Honoring Grandpa Addison—One Ladder at a Time

Honoring Grandpa Addison—One Ladder at a Time

Today, I spent the afternoon surrounded by sawdust, pine boards, the hum of a drill, and the rich scent of wood stain—and in every moment, I felt my Grandpa Addison right beside me.

We're building another batch of our Blue Bee Barn Quilt display ladders, and while it's a busy production day, my heart is rooted in memory. My Grandpa was a gifted woodworker. I can still picture him in his shop, flecks of sawdust clinging to his shirt, lost in the rhythm of his craft. He could take a plain board and transform it into magic—whether it was a team of wooden horses, delicate doll furniture, a full cabinet, or farm repairs. He worked with precision, heart, and joy.

But Grandpa wasn't only a craftsman—he was a farmer and a quiet entrepreneur. From him, I learned that working with your hands could also work for your heart, your family, and your future. He taught me what it meant to build a life that blended purpose, creativity, and grit. Truth be told, he was my very first customer. Whether he was encouraging me in a lemonade stand, a school fundraiser, or my very first quilt, he believed in me long before I believed in myself.

As I sand and stain each piece, I think about the legacy I want to leave too. Barn Quilts have become such a special expression of my journey—deeply rooted in the land, family, art, and story. And this ladder isn’t just a product; it’s a way to hold those stories up for others to see.

So today, Grandpa, I honor you. I hope you’d smile at my setup, maybe shake your head at the mess, but feel proud of the life you helped inspire. I carry your lessons, your tools, and your spirit into every creation. May these ladders hold not just art—but legacy.

Stay Creative

Bethany