26th Anniversary of Roberta Originals
Believe it or not, this fall marks our 26th Anniversary of the establishment of Roberta Originals!
We started in 1994 with one small table at a local PEI Christmas Craft show hosted by the music department of our old school, Colonel Gray High. Roberta had seen a craft magazine highlighting a Father Christmas made from a salt-dough recipe. The Father figurine spawned additional ornaments and decorations including Bears, Angels, and Snowmen (see picture below). The response from the community was positive, and we came away from the weekend with a few extra dollars for Christmas presents for our 4 young children (ages 2, 4, 6 and 9).
In 1995 Roberta was willing to try the craft show again, and the result was double sales over the previous year. As a bonus, a local craft shop owner offered to take some product on consignment. That was our first wholesale experience.
The next year Roberta switched to Polymer Clay and left salt-dough behind. We found the clay was very durable, required no painting and was excellent to hold the fine details Roberta wanted in her products.
In 1999 Roberta decided to develop the business full-time and has been self-employed since. Every year our sales have increased, and our following of loyal, repeat customers (like yourself) has grown, making us feel humbled by your fantastic support.
Over the years, mothers have bought ornaments for their kids, and these kids have now become customer themselves, for their new families. We have had many folks tell us “The only reason I came to this craft Show was to see your booth!” These relationships have made this much more than a small business and more like a community, and we appreciate each and every one of you.
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. We saw our wholesale orders dry up because of the lockdown, cruise ships didn’t arrive, tourism is way down, and all but 1 of our regular craft shows were cancelled. These issues are pale in comparison to what has been happening to many people’s health, business and families. We have counted our blessings to know our children, grandchildren and extended family have remained healthy and happy. The down time has given us a chance to work on cottage renovations, develop our new online store, and take a break from our usual fall schedule of 8 shows over 9 weekends.
We miss seeing everyone and hope 2021 will be back to a new type of normal. In the meantime, thanks for your support, take care and talk soon.
Andrew & Roberta Palmer
Visiting your booth at Christmas at the Glacier has signalled the beginning of the Christmas season for my sister and I for many years. We were very disappointed when the event was cancelled, but thrilled when the online store was created! We both love your work and look forward to seeing you again when it is safe to do so. Congratulations on 26 years!
My Mom was a beloved customer for many years, she collected many of your Santa Clauses, we were also gifted ornaments from your collection from her. And now I am a collector and go to craft sales just for your booth. I was disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to add to my collection this year, but totally understood. When I saw the post on Facebook that you would be opening an online store my excitement to be able to add to it this year made my heart full. Thank you. And congratulations to 26 years in business. Your work is tremendous.
I had no idea you have been around that long! It was neat to see the photo of your earlier work. I’ve been a repeat customer for over 7 years (including this year) now and have bought stuff for myself, as gifts, and even had a piece gifted to me. Love your work.