Meet the Maker: Becca from Tuxedo Crafts

Happy Friday friends. How are you? How has your week been? My three year old seems to finally be on the other side of his cold and two of our kids were at bug camp all week, with our oldest visiting friends and family in Texas, it has been a very different but busy week. I have also been prepping for the 25 days of Christmas in July Craft Challenge that starts tomorrow. I hope you will join us for some or all of it. You will have the opportunity to win a custom made piece of jewelry from our shop Mt Nittany Creations.

Are you a maker or know a maker who would like a feature on our blog? Please comment below or email me.

Today's Meet the Maker interview is with Becca from Tuxedo Crafts. I am excited to share this interview with you and her beautiful needle workpieces. Without further ado, let us get to it.

Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born in Nuneaton, moved to Suffolk when I was only 2 years old, but now I live in Ipswich, Suffolk, UK with my boyfriend. I don't really know any of those places but sounds like you have some done some moving around.

How long have you been crafting?
I have always tried different kinds of craft, from woodwork to sewing and making plushies. I have been doing embroidery since February 2017, so I still have a lot to learn, but I'm really enjoying it!You such a beautiful job for just starting out in February with your embroidery. Great job.

What drew you to needlework?
My mum had mentioned that she had lots of unfinished cross stitch pieces hanging about that she'd love to finish soon, and after looking at them with her, it motivated me to actually sit down and give it a go. I'm not one for following patterns, so I sort of made it up on the spot! That is so interesting how you just started making it up right on the spot. You have such pretty pieces.

What do you like the most about this type of crafting?
It's so therapeutic and creative. I used to come home from work and play video games or cook and by the time I got to bed, I didn't feel like I'd accomplished anything, but now I come home, embroider for an hour or 2 and I can look back at it, knowing I made it and I have something to show for the time I put into it! (Don't get me wrong, I still love video games) I am so glad that it is so therapeutic and creative for you. It is so important to have those kinds of outlets.

Do you work any other jobs or are you able to craft for a living?
I would love to be able to embroider for a living, but I have a full-time job as an interior planner for a big supermarket store called Sainsbury's. Maybe one day you will be able to make a living from it. That is neat that you are an interior planner.

When did you start selling on-line and what drew you to sell on-line?
I started selling online after my first little flower hoop got over 800 likes on Instagram, so around the middle of February. I started selling online as few people had asked me where they could get one, and also it has become a hobby that funds itself! All of the materials and equipment I buy has come from the money made on Etsy.What a blessing that you received so many likes and that your hobby pays for itself. That's great.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future?
I hope that given a few years, I would be able to take this hobby and make it into my own business. I also have a goal for myself to try and attend as many craft fairs as possible, but not to go too overboard!I hope that this will work out for you in the near future.

What is your most favorite piece that you have made?
Currently, it's my teal daisy hoop. It's so simple and lovely. Cool.

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business?
Do. Not. Give. Up. I've seen so many incredible creators and pages slowly grind to a halt because of lack of interest, but stick at it, try new styles, new websites, craft fairs, local magazines, and newspapers. Etsy and Instagram aren't going to be the website for everyone to get started on, and all you need it one piece to take off and for everyone to fall in love with it. Please keep going!This is such great encouragement. Thanks for sharing.

You can find Becca online at the following locations.

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/tuxedocrafts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuxedoCrafts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuxedocrafts/

Christmas in July Craft Challenge 2017

Hi, Friends! I am so excited for this year's Christmas Craft Challenge! We will be doing it a little different this year. Instead of doing a new craft each day, you will have some extra days to get the crafts done. We will have crafts or activities posted on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. On the other days, I will post links to coloring pages or you can choose to do your own craft or finish up one of the others.

Here are rules for the Challenge. They can also be found on our Craft Challenges page.

• In order to be entered into the drawing, you have to fill out the rafflecopter (link in blog post).
• On the Rafflecopter, you will need to answer a couple questions when you first sign in.
• Every day, you make a craft and post a picture to our Facebook group make sure you also make an entry in the rafflecopter.
• You have a choice of completing the craft challenge given on each day or make a craft of your own choosing in order to receive an entry.
• You don't have to do a craft a day but work at your own pace.
• The contest will remain open until July 30. I know that life happens, so there is extra breathing room :-)
• You may not enter in more than 25 crafts. Any craft submitted after your 25th craft will be voided.
• After July 30, Rafflecopter will choose a winner. The winner will be announced July 31. I will contact them. If they do not respond by August 1st, a new winner will be chosen.
• The winner will be able to choose from either a necklace, earrings or a bracelet to be custom made. The prize will be mailed no later than September 1st.
• We will be keeping this group kid friendly, please make sure that all crafts will be suitable for children's viewing. No adult theme crafts.
• If you have any questions, please let me know through our Facebook group, email me posting a comment on the blog. I will try to respond within 24 hours.

Hope you will be able to join us.

Top Five Subscription Artisan Boxes from Small Shops.

Hi, Friends. How are you? Happy Mid-week! We are well. keeping very busy with a sick little one, two other kids at day camp and our oldest in Texas.

If you love handmade items, you will love this week's Top Five. I have an intimate knowledge of these particular finds. Did you know that you can order boxes as subscriptions with awesome maker goods inside? There are some big names out there that do this kind of subscriptions. But I love supporting the smaller shops. Here are five small shops that I have come upon that sell subscription artisan boxes. I hope you enjoy this list as much as I have. Each of these makers and their boxes are great. So there is no specific order to how they are presented, they are all great and worth the time to check out.

1. The Barmy Fox Box by the Barmy Fox. These monthly subscription boxes are all handmade by Tory, and fit the theme for each month. September's theme is Mermaids and Unicorns. How fun does that sound? You can also find the Barmy Fox on Instagram and Facebook.

2. Tail Mail by Made By Mermaids. In this fun box, you receive jewelry from Made by Mermaids and then at least two items from other makers from around the world. You can also find Made by Mermaids on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Youtube.

3. Package O' Pretties (POP) and Mini Heart Mail from Earth Cookies Creates. I have had the special privilege to contribute to both of Jessica's boxes. Package of Pretties is a monthly subscription box full of handmade items that fit a particular theme. These items are created by Jessica and other artists. There are at least 5-8 items in each box.

The Mini Heart Mail Package is similar to the POP but is smaller with fewer items which can be more friendly on the budget.
You can also find Jessica on Instagram.

4. The Crafty Mail Handmade Subscription Boxes ( I love the description Kelly gives online) Makers Gonna Make! So, why not bring together a whole lot of awesome so you can experience the world of handmade in a monthly box with samples from 5-10 shops differing monthly?! I have also had the special privilege of being a part of one of these boxes recently. You can find Kelly online in these other locations Instagram and Facebook.

5. #AliciaZitaOnAMission Katie's boxes are unique. You order a box of great handmade items but all the money raised is sent to a different charity each month. The one pictured raised money for Camp Rainbow Gold in Idaho, a camp for kids who are fighting cancer. I also had the opportunity to be a part of this box for the July box. Stay tuned in her ETSY shop and social media to find out what is happening for July. You can find Katie online on Instagram and Facebook.

These subscription boxes are so great and offer an awesome grouping of handcrafted items from makers all over the world. I would love to hear from you. Which one of these boxes did you like the best and why? Also, do you know of other awesome artisan subscription boxes from small shops? Comment below we would love to hear from you.

Only 4 days left until our Christmas in July Craft Challenge. Hope to see you there.

Meet the Maker: Tanya Moulds from Paint and Letters

Hi, Friends. How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun? We had a fairly quiet weekend of being home and running errands. We are less than a week out from our 25 days of Christmas in July Craft Challenge. I am working hard on putting together the craft line-up. Hope you will join us on July 1st. Our regular posts will still happen on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

If you would like a blog feature or know of a crafter we should feature please comment below or email me. Today's interview is with Tanya from Paint and Letters.

Where are you from and where do you live now?
I consider myself from both Kansas City, Missouri and Torrance, California as I grew up in both places. I live in Meridian, Idaho now, which is part of the Boise metropolitan area.

How long have you been crafting?
I've been crafting for as long as I can remember. My family is full of crafters. I remember my mom attempting to teach me to crochet when I was 5, and I managed to make a blanket for my Barbie. I've been really blessed to have a lot of opportunities to learn, and experience, a variety of arts and crafts throughout my life. That is so fun that your family is full of crafters. What a fun memory with your mom.

What got you started in making things by painting and lettering?
I took several art classes growing up, but the focus was always with dry media. I've painted with acrylic on canvas in the past, but my heart longed to learn watercolor. In 2016 I finally decided to grab the watercolor paints out of my daughter's art kit and learn. I often start projects but don't stick with them past a point, so I decided to make it my purpose to stick with this and push past the challenges I faced. I wanted to master something, not just be a Jane of all trades. As it turned out I seemed to have a knack for it. I also found painting with watercolors to be so relaxing. It was the first time I found something that I enjoyed the entire process. It sometimes takes me hours to create a small piece, but I don't mind. I too can struggle with finishing projects. Don't look in my closet or art supplies, haha. But how fun you found a natural knack for watercolor painting and that you enjoy it so much. That's great.

As I was learning about watercolor I came across a watercolor lettering class. The instructor pointed out that you can learn to letter regardless of your handwriting skill. My handwriting is pretty terrible, so I was intrigued! I began lettering in January 2017. I joined RandomOlive's brush letter practice guide tutor team at the beginning of May to share my progress and tips I learn along the way. That is really interesting that you can letter regardless of your handwriting skill.

When did you start selling on-line and what drew you to sell on-line?
I had been contacted by a number of friends, and followers of my Instagram about purchasing prints, originals, or custom orders. I opened my Etsy shop at the beginning of May so I could open up my products and services to a wider audience. I was inspired by many creative women, who encouraged me to put myself out there. I sell digital prints, custom orders, and original artwork right now, but I have plans for more in the future. That's great you had so much encouragement to start.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future?
My business isn't just about people buying my art, but also helping others to create. I talked about being a Jane of all trades before. I worked as a graphic designer, and photographer, for several years. I'm working to make digital tools more accessible, and understandable for other analog artists to utilize. My goal is to offer both free and paid, content to train artists to use these tools so they can do more with their art. I've also been working on my own line of watercolor paints that will be available in my shop soon. I'm so excited about that. I get super nerdy about the science of art, so this has been the perfect way to marry both sides of my creativity.Wow, these are all really cool ideas that you have for the future. I look forward to seeing all of them happen for you.

What is your most favorite piece that you have made?
Gosh! That is hard! I feel like almost every new piece becomes the new favorite. I'd have to say that my painting "Kindred Spirit" is still a favorite though. The one in my shop was actually the second I did, and it was amazing how improved my work was since the first time I painted it. Even so, I still loved the original a lot. Once I've gotten through the 100 Day Project I hope to explore more subjects for my paintings. That is exciting to be able to see how much your work has progressed like that.

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business?
If you make time management a priority in your process it's amazing how much you can get accomplished. It's a marathon, not a sprint. Don't get burnt out trying to do it all at once. Make a plan with long and short term goals, follow each step through and you will get there!This is some really great advice, Thank you for sharing with us today Tanya.

Links
http://paintandletters.com
https://www.etsy.com/shop/paintandletters
https://www.instagram.com/paintandletters/
https://www.facebook.com/paintandletters
https://www.pinterest.com/paintandletters/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfjZInIUugtOrOwCbosJUg

Meet the Maker: Sarah Young from SD draws studios and The Lost Hook

Hello, my sweet friends. I hope you are enjoying this series as much as I am. It has been so fun getting to know all sorts of makers and what they love about their work. Are you a maker or have found some makers and think I should feature them, please comment below or email me. Also, we are about a week away from our 25 days of Christmas in July Craft challenge. Come join us for fun and prizes.

Today, I have the special privilege of introducing Sarah Young to you. She has two ETSY shops and creates beautiful artwork and crocheted items. Let's get to know her better.

Hi Sarah, where are you from and where do you live now?
I grew up in Malden, MA and have lived in Maine and New Hampshire. I currently reside in Manchester, NH.

How long have you been crafting?
I’ve been drawing since I was four years old. I’ve only been crocheting about 2 1/2 years. Oh wow, you are new to crocheting, you do such a beautiful job, I'm so glad you started.

What got you started in making crocheted items and drawing?
I own and run two shops, The Lost Hook and SD draws Studio.
The Lost Hook just came about 1 year ago and I learned to crochet about 2 1/2 years ago. I am largely self-taught, watching YouTube videos and now reading patterns and diagrams. I happened upon crocheting after seeing some crochet creations online. My first item was an orange scarf that I still have. Since then I've branched out to try amigurumi, crochet jewelry, and crochet wear. I really enjoy creating items for kids fashion and smaller, functional items like scarves, cowls, gloves, coasters, and baby blankets.

SDdraws Studio is my first love, as I've been drawing since I was 4 years old. My mother knew I'd be a little artist when I decided to redecorate our living room walls with crayon. I even remember my mom getting me VHS instructional videos on drawing cartoon characters. My first being Dino, the dinosaur from the Flintstones. Since then I've focused on portraiture, pet portraiture and picked up painting as well. I mostly paint landscapes using acrylic based paints. I collect most of my inspiration from nature and try to spend as much time outdoors as possible.

I also dabble in photography!

When I'm not creating, I work full time as a registered nurse. I'm also a Reiki practitioner and beekeeper certified. Wow, you are so talented. You do such great work in all of the areas. Sounds like you keep really busy.

When did you start selling on-line and what drew you to sell on-line?
When I was in high school, I originally was on DeviantArt (I know, I’m ancient) and actually scored a few commissions that way. I branched out to create my own portfolio via DeviantArt and learned about Etsy a couple years later. I mostly did commission work for family and close friends before selling online.

I opened my Etsy shop originally back in 2012 and didn’t do much with it. Over this past year, I’ve re-vamped my Etsy shop, updated my listings and learned to apply SEO. I also split the original shop into two shops so that I had a separate shop for my crochet items. I also created a Facebook page. Overall, I would say I decided to start selling online once I saw that people were interested in my artwork. That's great. I am glad people were interested in your work and you started selling online.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future?
This is a loaded question. I’m really not sure. I think the dream for most is to be successful enough to supplement 50-100% of their income through their small business. I try to keep it a day at a time and not set too many long term goals. I’d love to really see both of my businesses take off but the competition is very high and it’s very time-consuming. I try to focus on creating new things and thinking outside the box. I keep up with trends and also create from the heart. Both of my shops are therapeutic for me and that is the big goal. If people enjoy what I’m making, that’s a plus. But I do strive to go above and beyond and really admire others who are successful small business owners. I am so glad that it is therapeutic for you. That is what making jewelry is like for me. It is a good perspective to take it one day at a time.

I’m also in the works of a third business, a bakery, called Seasons 3. To say I’m ambitious is an understatement! Trying to harness my drive for creating things is the real issue in running my small business’. There are so many new things I want to learn and try, and never enough time to do them all. I totally agree. I love learning and trying new things too. You definitely are ambitious. All the best with that.

What is your most favorite piece that you have made?
That’s another hard one! Each piece I make is special to me and evokes a different feeling. To say I still own my very first painting and my very first crocheted item, I think speaks for itself. The sense of pride and accomplishment felt from your first piece can never be replicated and I look back at these items often. It’s humbling to keep them around and see how my technique has improved. I seem to always learn something new too from looking back at my first creations! That is great that you still have those first pieces and that you can keep learning from them.

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business?
I’d say know that it’s a huge responsibility, very time consuming, and you will lose money before you earn money. If you still desire to proceed knowing that, then you’ll most likely succeed. It’s a labor of love and very rewarding. My small business’ consume most of my time and take away from my family. You need to find a balance and delegate duties, even if it’s as simple as using apps that post automatically for you or someone to proofread, any bit helps. Really get a handle on social media, it’s a huge component to getting your stuff seen and out there. Try to figure out your key demographic. Be inspired by others and network with other artists within your field. Lastly, you can’t please everyone. Learn to take criticism and how to handle poor reviews. This is all great advice, thanks for sharing.

You can find Sarah online at the following locations:
www.thelosthook.etsy.com
www.sddrawsstudio.etsy.com
www.instagram.com/sdarts_and_crochet
www.facebook.com/sddraws
sdillustrations.daportfolio.com

Top Five DIY Blogs of the week!

Hi Friends, How are you this week? I am well. Trying to get back into the swing of life after a week away. Are you looking for some fun new projects to do? Do you love DIY projects as much as I do? Here are five blogs that I found recently that have some great DIY projects to do. Enjoy perusing them as much as I have.

1. Our first one is a blog by Sarah S. A Little of this and a little of that She has a variety of DIY's on her blog from cake pops to Frozen Hair. She has not done anything recently but she has some great things in her archive so make sure you check them out and pin some fun DIYs.

2. Our next DIY blog The Crafty Blog Stalker is created and owned by Katie. First of all, I love the name of this blog. Second, she has such a great variety of DIY, decor, and link parties to name just a few of her posts.

3. Another blog on our DIY list that offers a variety of projects is Our Peaceful Planet put together by Roy and Nancy. They have some really fun projects, like making an old filing cabinet into storage for fabric or a chandelier from foam board or cardboard. They have so much to offer, head over and check it out.

4. Quirky Bohemian Mama is another blog where I just love their name. Owner and creator Hollie offers a fun variety of Bohemian DIY projects and also tips and ideas for moms and families. Check out her fun Dream Catcher project.

5. Last but not least, we have Kim's blog Inspiration Made Simple. All of us need inspiration at some point and Kim's blog definitely has many different options to provide inspiration for us. For example, the macrame bracelet pictured below.

What DIY blogs have inspired you? I would love to hear about them. Feel free to share in the comments below or email me.

Don't forget that starting on July 1st we have our 25 days of Christmas in July Craft Challenge. Come join us for a great time and possibly win a prize.

Meet the Maker: Louise Gee from Chick with Chainsaw

Hi, friends. How was your weekend? We just arrived back Saturday night from a very nice week long trip of visiting family, friends, attending a conference and an overnight for me and my husband. We had a very lovely trip. I especially loved the quaint cottage we rented for our overnight. What were you up to this weekend? Have you found any really cool makers you would love for me to check out? Or are you a maker who would love to be featured? Please comment below or email me. I love meeting and supporting makers in any way I can. Don't forget that starting July 1 is our annual 25 days of Christmas in July Craft Challenge.

I am really excited to introduce you to this next maker. She too loves to support other makers and she does it in a really fun way. She has created an online character of a squirrel that goes around tagging other shops that tag hers. Many makers know her because of this fun scheme she has going. I too have done a tagging war with her with my online tagging character of a unicorn. If you are around on a Friday and on Instagram, find a Follow Friday post and I am sure you will find Louise and her squirrel in a fun and delightful way supporting other handmade shops.

Louise was a winner of a feature on our Follow Friday giveaway post. I am excited to interview her and share this fun loving talented lady with all of you. Without further ado, let's meet Louise from Chick with Chainsaw.

Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born in West Yorkshire and now live in a little village in the Peak District National Park, near Sheffield, in South Yorkshire, in the UK. I’ve worked all over the world, Europe, the US and even Spanish America, but Yorkshire has always been the place I call home. And it’s good to be back. That is great you are blessed to be back home.

How long have you been crafting?
I started woodwork around 8 years ago when I bought the house where I live now. It had a big wild garden and its own tiny wood and branches kept coming down in storms. So my urge to chop wood was practical before it was artistic. Initially, I just needed to chop wood up for the wood burner but then I started to realize how beautiful wood can be. This is such an interesting way to get started.

What got you started in making things out of wood and a chainsaw?
See above! But actually, it was even simpler than that. I wanted a chunky and rustic wooden cheeseboard and I couldn’t find one I liked. So I made my own out of a piece of laurel wood from a tree I’d pruned. Friends and family admired it, so I made another, and then I set up an Etsy shop and sold it, and I went from there. I don’t just do cheeseboards now, I make coasters, cufflinks, spoon rests, wooden hearts and fruit bowls too. But it all started with that cheeseboard. All the wood I use is either a windfall, so a branch that came down in a storm, or pruned branches, ones that I’ve removed to strengthen the tree or encourage it to grow in a certain way. So I can honestly say that no trees are harmed in the making of my products. Thank you for not harming any trees and for making a cheese board.

When did you start selling on-line and what drew you to sell on-line?
I started out with my website in 2014 but I just wasn’t getting much traffic. I knew my products were a niche so that’s when I opened an Etsy shop, to get in front of an international audience that loves handmade products. Etsy is quick and easy to set up and it gave me more visibility. Your products truly are unique, I am glad you started an ETSY shop so that we can all enjoy, especially those of us across the pond, the lovely pieces you create.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future?
More sales! I’d love to get a deal with a retailer, maybe a retailer who specializes in either handmade or wooden products. With a little investment, my business could and would be scalable, in that I could still design and easily teach others to help me with the making. I’d also love to experiment with resin. I’ve seen some fabulous wood with resin pieces and I’d love to try my hand at that. And engraving too. I don’t currently offer personalisation but I’d love to be able to do laser engraving in a way that doesn’t damage the wood. Oh wow, these are some really neat ideas for the future, I hope they work out for you.

What is your most favorite piece that you have made?
Definitely my laburnum wood fruit bowls. They have holes in the middle and they’re fabulously perfect in their imperfections. I’ve made two of them and I love their dramatic dark wood and their natural curls and swirls. The tree is a beautiful one, and it grows on tall and strong, with showers of golden flowers every year. I will definitely have to check this one out, it truly sounds lovely.

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business?
Do it! It’ll be more time and less money than you think but it’ll also be more joy. Oodles and oodles more joy! There’s something amazing about someone else loving something you’ve made, and about shipping your handmade products all over the world. They’re all a little piece of you so every sale and every review of a handmade product is really special. This is so true.

Thank you so much for sharing Louise it has been a pleasure getting to know you better. I wish you all the best in your business.

You can find Louise and her unique wooden pieces online at the following locations:
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ChickWithChainsaw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chickwithchainsaw/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chickwithchainsaw/
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/gee0398/chick-with-chainsaw/

Meet the Maker: Wendy and Sarah from Drawn East Boutique

Hi, friends. How has your week been? It's Fri-Yay! What interesting Small Shops have you discovered? We would love to hear about them. Leave a comment or email me. If you are a small shop and you would like a feature then please email me or join in our Follow Friday feature giveaway. Starting July 1, we will have our Christmas in July Craft Challenge. Stay Tuned for info.

For this feature, I had the pleasure of interviewing two makers, Wendy and Sarah, who work together.

Wendy and Sarah where are you ladies from and where do you live now?
We are both from Nova Scotia. Wendy lives there still, Sarah lives in Ontario.

How long have you two been crafting?
We have both been artists our entire lives, it's how we became such close friends.That is so fun that crafting helped you become close friends.

How did it come about that you two work together, and the field that you are in?
We decided that with our various skills, between the two of us, making art was pretty easy. We both have day jobs, so we wanted to find a medium that made it relatively easy for us to sell. Downloadable art was the way to go! No worries about printing and shipping for us. That is so great you were able to figure all of that out.

When did you start selling online?
We started selling online recently, just this March. Oh wow, so this is really new to both of you.

What are your hopes for the future for the Drawn East Boutique?
Our hopes for this business are that we can build up a good fan/customer base and then hopefully our art will do the heavy lifting! That is great. I wish you all the best with that.

What are your favorite pieces that you have both created so far?
Wendy's favorite piece is the "Zero Fox Given" print.
Sarah's is the "It's just a phase" moon print. These are fun pieces.

What advice to you give other makers looking into going into selling their craft?
One thing we would like to share with anyone hoping to get into a crafting business is to embrace all forms of social media! Get the word out about your craft. This is so true and great advice. Thanks for joining us today ladies. I wish you all the best with your beautiful and fun pieces of artwork.

You can find Wendy and Dawn online at the following locations:
Our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/drawneastboutique
Instagram: Instagram.com/drawneastboutique
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/DrawnEastBoutique