Made in SoWal: Ginger Leigh Designs

Ginger Leigh is a true South Walton artist, and her creative spirit is mirrored in her art. She has always been inspired by her surroundings, her favorite passages from the bible, and her wonderful family. Her studio in Uptown Grayton is called The Workshop, and each piece of art begins next door in her studio.

Even as a child, Ginger was inspired by nature and art, but never dabbled in the dainty or delicate. She grew up in New Orleans helping her dad with carpentry. After graduating from The University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, Ginger knew she would go on to get an M.D. and become a doctor.

Then, in a twist of fate, life happened. Ginger and her husband Trent decided to move to Birmingham after the birth of their first child and Ginger started making handmade stationary with her sister. Their creations were so popular they sold 10,000 Christmas cards the first year - each made by hand. 
 

Ginger had found her true passion, art. In 2010, after the birth of their second child, the whole family moved to South Walton where Ginger decided to follow her calling. They now live in WaterColor where they take full advantage of the outdoors – biking, skateboarding (yes Ginger in an awesome skateboarder), paddle boarding, and enjoying activities and live music on the green. 

“No matter where life takes me, I will always come back to SoWal,” Ginger confesses. "Being in South Walton has definitely catapulted my career."

Moving to South Walton has brought Ginger a loyal following of collectors and taken the business to another level. The Box Bird Series has really taken flight all over the country. Her art is sold in 76 shops around the nation, including some Cracker Barrel locations where she initially started. Regardless of her success, every single piece is still handmade by Ginger, her father Jerry, and a small team that assists in the process. The making of just one piece contains as many as eight steps.

"Wood is beautiful, has a life of its own, and is very forgiving to work with," Ginger says.

Ginger paints almost everything with her finger. She embraces the imperfections of her art and enjoys making each piece unique. "I always use the same finger, none of the other nine work the same."

The Angel and Original Cross collections have also found their way into homes around the nation. Ginger uses a gold leafing technique and an acid wash among other steps to create each angel and cross. There are six steps in the making of the angels and crosses made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Ginger uses her finger to paint all of her art, which really makes each piece special. Word of Art is another collection in which Ginger uses the pages of old books as a background for different meaningful ideas. In Word of Art Ginger expresses feelings through art, such as Love Reigns, Embrace Change, and Let Your Light Shine. 

Ginger leads a lovely and fulfilling life with her beautiful family in SoWal. They are settled and happy here in South Walton and enjoy every moment of the good life. Ginger loves making art, being inspired, and making people happy through her work. Check out Ginger's new website, Spools of Twine, where you can shop online. 

“I love what I do and I love when people come in and leave happy, ” Ginger beams.