Hi friends, As you know, every once in a while I like to post a profile of someone I've had the chance to meet through my work with developing craft stories for Canadian Living. I had the chance to meet one such inspiring person a few months ago. Carol Knowlton-Dority is the creative mind behind the fun and fancy-free plastic flowers that you'll find featured in our April issue. These flowers are a harbinger of spring in my Toronto neighbourhood; when they pop up all around Christ Church Deer Park, I know that the good weather (and chocolate bunny) isn't far off! Back in October, I sat down with Carol, the church's rector, Canon Dr. Judy Rois, and the director of children's education, Samantha Caravan, to chat about those flowers (and so many other things). Since then, and had the pleasure of corresponding with Carol over the following months. Now, as the time for those flowers draws close, I'm happy to bring you this profile. Hi Carol. Please tell us a little bit about yourself. I have enjoyed a variety of opportunities to bring children and visual arts together; as a classroom teacher in both public and private school settings, and as an art educator. I created and implemented in two Ontario District School Boards, Journey Into Peace: A Bullying Prevention Program Through Visual Arts. Part of my practice as a Visual Artist includes opportunity to be involved in educational and community experiences. As President of Mural Routes, I am part of a great team whose purpose is to engage and enhance communities through the creation of mural and public art. Making art is a transforming experience in every way. It makes me happy and connects me to others. I aspire to be open to new and sometimes surprising thoughts which develop as I consider my part in the human experience. Creating visual art is a way of reviewing and reflecting upon these ideas. How did the plastic-dishware flowers idea get started? The plastic flower