Let me introduce my self to you. My name is John Vollmecke, I was born on a farm in Northeast Iowa. I am the youngest of seven children. I was born into a farming family and began working with animals at a very early age. We raised pigs, dairy cattle, field crops. All members of the family worked with the day to day chores of this way of life! I must say I never really liked the farm, I felt tied down with milking 30 cows twice daily. I never really thought I would ever be on a ranch or farm again.
Glenda and I were married in 1996 and purchased a small acreage just outside of Canon City, Co. We were blessed to have one of the most beautiful views of the San Juan and Sangre De Cristo Mountain Ranges. We can view the top of the Royal Gorge Bridge from our location. Beautifiul view plenty of land but little to place on it. We are in a semi-arid climate low rain fall and depend on a well for our water supply. We could raise grass hay if we used our well water to do so. I yearned for something meaningful to raise of fill this land with, that would fit our limited resources.

I knew horses and cattle were out of the question due to feeding concerns. One day a minor miracle happened. I was at work and during my lunch break at the Prison System. I was reading the paper, I always looked at the farm and ranch section to see what was going on in the industry. I noticed an ad for Alpacas. I had no idea what they were. I contacted the person and found out that they were a camelid. I still did not understand so the person explained what they were, a fiber bearing animal, The alpaca consumed little hay had a hardy constitution and our area was conducive to their lifestyle. I inquired as to the cost of these animals. I understood the person saying that they were about $2000.00. I figured that was just to much money for a pet. This person corrected me informed me the price was $ 20,000.00 I almost fainted. This person went on to explain the benefits in tax protected income deduction for my farm and than I began to formulate a possibility . Next step to go see a farm.

Glen and I made an appointment to see a farm, went there and I fell head over heels in love with these animals. I touched the fiber of these animals and it felt like I was touching a cloud, seeing them was like
watching angels. In my line of work stress is a day to day occurrence. Difficult to not bring home. When I touched these guys it was like the stress left me and was not channeled to the alpacas. I had to have them.

I tried to convince Glen, but she had more of a business sense than I did. She asked questions we took brochures to review and than she said we could look into it.
After consulting with tax professionals we booked another tour of a farm. This time we walked in and three beautiful white alpacas turned and looked at us. These animals really can do that to you.
Now that we had these beautiful creatures, I thought “now what?”.
I attended a spinning class, and promptly flunked the course, I tried again, the spinning wheel was an Asford Joy single spindle, I failed again. By this time I was desperate. I attended the Estes Park Wool Fest, and witnessed a spinning demo on a double treadle Louet Machine. I asked to try it and, had no problem, I think it was all in the natural rhythm of things. I
had to have both sides of my body working and than I could spin! I had more knowledge to gain and bought a Brother Bulky Electronic K260 Machine and
proceeded to learn how to machine knit. I found a great group of ladies in the Kwik Knit Club in Pueblo. These ladies guided and helped me through the learning process. This group has continuously met for the past 20 years. I found the fountain of info. I have proceeded with their knowledge to several first place finishes in the Colorado State Fair. I have been featured in Great American Craft Magazine and several local newspapers. I have found the work of my life.

Thanks
John Vollmecke

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Glenda Vollmecke, 'born shortly after the war in Cheshire, England. With few assets available as children, we needed to make, our own toys, which probably helped develop my creativity, in those early years. I'm also blessed with second sight. Fortunately for me, my mother posessed this gift, as do many of my family members, she helped encourage my revelations from a very early age. We discussed many aspects of the spiritual, which prevented possible isolation. I knew I was different, and that was OK.

At 15 I was one of three teens, in my county  to win a coveted art scholarship, and within a few months, I enroled in Wallasey Art School, John Lennon's sister school. Not only was I familar with him from art school events, but I worked weekends, at the Tower Ballroom, where they often had their 'gigs!' I'll include my Beatle Biography, which is presently shown on the BBC website.

After two incredible years at art school, I flew to London's West End, where I worked  as a window designer. Three young sons occupied most of my time, and our travels included, Wales, Sicily, Mexico, Guam, where we lived and I worked for the Military Bases. I also gave psychic readings, during my tours abroad, and 'have written several psychic columns, occasionally working with homicide. I have found my imagination goes rampant, during trips through nearby Big Horn Sheep Canyon. Faces seem to appear from rock formations, which formulate more unusual, unique, creations!

Having worked for years carving Cedar, there's no doubt it encouraged my senses, to 'see' shapes, and faces in everything, which is rather amusing at times!!
My husband and I have free range peacocks, on our farm. In order to utilize the abundance of feathers, I developed a method of incorporating my love for animals on them, by painting the heads, and including a beautiful one point diamond in each portrait. It's been said, I've captured the animal's souls! I'll let you be the judge of that!

Several years ago I entered the Colorado State Fair, winning many ribbons, for these eclectic works of art. Gradually more items were accepted in the Fine Art Gallery. Last year I managed four of five. Five pieces are completed for this year, so I'm hoping to have the 'coveted' five, accepted!
Time will tell!!!

Natural stones are also my passion, the creations of angels, and druids, and other sculptures contain many semi, and precious stones. All are uniquely one of a kind. There's no doubt that my inner spirituality, is effective in producing unusual, and reflective pieces, to which many people can relate. You might say, I work from the 'inside out!' If that makes sense!

Modeling compound of all types, enable unusual combinations of design.
Multi media is my strength, and I'm constantly with pen and note book, to jot down ideas, for future works. I've been told, my work is 'ahead of it's time! 'Can't dispute that!

My newest creations are Elfinpods, tiny little elves sleeping on Lotus pods, each with a pair of transparent wings, and endearing personality. These pieces are a first, in every sense of the word. My goal above all else, is to enable all those interested, to afford my work at a reasonable price. Seeing the sheer joy and delight on my friends/clients faces, is an absolute treasure, one I hope to continue spreading for many years to come. New lines are constantly developing, so please pop in occasionally, to view more eclectic art work, and see for yourself, the changes, and challenges observed, first hand.

Thanks
Glen Vollmecke