Hi folks, Thanks so much for stopping in to learn more about us, our family and what we are all about.  I am not sure where to start so I will start at the beginning with me.

My name is Bebe, and I live in the foothills of the Eastern Kentucky mountains.  I was raised by my grandmother and she passed on many of the old ways of doing things to me.  Other than the knowledge she shared with me I am a completely self taught artist, as is my husband.  Most all of the primitive or folk art items we offer are made by me or my family.  Now days, its mostly my family who carries on the business since on some days it just hurts too bad to move.

After a dibilatating back injury several years ago, which left me unable to sustain a "normal" job, I picked up the needle and thread again and began creating things as a way to keep my sanity.  I never dreamed anyone would be interested in buying them.  My husband got involved and began selling things that he had made and often took some of my ugly dolls along with him.  It was and still is a passion for me and a means to sooth my soul.  My husband is a great motivator and pushes me and is there for me when my hands can't push the needle though the fabric.  I do not know where I would be if I didn't have him to help and support me.

Our home is situated a mile off the county blacktop road, in a valley between four hills.  When we would have out-of-towners come to our home they always said "Man, you really are off the beaten path, aren't you?"  Thus, when it came to choosing a name for our venture, Off The Beaten Path Designs, was the only real choice.

Life is slower here, simpler, if you will.  Lot's of sitting on the front porch, drinking iced tea, and looking at a million twikling stars on a cloudless night.  It is like taking a step back in time.

Sometimes living in a rural area that time forgot is not easy though.  My youngest son is Autistic and finding doctors to treat him often means traveling long distances because there are none located near us.  The same is true for the medical care I need.  I, however, would not give a million bucks to take my children from this place. Since my son was diagnosed, Autism has become a cause I fight for.  A hope for a cure, a hope for preventing it from affecting another child, a hope is all I have.  If you have a moment, please visit the link I have to the right for Autism Speaks.  I hope by spreading awareness and knowledge, I can help unlock the puzzles that lay hidden in an autistic child's mind!  Until, I find that key, I can only hope.

In June of 2007 our work was reviewed by the Kentucky Folk Art Center and we were thilled to have been invited to have my items showcased there.  We now offer items for sale in the gift gallery there as well.  Below is an item that was commissioned by them for an exhibit to be shown in September 2007 at one of the large prestigious Lexington Kentucky horse farms.

This was truly an honor for me and my family.

So come on in and look around, relax and stay awhile.  I hope I haven't bored you to tears.  If you have questions, just ask.  I always like hearing from my online friends.

I hope you enjoy your visit and find something to take home with you.
 

Some awards we have won~ ,