Photo Credit:  http://littlegoddess27.tumblr.com/

It's Sunday evening, my kids are spread out across the house entertaining themselves. I am sitting in our dining room surrounded by bags from Hobby Lobby, full of yarn. My table has patterns, invoices, crochet hooks, scissors and of course my trusty energy drink. As I sit here and crochet a cowl that is on its way to Colorado, it came to me, I am truly blessed.

Nope its not a line out of an old school Batman episode! Its a small fun shop in the Clintonville neighborhood featuring hip, handmade goods from crafters and artists.


About a month ago I got a convo from the wonderful owner Olivera expressing her interest in having my cowls in her shop. I was so excited.

I have been tweaking my shop slowly over the last couple of months. I have redone my banner and have been working on my photos and new items. Feel free to check out my progress! I am optimistic that all my hard work will pay off and I will have some orders for the holiday season.

Looking ahead to my potential sales I decided it was time to get some garment tags.

When did you become interested in quilting/sewing?
I was taught to sew by one of my grandmas when I was 9. I loved sewing at an early age, so it was just the matter to get the knowhow. But the talent and love for sewing I inherited from my other grandma. Of course I sewed my own clothes; I also knit, crochet and embroider. 

This is a picture of my family. My brothers, sister and my mom, standing in her white dress glowing on her wedding day. 

Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm a quirky, former teacher, stay-at-home mom, who loves to sew. I detest chick flicks and heels; but, I love pink, polkadots--and given the opportunity, I would live in flip flops and dresses. I can't pick up a book, because once I do, I can't put it down (that's probably why I was an english teacher :). And if given the choice between a vacation at Disney World or a secluded beach, I'd pick the later.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Leningrad, USSR. I was studying in school affiliated wit Academy of Fine art. After that I was admitted to the Academy of Fine Art on department of architecture. I came to the USA in 1989 and started to work as sculptor and artist. Later, I was working as an architect for many years, mostly in “entertainment architecture”- casinos, theme restaurants in different cities of the USA. Lately return to Fine Art and classical portraiture. I reside in New York for more than 20 years.

Wait For Me by jpgphotography

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Hi, I'm Julie and I currently I work as a full time graphic designer in northern San Diego. I grew up in many places due to my father’s military job, so I had the pleasure of living in Seattle, San Francisco, Virginia Beach, and an unbelievable 5 years in Japan as a teenager. But San Diego has always been my home town. I also have a Japanese bobtail cat that I adopted while in Japan, and he continues to be my photographic muse. (although usually unwillingly!)

I was born in South Bronx, New York to Puerto Rican parents. When I was growing up everyone around me spoke Spanish: our family, friends, people in the neighborhood, everyone. It was normal for us.

I love blogging. Or at least love the idea of blogging. I gather my laptop, get comfy at my desk, go to blogger, click new post... and nothing. When this happens I go searching the internet for motivation. I end up killing hours of my time looking at pictures, shopping or just stumbling!

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

My name is Brandon Addis, and I am a native to a small town in northeast Georgia, named Tiger. My town has a four-way stop and around 1800 inhabitants. Growing up in a small town, I learned a lot about knowing those around you and building strong and meaningful relationships. After college I relocated an hour south to Gainesville, Georgia. I reside in the downtown area with my partner and enjoy in partaking in locally held events in the downtown area and learning my local area with its history.

About a year ago I decided to make beanies for my shop. I loved the way they came out and how warm they were. Since I listed them I sold about a hand full. Not bad but not nearly as well as I wanted them to sell.

So here I am looking through my inventory and I have these beanies that have not found a home. What to do with them?

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I currently live in Austin, Texas. I have been married for almost 11 years, and we have two little girls, ages 4 and 5. I was a Social Worker in Child Protective Services before I had my kids. I can't imagine doing that type of work again and I am hoping my art leads me somewhere.

Guest blog tutorial provided by Bonnie from Bonnbonn on Etsy.

This is an easy, affordable and beautiful lighting solution that was inspired by Shannon South’s gorgeous upcycled Doily Lamp.

Today's post is by Diana from Knotworkshop
She has a wonderful sense of humor and I just love her forum post. Hope you enjoy!

Tell us a little about yourself?
I'm a mom of two children, my daughter is 10 and my son is 3. I work full time, but love to craft and have lots of different projects going on at a time. When I see something interesting, I want to make it - I think that's half the fun for me. Trying to figure out how something is made and doing it my way :)

Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
I think fashion and colors are the most influential tool I use in creating my flowers. What's hot at the moment and the colors for the seasons.


When did you know you were an artist?
I've always been this way! I took art lessons growing up and drew ever since I can remember. It's my first love. My mom sewed a lot of my clothes and we always crafted together.

How would you describe your creative process?
I throw all of my fabric out and see what jumps out at me. I research great color combos and start going at it. Some of my flowers never make it... I have bad days. My crochet creations are inspired my patterns I find and alter :)


What made you decide to start selling on etsy?
I would make things and people would always want whatever I made, so I'd make them one. Usually for free, so when I stumbled across Etsy I was thrilled! I never knew such a site existed.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?
The drawings and painting I did when I was in art school. My first "real" ones when I was around the age of 10 that my mom matted and framed.


What would I find in your refrigerator right now?
Oh, no! I just moved, so it's highly minimalistic. A huge jar of pickles, half a watermelon, and a crap ton of condiments.

Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?
In my 3 year old's sandbox :)


Visit AnnieDees
Etsy: anniedees.etsy.com
**Readers use coupon code - FREESHIP - for free shipping!!
Blog: anniedees.com
Facebook: facebook.com/anniedees
Twitter: twitter.com/anniedee83

Tell us a little about yourself.
The best way to start is to tell you my name. My name is Tammy. I've been happily married for 25 years (still hard to believe). I have two children, Tony 23, and Morgan 21. Those three things are my biggest accomplishments.
I grew up in north central Pennsylvania, with six brothers and sisters. We were all involved in 4-H. My brothers learned to sew and cook. My sisters and I learned to take care of engines and change tires. This is were I fell in love with sewing. When my daughter asked for an American Girl doll, I got my sewing machine out and started making clothes. Now that the doll, and my daughter have packed up and moved on, I sew for my nieces dolls. And with an empty nest, sewing is my way to relax.

Where does your inspiration come from?
My inspiration comes from interviewing my nieces. I love to find out what fabrics they like and to hear what clothing combination they come up with. I usually try to make more trendy clothing, but enjoy the period clothing that can be made for 18 in. dolls.

Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
My parents are most influential. They both enjoyed sewing. I remember my dad making homemade, life size, pop up campers complete with the cloth walls. I still have the homemade dresses that my mom made for my sisters and I when we were girls.


What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade means to create something that is uniquely imperfect, yet desirable. It means to have the ability to take a raw material and turn it into something that is useful. It doesn't matter what is created or what raw material is used, it's simple the act of creation.

When did you know you were an artist?
I don't think I've ever thought about being call an "artist". I simple enjoy making doll clothes. I enjoy the look on the faces of the children who dress their dolls up in something they helped create. Most people will look at their creations then look at the creations of others and still not see their ability to create; to be an artist.


How do you get out of creative ruts?
I get out of creative ruts by going to fabric stores. I don't have to buy anything, I just have to see what's available. I also check out the internet. There are plenty of ideas. Sometimes I just get out the pictures of the outfits and remember how much fun it was to make it. Sometimes a simple message on facebook, "Aunt Tammy, I really, really liked............". That will fix any rut.

Describe my work space.
Right now, I work in the middle of my living room. Why? Well, I'm an empty nester who's downsized and moved in the past year and will be moving sometime in the future year. The living room seems to be the perfect place right now. Besides, when we downsized, I had to get rid of a lot of things. I kept my sewing fabric and I want it close by.


What did you think you would be when you grew up?
I haven't grown up yet! I'm still dressing dolls!

What do you do for your day job?
Before I moved, I worked as a Teaching Assistant (Teacher's Aide, PCA) in a primary learning support classroom. I am now a substitute Teaching Assistant at a near by school district. I absolutely love the primary grades, Pre-K through 3rd grade. I'm often asked why I didn't become a teacher. The answer is easy. A Teaching Assistant helps the Teacher become the best that she can be by implementing strategies that allow students to shine without having to do all the paperwork involved in teaching. The Teacher shines, the student shines, and since I'm a helper, I shine.

Visit NammysCloset
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NammysCloset
**Reader use coupon code - 49450001 - and receive FREE shipping!!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Nammys-Closet/195439183826100

Tell us a little about yourself?
My profile on Etsy sums it up, lol. I’m married to the perfect man because he is the one God sent to me. I’m blessed with 4 kids, the youngest in diapers and the oldest behind the wheel. I started sewing and crafting as a child. I fell in love with vintage and design as a teenager. I used to wake up early on Saturday mornings to watch Style with Elsa Klensch and stay up late to watch classic movies.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Vintage! I Love many so many era’s.

Who or what has been most influential in your craft?
My grandmother and my love for vintage. Many of my childhood memories of my grandmother are of her sewing. She had a 1950’s Singer with a blond wood cabinet, before my grandfather passed he gave it to me.


How would you describe your creative process?
I design it first in my mind. Sometimes I have to jump out of bed and sketch something that comes to mind. After drafting my pattern I then treasure hunt for the most perfect fabric. I have many designs I haven’t made yet because I haven’t found the perfect fabric. Once I have a picture of what it should look like nothing else will do.

How do you get out of your creative ruts?
Sometimes I will watch gorgeous classic movies that take place in historical era’s, there are so many lovely details to inspire.


What does handmade mean to you?
Something made from the heart.

Apart from creating, what do you do?
Spend precious time with my family. Saturday is a good day for all of us but my oldest who doesn’t tap (but secretly thinks it’s cool) to put on our tap shoes. Gardening is fun too while my youngest finds ways to get muddy.


What celebrity would you most like to wear your items?
Shirley Temple, but she’s not a size 4t anymore!

If you had to use only one word to describe yourself, what would it be?
It’s just not possible. :)

Visit VintagePrecious
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/vintageprecious
**Readers use coupon code - FREESHIPPING - expiration date 07/30/2011
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/VintagePrecious
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/vintagepreciousboutique
Blog: http://vintageprecious.blogspot.com/
Tumblr: http://vintageprecious.tumblr.com/