A business that creates fun, natural and original items.
From the earliest time that I can remember, I used my hands to create things. I come from a very creative family where my mother painted and sewed not only her own clothing but she made back-to-school and holiday clothing for us five kids, too! My dad roamed the beach every day to collect shells and made some very interesting ornaments. My oldest sister is a prize-winning quilter and has had her pieces in some pretty high-level venues. My other sister is a great photographer. My brother is a furniture builder and helped my dad and brother-in-law build a home in West Virginia.
With all of the daily dose of creativity, who wouldn't be inspired to jump on board and be part of the action? I always loved to draw and then paint. As I grew older, the responsibilities of work and family were my priority and the "creative" part of me had to lie dormant for some time until...my daughter began to attend a Waldorf school!
The rich colors, natural materials, organic environment appealed to my senses and I wanted to re-create it in my own home. I learned how to lazure, a method of painting that involves applying layers and layers of tinted beeswax glaze to create depth and a richness that you find in nature. I learned to make dolls and later, felt.
My daughter is now almost 16 and I've honed my skills and added lots more to my repertoire. I still make dolls and wall hangings, but I also find old pieces of furniture that I carefully take apart and re-assemble using only eco-friendly materials. I love how something that's been discarded and thrown away can be made into something lively, healthy, and fresh!
So, combining all of the things that I love, I've created "Mimi's Designs." You might be wondering, Mimi? Why that name? In my teens, my cousin's daughter called me Mimi and it stuck. I really loved it but somewhere along the way it got dropped and I went from Janie to Mimi to Mary. I really feel that Mimi fits me and I've decided to take it back!
Some of my creations can be found in the "Mimi Hirsch" room at Greenpad Living, which just opened up in Kimberton, PA (go check it out!). Other items have long been at the Kimberton Waldorf School's store. I attend craft fairs and I'm in the process of opening an Etsy shop. One day...who knows what's possible? Live in a straw bale home made with my own hands on the top of a mountain somewhere? Why not?!
