A poorly kept secret in the reporting
community is that, naturally, some interviewees are better storytellers than
others. It is up to the writer of
the story to develop the narrative around whatever nuggets can be mined from
those less forthcoming with their words.
At other times, though, a story writer should just stand back and allow
the storyteller’s words to speak for themselves. The words of Judy Dedeker at Suzie Q’s speak for themselves.
By way of introduction, Suzie Q’s is a Glass Painting and
Craft store located in the Historical Midway Business district of Fort Thomas
and founded by Judy Dedeker. From
her website, the name comes from her sister, Sue (nicknamed Suzie Q) and was
the “easiest part of the planning process”. Sue died in June 2012 of Glioblastoma and Dedeker honors her
memory not only with the name of the store but also by her donations; in
October, she donated $5.00 of every glass painting to the Brain Cancer Research
Center for the University of Cincinnati Neuroscience Department.
Now is the time where, as the writer, I step back:
FTM: What do you do/service do
you provide? What makes you unique?
Suzie Q’s is a unique Glass
Painting & Multi-Craft Studio, utilizing the Pinterest site to inspire
craft making and glass painting. We offer an array of glassware, which is
always available during open studio time, or glass painting classes. No
individual needs prior experience for glass painting, and most crafts.
Instructors are trained crafters who teach and assist customers to make crafts
for decorative pieces or gifts for family, teachers, bosses, co-workers or
friends.
Customers are encouraged to
bring crafting ideas they would like to make and put together in a crafting
class. There is a suggestion box for customers to offer these ideas,
which is the idea behind Suzie Q’s.
Sample Crafts offered by Suzie Q’s will be, but not limited
to: Glass Painting, Glass on Wheels (private in-home glass painting
parties for 8 or more), Rag Rugs, Candy Jar/Tower making (can order/purchase as
well), Fairy Garden making, Knitting, Embroidery Card making, Scrapbooking,
Scrapbooking Framed Art, Jewelry Making (101, intermediate & Advanced),
Sewing Classes (after first of the year – ongoing), Tee-Shirt Quilting (after
sewing classes), Kid’s Afterschool Crafting, Clothing/Jewelry/accessory trunk
shows.
FTM: How long have you been in
the community and how did you get your start?
While caring for my terminally
ill sister, and during her restful hours, I utilized my computer, and found the
Pinterest site. I was hooked from the beginning. I always loved
crafting, and making things for my family members, mainly my mother, and I
found my main passion was glass painting. I knew one of my friends, Leigh
Duckworth, who was already a glass painting artist, so it was the main craft I
wanted to offer, and not already offered within the I-275 belt. Glass
painting is one of the hot crafts being made by many seasoned/1st time
crafters.
I looked around the Northern
Kentucky area for store locations to open my studio, and found this empty store
front in the Historical Midway Business District. I fell in love with the
location […] and opened for business, August 23rd, 2013. I felt there
were many crafters in the City of Ft. Thomas; I just need to draw them out of
their homes! […] I would love to bring these crafters to my store, if not
to just have a relaxing place to craft, but [to] help us teach others to do the
same! Consider Suzie Q’s like a coffee shop where friends share a cup of
coffee, or quiet time with their computers.
FTM: What has the local
community meant to you and your business?
The people of Ft. Thomas are a
close-knit community who strongly care for their family and friends. The
School system is important, and Suzie Q’s will offer an extension of learning,
as well, foster school work. The Afterschool program will offer homework
time, as well, a place to teach your child(ren) crafts/hobbies, which may be a
future passion. I feel it is a great place to keep kids off the streets
from bad things, as I want the same for my child and his friends.
The After-School program will
begin after the Christmas Break, and will be available Tuesday – Friday from
3:30pm-6:15pm daily. Homework assignments will be completed first, and
crafting afterwards. Space, unfortunately, is limited, so sign-ups are
necessary! Please visit www.suzie-qs.com and sign up now!
FTM: Do you have any events
coming up or other things FTM should mention?
Yes, currently offering the
following, but always adding new classes weekly!
Open Studio Time – Daily during
store hours – come in for glass painting, or bring a craft you are currently
working on to the studio! Glass painting $22.50 which includes a glass,
paints, brushes, inspirations, stencils, etc. Feel free to bring lunch,
or order from Sarelli’s or Ft. Thomas Pizza while crafting at Suzie Q’s!
Evening hours available as well!
Adult Mother & Daughter
Ornament Painting Class (2 for $25.00) Wednesday, December 4th| 7-9pm.
Bring your mother’s favorite wine and snack and each paint their own unique
ornament! All paints, ornament, brushes, inspirations, stencils, etc. are
included. As well complimentary assorted sodas, bottled water, coffee
& light snack.
Mommy & Me Santa Cookie
Plate Painting Class ($15.00), Saturday, December 7th|1-3pm. Bring your
child(ren) to paint a special Santa Cookie Plate! All paints, plate
(extra plate(s) available for purchase), brushes, inspirations, stencils, etc.
are included. Complimentary assorted sodas, juice, bottled water &
light snack.
Two-Part Candy Jar Making
Classes ($65.00 per attendee – all supplies included) Come and paint your
favorite Tiered Candy Dish for the Holidays. Great as a gift or
displaying in your home! All materials, Supplies & Candy included!
Payments can be split between each class. 1st class- Painting, 2nd Class-
assembly & finishing touches. Classes offered Tuesday, December
2nd|7:00pm – 9:00pm, and Tuesday, December 10th|7:00pm-9:00pm
After-School Program Starting
January 7th|3:30pm-6:15 Tuesday – Friday. Please check the web-site for
daily craft offered and pricing. Supplies included. Assorted Sodas,
Bottled Water, Juice and light snack offered each day.
Sewing Classes scheduled to
begin January 6th|11:00am-12:00pm for adults, and 3:30pm-4:30pm for children.
$60.00 per month. Learn basic sewing, along with making various items.
Sewing machines are provided. Attendees will have to purchase
material(s) and any other sewing needs per item made.
So, there you have it.
Dedeker is clearly passionate about her business and crafting and we at
FTM are passionate about shopping local and small. So, be sure to support this newer Fort Thomas endeavor and
plan a party, take your children, or go on a random day with friends for your
next craft project. FTM readers
who mention this article get $5.00 off any glass painting class (now through
February 1, 2014).
Call the store at 859-415-1307 or visit their website at www.suzie-qs.com.