Unique Cards, Fun TeePees Make Splash at Johnston Farmers' Market

Art and Debbie Soderholm are new to Johnston, but they've already made a name for themselves at the .

The Soderholms are crafty, to say the least.

Their tent is frequented by youngsters looking to explore specially made teepees and parents looking for a perfectly unique card.

The Soderholms moved to Johnston from Sutherland, NE, to be closer to their son and grandchildren in Ankeny.

While visiting last year, they caught a late farmers' market and decided it would be the perfect place to display their work.

After years of teaching and running antique garage sales, the Soderholms seem content sharing their unique work.

Unique Cards
Debbie's embroidered cards are certainly one of a kind.

"I was visiting with a 90-year-old friend a few years ago, and I loved the card she had," Debbie said. "We looked the back for initials to find out where it came from. I called the lady that made it and asked her to teach me."

The rest is history.

Debbie spends some of her free time creating the embroidered, embellished cards for all occasions and holidays.

Using a special hand tool, Debbie carefully makes small holes creating patterns for each card.

It's a time-consuming task, but one she enjoys.

"I did 60 at a time once, it took me three days," she said. "Now I do 20 or 30 then stop and embellish them with ribbons or buttons."

In addition to her embroidered cards, Debbie also crafts cards from old sheet music and photos.

Debbie's cards start at $4.

Colorful TeePees
Five years ago Art and Debbie began making teepees for their nieces and nephews at Christmas time.

"Years ago I bought a teepee for my classroom from a lady at a craft fair," Debbie recalled. "Then we decided to make some for gifts."

Soon, Art was cutting the wood, while Debbie sewed the material.

They first sold the teepees at a sweet corn stand, then displayed the in their yard in Nebraska.

"They went fast," Debbie recalled. "We had about 60 teepees in our yard."

So far in Johnston, the Soderholms have sold more than a dozen teepees.

The simple structures are great for a reading nook and a spot for adventure.
Children are frequently running inside and peeking out during the farmers' market.

"They're really popular with grandparents and for early elementary teachers," Debbie said.

The teepees range from $45 for prints and $55 for camouflage prints.

Stop by the Soderholms' tent each Tuesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Johnston Farmers' Market.

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