Local Couple Turns Creative Hobbies into Handmade Business

For Lonnie and Deanna Baker, creativity has become more than just a pastime; it’s a shared passion that brings handmade craftsmanship into the homes of others.

The couple, who were married in August 2025, balance full-time work and home life while pursuing their creative talents. Lonnie works full-time for Hartzells Restoration and has spent more than 30 years working in construction. Deanna Baker runs their online craft business from home while continuing a hobby she has loved for decades.

Deanna has been crocheting on and off since she was 13 years old. After more than 40 years working in retail, she turned her longtime hobby into a business. What began as making crocheted items for family members eventually grew as friends and others expressed interest in purchasing her creations.

About 18 years ago, she began selling her work online under the name Aunt Dee Dee’s Crafts.

Today, Deanna creates a wide variety of handmade crocheted items including blankets, stuffed animals, clothing, purses, and home décor pieces. She also enjoys experimenting with other types of crafts, continuing to expand her creative offerings.

“My hobby is my job now,” Deanna said. “I enjoy being able to be creative and share that with others. I love talking to people about my work and encouraging them in their crochet journey.”

Lonnie shares that same creative spirit through woodworking. With more than three decades of experience in construction, he enjoys spending time in his workshop creating handmade pieces. While woodworking remains mostly a hobby for him, he also crafts items for their home and to sell for additional income.

Lonnie builds a variety of wooden pieces, including shelves, tables, crosses, napkin holders, and other decorative and functional items.

“He can go out in the shop for hours and enjoy it,” Deanna said. “He likes to challenge himself to see if he can make something new and share it with others.”

Together, the Bakers say one of their greatest joys is creating handmade gifts for friends and family. Their shared creativity allows them to combine craftsmanship with personal touches that reflect their passion for handmade work.

Those interested in seeing their creations can find their work online at Aunt Dee Dee’s Crafts Handmade & Heartfelt and Thrift Happens on Facebook.