handcrafted » Craftsyble

In the Spotlight: Funky Planet

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May 222013

Today, in the Spotlight, we have Ms. Adrienne Evans, the talented artisan behind Funky Planet. Funky Planet offers a variety of unique handmade items at very reasonable price. They have a wide range of glass and ceramic autism awareness items. Every single item is hand crafted in the United States.

We caught up with Adrienne and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better.

What’s the story behind your company?
When my seven year old son Jack was diagnosed with a developmental disability I realized that it was no longer feasible to work outside the home because our days were filled with medical and therapy appointments. At the same time, we really needed a second income to pay for all of those services so I started a web store selling glass jewelery that I made in my home studio. After about a year, I started making Fragile X Syndrome awareness jewelery to raise money for Fragile X research. Because many children that have Fragile X also have Autism, I started making Autism awareness Jewelery as well. This has given me a great platform to not only raise awareness but has also provided an opportunity to help raise money for organizations involved in the Autism and Fragile X community.

What inspires you?
Nature is very inspirational. There is just something beautiful about organic things, the colors, shapes, textures. A lot of the pieces I have made are inspired by nature, trees, leaves, bugs, flowers etc.

What is your favorite product to make?
The awareness jewelery is with out a doubt my favorite. I get to be creative and provide a very important service at the same time effectively combining my two passions.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Fun Funky and Eclectic

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The freedom. I can work eighty hours one week and two the next, that flexibility makes things much easier.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I would be more confident and more prepared. I had no idea thousands of people would buy my creations so, in the beginning, I spent a lot of late nights in the studio frantically trying fill orders.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
I would say if you love it then you should do it. There is nothing better then having a job that you really enjoy.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I am in the process of developing an art program for adults with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries. Art can have a huge impact on your quality of life so I am determined to provide that opportunity for as many people as I can.

Contact information:
Name: Adrienne Evans
Website/Shop: www.funkyplanet.net
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Funky-Planet/351636697155

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Emily Majzer

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Apr 232013

Today’s guest: Ms. Emily Majzer! She makes Handmade Jewelry & Leather Goods from Materials of Natural Origin. Emily upcycles most of her products out of other already manufactured goods. Re-purposing old clothes, jewelry, bags, etc. into something new, unique and creative!

We interviewed Emily so you get to know her better.

What’s the story behind your company?
I Strive to Inspire & Benefit Through My Hard Work, Focused Energy & Creative Abilities. EmilyMajzer.com is a collection of my journey through a creative world of crafts, talents and inspirations.

What inspires you?
Native American & South American culture. The wonderful textile patterns, bone carved jewelry, peyote stitch, natural gemstones. As well as the ability to ‘upcycle’ (taking an already manufactured product & turning it into something unique & different).

What is your favorite product to make?
Leather Bags

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Natural Tribal Goddess

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Being able to let your creative mind wander to new places.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. I’ve come a long way in different medians of jewelry making & sewing. My style and abilities have grown & help make a part of what Emily Majzer represents today.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Never Stop Creating.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Looking forward to vending at a few festivals this summer & spreading the word about http://www.emilymajzer.com

Contact information:
Name: Emily Majzer
Website/Shop: http://www.emilymajzer.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emajzer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hippieMLE
Blog:http://www.emilymajzer.com/home/category/blog/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100992606497447310166/posts

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Rito Originals

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Apr 162013

Today, we are talking to Mrs. Amber Shafer, the talented artisan behind Rito Originals. She is mostly self-taught but her other backgrounds in art help her significantly. She learns her skill though reading different books and articles, watching various videos, simply studying a piece of jewelry, and even random experimentation within her medium. We caught up with Amber and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better.

Here is what she said:

What’s the story behind your company?
I have been making jewelry longer than I can remember. Throughout my life it has progressed from one medium to the next. Shortly after my daughter was born I became a stay-at-home mommy and without the freedom I had previously I was searching to some kind of creative outlet. My husband is the one who actually pushed me start collecting the supplies I needed for silversmithing. I had wanted to for a long time but had put it on the back burner. Luckily I gave in and never looked back! I started learning more and more and soon found myself wanting to share what I did with others. I found Etsy and the rest was basically history.

What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from many things around me. Some are more common, such as inspirations from nature, and others are more random and just come to me randomly. I always keep my sketch book handy for those spur of the moment ideas. I also draws inspiration from modern and contemporary sources but also some from more classical styles.

What is your favorite product to make?
I love making all my pieces but right now my favorite are my Caterpillar Leaf Earrings. They are my style wrapped up into one piece.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Three words is tough but I would say……Modern Contemporary Classics.

In you opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
For me it is being able to run my business from my home and have the freedom I need to still be at home with my daughter and raise her myself. That is very important to me. It also still gives me that creative outlet that I was looking for. It’s the best of both worlds!

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
If I could start over, I would have started sooner and not let anything hold me back! I would have dived right in a whole lot sooner.

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
If you love what you do enough, then keep at it! Don’t let fear of the unknown stop or delay you doing something that you absolutely love. Do a little research to ease you mind and go for it.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I have quite a few new designs waiting to be made up and put in my shop. I’m pretty excited about that. I’m also hoping to get things ready to possible do a booth at a craft show sometime this year.

Contact information:
Name: Amber Shafer
Website/Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ritooriginals
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RitoOriginals
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RitoOriginals

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Secret Garden Notes

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Mar 262013

LabelDaddy.com ... Label the things you love !!

Today in the Spotlight: Ms. Tonya Boezi of Secret Garden Notes. She loves creating unique and interesting pieces for her customers to enjoy. Tonya has found that creating solid perfumes to go into her work has added a delightful element to the creative process. Her love of experimenting with different fragrance combinations is endless and you never know what fabulous new scent is just around the corner.

The ritual of applying solid perfume is sensory and seductive and in this fast paced hectic world who couldn’t use a little more of that!

Another nice aspect of Tonya’s solid perfume is that it doesn’t overwhelm a room, it is more subtle and requires close contact in order to really experience the true scent.

So if you are looking for a unique and sensual way to have your favorite fragrance available at any time throughout the day then check out Secret Garden Notes, you won’t be disappointed!

We caught up with Tonya and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better:

What’s the story behind your company and what inspires you?
Secret Garden Notes was born out of my love for vintage jewelry and an experience I had at an Estate Sale in Raleigh, NC. At this estate sale I came upon a locket that I found stunning.

Upon further inspection I noticed that the front of the locket was all filigree, which seemed odd as I always thought vintage lockets were for the purpose of storing beloved photographs or possibly a locket of hair.

I learned that back in the Victorian era, when personal hygiene was restricted, this type of locket was worn. It was meant to house a small cushion in the center to which a few drops of perfume would be added, the sweet smelling fragrance was used to mask the odor of a person or their companions. Not a very romantic thought but certainly a unique way of dealing with a not so pleasant situation!

What inspires me is all things vintage, be it jewelry, photographs, clothing, furniture, etc.
My love of vintage has been such a part of who I am, even from a very early age. When I was a child we had a cottage in the 1000 Islands, on the border of N.Y. and Canada.

One of my families favorite past times was to take our boat out to Boldt Castle on Heart Island. Back then Boldt Castle was not restored so anyone could go out and explore the castle and it’s grounds.

The story behind Boldt Castle is actually a tragic love story.

Construction began on Boldt Castel in 1900 at the bidding of millionaire hotel magnate George C. Boldt as a tribute to his beloved wife Louise. Boldt Castel was to be their summer dream home. Unfortunately it was not meant to be as Mrs. Boldt passed away just months before completion.

It was so much fun to wander around this abandoned castle dreaming about what it would have looked like had it been completed, what Mr. and Mrs. Boldt may have looked like, what they wore, how the castle would have looked inside if they had ever lived there.

Whenever I see vintage items I always imagine there is a wonderful story behind them and it’s intriguing to dream about their history.

What is your favorite product to make?
My favorite product to make is a toss up between the actual jewelry itself and the solid perfume that I put inside. I can’t imagine making one without the other so to me these two items are wonderfully merged.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
I would describe my style as Timeless Vintage Elegance.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
The best part of being an entrepreneur is the ability to choose what direction you feel your business should take. No one is dictating to you how you should create your items, how they should be marketed, how they should be priced, etc. All successes, and failures, are yours to own and with that comes the freedom of deciding how best to proceed.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
This is actually my second Etsy business so I really wouldn’t change anything right now. I guess you could say that Secret Garden Notes was born because the first time around I wasn’t creating from my soul. If I could do it differently I would have started creating items that I truly adored versus items that other people loved and suggested I start selling.

Any advice for other crafters who are just starting?
My advice for crafters who are just starting out is to be passionate about what you do, but most importantly, don’t do it for the hope of making big money. There is so much hard work and time that goes into running your own handmade business. If I were to calculate the hours I have put in over the past several years I would be well on my way to retiring early!

This is the type of business you should start if you really enjoy your craft, are a self starter and have perseverance.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
My immediate plans for the future involve a second line I am working on called Outlaw Glam. This line is currently in my Secret Garden Notes shop. If it should expand then I will most likely create another shop solely for that line. Outlaw Glam is a combination of Vintage elegance mixed with a bit of edginess.

Contact Information:
Tonya Boezi
Website: www.etsy.com/shop/secretgardennotes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/secretgardennotes
Twitter: twitter.com/tonyaboezi
Blog: secretgardennotes.blogspot.com

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Lisa Burek Jewelry

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Mar 202013

Today in the Spotlight: Ms. Lisa Burek of Lisa Burek Jewelry! Lisa fell in love with jewelry making and beads when doing projects with her girls and things just took off from there! She is a proud member of The Artisan Group, an elite group of artists that gift celebrities at awards events and various charities.

We caught up with Lisa and asked her a few questions so you get to know her better. Here is her story:

What’s the story behind your company?
The story behind my company…..I grew up in a house where craft projects were always happening. Mom made pine cone wreath masterpieces to sell at craft fairs and also made homemade play-doh for us, you name it! We all helped out. Over the years I have done (I think) almost every type of crafting, except quilting: that still looks daunting to me! What spurred me on to do the jewelry was, it sounds so silly, but doing beading craft projects with my young girls hit a spark in me. As I did more people said things like “hey, do you sell that?” And so it began….

What inspires you?
Inspiration comes from something so simple as a color of a bead, or achieving a patina I love.

What is your favorite product to make?
My favorite products to make: that is hard to pin down, as I am quite eclectic. I love working with many materials and don’t limit myself. I know many jewelry artists stick with one style and materials, but I don’t like to limit my creations. Its fun to make and work with all kinds of styles and materials!

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Eclectic, kind of “boho”, metals and charms.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Being an “Entrepreneur” means I can work at my own pace, do something I love, and still be able to be around when the girls need me.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
If I had to start all over again: I would have hopefully realized the importance of “Social Media” and become more adept at it. Alas, it is still not one of my stronger skills!

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Know your social media, picture taking skills are a must, if you love doing it then keep going.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
Future plans: for now to work on my computer/phone skills: finally figure out tweeting, working on my craft, learning to use my hand-held torch!

Contact information:
Shop: www.LisaBurekJewelry.etsy.com
Facebook: www.lisakolbburek.facebook.com

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: 2 Little P’s

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Mar 182013

Introducing Cathy Prestipino, the artisan behind “2 Little P’s“.

Cathy grew up in coastal Virginia near the Chesapeake Bay. She creates her pieces using Precious Metal Clay. Precious Metal Clay originated in Japan in 1990, and is a crafting medium consisting of very small particles of precious metal mixed with an organic binder and water; made from eco-friendly, reclaimed silver. She uses 99% pure fine silver, sterling silver which is 92.5% pure, as well as copper in her designs. Metal clay is a really cool product. It is pliable so it can be formed or shaped just like any soft clay, either by hand; using cutting tools and molds, or by using different shapes, textures, and colors. She likes it because the possibilities are endless. Once the pieces are dried and sanded, they are fired in a kiln where the binder burns away, leaving beautiful, one-of-a-kind, precious metal behind. The pieces are darkened, or “oxidized,” with patina and polished to a perfect shine.

She started 2 Little P’s in 2009. So happy to say that they are growing by leaps and bounds. She and her family truly feel so blessed and feel it only fitting to pay their blessings forward. 2 Little P’s believes in the spirit of giving and have faith that everyone can make a difference, so they consistently donate a portion of their sales, or select pieces, to various charitable foundations.

She is a proud member of The Artisan Group. You can also find her on Etsy and Artifre – just search “2 Little P’s.”

What’s the story behind your company?
I am a full-time working mother of two who started 2 Little P’s with the hopes of being able to stay home with my children. The mission of 2 Little P’s is to create beautiful, eco-friendly, handcrafted, artisan jewelry that brings joy to those who wear it! I create unique, sometimes sea-inspired, boutique jewelry; each piece carefully handcrafted. Operating a small business is challenging. I work full time and currently operate this business ‘after hours,’ so to speak. It is always on my mind. I keep a notebook with me and jot down marketing ideas, product ideas, etc. And, of course, there is never enough time in the day to do everything I’d like to do! I am a one woman show (although my husband is now in charge of shipping)! I am a self-taught jewelry artist with an MBA who has a passion for creating beautiful things! I read and study incessantly in an effort to learn more each day. I design all of my promotional materials, my website, jewelry, etc. Women of all ages wear my unique, eco-friendly handcrafted jewelry.

I currently participate in local art shows and was recently asked to display my work in a local art gallery. I am enjoying just doing my own thing. The world is BIG and there are lots of talented people out there! I find that I truly appreciate good craftsmanship. I will always be learning and growing in my craft. I truly love and appreciate people who create. Everyone has their own spin on things which is what makes art so cool. Enjoy it. Create. Learn, grow, and appreciate it. Just go with it! It’s good for the soul.

What inspires you?
I am inspired by many things ~ God, my family (my children), nature…

What is your favorite product to make?
I like to make custom pieces. I have made jewelry for women who have lost children, cancer survivors, new mothers, grandmothers, business owners (logos on jewelry); I am so fortunate to be given glimpses into people’s lives. People share intimate details of their lives with me and I feel so humbled to be given an opportunity to make something that is meaningful for them.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Artsy, eclectic, unique.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
I am afforded the opportunity to make my own decisions.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing! I just like to dive in and go for it! I get ideas and run with them but perhaps I would be a bit more organized!

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Live your dream! And Network! Network! Network! I am fortunate to be a member of The Artisan Group. I learn so much from the talented members of this awesome group.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I am working on learning some new techniques. I love to learn so I am always trying new things.

Contact information:
Name: Catherine Prestipino
Website/Shop: www.2littlePs.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/2littlePs
Twitter: https://twitter.com/2littlePs
Blog: http://www.2littleps.com/blog

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Lily and Gus

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Mar 132013

Today in the spotlight: Ashley McCally, the talented artisan behind “Lily and Gus” – a company specializing in unique & lovely toys and clothing for children.

All lily & gus plush items are made using primarily repurposed fabrics (from denim to wool) and lovingly constructed from Ashley’s own designs & patterns with sustainability in mind. Each plush toy comes to life with a distinct personality as Ashley works with the textures, colors, and quirks of repurposed fabric. She loves to bring unexpected fun to her animals with surprise embellishments taken from the original clothing items (beautiful stitching, a fun tag, a touch of suede).

Each lily & gus clothing pieces starts with an original design that Ashley hand draws on the cloth using a dye resist technique. She then hand dyes each piece using bright, high quality fiber reactive dyes.

We caught up with this talented artisan and asked her a few questions; here is what she told us:

What’s the story behind your company?
I’m Ashley, the chaos wrangler at lily & gus! As a new mom I spent my days chasing after our high-energy dachshund (Gus) and finding ways to entertain my darling daughter (Lily). On one stir crazy day I started designing plush animals and clothes to go with some of my daughter Lily’s favorite words (rhino, whale, octopus); this rainy day fun has blossomed into a shop as I decided to share our favorites with others.

Lily is always requesting new designs, and I love stretching myself by fulfilling custom requests from customers. Our home is an ever-evolving zoo and I can’t wait to share our friends with a larger audience. I love what I do and I create each item I sell with love and care. I hope that you love them as much as we do!

What inspires you?
Most of my ideas come out of conversations with Lily. She is in love with animals of all kinds (not surprising as my husband is a veterinarian & I am a biologist) and when she gets excited about a particular animal I end up with days on end of paging through picture books looking for elephants or “mommy draw rhino….pleease”. When a particular obsession lasts long enough it usually leads to a new design for the shop. I always feel like I have captured the essence of an animal when Lily sees one of my new drawings and instantly identifies it. Who knew the approval of a toddler could be so gratifying?

What is your favorite product to make?
The newest animal in my shop is usually my current favorite. I love the feeling of creating something for the first time, and sharing our new animal friend with people. It is so fun to see the look in Lily’s eyes when a new friend joins our family. Right now I’m in love with the upcycled penguins in my shop.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Classic, Thrifty, Joyful

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
I love spending my days with my daughter, so she can see how important it is to pursue your dreams. I love what I do everyday, and I love sharing my creations with the many friends and fans I have met during this adventure. I hope that Lily sees that if you do something you love, with great passion and joy, great things can happen.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
I’m not sure I would change much. I am still making adjustments to my business daily, but I learn from each decision that I make, and I’m enjoying the process. I am sure that when I look back years from now I will have all sorts of advice I will wish I could whisper in the ear of my former budding entrepreneurial self. But for now, I’m happy to continue to learn, and grow from all of my experiences.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
I recommend you ask questions, do your research, and reach out. Just because you choose to be your own boss doesn’t mean you need to do this alone. I have learned so much by listening to and collaborating with the friends that I have made in the artisan community. They have kept me going on tough days, alerted me to amazing opportunities, and helped me remember to take time to step back and enjoy this adventure.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I have several exciting collaborations with fellow artisans coming up (in addition to my recent collaborations with Shanna’s Tie Dye & Heaven’s Earth which are available in my shop). I have ideas for several new plush animals that I cannot wait to find time to work on, and I am looking forward to expanding my clothing line to include pieces for older children and adults. Exciting things are coming for lily & gus, stay tuned!

Contact information:
Name: Ashley McCally
Website/Shop: www.lilyandgus.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lilyandgus
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lilyandgus
Blog: lilyandgus.tumblr.com

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

In the Spotlight: Jewelry Creations by JB

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Mar 112013

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Bustamonte, the artisan behind Jewelry Creations by JB.

We asked Jessica a few questions so you get to know her better! Here is what she had to say:

What’s the story behind your company?
I love creating something really pretty, making jewelry gave me an outlet to express my creativity. I tried many different outlets but jewelry really suited me best.

What inspires you?
I love the look of the woman Victorian & Renaissance period I also love that boho chic vibe.

What is your favorite product to make?
I love creating my Ric Rac Rosettes I put them on everything!

How would you describe your style in 3 words?
Vintage. Feminine. Whimsical.

In your opinion, what’s the best part of being an entrepreneur?
Meeting so many people at craft fairs, selling my pieces to women who love to wear it. Being more confident and bold.

If you were to start all over again, what would you do differently?
A better networking strategy, I would have branched out more… who knew Twitter, Etsy and Facebook would be so awesome.

Any advice for other entrepreneurs who are just starting?
Create something that makes you happy, and never stop believing in yourself.

What’s next? Any plans for the future?
I would like to expand my business with men’s jewelry. Also I am looking forward to participating in many more projects with The Artisan Group.

Contact information:
Name: Jessica Bustamonte
Website/Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrycreationsbyjb
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jewelrycreationsbyjb
Twitter: www.twitter.com/JCBYJB

*** If you are a successful artisan with an online store and fabulous products and would like to be “In the Spotlight”, feel free to submit your info. ***

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