What's happening with Mt Nittany Creations??

Hi Friends. How are you? How was your weekend? Ours was good but pretty busy. We've been watching the olympics, working on homework, swim lessons, church, Jeff's birthday party with his buddies and I made my first trip out to Clearfield. I am sure this was one of many. I will be consigning some of my jewelry in a unique boutique out there called Revived and Company . We are going to be a part of their new Artisan's Market! We hope to open the beginning of March! So if you are in the area come and check it out!! Many great artists and antiques to come and see.

On top of that I was recently interviewed and had my new essential oil bracelet reviewed by TJ from Unbelievably_stitch.  Her post turned out great. Here is an excerpt:

Now let me Introduce you to Mt Nittany Creations. Her name is Amber and she is really a jack of all trades! She is a blogger and a creator! She even goes out of her way to feature other creators and bloggers!! She has an all around Awesome Etsy, but today I am going to feature her Diffuser Jewelry...

Head on over to her blog to read the rest of this article. Thank you so much TJ.  Not only will you get to read a great article but she is also having a giveaway of one of our essential oil bracelets. There are seven days left, it ends on 2/18, so make sure you enter!!

You can find Revived and Company, Mt Nittany Creations and Unbelievably Stitch online at the follow locations:

Unbelieveably Stitch's Link Tree https://linktr.ee/unbelievably_stitch

Mt Nittany Creations Link Tree https://linktr.ee/mtnittanycreations

(a link tree is a web page with the company's links)

Revived and Company's Links: http://www.revivedandcompany.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revivedandco/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revivedandcompany/

Meet the Maker: Fabiane from Fabs Haakwerken

Hi Friends. How are you? How has your week been? Things have been pretty crazy here still some of the kids dealing with sickness, family visiting and prepping for my biggest craft show ever. So I am late in getting my Meet the Maker series out this week. Sorry about that. If you would like to be interviewed or featured please comment below or email me.

This weeks interview is a maker from across the ocean. I am excited to introduce you to Fabiane from Fabs Haakwerken. So without further ado lets meet Fabiane.

Fabiane is from the Netherlands: Amsterdam. She has been crafting now for about 5 years. Fabiane's mother passed away ten years ago and used to crochet and so this drew Fabiane into taking on this craft. This is the only craft that she enjoys to do. But when she crochets she thinks about her mom. Fabiane's favorite piece is the "Gigi Cardigan" she created.

Currently, Fabiane doesn't sell online but this past summer her summer tops were for sale in a shop called "NomibyNaomi. " During the day she works at an insurance company. For now, Fabiane is just going with the flow in what the future may hold for her crocheting.

For those going into the crafting business, Fabiane encourages you with these words. "Keep the faith and never ever give up!" In the final words from our interview, Fabiane leaves us with this. "Crochet on...! :-p"

You can find Fabiane and her crocheted pieces online at the following places:
Facebook: fabs haakwerken
Instagram: @fabs_haakwerken

Coming up:

Lydia's Guild Holiday Show: Nov 6-14 Doylestown, PA Come and check out our table.

Handmade Holiday Box:

We are looking for makers to join us in a handmade holiday box where most of the proceeds will be given to a charity for the holidays. Email me for more details.

There are affiliate links throughout our blog. Please note that if you click on them you can help support our blog. So thanks in advance.

Meet the Maker: Kate from Knit Wit Kate

Hi friends! Happy Monday. How are you? How was your weekend? Ours was not too bad. My husband was away at a conference, which he said was a huge success! The kids and I were home, we did some school, hung out with some friends and went to church. Pretty normal stuff. My sweet husband took this week off to help me prep for a big week-long craft show and because we needed some downtime.

We will probably do some house projects too. What do you plan to do this week?

Since it is Monday, that means another Meet the Maker. Today's interview is with Kate from Knit Wit Kate. So without further ado lets meet our new friend.

Where are you from?Long Island, NY and Where do you live now? Long Island, NY

How long have you been crafting? Many years! I’ve always been super crafty but probably like 7-9 years or so.

Do you like other crafts than the one you sell? Yes! I just love anything crafty in general. Upcycling things, or doing wine bottle crafts, etc. Every year I give the girls in my office a crafty present at Christmas and they love it.

What drew you to crocheting or what inspired you? My mom! She actually taught me (crocheting) a long time ago, and I hated it! Then one day, a year or two later, I got curious about it again and she showed me a second time and I’ve been doing it ever since. I am glad she taught you again.

Is there a story behind your shop name and if so what is it? It’s just a funny name. I can be a scatterbrain so Knitwit was the best name I came up with! It’s funny too because I mostly crochet; go figure! Haha, that is great.

When did you start selling online? I opened my Etsy shop in 2014 but didn’t make a sale until recently actually! When it first opened, I wasn’t sure what I was doing or how to go about anything so I shy’d away from it and just stuck to selling them to family, friends and local craft fairs.

And What drew you to sell online? There’s a huge market for it now, so why not. You can still sell to everyone that you currently are, you just open your range more. There is a large market. That is great you are giving it a go.

What do you like most about selling online and what do you like least? It’s cool to meet so many cool people! Whether they’re just commenting or complimenting your work or giving you advice, this community is by far one of the best! Everyone is so supportive, motivational, and inspiring! I love it. And honestly, what I think it so cute, is that it’s yours. It’s up to you with what happens, how things are done, how things are planned and presented! I like these things too.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future? That it picks up more. Like I had mentioned already, I’ve only recently made my first Etsy sale so hopefully, that will get the ball going. I hope that the holiday season will pick things up for you as for sales on Etsy.

What is your most favorite piece that you have made? My Rainy Day Afghan blanket. I’ve thought about just keeping it for myself (tbh) but.. that hasn’t happened (yet). It is hard sometimes to let go of our favorite pieces. I definitely get that.

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business? Just go for it! What do you have to lose? You might just end up back where you started you could be so much further along than you ever expected! It’s worth a shot, for sure. This is very true. Thanks for sharing Kate.

You can find Kate at these social media links:
Instagram: knitwit_kate
Facebook: facebook.com/knitwitkate
Tumblr: Knitwit-kate
Etsy: etsy.com/shop/knitwitkate

Upcoming Events:

Currently: Giveaway on my Facebook Page. Facebook.com/mtnittanycreations
with my friend Laure from Un anniversaire en or. Head on over and check it out.

Nov 6-14

Lydia's Guild Holiday Craft Market.

Our blog contains affiliate links. If you click on them and possibly buy from them you can help support this blog. Thanks in advance.

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

There are affiliate links in our blog. If you click on them you can help fund our blog and keep it going! :)

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: Cassandra Burt of Heaven Sent Boutique

Hi, Friends! How are you? I hope well. We have had a fun weekend having my brother and sister-in-law visit. This consists of playing lots of board games, a trip to the arboretum and some ice cream. What have you done this weekend? Happy Labor Day to my American friends.

I am excited to introduce you to one of my Insta buddies, Cassie. She loves the Lord, her soul mate, and her little ones. She is a momma to a little boy and many girls. In her own words, she loves all things crafty. So without further ado, I am going to have Cassie take over my blog and tell you about herself.

I was born in Paradise, CA. I now live in Chico, CA (only 20 mins away).

I have been crafting since I can remember. I have inherited the gene from many generations of grandmothers who had the charisma of craftsmanship. I was inspired one day to try to learn to crochet. I know now it was the holy spirit calling me to greatness.

The story behind my shop name is from my miracle daughter Nevaeh. She was born 2 months early and had gastro-schesis. She was sent from heaven with a big purpose! Her name is heaven spelled backwards too! That is How I got Heaven Sent Boutique.

I started selling my online creations just last year! I wanted to share my creations with everyone, not just local.

My hope lies in God and I want to say yes to him whenever he decides to take my business. When I create each piece I pray. So if I can speak his love and joy through my work I will continue to do so.

I love to make prayer shawls, and messy bun beanies the most! But I really love making everything! I also really Love custom orders. To be able to put an idea together for someone brings so much joy to my heart.

For those looking to go into selling their crafts online remember to never give up. Don't worry about how many followers you have! Find the love and support of other makers. My friends and family are my biggest fans and supporters who share my dream!

Thank you for sharing about yourself, Cassie. It has been great to get to know you better. May God bless you in your endeavors and your sweet family.

You can find Cassie online at the following locations:

https://www.instagram.com/heaven_sent_boutique/

https://www.facebook.com/heavensentboutique/

https://www.etsy.com/HeavenSentMiracles

Meet the Maker: Amelia Maupin from Crafty Lia Shop

Hi, friends. How are you? How was your weekend? Are you ready for the eclipse today? I am excited to see this phenomenon.

Are you a small shop? Or do you know a small shop that I should interview or do a product review for? Comment below, email me or fill out my typeform. We also offer features on our Instagram feed.

It is time for another Meet the Maker. Today, I will be sharing with you, my interview with Amelia from Crafty Lia Shop.

Where are you from?
I was born in Indonesia but raised in New York. My family moved to the states when I was 3 yrs old.
Where do you live now? Duluth, GA
Cool.

How long have you been crafting? about 6 years
What drew you to sewing or what inspired you? I started sewing when my mother in law bought me a sewing machine our first Christmas as a married couple.
I did not know what I was doing so I started watching You Tube, a lot of You Tube!! The more I watched and practiced, the more I got better at sewing a straight line! and making stuff, like pillowcases, bags, and zipper pouches. I also started making makeup rolls and recently have been inspired to make crayons and pencil rolls-- those 3 are the focus of my shop right now. I was inspired to make the pencil rolls when I was praying about my goals for this year. I wanted to get into the bible more and I thought why not bible journaling/coloring. I decided to get some bible verse coloring books and some color pencils-- before long, I had pencils everywhere and I always had to search for the colors I wanted to use. So, I thought why not make a pencil roll-- like my makeup roll but instead for my pencils-- that way it'll all stay in one place, easy to carry, travel with, and absolutely easier to find the colors I wanted!! I call it coloring God's word with my pencil rolls. This is really cool how you got started. I will be needing some more pencil rolls soon.

When did you start selling online? 12/2012

And What drew you to sell online? My husband and my family encouraged me to sell some of my items that I made as a hobby.
They believed in me and supported me. That is great. It is really good to have people to believe in you.

What hopes do you have for your business in the future? I hope to further my small shop and be able to support my little one in the future. My husband is the only one that works and I'm a stay at home mom. This is a great hope and goal.

What is your most favorite piece that you have made? I love my makeup roll and pencil roll. Not only is it a great organizer but it's so easy to travel with!
This is really great. Such diversity and great usefulness.

What is one thing you would love to share with others who are considering going into the handmade business? Starting your handmade business is a very slow process, you have to be patient and get social media awareness, whether it's through Facebook, IG, Pinterest, etc. I've also learned to use hashtags, lots of hashtags! Having one sale per day is a goal, but actually having one sale any day is a blessing! This is so true. Thanks for sharing.

You can find Amelia online at these locations:
instagram.com/craftyliashop
etsy.com/shop/CraftyLia/
facebook.com/CraftyLia/