Christmas crafting
Lela Wright Ray creates special, handcrafted holiday memories Story and photos by MARÍA CAMP
L
ela Wright Ray, retired art, drama and speech teacher from Russellville City Schools, has been painting Christmas ornaments of houses for years – at least 12 a year for the past 25 years. Ray said when it comes to her creations, she has to notice all the little details most people wouldn’t see as casual observers. While it’s a time-intensive, highlydetailed process, it’s one she enjoys and also takes very seriously. She said she got the idea for the ornaments in 1996 while visiting an area craft fair, when she saw a snow scene painted inside a clear plastic ornament ball. “I told myself ‘I could do that!’ and I did,” said Ray. The story only grows from there. Ray decided it would be an interesting project for the students in her advanced art class at Russellville High School, and during their annual student art exhibit, RHS counselor Judy Pounders saw her snow scene ornament and asked if she could paint a house with Christmas decorations in an ornament ball. With a photograph to go on, Ray decided to give it a try. That’s how her new hobby transformed into a side business that has brought joy to dozens of homeowners who have purchased her works. “My ornament will be my favorite forever,” said Tamera Lane. “It’s of our first Christmas in our new home. She painted our ‘forever home’ – the home our children will grow up in. I leave mine out year-round in my bookcase.” Lane said everyone who sees it comments on “how beautiful and detailed” it is. “She painted every last detail of our home,” said Lane. “It’s something I will always cherish.” Beth Page Gilmer has been collecting Christmas ornaments since she got married in 1984. “I have many that I love,” said Gilmer, “but none is as special as my Lela
Franklin Living
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