Yorkville Mom, Artist Puts Talent to Work

Cheryl Stoner was destined to be an artist.

In first grade, the Yorkville resident’s drawing of a butterfly in front of a large rainbow was hung from the classroom ceiling for the entire school year.

“My teacher was so impressed with it because it had depth [foreground and background] and accurate visual perspective,” Stoner said. “I still remember that. Perhaps it was this kind of positive encouragement that made me believe that I had special artistic gifts.”

She decided to pursue her talent, and while at Northern Illinois University she studied fine arts with an illustration emphasis.

These days, Stoner, 34, is making a career out of her artistic ability through her business My Adornables. The stay-at-home mom of three boys creates handmade custom, shabby chic/cottage chic name plaques which adorn the walls of nurseries and kids rooms.

Recently her buyer requests have expanded to include tweens and family surname signs as well.

About six months ago, Stoner opened an online Etsy store with the intention of selling her hand-painted children’s portrait.

To fill up her shop, she also listed a small variety from her portfolio, which included a plaque she had made two years prior.

“It was that plaque that quickly got all the attention,” Stoner said. “That one listing paved the way for what is now the brand My Adornables.

Andrea Mooradian noticed Stoner’s work as soon as My Adornables ended up on Etsy.

“It was obvious her name plaque was the best one out there. I first ordered a wall letter for my daughter's room and a door sign for my grandma. They are gorgeous,” Mooradian said. “I am now awaiting my name plaque and I am so excited.”

She appreciates the love and detail Stoner puts into her creations.

“I was thinking maybe I should have a third child, just to get another plaque,” Mooradian said. “I am constantly referring her to all of my friends. She has come so far so quickly and she wouldn't have been able to if her product wasn't the best.”

Casey Felago came across Stoner’s work while searching for someone to make wall letters for the nursery of her niece, Mia.

“After days of browsing hundreds of artists work, I kept going back to Cheryl’s page,” Felago said. “Her work stood out immensely. It’s so unique and I was able to tell just from the pictures that she puts a lot of work, passion and creativity into her designs.”

Felago said her high expectations were exceeded when Stoner’s letters arrived.

“Mia’s mother is ecstatic and I'm over the moon,” she said. “I know people often say this, but pictures really do not do her work justice. I’ve already had a friend place an order and several are in the process of inquiring.

"I look forward to the arrival of more babies in my life just so Aunt Casey can buy them wall letters, created by Cheryl Stoner.”

The initial idea for Stoner’s nameplate creations came about when she was looking for a shower gift.

“I was in the aisle at Michael’s Crafts in Oswego just searching for some inspiration and, on a whim, paired their inventory of wooden letters with the wooden innkeeper signs,” Stoner said. “The funny thing is, after it was gifted, I didn’t do another plaque for almost two years.”

Weekly she spends about 15 hours painting and crafting, and another 10 hours doing inventory and administrative tasks such as corresponding with her buyers, and discussing colors, themes and styles.

“All my work is made to order and very customized for each unique buyer, so it does require a lot of correspondence and creative effort to ensure they receive something that matches their instruction and décor, yet, at the same time, surprises them by surpassing all their expectations,” she said.

Stoner said she is grateful for the outlet her business has provided.

“The time that I spend on My Adornables is solely for me,” she said. “As I listen to my own music and zone out into one of these little creations, I find myself centered and in a peaceful, joyous place within. I’m doing something I genuinely love.”

She also lauds her clientele base.

“I love the response that my works elicit,” she said. “The feedback from them constantly humbles me. It’s amazing.”

And because most of her buyers are moms of young children like herself, there is a sense of camaraderie.

“Next to the joy I find in my work, I’m also exceedingly grateful to my loyal client base,” Stoner said. “Without them, and the wonderful energy that they bring into my business, My Adornables wouldn’t be what it is. My customers are so what it’s all about.”

This fall, Stoner and her family will have lived in Yorkville six years. They have no plans to leave anytime soon.

“We love this community,” she said. “Honestly, I never want to move.”

Check out Stoner’s work at www.myadornables.etsy.com or on Facebook.