Local Business Focus: Boondocks Home Décor and Craft Studio
When most people think about retirement, they imagine slowing down. But for Dayton local Stacie Paterson, retirement became the launching pad for a colorful new chapter. What started as a creative curiosity with a tabletop Glowforge laser cutter and engraver in 2019 has blossomed into Boondocks, an artistic venture that offers the community an enjoyable, hands-on activity for all ages.
“It’s so much fun to create,” Paterson exclaimed. “I never thought I would get into something like this and it’s funny how you grow – how you start painting then you learn more and more techniques as you go along.”
She soon outgrew her first Glowforge and upgraded to a more powerful laser, affectionately named Perseverance or “Percy” for short. Today, Paterson’s creations range from custom signs and charcuterie boards to ocean-inspired epoxy art, interchangeable porch leaners and other designs – thanks to the help of her woodworking husband JD.
Stacie and JD, both Dayton High School grads, are fiercely proud Nevadans. They are honored to have raised their children here and are now getting to see their four grandkids (soon to be five) grow up here.
“We were the first graduating class to go through Dayton High at the new school,” Paterson explained. “My husband and I met through 4H. I love Dayton. I loved that school and I love, love this community.”
Boondocks is part of Painted Tree Boutiques in Sparks, a space where local creators and small businesses can showcase and sell their products as well as host workshops and events. Paterson has an array of products for sale including home décor signs, jewelry, hair clips, cutting boards and more.
Boondocks also pops up regularly at local shows like the Lyon County Fair, Dayton Valley Days, shows at Fallon’s Raptor 3C Arena, Carson High’s Christmas event and the legendary Genoa Candy Dance craft fair.
However, Boondocks has become more than a home décor business; last year, Paterson opened her own DIY studio at their Dayton home to be a gathering place for people to discover (or rediscover) their creative spark. They invite people to create without pressure during public and private classes. Many return month after month, learning new techniques and gaining confidence as artists.
“There’s nothing like the feeling of seeing someone that didn’t think they could do it, then they see what they created and they start coming back more and more – it becomes their outlet and they are so much fun,” Paterson said.
Classes at Boondocks will resume in late July, with a full lineup of new courses starting in Q3 and Q4 of 2025. The offerings will include interchangeable porch and countertop leaners, ocean art, margarita glass designs, crushed glass art and the much-anticipated hat burning class led by Paterson’s daughter-in-law. She typically keeps her classes at or fewer than 13 people so everyone has enough space to create and easily get to know their neighbors.
Whether you are looking for a handmade gift or a new hobby, Boondocks offers more than just art – it offers a way for the community to connect. Keep an eye out for the new website, set to launch in August, where you will be able to sign up for classes, see available projects and hopefully get inspired to start your own creative journey. In the meantime, follow “NVBoondocks” on Facebook and Instagram or email Paterson for class information and updates.
