Specializing in seasonal hand-made ceramics, the Gifted Hand has been a staple in the Owensboro and Daviess County community for half a century. This time of year, the store specializes in ceramic Christmas trees of all shapes and sizes and other holiday decor.
Carol Maxine Oliver opened the business as Maxine’s Clay Castle in the early ’70s, eventually changing it to its current name. When ceramics were all the rave in the ’70s and ’80s, Oliver taught classes to upwards of 250 women per week.
While Oliver has since passed, she instilled her entrepreneurial spirit into her daughters, Carla and Susan. Carla runs the Gifted Hand, while Susan operates the Blue Meridian Dive Center across the parking lot.
Continuing the family business is a way of life for the sisters, as their father, Carl, was a long-time hardhat diver and trainer. Susan said they’re constantly leaning on each other during their busy seasons.
“We constantly support and compliment each other,” Susan said. “I’m typically busier in the summer months, so she’ll help me, and when the holiday season comes, it’s the other way around.”
Susan and Carla initially moved home to assist in caring for their father before he passed. They’ve navigated their fair share of challenges together, including the devastating tornado of 2000 that destroyed their home.
Carla said vintage ceramic tree sales are back to an all-time high, making it difficult for her and her small team to keep up with demand.
“We learned as youngsters how to make the trees and all the ceramics, starting with the liquid clay to firing a kiln to painting the finished pieces,” Carla said. “All our Christmas trees and other ceramic products are 100% made from scratch by us. We put a lot of time, hard work, and love into each piece we make.”
They just returned from a show in Louisville and said the pieces are selling rapidly. She attributes it to people yearning for things that remind them of their parents or grandparents.
“We still have several of the smaller ones left – it’s just been hard to keep up with all the demand,” she said. “We’re always glad to take a special offer for a tree and ensure we get you what you want.”
The Gifted Hand once contracted with Cracker Barrel, crafting artisan finished ware for Cracker Barrels nationwide. Though they’ve slowed down since then, Carla said the community’s support has been unwavering.
“We have a lot of loyal customers,” she said. “Our motto is ‘Enter as strangers, leave as friends.’ Several people support us, and we love them like family.”
The Gifted Hand changes its offerings with the seasons, offering several options for each season and holiday. They also specialize in funeral pieces and complimentary wrapping and delivery.
The store is located at 6000 KY 81 in Owensboro. To learn more, search the Gifted Hand on Facebook.
