here are a few examples from the V&A museum in London
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Enamelled masterpieces
Enamels, such a wonderful technique which does require long long hours to achieve wonderful effects with colours.
here are a few examples from the V&A museum in London
here are a few examples from the V&A museum in London
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The French Touch
A little selction of creations by French native Speakers
de tous petits riens a s'offrir ou a offrir
'Gifts with La French Touch' by kalicat
de tous petits riens a s'offrir ou a offrir
 Back-Collar Wrap Pencil Dres... $150.00 |  Black Flora Earrings - Doubl... $10.00 |
 Jye - Rosary brooch OOAK $49.00 |  Fine Silver and Copper Ring. $75.00 |
 Gold and silver labradorite ... $195.00 |  Necklace Penelope 0o0 Sprin... $200.00 |
 Autumn plastron cotton croch... $37.00 |  SALE - Eliz Earrings $9.00 |
 Jye - Purple grey crochet bo... $125.00 |  Pocket Mirror Douce lueur $11.70 |
 Something Simple - Sterling ... $30.00 |  Charming Pink Flower Buds Ne... $80.00 |
 Felt Flower Necklace, Choker... $15.00 |  Hogart - Square sterling sil... $38.90 |
 OOAK Eco friendly Shawl - Te... $60.00 |
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Let's meet a talented illustrator, Megan from Studiomme
1. What is your business/craft and give a summary of your handmade process.
Studio MME is a quirky illustration business that sells prints of my highly-detailed pen and ink drawings.
2. What event, series of events, or situations allowed you to start your business and make money with your crafts?
My parents fully supported me earning degrees in art and creative writing but one stipulation they had was that I had to start a business before I graduated. And that's exactly what I did! I worked hard marketing my business and after I moved to San Jose with my boyfriend, I decided to turn my business into my part-time job. I also work as a freelance editor for other artists. Between the two jobs, I'm able to support myself!
3. What is your favorite design ?
"Coming Home" is undoubtedly my favorite since it's based on my favorite childhood book.
4. How does your culture, upbringing, and/or environment influence your designs/crafts?
When I was little, my father read Edward Gorey and Grimms' books to me. Needless to say, that love of fairy tales and Edwardian England has rubbed off on me.
5.. What are some of the ways you market and promote your business/Craft?
Oh goodness, there are so many. The biggest marketing push is through my mailing list but I also blog, Twitter, put special deals on Facebook, and do some really big shows in nearby San Francisco.
6. Do you use myspace, facebook, flickr, ning, or other social networking sites? If yes or no, why?
I only use Facebook and Twitter. Facebook I use only to notify people of sales, blog entries, and shows but Twitter is much more conversational. I get lots of ideas from other artists via chats on Twitter.
7. Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other crafters selling or looking to start selling their crafts?
It is SO much harder than anyone can convey but if you truly want to make a living from your work, you will. You just have to keep working and keep your intentions in the forefront. Why are you doing this? Why do you love your work? Why do you want to share it with others?
8. Aside from running your business what are some of the fun things you like to do in life?
I'm an avid cyclist, children's book reader, runner, writer, and crossword puzzler.
9. To visit her art and keep in touch,
Website - www.studiomme.com (contains the blog as well)
Facebook - www.facebook.com/studiomme
Twitter - @studiomme
Studio MME is a quirky illustration business that sells prints of my highly-detailed pen and ink drawings.
2. What event, series of events, or situations allowed you to start your business and make money with your crafts?
My parents fully supported me earning degrees in art and creative writing but one stipulation they had was that I had to start a business before I graduated. And that's exactly what I did! I worked hard marketing my business and after I moved to San Jose with my boyfriend, I decided to turn my business into my part-time job. I also work as a freelance editor for other artists. Between the two jobs, I'm able to support myself!
3. What is your favorite design ?
"Coming Home" is undoubtedly my favorite since it's based on my favorite childhood book.
4. How does your culture, upbringing, and/or environment influence your designs/crafts?
When I was little, my father read Edward Gorey and Grimms' books to me. Needless to say, that love of fairy tales and Edwardian England has rubbed off on me.
5.. What are some of the ways you market and promote your business/Craft?
Oh goodness, there are so many. The biggest marketing push is through my mailing list but I also blog, Twitter, put special deals on Facebook, and do some really big shows in nearby San Francisco.
6. Do you use myspace, facebook, flickr, ning, or other social networking sites? If yes or no, why?
I only use Facebook and Twitter. Facebook I use only to notify people of sales, blog entries, and shows but Twitter is much more conversational. I get lots of ideas from other artists via chats on Twitter.
7. Based on your experience, what advice would you give to other crafters selling or looking to start selling their crafts?
It is SO much harder than anyone can convey but if you truly want to make a living from your work, you will. You just have to keep working and keep your intentions in the forefront. Why are you doing this? Why do you love your work? Why do you want to share it with others?
8. Aside from running your business what are some of the fun things you like to do in life?
I'm an avid cyclist, children's book reader, runner, writer, and crossword puzzler.
9. To visit her art and keep in touch,
Website - www.studiomme.com (contains the blog as well)
Facebook - www.facebook.com/studiomme
Twitter - @studiomme
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Colour - the CIBJO colour scale
These tables are part of the CIBJO rules and are based on
the master stones officially recognised on 27th April 1978.
For comparison the G.I.A. terms are also shown
Under 0.47ct 0.47ct and over G.I.A
Exceptional
White Exceptional White +
Exceptional White D
E
Rare White
Rare White +
Rare White F
G
White White H
Slightly Tinted White Slightly Tinted White I
Slightly Tinted White J I
J
Tinted White Tinted White K
Tinted White L K
L
Tinted Colour Tinted Colour M
Z
Fancy Diamond Fancy Diamond Fancy
These tables are part of the CIBJO rules and are based on
the master stones officially recognised on 27th April 1978.
For comparison the G.I.A. terms are also shown
Under 0.47ct 0.47ct and over G.I.A
Exceptional
White Exceptional White +
Exceptional White D
E
Rare White
Rare White +
Rare White F
G
White White H
Slightly Tinted White Slightly Tinted White I
Slightly Tinted White J I
J
Tinted White Tinted White K
Tinted White L K
L
Tinted Colour Tinted Colour M
Z
Fancy Diamond Fancy Diamond Fancy
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
From Malaysia to London, an unique journey
Let's meet a jewelry artist called Yue, she comes from Malyasia and moved to England 8 years ago. She is also a scientist.
- How did you get started ?
I has always been creative and enjoy crafting since I was a child. I love making jewellery for my friends and family, and they always said I should try to sell these. That's why I started my business online.
- Where are you from?
I was born and grown up in Malaysia, then I moved to England 8 years ago where I started my inspiring journey in jewellery making. I now settle in London for my study, nothing artistic but science.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
All my creations are unique, it's still different even with the same design and I intend to design my works to last for a lifetime.
- what is your brand about?
Yue means 'moon' in English, it always represents mystery, beauty, romance and love. I hope that my design reflects the meaning of moon and it can last a lifetime so I love working with gemstones, pearls and sterling silver.
- What inspires you?
Many things, like walking down a path and see lovely flowers hanging in the sky, reading through some inspiring jewellery making magazines and looking at websites from other talented makers.
- How do you promote your work?
Business cards, Facebook and twitter.
- Where are you showing your work?
My online shop.
- any special promos?
Everything from my shop are beautifully gift-wrapped and shipped free of charge in UK mainland.
- favorite websites?
A picture gallery and search engine for all handmade jewellery in Japan: www.bijouxsearch.com
Yue's site http://www.yuethejewelry.com
- Anything else you'd like to add?
My blog http://yuehandicrafts.blogspot.com is a journal of all my life so it reflects my recent interest in baking and you will find lovely and delicious recipes for cakes from my blog.
- How did you get started ?
I has always been creative and enjoy crafting since I was a child. I love making jewellery for my friends and family, and they always said I should try to sell these. That's why I started my business online.
- Where are you from?
I was born and grown up in Malaysia, then I moved to England 8 years ago where I started my inspiring journey in jewellery making. I now settle in London for my study, nothing artistic but science.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
All my creations are unique, it's still different even with the same design and I intend to design my works to last for a lifetime.
- what is your brand about?
Yue means 'moon' in English, it always represents mystery, beauty, romance and love. I hope that my design reflects the meaning of moon and it can last a lifetime so I love working with gemstones, pearls and sterling silver.
- What inspires you?
Many things, like walking down a path and see lovely flowers hanging in the sky, reading through some inspiring jewellery making magazines and looking at websites from other talented makers.
- How do you promote your work?
Business cards, Facebook and twitter.
- Where are you showing your work?
My online shop.
- any special promos?
Everything from my shop are beautifully gift-wrapped and shipped free of charge in UK mainland.
A picture gallery and search engine for all handmade jewellery in Japan: www.bijouxsearch.com
Yue's site http://www.yuethejewelry.com
- Anything else you'd like to add?
My blog http://yuehandicrafts.blogspot.com is a journal of all my life so it reflects my recent interest in baking and you will find lovely and delicious recipes for cakes from my blog.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Little Wren Pottery by Victoria
Come and meet Victoria, owner of Little Wren Pottery
- How did you get started? - My Dad was originally a potter years and years ago. I myself was keen to learn and he recommended that I attend a night class since he wasn't keen on teaching me himself. I did learn a lot at the class but I got to a point where I was wanting to do my own thing, it was then we started working at home.
- Where are you from? - I currently live in Sunderland in the North East of England. Which isn't currently renowned for its crafts but at one time was home to over 20 potteries.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique? - Each piece I make is unique in one way or another. Its unlikely you'd get two hand thrown pieces the same. I've recently started work on a couple of pottery ranges which will hopefully be introduced for Christmas.
- When did you start your practice? - I started just over a year ago, which in the grand scheme of things isn't very long at all.
- Any favourite suppliers for your materials? - In our area there's only one place to buy supplies from and thats from Bill Todd in County Durham. I usually buy potclays or potterycrafts supplies, the quality of their products are quite high even though it can be a little expensive.
- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby? - A little bit of both, even though its something I do part time I try to be professional about it. I'd hope one day that I might be able to earn at least enough money to pay the bills.
- what is your brand about? - I tend to focus on the rustic nature of pottery, I prefer to use natural colours and imagery to bring the outdoors inside. I also like to focus on the balance between quality and affordability, I don't think people should pay over the odds for a handmade product.
- What inspires you? - I really like going to museums and looking at old ancient pottery, I often think these older forms are in some ways more attractive than our modern ones. I also get inspiration from nature, I spend a lot of time out in the garden when I'm not potting and sometimes animals make it onto mu pots.
- What is your favourite piece ? - Its tough to choose since its always changing but at the moment I really love this large ornate red bowl.
- How do you promote your work? - I spend time promoting myself on my blog, other peoples blogs, you can find me on Facebook and Twitter. Even though its questionable the impact Twitter has I do love it and people get to know me through it.
- Where are you showing your work? - This has been the first summer I've actually attended craft fairs. It was a huge learning curve for me, selling in person is a whole different challenge to selling online. In the run up to Christmas I'll be attending Guisborough craft fair on December 11th.
- If you look back in ten years time, what do you hope to have achieved? - I just hope to get better at throwing. Part of being in ceramics is looking at continual improvement in all areas of what you do, from shaping a lump of clay on the wheel to packing it up and shipping out the orders. My aim for the previous year was to make double the sales I had in the previous year and things seem to be going well on that front at the moment!
- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started? - That I'd actually spend proportionately more time doing administration tasks than actual making. Marketing and stocktaking take up a huge amount of time but these things just have to get done to keep the wheels turning.
- Do you have any advice for fellow artists and designers? - Its important just to keep going but look for improvement everywhere it can be made. Improvement of your skills, your materials, photos, packing orders, keeping stock of whats going on.
- Did you ever think when you were young that you would be where you are now? - No I didn't! When I was young I had other aspirations in life but I've always been a creative person and thats something which has featured continuously through my life.
- any special promos? - I quite often host giveaways on my blog usually roughly quarterly, my next one will be in January. I also occasionally have discount sales and sell pottery seconds.
- what would you like to be when you grow up? - I'd like to be a potter!
- favorite jeweller? - Lazy Giraffe http://www.lazygiraffe.etsy.com/
- favorite websites? - Mostly foodie ones! http://www.smittenkitchen.com, http://www.lottieanddoof.com, http://www.sprinklebakes.com
- Anything else you'd like to add? I'd love to get to know you on twitter you can add me at http://www.twitter.com/MoominMidge
To discover more about Victoria Baker, visit her site - http://www.littlewrenpottery.co.uk
It also features some wonderful recipes worth a try, and wonderful pictures.
- Where are you from? - I currently live in Sunderland in the North East of England. Which isn't currently renowned for its crafts but at one time was home to over 20 potteries.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique? - Each piece I make is unique in one way or another. Its unlikely you'd get two hand thrown pieces the same. I've recently started work on a couple of pottery ranges which will hopefully be introduced for Christmas.
- When did you start your practice? - I started just over a year ago, which in the grand scheme of things isn't very long at all.
- Any favourite suppliers for your materials? - In our area there's only one place to buy supplies from and thats from Bill Todd in County Durham. I usually buy potclays or potterycrafts supplies, the quality of their products are quite high even though it can be a little expensive.
- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby? - A little bit of both, even though its something I do part time I try to be professional about it. I'd hope one day that I might be able to earn at least enough money to pay the bills.
- what is your brand about? - I tend to focus on the rustic nature of pottery, I prefer to use natural colours and imagery to bring the outdoors inside. I also like to focus on the balance between quality and affordability, I don't think people should pay over the odds for a handmade product.
- What inspires you? - I really like going to museums and looking at old ancient pottery, I often think these older forms are in some ways more attractive than our modern ones. I also get inspiration from nature, I spend a lot of time out in the garden when I'm not potting and sometimes animals make it onto mu pots.
- What is your favourite piece ? - Its tough to choose since its always changing but at the moment I really love this large ornate red bowl.
- How do you promote your work? - I spend time promoting myself on my blog, other peoples blogs, you can find me on Facebook and Twitter. Even though its questionable the impact Twitter has I do love it and people get to know me through it.- Where are you showing your work? - This has been the first summer I've actually attended craft fairs. It was a huge learning curve for me, selling in person is a whole different challenge to selling online. In the run up to Christmas I'll be attending Guisborough craft fair on December 11th.
- If you look back in ten years time, what do you hope to have achieved? - I just hope to get better at throwing. Part of being in ceramics is looking at continual improvement in all areas of what you do, from shaping a lump of clay on the wheel to packing it up and shipping out the orders. My aim for the previous year was to make double the sales I had in the previous year and things seem to be going well on that front at the moment!
- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started? - That I'd actually spend proportionately more time doing administration tasks than actual making. Marketing and stocktaking take up a huge amount of time but these things just have to get done to keep the wheels turning.
- Do you have any advice for fellow artists and designers? - Its important just to keep going but look for improvement everywhere it can be made. Improvement of your skills, your materials, photos, packing orders, keeping stock of whats going on.
- Did you ever think when you were young that you would be where you are now? - No I didn't! When I was young I had other aspirations in life but I've always been a creative person and thats something which has featured continuously through my life.
- any special promos? - I quite often host giveaways on my blog usually roughly quarterly, my next one will be in January. I also occasionally have discount sales and sell pottery seconds.
- what would you like to be when you grow up? - I'd like to be a potter!
- favorite jeweller? - Lazy Giraffe http://www.lazygiraffe.etsy.com/
- favorite websites? - Mostly foodie ones! http://www.smittenkitchen.com, http://www.lottieanddoof.com, http://www.sprinklebakes.com
- Anything else you'd like to add? I'd love to get to know you on twitter you can add me at http://www.twitter.com/MoominMidge
To discover more about Victoria Baker, visit her site - http://www.littlewrenpottery.co.uk
It also features some wonderful recipes worth a try, and wonderful pictures.
Monday, July 12, 2010
madamaRobe - Mrs Stuff from Verona
This is
Roberta, who comes from Verona in Italy .
Her brand is madamaRobe
, which should be written with an "accent grave" and a capital letter in the word Robe, which I believe means Mrs Stuff, who makes colorful and whimsical jewelry.
Bonjiourno Signorina.
- How did you get started? I'm always been a creative person but in a particular period of my life my creativity showed to me that I can be who I want and do what I want in my life. My creativity is a blessing in my life.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique? My creations are unique, if someone ask me a copy I can do it but..it's always different!
- When did you start jewelry and beading? Two years ago.
- Where do you get your materials from? Beads shops everywhere, when I travel I usually find a beads shop... :), Internet, art shop and when I visit creative fairs I buy there too. I only buy high quality materials. When I'm choosing I think to my future creations...Creativity is seeing something that doesn't exist already. I use only high quality materials and I put a lot of love and care in my creations...I think I have good prices :)
- Which one is your favorite? I love Polymer clays, Murano glass beads and lucite beads but polymer clay I think is a magic material!
- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby? I'm trying to become a professional artist, it's hard, there is a lot of work to do but it's what I want to be.
- What inspires you? Colors, art, fairy tales, pictures, ideas when I'm walking, travels, nature.
- What is your favorite piece ? Oooh it's a difficult question! I love all my creations! Well, it's a necklace...I consider it quite special because last year I was visiting a literature festival and I met Sophie Kinsella and she said: "What a beautiful necklace!" I was so flattered!
- How do you promote your work? Facebook, blogs, business cards.
- Where are you showing your work? On the Internet.
- Do you have any advice for fellow artists? I think it's important to believe in our dreams and be sincere with ourselves. It's important working hard and don't give up. Edward de Bono said: "Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting."
- what would you like to be when you grow up? I'd like to see madamaRobe as a great and famous brand.
I'm pleased to be featured on tour blog. Thank you very much.
Ciao ciao
To know more about Roberta and discover her new products, visit the website: http://www.madamarobe.com
and her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/madamaRobe
Facbook page : http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/madamaRobe/131972730164372?ref=ts
Roberta, who comes from Verona in Italy .
Her brand is madamaRobe
, which should be written with an "accent grave" and a capital letter in the word Robe, which I believe means Mrs Stuff, who makes colorful and whimsical jewelry.
Bonjiourno Signorina.
- How did you get started? I'm always been a creative person but in a particular period of my life my creativity showed to me that I can be who I want and do what I want in my life. My creativity is a blessing in my life.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique? My creations are unique, if someone ask me a copy I can do it but..it's always different!
- When did you start jewelry and beading? Two years ago.
- Where do you get your materials from? Beads shops everywhere, when I travel I usually find a beads shop... :), Internet, art shop and when I visit creative fairs I buy there too. I only buy high quality materials. When I'm choosing I think to my future creations...Creativity is seeing something that doesn't exist already. I use only high quality materials and I put a lot of love and care in my creations...I think I have good prices :)
- Which one is your favorite? I love Polymer clays, Murano glass beads and lucite beads but polymer clay I think is a magic material!
- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby? I'm trying to become a professional artist, it's hard, there is a lot of work to do but it's what I want to be.
- What inspires you? Colors, art, fairy tales, pictures, ideas when I'm walking, travels, nature.
- What is your favorite piece ? Oooh it's a difficult question! I love all my creations! Well, it's a necklace...I consider it quite special because last year I was visiting a literature festival and I met Sophie Kinsella and she said: "What a beautiful necklace!" I was so flattered!
- How do you promote your work? Facebook, blogs, business cards.
- Where are you showing your work? On the Internet.
- Do you have any advice for fellow artists? I think it's important to believe in our dreams and be sincere with ourselves. It's important working hard and don't give up. Edward de Bono said: "Creativity is a great motivator because it makes people interested in what they are doing. Creativity gives hope that there can be a worthwhile idea. Creativity gives the possibility of some sort of achievement to everyone. Creativity makes life more fun and more interesting."
- what would you like to be when you grow up? I'd like to see madamaRobe as a great and famous brand.
I'm pleased to be featured on tour blog. Thank you very much.
Ciao ciao
To know more about Roberta and discover her new products, visit the website: http://www.madamarobe.com
and her Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/madamaRobe
Facbook page : http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/madamaRobe/131972730164372?ref=ts
Friday, June 25, 2010
Tea Cosy for Mad Tea Parties
Let's meet a talented UK designer. Her name is Ann McGuinness, she is great with needles and for creating fun, funky and adorable home accessories. She has accepted to answer our little questions for us.
- Bonjour Ann, tell us, how did you get started ?
I have been crafting in one way or another since I was very small, and everyone always said "you should try to sell these" The internet is a great tool for people just starting out, so without much in the way of investment I was able to open an etsy shop as an outlet for my crafting tendencies. I all moved on from there.
- Where are you from?
From Glasgow, Scotland originally but now settled in a tiny village about 25 miles to the south, in rural Lanarkshire. A whole different world to the busy city I grew up in.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
Everything I make is one of a kind, as it is all hand-knitted, hand-cut, hand-stitched, etc. Even 2 tea cosies will never be identical, the wool I use is not highly processed and the beauty is that the colours and textures differ from one ball to the next.
- When did you start knitting?
My Mum taught me to knit when I was about 8 I think, but I picked up the needles again when I was pregnant, around 4 years ago and it is only since then that I have followed patterns and learned fancy stitches.
- Where do you get your yarns?
All the yarn I use comes from New Lanark Woolen Mill, which is a water powered victorian mill on the banks of the Clyde. New Lanark itself is a world heritage site... well worth a visit if you are ever in Central Scotland.
- Which one is your favorite?
I love working with the pinks and purples, I just love the way the wool takes on the dye.
- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
My crafts are my income, I also run our 'mini-holding' and home educate our daughter so I am a busy lady.... I guess 'artist' is one of my professions.
- What inspires you?
Walks in the woods, flowers in bloom (my sweet peas have just come out now... I just love the colours) I also love a cosy home and I get lots of ideas from looking at magazines and websites about homes around the world.
- What is your favorite piece and why?
I love my tea-cosies, they are chunky and cosy and I love the way they come together.... needless to say I have a few myself.
- How do you promote your work?
I use facebook and twitter, I have my blog and have give-aways occasionally, I try to keep active in relevant on-line forums (especially on Etsy) but there are only so many hours in the day...lol. In real life I hand out my business card and talk to people about my crafts and any fairs I might have coming up.
- Where are you showing your work?
At the moment, on-line - on my own website and at etsy. I have some interest from gift shops, so that is something I hope to move into soon.
- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Keep active, make friends with the on-line crafting community and work on your presentation.
- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
Keep on keeping on. Don't get disheartened by lack of sales and always consider how you can improve your product.
- any special promos?
Everything from Snowdrops and Daisies comes gift wrapped and can be delivered directly to the recipient. I occasionally have give-aways and special offers through my blog so check in there for offers and promos http://snowdropsanddaisies.wordpress.com/blog
- what would you like to be when you grow up ?
Content and happy :).... or maybe an astronaut.
- favorite jeweller ?
Alibali - just love her style.
- favorite websites ?
Design sponge I could just spend hours flicking through the pages here.
Etsy, of course, amazing range of handcrafted work from artisans around the world.
- Anything else you'd like to add?
I have recently re-opened my shop after a harsh time with some very naughty builders. I am getting back into the swing of things but sadly my home has been destroyed and I have a long slog ahead of me to get it sorted out. Selling boosts my confidence a lot and knitting really helps calm me down.... now, if I could just find my sewing machine and work table I could get making my new ranges... :)
- Her site www.snowdropsanddaisies.com
- her blog http://snowdropsanddaisies.wordpress.com/blog/
I have been crafting in one way or another since I was very small, and everyone always said "you should try to sell these" The internet is a great tool for people just starting out, so without much in the way of investment I was able to open an etsy shop as an outlet for my crafting tendencies. I all moved on from there.
- Where are you from?
From Glasgow, Scotland originally but now settled in a tiny village about 25 miles to the south, in rural Lanarkshire. A whole different world to the busy city I grew up in.
- Are your creations limited editions or unique?
Everything I make is one of a kind, as it is all hand-knitted, hand-cut, hand-stitched, etc. Even 2 tea cosies will never be identical, the wool I use is not highly processed and the beauty is that the colours and textures differ from one ball to the next.
- When did you start knitting?
My Mum taught me to knit when I was about 8 I think, but I picked up the needles again when I was pregnant, around 4 years ago and it is only since then that I have followed patterns and learned fancy stitches.- Where do you get your yarns?
All the yarn I use comes from New Lanark Woolen Mill, which is a water powered victorian mill on the banks of the Clyde. New Lanark itself is a world heritage site... well worth a visit if you are ever in Central Scotland.
- Which one is your favorite?
I love working with the pinks and purples, I just love the way the wool takes on the dye.
- Are you a professional artist or is this a hobby?
My crafts are my income, I also run our 'mini-holding' and home educate our daughter so I am a busy lady.... I guess 'artist' is one of my professions.
- What inspires you?
Walks in the woods, flowers in bloom (my sweet peas have just come out now... I just love the colours) I also love a cosy home and I get lots of ideas from looking at magazines and websites about homes around the world.
- What is your favorite piece and why?
I love my tea-cosies, they are chunky and cosy and I love the way they come together.... needless to say I have a few myself.- How do you promote your work?
I use facebook and twitter, I have my blog and have give-aways occasionally, I try to keep active in relevant on-line forums (especially on Etsy) but there are only so many hours in the day...lol. In real life I hand out my business card and talk to people about my crafts and any fairs I might have coming up.
- Where are you showing your work?
At the moment, on-line - on my own website and at etsy. I have some interest from gift shops, so that is something I hope to move into soon.
- What advice you wish someone had told you when you started?
Keep active, make friends with the on-line crafting community and work on your presentation.
- Do you have any advice for fellow artists?
Keep on keeping on. Don't get disheartened by lack of sales and always consider how you can improve your product.
- any special promos?
Everything from Snowdrops and Daisies comes gift wrapped and can be delivered directly to the recipient. I occasionally have give-aways and special offers through my blog so check in there for offers and promos http://snowdropsanddaisies.wordpress.com/blog
- what would you like to be when you grow up ?Content and happy :).... or maybe an astronaut.
- favorite jeweller ?
Alibali - just love her style.
- favorite websites ?
Design sponge I could just spend hours flicking through the pages here.
Etsy, of course, amazing range of handcrafted work from artisans around the world.
- Anything else you'd like to add?
I have recently re-opened my shop after a harsh time with some very naughty builders. I am getting back into the swing of things but sadly my home has been destroyed and I have a long slog ahead of me to get it sorted out. Selling boosts my confidence a lot and knitting really helps calm me down.... now, if I could just find my sewing machine and work table I could get making my new ranges... :)
- Her site www.snowdropsanddaisies.com
- her blog http://snowdropsanddaisies.wordpress.com/blog/
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Top 50 Etsy moms
50 Best Etsy Moms
Etsy.com is a booming hub for artists all around the world to sell their handmade products, consequently creating a community bursting with creativity and ingenuity. It’s a place to find unique treasures that directly supports some of the most talented individuals and their crafts. Not surprisingly, many of these artists, dreamers, designers and builders are moms like us. They’re balancing the day-to-day parenting responsibilities — sometimes with another day job, sometimes as a single mom — while still squeezing in time for their growing business. (This is where naps and bed times come in handy.) And they’re not just doing it for the money; they’re utilizing this creative outlet while teaching
their children the value of artistry, resourcefulness and determination.
We sifted through thousands of these talented moms to find our favorite 50 of the bunch. (Not an easy feat, you can imagine.) What we love about Etsy moms is the fact that, besides being exceptionally talented and busy, they all create products inspired by a mother’s own needs and wants. That’s why so many of these shops feature affordable, safe and stylish alternatives inspired by motherhood.
Although our picks span dozens of different categories, cultures and time zones, there were overwhelming similarities between the moms. The vast majority described their skills and insatiable need to create as being passed down through the family tree — one generation patiently teaching the next. Even more similarly, each and every one — whether they’ve been crafting for 3 or 30 years — pinpointed their children as inspiration. Often it was the desire to work from home while raising the kids; sometimes a need for better, safer products for their children; and many times it was a dream resurrected from the innocent imagination unfolding before them. Regardless, these moms are all motivated by their children, who in turn will be inspired by their mothers.
Of course it’s nearly impossible to find every talented Etsy mom, so we encourage you to share your favorites and, of course, support these striking talents.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Business Management - tips
A few tips from Michelle Blakeley
Small business management is a delicate balance of planning, action and intrinsic perspective. With minimal resources, time and money must be spent wisely. Business fundamentals must be incorporated at all times. Below are 7 "best practice” seeds to plant. When watered (acted upon), they will help your business grow.
- Be clear about what need your business fulfills – Just because you have business cards and your sign says "open,” doesn’t’ mean you have a sale. Be clear about how your product or service helps or benefits someone. We have so many choices these days and people are savvier than ever about how and where they spend their money. Make sure you have something of real value and use and be ready to explain why and how it makes life easier or better.
- Know where to find your ideal clients and how to communicate with them. It doesn’t make much sense to have the perfect product or service for pilots who fly charter planes if you are spending your time connecting and marketing to them on Facebook or Myspace. You have to know where to find your ideal clients and how to communicate with them. Too many small business owners are still marketing to "everyone” or the "general public.” It can quickly kill a business. Refine your target market and define your ideal client.
- Have a clear, concise and consistent marketing message – Do potential clients know what you do based on the information on your business card, website, social network profile? What is your elevator pitch? Do you have one? Can you clearly define your business AND its benefit in 30 seconds? You never know when an opportunity will arise or when you will spontaneously be in the presence of your biggest client. Always be prepared to explain what you do, how you do it, why you do it and what’s the benefit.
- Take inventory of your existing resources – Small business owners are in constant "I need” and "If only I had” mode. The truth is, often times what you need is already in your bag of resources. You had a life before you started your business and you have colleagues, friends and family. Always be sure you check your sphere of influence for your needs first before looking outside. The people that already know you are your greatest asset. If you need clients, tell them first. If you have a sale or promotion, tell them first. If you need help, tell them first.
- Have a functional system in place – As a small business owner, you probably can’t afford to get sick or take long vacations. Which is why it is vital that you have functional systems in place that will minimize unexpected absences and the need for damage control. You should document your processes. When your business is streamlined and you have systems in place, it reduces chaos and stress on bad days, missed days and sick days. It also makes it easier for someone to come in and "follow along” when help is needed.
- Communicate with your clients… often – Many small business owners spend an inappropriate amount of time generating new clients. This time and energy is better spent if you focus on cultivating relationships with your existing clients. How many of your existing clients are "repeat customers?” If your "new clients” outweigh your "repeat clients,” you have a problem. Repeat clients are the ones who are singing your praises to their friends and family. Word of mouth advertising is priceless. Repeat clients are the ones who will continue to patronize you out of loyalty through price changes, varied economic climates, and a bad day. Yes, you need to engage new clients, but your existing clients are your foundation.
- Stay ahead of the curve – The best way to stay ahead of the curve is to continue to educate yourself in all areas of your business and industry. You also want to keep your finger on the pulse of your clients’ needs. Clients’ needs change with the wind and the quicker you can adapt to the changes (while maintaining the integrity and purpose of your business) the better your business will be for it. Anticipate change and adapt.
Michelle Blakeley is the Founder and CEO of Simplicity, Inc.; a progressive small business development firm. She manages her clients’ business expectations and prevents information overload via Micro Business Therapy™ and Micro Business Action Plans. She is featured in Forbes.com and the Financial Post as one of 30 Women Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter, contributor for the San Francisco Examiner, the host of Simple Truths for Women Entrepreneurson BlogTalkRadio.com and author of the NEW e-book: "Get it Right and Move Along… a collection of practical tips, tools and techniques for small business owners.”
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