Severna Park Artist Cranks Out Christmas Decor

By Maya Pottiger

When she moved to her new house after getting married, Robyn Hagedorn couldn’t find home decor in the colors she was looking for.

Frustrated, the Severna Park resident decided to make the furnishings herself.

“My mom always sewed, but I didn’t. I just didn’t think I had the knack for it,” Hagedorn said. “I think what can happen is people don’t realize they could do it themselves. I turned around and started making the home decor, found out that I loved doing it and I have a passion for it.”

In 2011, Hagedorn opened her Etsy shop, PillowscapeDesigns, after racking up requests from friends and family members who saw her homemade decor.

“Etsy’s a great way to get your homemade items available, not just to local customers but throughout the United States and even other countries,” Hagedorn said. “I just think it’s a great way to get exposure, and it’s affordable for a small business.”

During this time of year, Hagedorn is popular for her Christmas decor. She offers a variety of options: Santa trios, glass wine charms, wreaths, reversible pillows, table runners, placemats and napkins.

Of the Christmas items, the Santa trios are the most popular, Hagedorn said. She always has some of the glass wine charms in stock because “they’re really nice for gifts, stocking stuffers, hostess gifts. They’re good to have on hand for unexpected gift giving,” Hagedorn said.

To ensure her products are as custom-made as possible, Hagedorn works with clients when deciding on color schemes and fabrics. In the last year, Hagedorn said 80 percent of her orders were custom requests. To make a custom request, customers can message Hagedorn on Etsy.

“It’s a great way for me to express myself. I like working with the clients because they inspire me and they give me great ideas,” Hagedorn said. “I’m passionate about it. It’s a hobby for me, but it’s great when I get feedback. It makes you feel good that you can turn around and make something that somebody can use in their home.”

In addition to Christmas decor, Hagedorn makes home decor for other seasons or yearly use.

Hagedorn, who works part-time, said she spends at least three days a week sewing. Having an artistic pastime is something relatively new, Hagedorn said.

“Growing up, I wasn’t really artsy,” Hagedorn said. “I didn’t do painting or anything like that. This is really my only creative avenue that I have.”

To view Hagedorn’s Etsy shop, visit www.etsy.com/shop/pillowscapedesigns. All of her products are displayed there, and customers can contact Hagedorn through the shop.