Meet our Instructors!
Maureen Allaben
Knitting
Known at Beehive Co-op as the creator of the bath & body line "Plain & Simple", Maureen is a prolific crafter. Maureen started knitting about 10 years ago as a way to keep herself occupied while traveling for work and became completely hooked on it. She knits anything from blankets to scarves but her favorite things to knit are Irish cable knits. She also works as a Photo Stylist with advertising photographers. Her specialties are Food Styling, Prop Hunting and Set Dressing.
Deborah Moebes
Sewing
Deborah Moebes is a third generation professional crafter, following her mother and grandmother into
the world of the handmade. She has formal training in costume design from Florida State, and her creations have appeared onstage in three separate states. With over 20 years sewing experience (including some rockin’ dolly blankets from grade school), she has taught sewing and design to both individuals and groups over the past five years, and is currently training up her middle schooler to be a fourth generation crafter. Deborah designs original children’s clothing and crafts for her company, Pretty Jane. You can find her on the web or follow her blog at www.PrettyJaneClothing.com.
Heather Swanepoel
Soapmaking
Often referred to as the "Soap Girl," Heather Swanepoel has been making soap the 'ole fashioned way
for over 5 years. It all started for Heather when her desperate search for a creative outlet collided
with her love of bath & body products while working in California. She has since taken the hobby of
soap making into a whole new realm through her researching, tinkering & sourcing of ingredients & recipes. Heather is excited to be able to share her knowledge & passion through the various bath & body classes she will be instructing at Beehive Co-op.
Robert Thompson
Papermaking
My interest in papermaking began nearly twenty years ago as a search for unique stationery for my personal use. It started in my kitchen with a kit and processed pulp. I soon outgrew the kitchen and found studio space at with a local Artist’s Cooperative. This lively and creative environment nurtured my new passion and I was soon marketing stationery and notebooks made with my paper. I progressed for the next few years, mixing processed pulp with fibers I began harvesting. I experimented more and more with my own fibers until I eventually made a clean break with processed pulps and focused entirely on plant fibers. Since that time, I have used only natural plant fibers that I harvest and process myself. Over the years, I have expanded my range and now make lamps, garden lights, framed pieces and my ever changing stationery. Recently I have added printmaking to my resume. I have purchased a small etching press. Ink on the handmade paper adds a new exciting dimension.
Tracey Tirrell
Jewelry
Armed with a bachelors degree in fine art and a masters in business, Tracey has worked in a number of capacities from graphic designer to buyer but her true passion was always designing accessories. From an early age she immersed herself in the world of color, style, trends and scoured local millineries for rhinestones to create her own jewelry. In 2003 she began her own business and launched Tracey Tirrell Fine Accessories featuring both a bridal collection and Fringe, a ready-to-wear collection. Her pieces are sold online and in many boutiques across the Southeast.
PARTNERS
