Artists ~ Susan Ferry and Dorothy Woytowich ~ Tiverton

Artist’s name: Susan Ferry and Dorothy Woytowich
Shop name: Stafford Pond Designs
Website: staffordponddesigns.etsy.com
Facebook: Stafford Pond Designs


1. Tell us about your work.
My mother and I make recycled sail tote bags and other recycled sail items such as luggage tags, small zip bags, and ditty bags.

2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?
I have lived near Stafford Pond for almost 16 years now.

3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer?
My mother taught me to sew when I was a child and we have worked together making these bags for quite some time now.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration?
I hate the disposable society now, you don't need it- toss it! I like to reuse sails so they get a second life. I try to reuse most things, even if old clothes just become rags. Plus I grew up sailing with my mom, dad, and sister so sailing is in my blood.

5. What’s your favorite item to create?
Something new, our boxy bags are our "newest" item.

6. What’s your best seller?
Ditty bags!! By far!

7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?
I moved here in 2002, 16 years now.

8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
The water all around! I love sailing, paddle boarding, water skiing.

9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners?
Blount Clam Shack in Warren on the waterfront.

10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?
Start small and network every chance you get!

11. Please include anything else you’d like to add:
We have been fortunate to have many repeat customers and appreciate every opportunity to make a sale/sail...