Shopping Local With Courtney's Crafty Creations

Former preschool teacher Courtney Wininger is a lady of many talents.  Wife, nanny, fashonista, philanthropist and homemaker to name a few.  But that's just the tip of the iceberg because Courtney has managed to turn her passion for crafting into a business.




Courtney's love of arts and crafts started when she was a kid.  She's always loved anything to do with art and drawing and aspired to be an art teacher.  Suitcases full of crayons and art supplies were always her favorite gift, promising hours of creativity and fun.  In 7th grade Courtney jumped at the chance to take a Family Consumer Science class, especially enjoying the days when it was time to sew.

Marie Grimm, Courtney's mom, is always proud to show off her daughters creations!

Courtney's mom was happy to let her use her sewing machine at home and has always supported her daughter in all things creative.  She taught Courtney how to knit when she was a freshman in high school.  It took nearly 4 years to finish her first scarf to her own admittedly perfectionist standards.  However she continued knitting and always looks forward to a challenge of creating new styles, using new tools to create truly customized knitted items.

Courtney shows off one of her many knitted scarves

Creating custom gifts is always a joy for Courtney.  She made matching fleece scarves for her high school friends. Although they were matching, each had a custom touch that reflected the recipients personal style.  The next year she tried her hand at making her friends pillows.

Some of Courtney's more recent handmade pillows

A fleece rug made by Courtney in college

One of the first items she made, a hobo style bag, was the jumping off point for Courtney's very first sale.  Although that particular project didn't turn out quite so well, she quickly found a way to make the hobo bag work.  She made more over time, giving them as gifts to friends, but more so because she loves creating.   Eventually between senior year of high school and junior year of college she'd amassed many bags and realized it was time to try and sell them.  Her mother's good friend was happy to sell them at her hair salon.  And so Courtney's Crafty Creations became a business.

A few Hobo style bags from Courtney's Crafty Creations

Up cycling has always been important in Courtney's creations.  As a preschool teacher she often had the choice of either using her own money for supplies or reusing found items.  Being resourceful meant using empty applesauce containers to create jellyfish.  It meant teaching her students about the importance of recycling early. And it meant positive feedback from parents about recycling becoming an important part of their families lives.  In her own life Courtney had accumulated T-shirts.  Some of them she's had since childhood.  Making things like giant picnic blankets and bags from T-shirts allows her to hold on to cherished memories and create one of a kind usable conversation starters.

Courtney repurposed denim and jean pockets to make a tool holder for her husband.

Re purposed plaid men's shirt pockets, perfect as a wallet or small items.

Inspiration comes from many places for Courtney.  From watching Project Runway to making items with friends and family in mind.  That's how she began making blankets. When Courtney was 21, she saw a baby blanket that matched the jungle theme her pregnant friend had chosen.  She knew her friend would love the blanket, but the price was far too high.  Courtney decided to try and make one for her instead.  It was a big hit.  The baby slept with it every night and years later it is still well loved.

Courtney also finds inspiration in getting in the spirit of the holidays.  Here her and her sister Brittany Grimm wear matching shirts that Courtney made for the 4th of July. 

While DIY crafting is just a click away, Courtney prefers to challenge herself with making her own designs for popular items.  She's not ashamed to say that some of her crafting prowess is from trial and error.  For instance, last year Courtney made a Taggie Blanket for her nephew.  Unfortunately, the ribbon tags ended up on the inside of the blanket instead of the outside.  The blanket was remade and turned out beautifully.  Baby blankets continue to be a huge seller for her because of her ability to combine colors and patterns as well as her readiness to make innovative designs.

Baby Taggie Blanket by Courtney's Crafty Creations

Baby Blanket by Courtney's Crafty Creations

LSU & Saints Baby Blanket by Courtney's Crafty Creations

Baby Blanket by Courtney's Crafty Creations

Of the many items Courtney enjoys making, a favorite item right now is jewelry, specifically earrings.  Earrings are one of the accessories Courtney can't do without.  Her husband Ben first started making earrings for her when he noticed the sheer volume of earrings that she'd accumulated.  Ben went so far as to pick out wire and beads and style some earrings for Courtney, who then picked up her own technique.  Like many other area's of her crafting, Courtney loves the fact that she can customize her earrings to her own unique style to match her own outfit.  She also looks forward to creating custom designed jewelry for her customers.

Earrings by Courtney's Crafty Creations

Customizable Charm Bracelet by Courtney's Crafty Creations

It was because of Courtney's love of earring making that she was able to raise money for a family in need.  Courtney was inspired to help when she heard about a 31 year old woman with 2 small children who was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Through her sale of earrings she designed with pink beads, she was able to raise $1000 for the young woman and her family.

Just a few of the earrings that Courtney made to raise money for a family in need.

Recently when Courtney and her husband purchased their first home, her love for crafting shined through.  Throughout the rigorous process of fixing up her new home, she stayed true to her dreams.  The very first room that was complete was her crafting room, a sanctuary for her art and creativity to run wild.

Heidi Brugh, friend and fellow nanny, shows off an Infinity Scarf by Courtney's Crafty Creations

 Custom Number Birthday T-shirt by Courtney's Crafty Creations 

Custom Monogrammed Christmas Stockings by Courtney's Custom Creations

Custom Corn Hole Bean Bags by Courtney's Crafty Creations

Courtney is gearing up for the holiday's and is looking forward to creating lots of custom items for her friends and family.  Courtney's Crafty Creations is accepting orders through her FaceBook Page.  Nothing says love like giving a customized piece of jewelry with beads in birthstone colors.  Maybe a knitted scarf to match any ones coat or favorite team colors? Or how about a baby blanket for babies very first Christmas or the expectant mom on your list?  Whatever you might be looking for, Courtney's Crafty Creations can help you check off your Christmas list one by one.