BELHAVEN — Anyone who visits Waters Tire Service will find more than tires to take home with them.
Juanita Mason had spare shelf space at the family business and decided to fill it with her own creations. The artist makes ornaments with an eastern North Carolina flavor. She calls the business-within-a-business The Crabby Crafter.
There’s the crab pot, complete with seashells and a crab inside it, and the Santa’s made from crab shell. She has buoys she formed into fish and driftwood that now resemble pelicans sitting on pilings.
All are original designs by Mason.
“I don’t copy ideas. I just do what comes up in my head,” she said. “There’s enough up there to keep me busy.”
The tire shop has become Mason’s art studio, too. She keeps supplies on hand and finds opportunities to work on her designs.
“When I’m not busy with tires, I turn around and paint,” she said.
When not vending tires and ornaments, Mason can be found at local arts and crafts festivals.
The Crabby Crafter is located at 37705 U.S. Highway 264 East, Belhaven, or search for her on Facebook.