Olde South Timeline Ball: Today we’d like to highlight one of our generous auction donors, our good friend Bethanna Kortie. Bethanna is donating a cheerful set of patriotic-themed fabric mug mats.
Tell us about yourself, Bethanna!
Bethanna: I’m originally from Arizona, but now call South Carolina home. I have been doing one kind of crafting or another since I was a young child. I have always loved to create beauty with my own hands and enjoy learning new things. My first sewing project was a doll dress that my mom helped me make on her sewing machine when I was five. Over the years I have tried many crafts, but the ones I have loved the longest are crocheting, hand-sewing and machine-sewing.
I became a widow 2 years ago and, in time, really felt the need to create beauty again.
OSTB: What kinds of crafting are you currently doing?
Bethanna: I recently combined my love of antique and vintage plates and crafting to make jewelry from broken china. I taught myself how to do this at the end of 2025 and have found that it has been part of the way God is healing me. As I looked at each chipped or broken plate, I saw something that needed to find a new purpose. In the same way that God takes the broken pieces of our lives to make something new and beautiful, my jewelry is a picture of that kind of grace.
Additionally, one of my favorite things to do on a “free” day is to spend quality time with my sewing machine. I love a variety of fabrics and enjoy pretty and functional projects the most. I am currently working on mug mats and microwave bowl cozies. I am always looking for ideas that offer both “beauty and duty.”
OSTB: Do you have an online selling platform?
Bethanna: Yes! I opened my Etsy shop, PreciousPiecesGranny, in April 2026. It showcases my jewelry and I am now adding another of my loves—useful yet beautiful sewn items.
OSTB: It must be fun to have your own business!
Bethanna: Yes! I truly enjoy it because I am always creating and love having an outlet to share my items with others.
OSTB: What advice would you give to people who are new to crafting?
Bethanna: Don’t be afraid to try new things. Even though you may not stay with a particular craft long term, you will learn new skills and get new ideas. And then you can eventually find something you truly love and keep at it until you can make it your own!
OSTB: Sounds like great advice! Thanks for visiting with us today, Bethanna, and thank you for donating to the Olde South Timeline Ball Silent Auction. Y’all be sure and check out her Etsy shop!
We look forward to seeing all of you there!
Sincerely,
The Olde South Ball Committee
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