TOP; Long-time Watermark members, Beverly Cupery and Dotty Farrell have lost count 

 of the hand-sewn crafts they have produced. BOTTOM: Willie Jimerson, a retired 

 carpenter, is surrounded by some of Watermark's most sought-after holiday items. 



specialize in restoring woodwork in old homes. Now, he 

 produces one of the most sought after Watermark holiday 

 items — an abstract wood-carved nativity set. 



Jimerson began carving as a youngster, making and 

 selling key chain trinkets to earn movie money. His first 

 Watermark product was a Santa on skis. 



"I branched out after that proved to be a success," he 

 recalls. His repertoire includes a number of collectible carved 

 items and a cheerful hound dog just for fun. 



Watermark, too, is branching out with some new 

 product lines to meet consumer wants, Sprouse says. "You 

 could say we're evolving now to meet new global market 

 expectations." 



That will not mean any compromise in quality. "Water- 

 mark products always will stand out as professional, high 

 quality and polished," Sprouse says. 



She sees Watermark's strength in the combined energy 

 and talent — and sometimes connections — of its members. 



The Georgetown Park Mall retail opportunity, for 

 example, came about because a Watermark member knows 

 the leasing agent. "We are excited about this temporary tenant 

 arrangement. We're open to a longer arrangement if we are 

 successful with holiday sales," Sprouse says. 



Meanwhile, Sprouse has engaged 16 sales representatives 

 to present Watermark products to a number of new wholesale 

 outlets. And a major distributor has agreed to represent 

 Watermark at important craft shows in Atlanta and Philadel- 

 phia. What's more, Watermark continues to be featured in 

 national mail order catalogues. 



Expanding wholesale markets, Sprouse says, will bring 

 greater income to Watermark artisans. 



Board member Karen Peterson is coordinating a new 

 training initiative for members. "Training continues to be an 

 important part of Watermark's mission," Peterson says. "It's 

 the only way to have the number of artisans needed to get 

 product volume to a critical mass for special projects." 



Quality training turns self-taught crafters into polished 

 artisans, she adds. 



Branching out will not mean abandoning traditional 

 Carolina crafts. "There is a rich craft tradition here," Sprouse 

 says. "So much of the area culture is reflected in our products." 



Water themes. Boat themes. Shorebird themes. Baskets 

 made with sedge and pine needles. Candles with decorative 

 sea shells. Quilts. 



That won't change, Sprouse says. "We will find ways to 

 develop new crafts that follow emerging trends." 



While she keeps the business side of Watermark going, 

 she continues to help members in big and small ways. 



"Transportation is a problem in rural areas," she says. So, 



10 HOLIDAY 2002 



