyle.
Crafting has long been a hobby for the couple. Lesa dabbled in chalking for some time and started making wreaths a few years ago and her husband always liked to “fidget around with things here and there.” Three years ago they decided to turn it into a business and so far things have gone well.
“We’ve definitely grown, we do a lot of custom orders,” Lesa said, sharing that her husband hasn’t gone to the last two vendor events they’ve been part of because he’s been so busy working on special orders. “We had a phenomenal year last year and are hoping to beat it.”
They credit being a part of Sterling Creatives for two years now as a big part of their success, as the artist cooperative has helped their business get out into the public.
The public is invited to meet the artists, see their work, and put in your custom orders at their First Friday Open House on July 5, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 129 N. Third Street. There will be refreshments and a door prize, plus those who show proof of service as a military member, police officer, or firefighter will get a 10% discount.
If you are unable to come on Friday, Lesa and Bryan’s display will remain up at the artist cooperative through the end of July. Gallery hours are Monday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
