Artist Feature: Anna Veteto of Buckleby & Co.

Crocheting Comfort, Imagination, and Storytelling by Hand
In a cozy corner of The Village, Oklahoma, fiber artist and author Anna Veteto is quietly creating a world of softness, story, and charm. As the founder of Buckleby & Co., Anna blends nostalgic design, heartfelt storytelling, and the warmth of handmade work into every piece she makes—whether it’s a crocheted toy, a cozy accessory, or the pages of her children’s book. Anna will also be a vendor at the October 2025 Village Arts Festival, sharing her whimsical creations with the community.

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

Rooted in Community, Inspired by Family 
​Anna has lived in The Village since she was just three years old, continuing a Village legacy that spans two generations. Her artistic journey began when her grandmother taught her to crochet at the age of seven. “I was instantly hooked,” Anna says. “I loved sitting with her and working on new stitches while she talked about her childhood.” That early experience became the foundation for a lifelong creative practice—one built around love, imagination, and quiet connection.

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

The Joy of Handmade Toys 
​While Anna originally started crocheting accessories because they were quicker to make and easier to stock, her real passion has always been creating toys.

“I love making pieces that children can imagine with, find comfort in, or just snuggle close,” she explains.
​
Her toys are whimsical but grounded, often inspired by her own children, vintage toys, and Waldorf design principles. She tends toward soft, natural color palettes and a design style that’s simple—but not necessarily minimal.

“I love making pieces that children can imagine with, find comfort in, or just snuggle close.”

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

An Author, Too
​Anna’s love of storytelling doesn’t stop with yarn. She is also the author of the children’s book Buckleby Forest – Lola and the Splinter, a tale that reflects the same themes of nature, wonder, and warmth that run through her crochet work. “Those same themes—imagination, nature, and comfort—live in both my writing and my crochet.”

“...imagination, nature, and comfort—live in both my writing and my crochet.”

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

From Pattern to Personality
​Anna is just beginning to design her own crochet patterns—a challenge she describes as both exciting and difficult. Her process often starts with a basic structure, and then she “sculpts” the piece as she works, letting its personality develop naturally.
​
She works primarily with soft chenille yarn for its luxurious texture, and natural cotton yarn for a vintage, handmade aesthetic.

It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete a piece, or as Anna jokes, “It depends on how many times I hear the word ‘mom’ while I’m working.”

​Among her many creations, one special project stands out—a small pink pig with a bow that she simply can’t part with.

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

A Favorite Piece—and a Deeper Purpose
​Whether it's a crocheted creature or a page from her book, Anna’s work is meant to feel personal, comforting, and full of life. “My favorite thing is when a child picks up one of my little creatures, instantly connects with it, and can’t be parted from it. It reminds me of when I was little.”

“My favorite thing is when a child picks up one of my little creatures, instantly connects with it, and can’t be parted from it. It reminds me of when I was little.”

Photo courtesy of Anna Veteto.

Explore Buckleby & Co.
​Whether you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply want to surround yourself with handmade beauty, you can explore Anna’s work here:
🧵 Shop Buckleby & Co. on Etsy: https://bucklebyandco.etsy.com
📸 Instagram: @buckleby.co
📘 Facebook: Buckleby & Co.
📖 Book on Amazon: Buckleby Forest – Lola and the Splinter
🎨​ In Person: The Village Arts Festival 2025

A Final Word from Anna
​“I’m so honored to be part of this creative community. Handmade art connects us in the most beautiful way—thank you for celebrating it!”

---

Are you an artist living in The Village, OK—or do you know someone who is?
We’re looking to feature local talent on the The Village Arts Association website! If you or someone you know would like to be spotlighted, please send an email to our Community Outreach Director at [email protected].