Rising Stars: Meet Jordan Potter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Potter.

Hi Jordan, 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 backstories with our readers?
Growing up in rural NC, my dad was a furniture salesman and an artist on the side; my mom was always into crafting. After graduating from East Carolina University, I went into a career in public education, teaching elementary school. After I married my husband, we bought our first house and I furnished most of our home with second-hand furniture that I refinished. I picked up hand-lettering and was gifted a miter saw in 2016.

From there, I made hundreds of custom signs, all while teaching full time. I became very passionate about home decor and DIY projects and made my way through each room in our house. Recently, we decided to build a new house across town and I went for white walls, a blank slate. Now, we’ve been in the new house for three months and I am taking my time to create intentional spaces and home furnishings that we love. My tool collection and knowledge have grown so much over the past several years and I’m excited to learn more. Two years ago I purchased my first scroll saw and have really enjoyed creating art out of wood with it.

Being able to cut out intricate designs is such a great way for me to unwind and have some me-time. I started DIY + Lemon Pie on Instagram to show others how they can use power tools to create home decor, furniture, and spaces that are intentional in their home, while on a budget. My hope is that with each project I can use my teaching skills to create a simple, straightforward, and easy-to-read guide on how I did it myself. As a mother to two little boys, and Lemon our yellow lab puppy, it’s such a breath of fresh air to be able to show them that power tools are for everybody.

My oldest son said it best, “Mommy builds the things, and Daddy fixes the things.” He knows that building is gender neutral which means so much to me. DIY + Lemon Pie has given me a wonderful creative outlet and allowed me to share this passion of mine with them. I hope that it sparks creativity in others who follow along, and have been so overwhelmed by the kindness, encouragement, and new friends I have met through this venture.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Do smooth roads exist? Every opportunity that presents itself is a chance to make mistakes, fail, and try again.

I always joke with my husband that it wouldn’t be a DIY project if I didn’t mess up repeatedly. There is so much beauty in the process and the growth from just going for it and trying is immeasurable.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I just love to create. I’m always excited to learn a new skill that will enable me to make something myself. I’m constantly looking at things, especially if it’s made out of wood, and thinking, “How could I make that?”

I’m in a season of staying home with my two little boys, but before that, I taught Elementary Art to Pre-K through Fifth grade at a local public school. Being able to create every day with students aged 3 to 11 was so fun and while I miss it, it’s also fun having more freedom to create while I’m home. I love to make things out of wood, I love to hand-letter, and I also love to screenprint; but of those three, scrolling wood and making signs or home decor is my favorite.

I’ve made name signs for nurseries, big kid bedrooms, wall art, and various items used for decoration in my home. There is just something about sitting down in front of the scroll saw and zoning out while I move and turn the woods with my hands; passing the blade through a design I’ve applied.

It is stress-relieving and the pride I feel within after I’ve finished cutting something out is just good for the soul.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
There have been so many wonderful inspirations in my life. Both of my parents always encouraged me to be creative growing up, as well as many teachers who will always hold a place in my heart. My biggest cheerleader and advocate to date is my husband though. He believes in me, supports me, listens to all of my ideas.

He watches the boys whenever he gets a chance so I can create in peace. While he has no interest in woodworking or DIY projects he will help when he can, lend a hand to hold something while I nail gun it into place, or fix a power tool that I’ve jammed up. He really is great at fixing things. I have so many wonderful friends too who are so sweet and encouraging.Many have ordered signs or shared my content in support of my latest project.

Most importantly, God has always been a part of my life and in my heart. My walk with Jesus has enabled me to be blessed with so many wonderful opportunities and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love of Him.

Contact Info:

• Email: diyandlemonpie@gmail.com
• Website: diyandlemonpie.squarespace.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/diyandlemonpie