Life & Work with George Sheldon of Willis

Today we’d like to introduce you to George Sheldon.

Hi George, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My wife and I are retired educators, I taught in public schools, was a principal and taught some at the university level. My wife taught some general education but mainly special education. We started our business as something to do and to give us a little extra income to spoil our 9 grandchildren or our 8 children. We begin by making wooden plaques with epoxy. Being a disabled veteran, I would go and sell them at the Post Exchange on different military bases.. We made (and still do) many items with military items such as retirement gifts, coin holders for challege coins, flag plaques with the different branches and other items. We also make stove top covers, hat boxes and small furniture.
My wife (and our children) have worked the Texas Renaissance for many years. She has always wanted to create a special wooden and epoxy mug or drinking vessel. We currently created a 100% handmade hardwood mug. Our mugs are unique in that they have 12 sides, mostly make of red oak but we do use other woods such as purple heart, zebra and mahogony. They have designs craved in the side and unique bottoms with designs in them. We use food safe epoxy on the inside and the bottoms.
Our company name is 1210 designs. The number 1210 is very special to my wife and I. The 1 is just me or her. The 2 is when we were married. We had 8 children, 7 boys and 1 girl (she is #6). So 2 + 8 = 10. 1/2/10 or 1210.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Is it ever a smooth road. We have struggled with buying equipment, seeking venues to sell our items and our online presence. Getting our online sells up is probably our largest struggle.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in combining wood creations and epoxy to create a unique piece of art. We are known for our creativity we use in the bottom of our mugs. Many are a work of art unto themselves. We are also known for having a high degree of craftmanship to enhance our creativity. We are very proud to have many mugs which we believe will be heirloms to be handed down to others. We are most proud when a person picks up a mugs, looks at the sides and then the bottom and they are amazed at what they see. Additionally, we are proud to be able to work with indivduals to create a very personal, very unique custom creation. Examples are mugs, tables and hat boxes.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I loved the outdoors and making stuff. I have always liked working with my hands in different areas including woodworking/carpentry, leather, painting and other stuff. The outdoors I grew to love due to living in rural setting and my involvement with the Boy Scouts. I am an Eagle Scout class of 1974, and I learned a lot about camping and other interest while completing the Merit Badges.
Lastly, my parents instill in me that the purpose of life was to help others. This concept led to my working as a fireman, being a soldier and as an educator. Even now, we seek to make others happy when they buy some of our mugs or products.

Pricing:

• Small mug are $100
• Naked mug (nothing on sides) $100
• All other mugs are $140+
• Viking Chairs are $120+

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.1210designs.com
• Instagram: 1210designs
• Facebook: 1210desgins