I’m often asked how BLOCKSetc got started — and I always smile, because it’s quite a story.

I grew up in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, surrounded by authentic farmhouses nestled in idyllic, Wyeth-esque landscapes. From a young age, I was drawn to anything with a past — antique tools, worn-down relics, and folk art that told stories through every chip, scratch, and brushstroke. My dad and I would go “antiquing,” and I’d imagine the lives behind each old item.

When I married and moved to Michigan, I begged my husband to consider buying a farmhouse. Eventually, we found one bursting with charm and potential. Over 8 long years, we renovated that home while raising our kids, collecting heirlooms, and building a life steeped in Americana history.

During one antique hunt, I discovered a bag of old wooden alphabet blocks — worn smooth from years of play. I brought them home and realized I could spell my son’s name, BROCK. They went straight onto his nursery shelf, and a seed was planted.

In 2004, while pregnant with my third child and scrapbooking late into the night, I thought: what if there was a more lasting way to preserve a baby’s memories? That night, with a Sharpie and a craft cube, I made my first personalized baby block.

That little block sparked something much bigger. By June 2005, I had left my full-time job and officially launched BLOCKSetc — from a farmhouse kitchen table surrounded by babies, building blocks, and the hum of dreams coming true.

Over 20 years later, I still work solo from my homestead in Concord, Michigan. My products have expanded — from baby blocks to heirloom ornaments, engraved recipe boards, and Lazy Susan's — but my mission remains the same:

To help you turn meaningful moments into keepsakes that last.

Each piece is handmade with intention using solid American hardwood, old-fashioned craftsmanship, and modern personalization. There’s no team, no factory — just me and a deep belief in the beauty of thoughtful gifting.

Whether you're welcoming a new baby, honoring a family tradition, or gifting three generations around the table — I’m honored to help you tell your story.

Thank you for being here and supporting handcrafted work that’s made to last.

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