I make handmade pressed flower lampshades, and also lampshades with maps and handmade papers. I bought the business in 2002; it has been in my tiny NH town since 1950, and I am the fourth woman to continue the tradition. Also I have expanded to more varied styles of lampshades and also selling lampshade supplies. I grow, and/or wild gather and press all the plant material used in my lampshades and also sell dried medicinal flowers and herbs. I bought the business because I was a struggling new mom and trying to figure out how to work at home and spend more time with my young son and also utilize the six acres of land and unfinished house I had recently purchased. I had a background in sewing, quilting, patternmaking and alterations but also a love for art, plants, gardening and nature crafting. The Botanical Lampshade business combined a lot of these skills and interests in a unique way that I never expected. I have an Etsy shop and also a retail showroom at my home.