E4E News & Events

	Orientations -- Aug 11 & 18 These one-hour sessions are free and provide background information about E4E's training program and entrepreneurial support services. People interested in attending can register online.
	Business Readiness Workshop -- Aug 23 This 6-hour class is an essential next step after our Orientation.

Related Info:

Contact:
Diane Butler
Pine Meadow Studio
(360) 413-7224
vevstuga@earthlink.net

Pine Meadow's page in E4E's Business Directory

E4E's Business Directory main page

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Entrepreneur of the Month

Vevstol! (Norwegian for Loom!) If you're not captured by their color, their pattern will take your breath away as you touch the fine hand-woven towels and fabrics by Diane Butler of Pine Meadow Studio. Diane weaves beautiful hand towels, blankets and gorgeous wall hangings in traditional Swedish and Norwegian patterns on the large looms (Vevstols!) in her studio.

This artist is inspired by the interplay of color and design; she "loves taking multiple cones of yarn and making order out of chaos on the looms." Diane Butler grew up in the Midwest, learning to sew and knit in the grade-school years and continues to this day to enjoy textiles. The cones of yarn she uses in these different fabrics come mainly from Scandinavia. These linen yarns are made from flax.

She opened Pine Meadow Studio in 2001 after raising her three kids and working as a nurse for many years.

A Norwegian skillbragd traditionally used for coverlets

She crafted a strong business strategy that is sustaining and productive through training classes she attended with Enterprise for Equity. Diane enjoys creating these beautiful pieces in her own time and in her own way and looks forward to continuing her study of weaving and folk dancing in Norway and Sweden in the next several years.

It is not surprising that Diane has won many awards for her quality fabric pieces in several Northwest competitions including 1st Place for Interiors 2008 in the Montana Association of Weavers and Spinners. She shares her passion for this art form through speaking engagements, classes and lectures. In the fall she will be hosting an Open House featuring Pine Meadow Studio products.

Throwing the shuttle

“Enterprise for Equity training has made a significant impact on me and my business, Pine Meadow Studio: the lessons on cash flow forced me to focus on the money issues I had preferred not to deal with. The marketing portion helped me to reframe the focus of my business. For example, a few weeks ago, I was able to go into an antique showroom, show my work to the interior designer and come away with the promise of a few pieces being included in a fall trunk show. Before the training I wouldn't have had the idea of going or the courage to walk in 'cold' to a gallery like this.”

-- Diane Butler

Enterprise for Equity is a community supported nonprofit that
helps people with limited incomes start and sustain small businesses.
We grow entrepreneurs! Enterprise for Equity is an equal opportunity provider.