What some students may not realize is that at the heart of the highschool, our very own librarian is hiding a creative secret. Although she works tirelessly to make sure her students have the best books, activities, and also lets clubs meet in the library, she still has found time to have her own creative outlet, making inspiring designs out of yarn. Jennifer Jones will definitely get you “hooked” on these crochet pieces.
Jones is our very own local legend of a librarian and moonlights as a small business owner for her crochet creations. Most recently, you can notice her pieces appearing on teacher and administrative desks, bringing joy and smiles to every Barbers Hill face.
“I started doing markets because I liked to make things, but the stuff just piles up in your house, and you don’t know what to do with it, so why not give someone else some enjoyment,” Jones said. “At first, I was giving things away and then I just thought people are tired of getting things from me, so I’ll try and sell them to some people who I don’t know.”
One of these people Jones sold to was our very own assistant principal, Shelley Deakle who has purchased many memorable pieces from Jones.
“I have seen her work…at the farmers market, and I asked her if she could make me an eagle with my son’s number on it; she had never done numbers before, but she said she would try it, and it turned out perfect,” said Deakle. “I’ve also shown her a picture of something, and she can create it. I have a niece who was recently born, and she [Mrs. Jones] created Sister Bear from the Berenstain Bears, and she had never done that, so she’s super creative and super talented.”
While the administrators are being graced with her little crafts, students so too have students through the local Mont Belvieu farmers market once a month.
“I love the works done by Mrs. Jones because they are so creative and original,” junior Maggie Baca said. “My mom bought one of her baby eagle stuffies, and it is so well made and cute.”
“I was so surprised to see Mrs. Jones at the farmers market,” senior Elena Bub said. “I had been looking everywhere for a purple crochet cow for my friend Gia’s birthday, and she happened to be selling a perfect cow for less than half the price; to say the least, Gia was ecstatic when she received her present.”
However, for Jones, the true payment for her passionate creations is the happy little grins they bring to faces across the community.
“I like seeing the smiles on people’s faces, especially kids whenever they get that little animal they’ve been wanting,” Jones said. “I have kids who come every month to my booth to see what I’ve got, so it makes me feel really special. It’s a nice pastime, and it helps you calm your thoughts; you get to be creative, and it gives you something to talk about.”
Jone’s small business is a dream come true, and she encourages all to try out new hobbies.
“If you want to learn how to crochet,” says Jones, “all you need is a crochet hook, a ball of yarn, and the drive to do it.”
