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Marie and Martha Voth
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
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January 10, 2004--These twins live quietly in North Newton, Kansas but it is their talent that has people talking. Marie and Martha Voth don’t call any attention to themselves, however, their creative work speaks for itself.
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Above the mantel in the Voth sister’s home is a picture --- from their childhood --- made entirely from wheat straw.
“The public around us, they seem to enjoy the things we do, of course we always feel like there is some higher power that helps us do these things.”
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“I’m Marie. I’m Martha.”
And together these retired nurses have created out of straw some marvelous pictures of homes and landmarks.
“We loved to draw when we were young and we like to be a little creative too.” |
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It’s all done here in their basement work area.
“After I’ve seen the finished product, I feel like it is all worth it.” |
These two sisters are quiet workers wanting little attention to themselves. They simply enjoy the work and the reactions from others.
“It doesn’t seem like it’s me that’s doing it. It seems like there is an inner power that God has given us.”
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They use ‘Larned’ wheat because the length of the stem lends itself to their work.
“And this one happens to be extra long.” |
Another room is where the wheat is stored and other natural products that aid in their creations.
“We love nature and we love the natural world rather than, you know, this Styrofoam stuff that’s coming up.” |
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Wheat straw pictures aren’t their only work…. they also make banners proclaiming their faith that are found in churches throughout central Kansas. |
“It’s a labor of love.”
In a world where technology moves like lightening, the sister’s work is more glacial. It is a pace they like…. and the results prove that time is on their side.
“Some of the things we look back and think ….oh how did we ever do that?” |
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