FREEPORT – Deena Prestegard says that her new Freeport-based Artful Cranberry business is the only place in the world where you can find one-of-a-kind wreaths made from fresh cranberries.

Prestegard, 53, and her husband are the parents of two grown daughters.

The family moved from Munjoy Hill in Portland to Freeport two years ago.

She has been involved in two companies – a marketing and design firm and a restaurant company with four successful restaurants in Boston.

To start up her online business, Prestegard has created 100 cranberry wreaths. Her website is www.artfulcranberry.com.

As the holiday season approaches, Prestegard talked with the Tri-Town Weekly about the inspiration for her business and what she loves about it.

Q: How did you come up with such an interesting concept as cranberry wreaths?

A: I saw a picture in a magazine and thought it was absolutely beautiful. I was so attracted to the wreath’s simple elegance. I didn’t know how to make one but I experimented with a few different techniques until I found a way to preserve the cranberries for as long as possible.

I’ve been making cranberry wreaths for family and friends for over 20 years now. Last winter, my youngest daughter Julia, who lives in Manhattan, said, “Mom, you’ve got to make this a business. They are so beautiful, everyone will love them.” I ran with that. In March of this year, I took a New Ventures class with Women, Work and Community. I wrote our business plan, worked with mentors at SCORE and SBDC (Small Business Development Center) and here we are. We’re up to our eyeballs in cranberries and loving it.

Q: How long does it take you to make one, and about how many cranberries?

A: It is more involved than you might think. Larger wreaths take several hours and thousands of berries. With my husband Patrick’s help, we go through several pounds of berries to cull the best for a wreath. Then, one berry at a time, we place them on the armature. It’s very meditative and peaceful. Each wreath is specially made for the person who ordered it.

Q: How does one order your wreaths? How many are available, and what is the price?

A: The best ways to order is online at www.artfulcranberry.com or call us at 207-807-6907. This year we’re making 100 wreaths on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are five standard sizes: Unity is 10 inches, Peace 14 inches, Goodwill 18 inches, Joy 22 inches, and Love 26 inches. We also make larger, custom-sized wreaths starting at 36 inches. Prices start at $85.

Q: What do people say when they see one?

A: Seeing people’s reaction is really the fun part. People love them; they’re delighted and intrigued. Everyone wants to know if they are made with real cranberries and are amazed that they are. The wreaths are a unique spin on a holiday tradition and it’s a joy to see how they capture people’s attention.

Q: Are you excited about starting up this business?

A: Absolutely. First of all, I just love creating these wreaths. The cranberries are so vibrant and, as an artist, I find their array of colors, shapes and sizes inspirational. My professional background is as an entrepreneur. Artful Cranberry is a wonderful melding of these passions and I always have energy and enthusiasm for it. But I’m definitely not doing it all on my own. I have an incredible team of people working with me and without them, Artful Cranberry would still just be an idea.

Our mission is to cultivate a co-creative and honorable organization that is a beneficial presence in our lives, community and environment. Our hope is to reinforce Maine’s positive reputation and to inspire others, especially women, to realize their dreams.

Q: What does your Re-Wreath program entail?

A: Our Re-Wreath program enables clients to recycle their wreaths after the holidays and earn a credit toward next year’s purchase. Clients return the wreaths to us and we reuse the armature (not the cranberries).

Deena Prestegard of Freeport stands next to one of her Artful Cranberry wreaths.

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