CDCR attorney takes first place at California State Fair

August 16, 2024

Stephanie Wheatley with her first-place ribbon at the California State Fair.

Attorney III Stephanie Wheatley, with CDCR’s Office of Legal Affairs, was awarded first place in the 2024 California State Fair. She competed in the Creative Arts Competition, Paper Craft Division, Other Paper Arts & Crafts.

Prize-winning quilled bowl. — The quilled bowl earned Stephanie Wheatley a first-place ribbon at the California State Fair.

Wheatley created a decorative quilled bowl, made from individual multi-colored coils. She was awarded a first-place ribbon during the award ceremony the first weekend of the fair. The bowl was on display in Building 8.

She said she first discovered the art of quilling while on a cruise to Hawaii in 2019.

One day the schedule included a quilling crafting session. Although she didn’t know how to quill, she was fortunate to sit at a table with experienced artists who taught her how to make a quilled flower.

Wheatley was immediately hooked. When she returned from the cruise, she ordered quilling supplies and has continued to create quilled art ever since.

She said she enjoys all types of crafts, especially paper crafts. About a decade ago, she was introduced to paper crafting by her very good friend, and co-worker, Elizabeth Weathers, the personnel liaison in the Office of Legal Affairs. The two friends attend classes, workshops, and expos to learn new skills and purchase the latest in crafting supplies.

She creates unique cards, tags, bags, boxes, and gifts.

“Crafting is more than a hobby, it is my creative outlet,” she said.

Submitted by staff at the Office of Legal Affairs