Sarah Bechler
Sarah Mistele Bechler was born in Oklahoma but raised primarily in Michigan where she lived in a 1860's farmhouse. With an artist mother who loved to shop for primitives out East it was only natural for Sarah to be drawn to all things primitive.
Sarah began doing shows in the mid 1980's with cloth dolls she made and dressed in vintage clothing and antique shoes. She traveled to Atlanta, Nashville, and Sturbridge but it was at a show in Michigan where she first saw primitive hooked rugs. She fell in love instantly and signed up for classes with Beth Sekerka, founder of Hooked On Rugs, who just happened to live in the next town over!!! And there began the journey of Old Glory Woolen Co.
Sarah now lives on the shores of Lake Michigan where she hooks and produces her rugs, chairs and purses. "It is a very satisfying art form and working with hand dyed wools and linen takes me back to my primitive roots," says Sarah. She has published several pattern booklets that are suitable for applique and punch needle. She was also named One Of America's Best by Early American Life Magazine in 2015. Soon after she began the furniture branch of her business and enjoys working with individuals as well as interior designers to create one of a kind pieces for private homes and businesses.
She has taught rug hooking and has enjoyed opening her home to many Japanese women whose husbands have been assigned to work in the US for 3-5 years. These woman are so talented and take to rug hooking immediately! It is so bittersweet though as she has to say goodbye when they are assigned back to Japan. But new members join and new friends are made.
Rug hooking allows Sarah to connect with the past while also making sure this amazing craft continues on for future generations.
Romans 10:9-10
Aubrey Retli
Aubrey was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan and has grown up in the small town of Northville, Michigan. She was married in September 2020 (yes, she was a pandemic bride!) her and her husband still reside in southeast Michigan. Her passion for photography started in a darkroom developing 35mm film when she was in high school. Although it started as an artistic hobby, it quickly grew into a passion for people.
After high school, Aubrey decided she wanted to pursue photography as a career, and that lead to her enrolling into a full time photography program in Massachusetts. Since graduating, Aubrey has grown to love working with high school seniors and giving them a greater sense of confidence! She enjoys meeting new people, getting to know their stories, and displaying their individuality through her photographs. She is grateful to have a job that allows her to document such special moments for others.