Meet the Maker: Keeley from Keeley Kreations

Hi friends! How has your week been? I can't believe it is Friday and we are heading into the weekend. Our kids are finally on the mend from this virus that they got. What is new with all of you?

Today I have the exciting opportunity to introduce you to Keeley from Keeley Kreations. Without further ado, let's meet our maker.

Where are you from? Nashville Tn but moved to Kentucky 32 years ago.

Where do you live now? In Lancaster KY living the lake life because I can't locate to the beach yet. Living the lake life sounds nice.

How long have you been crafting? Since like 5 years old. Between Sunday School and Being a Brownie.I did a lot of crafting in the groups too.

What drew you to make so many fun different crafts? The pride you get knowing you made it. We crafters have a lot of heart. Yes, crafters do have a lot of heart.

When did you start selling online? I think about 2013

And What drew you to sell online? My family. It was a hobby then they said share your hobby so I did. That's great that your family encouraged you to pursue selling online.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future? To one day retire from my day job and open a cute quaint gift shop. This is a fun dream.

What is your most favorite piece that you have made? That is a hard one because I love them all. I can understand that.

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business? Don't let the money side of it outweigh the passion side. This is great advice.

Is there anything else you wish to share? I want to thank you, Amber, personally for this opportunity that others might get to know who Keeley is behind the name Keeley Kreation. A special thank you to all my Instagram family for their friendship and support. After all, crafting is the common thread that binds us. You are welcome. The Instagram family is a great one. I am so thankful for them as well. Great to get to know you a little better thanks for sharing Keeley.

You can find Keeley Kreations online at the following locations:
https://www.instagram.com/keeleykreation/
https://www.facebook.com/keeleykreationonetsy/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/KeeleyKreation/items

Our blog contains affiliate links. If you click and buy you can help support our blog.

Check out this fun Blog Post from the Creative Hive.
Pricing Handmade Items Guide

Meet the Maker: Rachel Fia of Fia's Designs: Special Edition

Happy Wednesday Friends! How has your week been? Mine has definitely been different than expected. Three out of four of my kids have been sick this week and that has definitely brought its challenges. What have you been up to?

Today will be a special edition of our Meet the Maker series. My dear friend Rachel at Fia's Designs also has a blog. She wrote a great piece on how she creates her beautiful pictures of children. This particular blog post is about a picture she created of our oldest son.

Here is an excerpt from her blog.

Behind the Scenes: “Jump” illustration

Here's a behind-the-scenes look at one of my new custom illustrations "Jump". It's a photo of my friend Amber's son. She's the owner of Mt Nittany Creations, a wonderful Etsy jewelry shop with creative handmade pieces.

My Illustration Process:

• I start out with an interesting photo of a child in an expressive gesture. I study the photo to get acquainted with the posture, alignment, expression, and feeling. I visualize it already was drawn and how I might make a background design to go with it. When I get a strong visual image of the end result, then I will begin drawing.

To read more of her post head on over to her blog and check it out.

Are you a small shop or blog and would like to be interviewed? Comment below or send me an email.

Please note that my blog contains affiliate links. You can help support our blog by clicking on them.

Meet the Maker: Marianne Krohn Nordic Copper Design

Where are you from?
I’m from Switzerland.
Where do you live now?
I still live in Switzerland, more precisely in the north-east, near the Lake of Constance. Cool

How long have you been crafting?
Pretty much since I started my apprenticeship as a Visual Merchandiser six years ago. I started developing my interest in photography, graphics, and interior design during that time. A lot of furniture in my apartment has been altered and customized by me in some way as I love DIY projects.
My own business is still very young, though. I started NordicCopperDesign in spring this year, offering digital prints and greeting cards. After two months, I readjusted the direction of my business to fit my talents even better and started with creating product mockups and sometime later also styled stock photography. This is a neat story of how you have gotten to where you are now. 

What drew you to make product mockups and style stocked photography or what inspired you? My biggest frustration while being a designer of digital prints was to find mockups that truly suited my style and supported my product. And then, if I found one, it was usually a flat JPEG and I would have to invest a lot of time into converting it into a smart object-based, fully layered PSD file where I could insert my design in a matter of seconds. I decided to create my own mockups to help other creators of digital printables to showcase their products in the best light possible. And I decided to design and sell them as editable PSD files in order to save them time which they could invest creating new designs.
Styled stock photography and mockups overlap quite often, and because I love photography and styling are my professions, I decided to add this product range to my portfolio as well. What a great idea. Thanks for helping out other artists in the process of creating what would work for you best. 

When did you start selling online or what drew you to sell online?
My products are digital, so selling online was my first and only choice. What I loved about it (and what gave the initial idea to start an online based business), was that I could work when and where I wanted and still reach so many people all around the world. These are great reasons.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future?
It started out as an idea to earn some extra cash to support my further education expenses. But I realized rather soon, that I wanted it to be much more than that. While I’m working towards getting employed as an exhibition designer in museums, I also want to develop this business into my main income source. That's great, I hope it works out for you.

What is your most favorite piece you have made?
It would probably be the first picture „Feminine Office“ with the white office supplies and the baby’s breath flowers. The bright, minimal and still elegant feel of this picture with all the different shades of white is what I want NordicCopperDesign to stand for. That's great. 

What is one thing you would like to share with those wanting to start their own businesses online? 
Take the plunge! And don’t be afraid to adjust your products and services. It takes time to figure out what works best and you will never know if you don’t put it out there. This is great advice!

You can find Marianne online at the following locations:

Instagram @nordiccopperdesign
Pinterest /nordiccopperdesign
Facebook /nordiccopperdesign
Etsy-Shop nordiccopperdesign.etsy.com
Website nordiccopperdesign.com

Meet the Maker:Jenny Leap from Sassco Designs

Hi, friends! How are you? How has your week been? I hope well. My two oldest have been sick this week so it was different but otherwise, it went well. Today is Friday so I have another Meet the Maker post to share. If you would like to be interviewed, featured or have your product reviewed then email me for more details.

Today's featured artist is Jenny Leap from Sassco Designs. I hope you enjoy getting to know her and her small business better. Without further ado, let's meet Jenny.

Where are you from? 45 min Northwest of Chicago - Huntley, Illinois.
Where do you live now? God recently blessed us with our dream house in Columbia, Tennessee. We took a Sunday drive 5 miles from where we lived and found a gorgeous house on a hill with acreage and privacy. We are truly living in the hills of Tennessee now.
What a wonderful blessing. That sounds really nice. 

How long have you been crafting? I've always loved crafting - from scrapbooking to do it yourself home decor and gifts. I've been hand stamping jewelry for the past year and it is by far my favorite creative outlet.
That's fun that you have always been crafting and that you have found your favorite creative outlet. 

What drew you to making hand stamped jewelry? I wanted something I was able to do from home to use my creativity, bless people and make money at the same time. I kept seeing stamped jewelry online and it sparked my interest. My sister-in-law just so happened to be getting rid of all of her stamping supplies and practically gave it to me. I love that each piece is completely customizable and one-of-a-kind.  That's really cool.

When did you start selling online? I've been selling on Facebook and Instagram for 1 year and just opened an Etsy shop 3 weeks ago.
And What drew you to sell online? EVERYONE and their Mom (and Grandma) are on social media LOL it made the most sense. I opened an Etsy shop to bring in even more orders.
Congrats on recently opening up your shop. That is so exciting. It is true many people are on social media. 

What hopes do you have for your business in the future? I pray to be able to do this full time one day. It's the only job I've ever felt truly fulfilled doing. Life is too short to hate going to your job every day.
This is a great dream. I hope it becomes realized for you. 

What is your most favorite piece that you have made? I am a sucker for turquoise and copper so I would say my "Pray more Worry less" design. It's a great reminder that I need daily.
This is a really pretty piece with a great reminder. 

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business? DO IT! Take a leap of Faith. If others have successfully done it, why can't you? "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26
What great advice, encouragement, and reminders. 

You can find Jenny online at the following locations:
www.sasscodesigns.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/sasscodesigns
www.instagram.com/sasscodesigns

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Product Review: Silk Scarf from Maria of Singing Scarves.

I have been blessed to meet some amazing artists through my journey into the maker world. Maria is one of them. Maria makes hand-painted silk scarves and silk paintings. When she offered to make me a custom scarf, I was very honored.

Communicating and working with Maria went great. She is easy to reach and more than willing to work with each of her customers. Her scarves and paintings are exquisite and her customer service is wonderful. Her children even join in on the painting with her.

Maria has been painting silk for over 18 years. Her scarves and paintings really show the years of skill she has gained. When I received my scarf, I knew immediately how special it was and how I would treasure having this piece of wearable art.

The scarf came with a special individualized pamphlet. It was so sweet telling me how it was made, how Maria sings over each scarf she makes trying to send the joy and messages of her songs to the recipients. It also includes care instructions for the scarf. There was so much care and love put into the package, that it added to the beauty of the piece. Maria puts it this way through her website:

"Singing Scarves are not just the pieces of handwork.

They are not even just the pieces of art.

They are very special gifts to very special people.

Every scarf has a "message" in it -

it might be an extra touch of creativity, devotion, health, love." 

This I have found to be true of the scarf she sent me.

Maria has a great thing going on her. Her scarves are well worth it. I am not sure I can add anything to what she is already doing. The one thing that I would love to see is some type of logo that would remain consistent through all of her online presence. But otherwise, I think I can truly learn from her.

Maria is doing a great business through Etsy and has her own web page and is on Facebook and Instagram. Head out and follow her at one of her various web locations.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/singingscarves

https://www.instagram.com/singingscarves/

https://www.facebook.com/SingingScarves/

http://singingscarves.com/magic/special_gifts.htm

Meet the Maker: Laura Liesch from the Dreamy Dutchy Designs

Hi, friends! How are you? How was your weekend? Ours was a different one dealing with different things happening with our kids and my husband was away on business. But God helped us through.

Are you a small shop owner? Or do you know a small shop that would benefit from our blog and social media pages? Please email me or leave a comment.

Today I have the special privilege to interview my insta buddy Laura. She's a really neat gal and I think you will enjoy getting to know her. I hope that you have a wonderful week. Without further ado here is Laura.

Where are you from?
I am from Kaukauna, a small city 25 minutes south of Green Bay, WI.  After high school, I went to Milwaukee to college and then spent almost 6 years living and working in Eau Claire before moving back to the Fox Valley area in 2008.
Where do you live now?
My now-husband convinced me to move back to Kaukauna in 2010, and we currently live there. We're hoping to buy a house in a few years, and will likely stay in the Fox Valley. This is great, I hope that will work out for you both soon.

How long have you been crafting?
All my life! I have vague memories of sitting on my grandma's lap stitching on plastic canvas at about 3 years old. My mom taught me how to sew, how to cross stitch, and how to do simple beading, as well as a bunch of other crafts. I've been making "friendship" bracelets since I was small (ie, since my mom let me pilfer her DMC floss stash). I learned scrapbooking and stamping/card making in my twenties, and learned how to crochet 5 years ago. I learned basic macrame in 2015, and have been making my crystal wrapped necklaces since then. I was created to create. I'm happiest when working with my hands. Wow, you have learned a lot of different crafts. I am glad that you have found what you are created for, that is such a blessing.

What drew you to making crystal jewelry or what inspired you?
I've collected rocks my entire life. I started collecting crystals and tumbled gemstones about 10 years ago. I love my tumbles, but don't get much use out of them. A friend of mine had a necklace featuring a gorgeous crystal tumble and she put me in contact with the girl who made it. That person wrapped a stone for me, and when I received the necklace, I thought, "I could do this". I asked the original maker if it would be okay if I used her idea as a springboard, and she said yes! So I started macrame wrapping my tumbles using colorful cotton crochet thread in a different style than most of the hemp necklaces you see around Etsy/IG.  This is really cool how you came to making the crystal jewelry.

When did you start selling online?
I started my original business as a Facebook-based business in 2012, selling crocheted washcloths and hand towels. That original page was revamped in March of 2017 to accommodate the launch of Dreamy Dutchy Designs on Etsy. Also at that time, my mother-in-law asked me if I would consider selling the baby blankets she makes for her, as her previous seller "retired" from the craft fair/farmer's market circuit. Wow, so you have done a variety of things online as well, that's great you are helping our your mother-in-law. 

And What drew you to sell online?
I feel like you can reach more people and target a more specific audience when you're selling online. Also, my work schedule at my full-time job doesn't allow me the freedom to sell at farmer's markets or craft shows. (However, if this fall and winter go well, I might consider renting space next summer for the Farmer's Market in my hometown and altering my work schedule.) Unfortunately, I also deal with an anxiety disorder, and loud, crowded spaces don't always go well for me, but I'm working on it so I can be a good "face" for my business. Selling online is a great avenue when you have a full-time job and anxiety. I too struggle with anxiety. I really struggle right before I do a show and then once it gets going I do fine. But man its tough. 

What hopes do you have for your business in the future?
I hope to continue building the Dreamy Dutchy Designs brand to bring color, crystals, and joy into people's lives. I love meeting other people who love crystals and crochet, and am open to doing collaborations! Since 10% of all my sales go towards buying diapers for kids in need, I hope to have an impact on their lives as well. I'm getting close to a "stretch goal" I have for donating, and I'm excited to announce that soon! I am hoping to eventually wholesale our baby blankets to a shop that centers around kids and babies because it can be difficult to sell two very different items from one store. That is so exciting that you donate a percentage of your sales goes to buying diapers for kids in need. I can understand it's hard to sell two very different types of products in your shop. Thanks for sharing. 

What is your most favorite piece that you have made?
I don't think I could pick just one. One favorite "keeper" piece I made features a larimar tumble wrapped in peacock blue and aqua. I really like the rasta-themed necklace featuring a sunny orange calcite also (and that one is still available in my Etsy shop)! I've also experimented with wrapping seashells and miniature sand dollars, and those are really neat (2 sand dollars are available in my Etsy shop)! These sound like really neat pieces. 

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business?
Formulate a plan and build up inventory well before you decide to launch your business. Try to secure all relevant social media names and email addresses also, so everything stays close in nomenclature. Above all else, have patience. Selling online and building a social media presence takes a lot of time and a lot of work, but persistence pays off! ( I know that's more than one thing, but those are the biggies in my opinion.) This is some great advice. Thanks for sharing.

You can Find Laura online at the following locations:

Here's the link to my Linktree, which has all my relevant info: https://linktr.ee/thedreamydutchy
--
Dreamy Dutchy Designs
Laura Liesch, owner/designer/creator

PH: 978-A-DUTCHY ((978)238-8249)
Gmail: dreamydutchydesigns@gmail.com
Etsy: bit.ly/dreamydutchy
Facebook: bit.ly/FBdutchy
Instagram: @thedreamydutchy

Our Blog contains affiliate links. If you click on them and buy from them you would be helping our blog keep running. 

Meet the Maker: Moriya from Nogas Boutique

Happy Friday! How are you, friends? How was your week? Did you do anything exciting this week? We are trying to get back into the school routine but it is coming along slowly.

Today, I have the special privilege to introduce you to another maker. This is Moriya from the Nogas Boutique. I hope you enjoy her interview.

Where are you from, and where do you live now?
I live in Israel in a small place close to Tel-Aviv, this is also where I grew up.
That's great.

How long have you been crafting?
Since I can remember myself I always did something creative
That is so fun.

What drew you to Noga's Boutique or what inspired you?
I am working extra hours where a lot of people like my boss, my girls, my house but nothing for me. Since my youngest child was born, I decided to open my store so that I could do art in a way that made me happy. I just love being able to tap into my creative side and let my imagination go where it wants.
Having a shop is a great creative outlet.

Is there a story behind your shop name and if so what is it?
I named my store after my middle child, Noga, which means “Venus” in Hebrew. Venus is the most brightly shining planet in the sky, and I like to think that the products I design are like Venus, glowing in their own natural way.
This is a sweet story thanks for sharing.

When did you start selling online?
With the opening of my Etsy store, on March 2017

And What drew you to sell online?
Selling online is the only way for me to do everything I do the same time.
I am a mother of three amazing girls, Ariel is 5 years old, Noga is 3 years old and baby Omer is only 9 months old. And if that not enough I'm working a full-time job doing digital marketing.
You definitely are busy. That is great that you can do all of these things.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future?
I hope that I could make a living from my store and spend more time with my family, have more time for myself and wake up every day to do what I love to do- art.
This sounds like a wonderful dream.

What is your most favorite piece that you have made?
My favorite piece is the drawstring canvas bag pack with the geometric unicorn.
That is a really fun one.

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business?
Don't be afraid to do what you love it’s the only way to truly live.
This is great advice.

You can find Moriya online at the following locations:

https://www.instagram.com/nogas.boutique/
https://www.facebook.com/nogasboutique/


There are affiliate links in our blog. If you click on them you could possibly compensate this blog and help it keep going.

Product review: Necklace from Tasha Moore of Moore Creation 33.

Hi, friends! Happy Wednesday. How are you? How has your week been? Ours has been a little tough trying to get everyone back into the whole school routine. But I am thankful to get back into a more structured routine each day.

I love helping out fellow makers in any way that I can. That is one of the reasons I started this blog. If you would like to know more email me.

Today, I am so excited to bring you another product review, a polymer clay pineapple necklace from Tasha of Moore Creation 33.

Tasha allowed me to pick out what product I would like to test. I chose the pineapple necklace because one of our daughters love pineapples. The package arrived quickly and was nicely packed. Tasha even sent some really cute planner clips for me to use. Thank you for the extras, Tasha.

The necklace is very well made and so adorable. I had my other daughter model it so we don't ruin the surprise for her sister. My eldest really liked the necklace and was asking for one for herself. I love the little face on the pineapple and can't wait to give it to my other daughter for her birthday.

I think Tasha is doing a great job. Her product is great and well made. In her own words, she told me a little about how they are made. "Each clay piece is completely hand sculpted, cured then glazed to make them as strong as possible." Tasha has great communication and is wonderful to work with.

I would love to see Tasha take her branding to the next level and improve on her product photos. I think that if she settles on an official logo and starts using it on her social media, Etsy shop and her packaging, it will only improve on a great product. I would have loved to see her package arrive with a logo that I can relate to her shop and that when I see it I think oh that's from Moore Creation 33. Also, her product photos don't do justice to how wonderful her product truly is. Maybe she can invest in a better camera, taking more photos and putting them through an app to help improve on them.

Don't let this critique deter you from purchasing from Tasha. Her product and service are great and I think that over time, as she learns, and develops her business, she is going to really succeed and go far.

You can find Tasha and Moore Creation 33 online at the following locations:
https://www.facebook.com/Moorecreation33-1939560419614709/
https://www.instagram.com/moorecreation33/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MooreCreation33

Each product we review is sent to us with the intention of receiving our honest opinion on their product.

Our blog has affiliate links. If you use these links you will be helping to provide a way to keep this blog going. Thank you for your support.

Meet the Maker: Glenda Kingl from Lasagé Jewelry

Hi, friends! How are you? Did you have a nice weekend? What did you do? My folks graciously came up and watched the kids while my husband and I took a short trip to a nearby town for a craft show and had a little overnight just the two of us. It was a beautiful fall weekend. I can't believe it but the leaves are already turning here in Central PA.

It is time for another edition of my Meet the Maker series. Today I have the special privilege of introducing you to my maker friend Glenda. I am going to let her take over the blog and tell you about herself. Have a great week.

Hi, I am Glenda and I live in Barbados its a small island in the West Indians and I have been living here for 45 years.

I have been crafting for about ten years. I got started out of a need to make more money to help my family. When I started I had no idea how to make anything, but God showed up and showed off all His talent through me. I'm a self-taught artist, but I did a weaving and wire braiding class to broaden my skills.

The name Lasagé is a combination of my children's, my mom's and my own names. My second daughter came up with the idea, she took the first letter from each of our names and formed the business name. The names are Latoya, Akera, Shanice, Ashera, Glenda, and Elva.

I started doing Facebook many years ago and joined Instagram about two months ago. I have not yet started a full on line selling but I am presently doing some research about Esty. I want to open a shop in the near future so I'm testing the waters on Instagram to see how my product will be received and to see if there is a market for my art.

My dream is to one day see my jewelry pieces worn by celebrities across the world, and I would like to open a craft school in Barbados.

I love every piece that I make, I find it so hard to part with them when I make them. Each piece has its own identity and a special place in my heart. I will tell you though that my favorite accessory is earrings.

Being an artsy craftsy person is hard work. One has to be prepared to work hard, you have to believe in your self and your product. You cannot convince me to buy if you don't sell it with passion and love. I love what I do, so it does not even feel like work because I'm enjoying it.

I'm inspired by colors, by just looking around and observing. I take my pain, my joy all those emotions and turn them into something wearable. I call what I create wearable art. My husband is a pancreatic cancer survivor and I have created a bracelet in celebration of this wonderful milestone called second chances.

My social media handles are :

Facebook-Lasagé 
Instagram - Lasage246
Email -lasage1@gmail.com

Thank you so much for sharing Glenda. It has been really fun to get to know you better. I hope that all of your dreams will become realized for you.

Please note there are affiliate links within my blog. They help keep our blog running. So if you click on them, thanks. If not that's fine too.