By SABRINA BERNDT

Washington Daily News

One local turned her love of crafting into a business, and in 2015, The Crafty Corner was born.

Originally refinishing a dresser for herself, Sam Bowden posted a picture of the finished product on Facebook. After receiving several inquires to buy it, she realized a potential for a side business.

“I got this idea that I would kind of have a side business repurposing furniture and reselling it to make a little bit of extra money for student loans,” Bowden said. “… But over time, it was so hot — it was miserable going out and working on furniture. So I decided I wanted to do something a little bit easier to work with, and I started making necklaces.”

Now her bestsellers, her jewelry pieces are often made out of seashells, tassels, antlers and large beads, and they all make a statement. According to Bowden, she is also willing to do custom orders for those who may want something a little more conventional.

Along with selling creations on Facebook, The Crafty Corner now offers classes throughout eastern North Carolina, including a tassel necklace class on Sept. 12 in Ayden and a deer-antler class on Oct. 3 in Washington. Both classes are $35 to pay for supplies.

“The classes are definitely something I’ve had a high demand for,” Bowden said. “So I’m going to keep doing them as long as people want to register and come and hang out. It makes for a really good night.”

Bowden sells her pieces in Nauti Life and Mimi’s Corner in Washington, as well as Cozy Carolina Boutique in Elizabeth City and Attic Life in Belhaven. Currently, there are no plans to create her own shop, she said.

“I really don’t do it for a profit,” Bowden said. “It’s just something I really like to do. Maybe one day, but as of right now, I really love my full-time job. And I love where I’m at. I’m just going to keep doing it for fun.”

To see Bowden’s selection or register for a class, visit The Crafty Corner on Facebook.