Sharon Fuentes is a local wreath maker bursting with quirky, creative flair.
Nonahood News: Tell us about you and your art.
Sharon Fuentes: I’ve always been a creative person. I attended a performing arts high school and pursued acting in New York. While I loved theater, I hated the auditioning process, eating ramen noodles, and sharing a one-bedroom flat. So, I moved back to Florida, started writing children’s stories, and hired actors to help me perform them. I enjoyed making the props and puppets more than performing. It should’ve been a clue what I was passionate about, but I wasn’t ready to see that. Instead, I focused on writing. I’ve written and published a book, have had essays appear in several Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and have had articles published in The Washington Post, Nonahood News and several regional and national magazines. When we moved here in 2016, I was still making a living as a freelance writer. I love writing, but during the pandemic, I had a major case of writer’s block. The lack of creative outlet made me anxious. I had to challenge myself, so I decided to learn a new skill: make a deco mesh wreath for my front door. I posted my creations on Facebook, and my friends and family were impressed and wanted me to make them one. Before I knew it, my living room was filled with wreaths. My husband jokingly told me I either needed to open an Etsy shop or we needed to move into a new house with more doors. The Etsy shop idea was cheaper, so I went with that! Now, I’m at the stage of my craft where I’m challenging myself to try new things. That’s how I discovered headpieces, which are my current favorite things to create.
NHN: What are some of your recent accomplishments?
SF: I recently finished a last-minute bulk order of 75 different headpieces in 13 days. I sent it to Minnesota for a major Slavic Festival! It was exhausting and exhilarating. The festival organizer was so happy, she told me she wants three times as many next year.
NHN: Most rewarding/challenging projects?
SF: I’ve started hosting small Wine and Wreath Making classes to teach others to make wreaths. It’s rewarding watching someone who says they have no artistic ability leave the class with a beautiful wreath they created!
As for challenging…when my daughter asked me to make something for her dorm room. It was touching that she wanted to hang one of my wreaths on her wall. I was so anxious to make it special for her.
NHN: What does your creative process look like?
SF: I’m one of those folks who cannot create anything in a messy space, so I organize my work room before I start anything. I’m a list girl, too; I always have a list of orders that need to be filled as well as ideas for new pieces. When I’m caught up on my orders, I allow myself to work on the ideas. I pull the ribbons, florals and other materials, plug in my hot glue guns, turn on some mindless movie or TV show on Netflix and start playing. My favorite thing is producing fun props or quirky, unexpected twists to my new creations. I want people to smile when they see the wreath and those little extra fun touches.
NHN: Who inspires your art?
SF: It may sound corny, but honestly my family inspires my work. My daughter’s a graphic design major in college and one of the most creative people I know. She’s even designed a few of the signs I have in some of my wreaths. My husband and son are my biggest cheerleaders and keep me going when I get overwhelmed or filled with doubt. And my dogs…because they wake me up early every morning so there’s more time to work.
NHN: Besides art, what are your passions?
SF: I still love to write, spending time with my family and friends, and I’m always up for a Disney adventure!
NHN: Future projects?
SF: I’m creating new Halloween designs for upcoming vendor/craft fairs and to sell online. I’m creating classic horror movie-themed wreaths such as Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds and recently created an Emily from Corpse Bride headpiece. I’d love to explore more whimsical Halloween things.
NHN: How would you describe your artistic style?
SF: I’d like to think I have a funny personality, and therefore I think most of my work has a sense of humor or quirkiness to it. Life’s too short to not have something fun on your door or wall! (Or in the case of my new headpiece line…on your head!)
Check out Sharon’s website, Etsy shop, or follow her on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
