Hybrids are very popular these days. Many times a hybrid can make something good even better. As it states in the dictionary, a hybrid is "one of mixed origin or composition". P. J. Rankin Hults, Pam to her friends and family, has developed a hybrid of sorts that has evolved over the past 30 years. The art forms of Pennsylvania German "Scherenschnitte" and "Fraktur" combined with the traditional water color medium have synergized Pam's art form into a unique style.

Pam derives much of her style with growing up in pastoral Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Pam's father and mother, Earl and Ruth Rankin, are collectors of antiques and art pieces made by local artisans. This influence has grounded Pam to immerse her art with the traditional styles of the past and always include her own touch of the new.

The beginning of a creation starts with drawing the chosen design; either an original fraktur or a whimsical design such as a snowman or farm animal. Pam uses white rag paper, best suited for both the paper cutting and dying , a process that produces an antique look to her finished product.

The next step in Pam's creation which is to cut the paper to her desired form, always mindful it must remain in one piece. This involves many very small cuts and typically is completed with a razor knife or small scissors. This phase can take the most time depending how intricate the design.

When enough paper cuttings have been completed, the preparation of the dye liquid is mixed, and the paper cuttings will be soaked. The proper recipe for the dye has been developed by trial and error over the years. The paper resembles antique paper and provides the appropriate base color to enhance the water color palette.

After the paper has been dyed properly and dried, it is now ready for pen and ink outline and script, if necessary. Pam utilizes a pen and ink process to outline her design and provide appropriate detail. Many of her traditional designs will include a written quote, from Scripture to Abraham Lincoln. This is where her training in fraktur comes in to play. Years of practice and application of writing calligraphy has evolved Pam's work to the superb level it has reached today. She has also taken a fraktur class at the Landis Valley Museum which was very helpful in refining her style.

The last step with the creation of a P. J. Rankin Hults paper cutting is the water coloring. This brings together the piece by utilizing a custom blended array of water colors to once again provide the antique look to a brand new design. Once the piece has been completed Pam will sign and date each original at the bottom. The hand off is now made to John who will place on mat board and frame in the appropriate colored and grained frame.

John has constructed her frames for years, adept at creating unusual shapes and sizes. He also does the faux graining in various traditional styles. With a painted base coat of red, green, mustard or black, John applies faux graining in techniques varying from combing to sponging. He also frames the art work and prepares it for sale. John has expanded the product line by making small boxes and wall cabinets that typically will include one of Pam's paper cuttings. He is also working on the lathe turning small jars that are painted in the old lehnware style.

A hybrid of styles and a blending together of effort has proven to be a successful formula for these Lancaster County artists. An owner of a P. J. Rankin Hults art piece will typically have more than one adorning their home, and it is assured that as time goes on, more and more homes will have the pleasure of her talent providing the classic look they will enjoy for generations.

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