Laura Winckel has been recognized as an Award-winning Craftswoman by the International Association of Who's Who

    HARKER HEIGHTS, TX, May 03, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As an owner of her own business and a professional longarm quilter, Laura is a leading professional in her specialist field. Customers who have commissioned Winckel, deem her 'The Quilt Angel' and name her unique quilts 'hugs from heaven.'

Winckel began quilting as a hobby over thirty years ago when she moved from Germany and saw her neighbor quilting. Instantly taking an interest in the craft, Winckel asked her neighbor to teach her how to quilt. She has been in business for 8 years, with the opening of her business in 2011, when she received a long arm quilting machine as a final gift from her mother. This was a gift that changed her life.

Eight years in and Winckel' s business is thriving. Winckel strongly believes that "Nothing connects us to our heritage quite like the cozy warmth and craftsmanship of the heirloom quilts passed from one generation to the next."

The craft and business had attracted local professionals who wished to memorialize their loved ones. Spending at least one hour with her client during the introductory meeting, Winckel learns in-depth details about the person being represented through the quilt. Although the main focus of her business is memorial quilts, Winckel also makes heirloom quilts for people celebrating important events in their life such as weddings, graduation and births.

Winckel gained her Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland and is proficient in business operations as well as public speaking seminars. One bit of advice Winckel gives to people wanting to start their own business is 'do not give your work away. Charge enough to ensure you are not only paid for your supplies, but for your time." She also cites Dave Kerpen, CEO of Likeable Local, as her professional mentor.

Throughout her career, Winckel has been acknowledged for her professional contributions and accomplishments in the quilting industry. She is an award-winning quilt expert, is a past director of membership for the Quilts of Valor Foundation from 2014-2015, is a past President of the Crossroads to Texas Quilt Guild from 2014-2018. In addition to these, Winckel is also a volunteer Chaplain and delivers speeches to grieving professionals, funeral directors and quilters all over Texas. Winckel's undeniable affection for healing through quilting is shown through her loyalty as a group leader for Quilts of Valor, Quilters with a Heart and as a Stephen Minister and Stephen Leader.

In addition, Ms. Winckel was honored with State of Texas Senate Proclamation No. 440 where she was "recognized for her extraordinary work crafting memorial quilts for grieving members of the community... " " Laura's finished works are more than just beautiful quilts; each comforter is intricately detailed with personalized mementoes to honor her clients' loved ones; over the years, she has learned to incorporate and vast array of materials to create the tribute quilts, from strips of ties or wedding gowns to scraps of fishing net and lures.." "Laura Winckel is a cherished resident of Harker Heights, and her precious heirloom quilts have helped numerous individuals and families with the mourning process; she is indeed deserving of recognition for all she has done to benefit her community; now, therefor be it." " Proclaimed, That the Senate of the State of Texas hereby commend Laura Winckel for helping Texans memorialize their loved ones in a unique and beautiful way..."

To broaden her knowledge and understanding of her professional field, Winckel is a member of various organizations including the National Association of Professional Women.

Currently, Winckel is offering workshops where she teaches how to quilt leather as well as a number of lectures. She travels throughout Texas lecturing on various quilting subjects and her Leatherwork Quilted Art. She is currently working on writing a book, with the dream to be a published author and lecturer in the future. In her free time, Winckel takes pleasure in reading and swimming.

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