paperfruithair "Star of the Day"

Name: Melissa Reynolds

Company: paperfruithair

State/Location: London, Ontario

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?

I was always the weird kid, which made it harder to fit into the premade social forms of high school. Then with time I learned to love being the oddball. I stopped trying to make PRETTY things and now aim for DIFFERENT, because it's more fun to be the quirky crafter than the solemn artist.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

It's a compulsion. I HAVE to make things. Having A.D.D. helps, because everything I see or read or hear gets churned through my head until it's been warped into a new idea. You should see my little "To Make" notebook, I've barely made a dent in it.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?

I'd go back home to Florida and chase the sun: wake up before dawn on the east coast and watch the sun rise over the Atlantic, then make my way slowly across the state (maybe eating at Denny's and shopping at Target, I miss both very much) until it's time for the sun to set over the Gulf of Mexico. I spent my entire 30 years there and never once did it.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

Out of my own creations, probably my dollhouse food. I've adored making miniatures since I was a little girl with my Play-Doh. Of all the other designs and creations out there, I love the macabre the most. I have a great respect for anyone with a dark sense of humour who doesn't take him-or-herself too seriously.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

I've been at etsy for a while: http://paperfruithair.etsy.com/;

I've recently joined artfire: http://paperfruithair.artfire.com/;

and I've got a makeshift portfolio at flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paperfruithair/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

Anyone who buys from me get access to a good listener with an obsession for detail and a touch of OCD. Special orders receive lots of communication and all other stock is described in as much detail as possible. If you should be displeased for any reason, I'll work with you until you're happy again.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

My hope is to sell you something that makes your friends ask "Ooh, where did you get that from??" Ideally, you'll then tell them how to find me. ;)

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

Do it for the love of getting your hands dirty.

Willow Walker

Name: Pamela Prichard, WillowWalker

Company: WillowWalker Designs

State/Location: Oregon

Featured Product: CORAL DICHROIC PENDANT

Description: A rich bronze colored, coral shaped, dichroic fused glass pendant with copper, gold, green and blue fires. Finished with a handcrafted 14k gold filled wire bail. Approximately 47mm by 34mm, 1 7/8" by 1 3/8" including the bail.

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?

I would love to be known for my dichroic fused glass and wire wrapped jewelry.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

First of all I have to create. I love color, beautiful things and jewelry.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?

Creating something to put in the kiln or a new piece of wire wrapped jewelry.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

Right now I am really pleased with my new earrings. My favorites are Jewels of the Autumn Goddess, Zephyr's Blue Brooch and Ruby & Gold Fantasy.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

http://WillowWalkerDesigns.artfire.com

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

A beautiful, quality, handcrafted piece of jewelry that is promptly shipped.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I would someday love to have an excellant reputation for my jewelry and business and have it be self-supporting.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

Be patient, keep up in your field and be true to yourself.

Kraftouch: Can I use a photo of your product?

WillowWalkerDesigns: You are welcome to choose pictures from my website or I will e-mail them to you. Your choice.

Lil Cubby "Star of the Day"

Name: Sara & Mary Ayres

Company: Lil Cubby

State: Currently we are working out of two states. Mary creates all of the handmade items and ships them from her home in Virginia. Sara handles the website and finacial aspect from Florida. We hope to have a studio in the same state in the near future.

Featured Product:MONKEY BOOTIES W/ RED AND WHITE RIBBON TIES

Description: These booties are very soft and sweet! The wool felt on the inside makes them more like a soft shoe than a bootie. They keep their shape very well. They have brown cotton fabric on the outside and brown wool felt on the inside. Monkey face and ears are appliqued on the front of the booties. Eyes and mouth are hand embroidered. Fabric is fused to felt, the shapes are cut, and then booties are stitched together.Booties are tied with red/white dot grosgrain ribbon.

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?

I would like to be known for my close attention to details in all aspects of our business. I pay close attention to color selection of fabrics and perfecting the details of the designs. When I am creating a new sewing pattern, I try to make the steps as simple as possible so that even beginner sewers can follow the instructions easily.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

I really enjoy the process of creating new things, from the idea to the finished item. Most of our items are purchased for special occasions such as birthdays and new babies. We enjoy being a part of these occasions and being rewarded by the nice feedback from our customers.3) Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today? I would spend the day in my craft room designing a new sewing pattern.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

We love our baby booties. They have added so much to our collection and can be made with a variety of fabrics. Our birthday shirts are another favorite. We can personalize them to coordinate with many birthday themes.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

http://www.lilcubby.etsy.com/

http://www.lilcubby.com/

http://www.lilcubby.artfire.com/

http://www.preciouspatterns.etsy.com/

http://www.preciouspatterns.artfire.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?
We really pride ourselves in our customer service. We like to get to know our customers and provide them with great communication throughout the entire process. We make sure we have a good understanding of the customers wishes, so that we can provide them with a beautiful finished product.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

We hope to be able to build a studio and work together within the next few years. We also hope to expand our line of sewing patterns in our preciouspatterns shop. We really love our businesses and only wish to be able to continue sharing our talents with others.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

If you truly enjoy your craft, take chances and share your work with others. Success doesn't happen over night. Be patient, learn from your mistakes, and stick with it. It will be rewarding in the end.

Kraftouch: Can I use picture of your work to post in my blog as part of your featured interview?

Lil Cubby: Feel free to use any pictures from our sites. Just let us know if you need any further information. Thanks so much for featuring us! Sara & Mary Ayres

Painting Paradise "Star of the Day"

Name: Marionette

Company: Painting Paradise

State: Kauai

Featured Product: RHYTHM OF THE HULA 8X10 PRINT

Description: Set against a colorful background of red ti leaves, banana plant leaves, and blue skies, we can almost hear the beat of the ipu heke’ola as the beautiful hula dancer keeps the rhythm of the hula throughout her performance. She gracefully sways from side to side.

Aloha from Kauai, Marionette

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?

I would like to be known for creating and teaching art about the island of Kauai and all of it's beauty. When someone views my art, I want them to be reminded of a tropical paradise that takes them away from their day-to-day worries.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

Creating art is such a part of me that I gave up a job as a chemist to move to Kauai and teach/create art full time. I truly love what I am doing now and feel extremely blessed. My inspiration to paint comes from the tropical flowers, ocean, mountains, and other things that are unique to Kauai.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?

I would most likely take a "relaxation" day and go to the beach!

What are your favorite designs/creations?

I love my new watercolors with pen and ink that depict some of the old plantation cottages from the sugar cane era.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

http://www.kauai-artist.net/

http://www.kauai-artist.blogspot.com/

http://www.kauaiartist.etsy.com/
www.cafepress.com/KauaiArt

http://marionette-taboniar.fineartamerica.com/

http://www.kauaiartist.artfire.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

When someone commissions me to do a painting for them, I offer a money back guarantee. I want my customers to be happy.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I want to keep teaching classes at my studio (watercolor, acrylics, pastels, silk painting, scratchboard, and sumi-e) because I really enjoy teaching people how to create something beautiful. I also hope to write an art instruction book someday. I will also keep learning and creating new works of art that bring joy into people's lives.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

Create from the heart and keep practicing your art/craft. Practice really does make perfect, and we can keep learning new techniques throughout our whole lives. Follow your dream!

Kraftouch: Can I use picture of your work to post in my blog as part of your featured interview?

Marionette: Yes! Mahalo Nui Loa for this article!

Aloha, Marionette

Simple Arts Planet by Lis C. "Star of the Day"

Name: Lis C.
Company: Simple Arts Planet (saplanet)
Brand name: saplanet originals
State: Singapore
Featured Product:SAPLANET AMIGURUMI PATTERN - FAIRY TALE RED RIDING HOOD AND THE BIG BAD WOLF

Description: This is an ideal teaching material for kids, since there are no beads (apart from the optional choker that Wolfie wears) or detachable parts used in this set of dolls, they are pretty safe for young children.

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?
A crafter who strives to constantly renew and improve her designs, and crafting skills.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?
With my counseling background, emotions are almost like my best friends, and any emotion could be my inspiration for new designs. The delicate process in crochet crafts is probably what keeps my passion burning for this business. A process that allows thoughts to flow even in the midst of crafting.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?
I would be drafting sketches of new ideas and eager to see the ideas materialize, and the eagerness will quickly land me in balls of yarns and crocheting up new designs. When the night moves in, I would love to start reading the 6 new Jane Austen’s novels that I just picked up at the bookstore.

What are your favorite designs/creations?
This is difficult, every doll that I designed holds a special place in me, and each takes an unique characteristics. If I have to pick, I can only attempt to select from my favorite series, which would be the people series.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?
My crafts are sold in various online venues, including my own web store.
saplanet originals webstore:
http://www.simpleartsplanet.com/
etsy store:
http://www.saplanet.etsy.com/
dawanda store:
http://en.dawanda.com/shop/simpleartsplanet
artfire store:
http://saplanet.artfire.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?
Since I sell the patterns for my designs, I provide free pattern, and free crochet basics which are available for download. I know how a doll can be so special for each of us, therefore I also offer color customization service at no additional charge.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?
It would be wonderful if I could continue with this business for as long as I could. I firmly believe that there is always room to improve and progress, and only when we constantly attempt to improve on our designs and skills, may we continue to receive agreeable support from our buyers. I would also hope to participate in craft shows in the near future.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?
A friend just shared this with me, and I thought it would benefit anyone who strives to continuously improve in whatever they do.
“As long as we believe we are amateur, we can grow more competent.
The moment we think we are Master; there is no more progress or learning.”


Kraftouch: Can I use picture of your work to post in my blog as part of your featured interview?

Saplanet: Sure, I have attached a photo for your use; this photo is recently taken after I completed a bulk order. The photo received many kind compliments in flickr. Alternatively, if you wish, you may grab any photos in my flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/simpleartsplanet/ or just off the store front. (Any)

Clay Dreams "Star of the Day"

Company: Clay Dreams
State: Virginia

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?
My greatest joy is creating interesting pieces from polymer clay; I enjoy learning new ways to create one of kind pieces that spark conversation. Each piece of my work is unique and sculpted with great attention to detail. Working with each client to design and make a piece that fits their particular need gives me satisfaction as an artist.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?
I'm not really an office kind of person. Having the freedom to express myself in my own time and space motivates me to create beautiful pieces.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?
Sitting on my back porch, looking at interesting things in my yard and sketching ideas for new pieces.

What are your favorite designs/creations?
My favorite creation would be one that has exceeded the expectations of my client. I created a snake, rising up a tree once that totally amazed me and the client when it was finished. When the client asked for a snake, I thought to myself, "OH BOY", I don't even like snakes, then with clay in hand, my creative side took over. This was perhaps the most beautiful piece of work I have created thus far.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?
I currently have shops open at
http://www.claydreams01.etsy.com/
http://www.claydreams.artfire.com/
I also participate in craft/artfair events locally in Virginia and from time to time in Ohio.

What’s the best customer service you can offer?
Listening to what a client wants, designing that piece to specifications adding my own unique touches to it and delivering the piece ahead of schedule.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?
At some point, I would love to be able to support myself from my work. There would be nothing better than to be able to do my craft full-time.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?
Follow your dreams, where ever they may lead you.

http://claydreams.artfire.com/

Kraftouch:Can I use picture of your work to post in my blog as part of your featured interview?
Clay Dreams: Yes, I sent in an attachment a photo of one or two pieces. You can choose which piece you would like to use.

Nicki Leigh Bath & Body " Star of the Day"

Name: Nicole Thomas
Company: Nicki Leigh Bath & Body
State/Location: Chalfont PA

Featured Product: GREEN TEA AND CUCUMBER BODY BALM (VEGAN FRIENDLY)

Description: Refreshingly warm green tea combined with cool cut cucumbers; a sublime treat for the senses. Made with top notch ingredients that include jojoba and avocado oil, this is what your dry skin has been crying out for! Breathe life back into your with this conveniently sized, 1.3 ounce body balm.Each of our body balms are made from scratch using natural butters and oils that are formulated to moisturize and combat dry skin conditions such as eczema..Remedy these pains and your dry skin by keeping it moisturized! This luxurious solid lotion soothes and protects dry skin all day long; even through hand washing! Just a single application lasts a full 24 hours!

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?
I would like to be known for creating quality and safe products for those who may have sensitive skin conditions.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?
In all honesty? Nature. I know it may sound so cliche, but I get my best ideas when I am outside hiking.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?
This one is a very hard choice. I would likely spend it with my fiance and have a nice long walk. That is what we did this past Saturday and I am aching for the weekend.

What are your favorite designs/creations?
Currently my favorite products to make have got to be my lip balms and body balms.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

I have to shops, one on etsy and one on artfire. They are:

http://www.nickileigh.etsy.com/

http://www.nickileigh.artfire.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?
The best customer service I can offer is swift shipping as well as a quick response to all forms of contact. I also send a thank you convo or e-mail to my customers after a purchase has been made. I have also worked with a few past customers on custom orders where we bounced ideas back and forth until the customer got something they enjoyed.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?
My craft is my home business. I would like to be able to use it to support myself and my family. However, I do not want to get so large that my customers will just become numbers. I love knowing who my customers are. I have also checked in on some past customers asking them how their son, daughter or dog is. I have made quite a few new friends this way. To me, that is most important.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?
Before I went into this business I did a lot of research. I read up on permits I would need. I paid for my business insurance and I tested and retested my product for months before even offering it to the public. As exciting as it can be to start a new craft and wanting to sell right from the get-go, take some time to get comfortable with it. Do not jump in too soon until you are certain that you are selling your best product. It is so important for you to be proud of your designs and to back it up honestly. Never lie to a potential customer just to get a sale. It is so much easier to tell the truth ;)

Paradise Potpourri " Star of the Day"

Name: (whew! an easy one!) Jana
Company: Paradise Potpourri
State: Arizona

Featured Product: LAVENDER GIFT SET IN REUSABLE TIN LOVE BASKET BOX
Description: A wonderful gift for someone you love!This set contains a bag of our Stress Relief Bath Tea and a small size sachet of Healing Lavender Paradise Potpourri. They are neatly tucked into a cute little tin box with a handle, and the word "love" cut out on each side. This box can be reused later as a tea light candle holder, candy box, or just about anything!

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?
Crafter or Artisan - Either one is fine!

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?
Motivation: Color and Scent. Colors help to calm and relax us, or lift the spirits! The right aroma can create powerful emotions, and can make a wonderful difference by calming us on a stressful day. It's amazing how a particular scent can even bring back long forgotten memories! I love using aromatherapy, and I truly believe that using the healing properties of herbs and flowers is far superior to all of the artificial ingredients out there!

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?
If it's sunny and not too hot I would spend it outside, gardening with my kids would be wonderful! If it's raining, give me a Jane Austen book and a cup of coffee or tea and I'm a happy camper. Oh, and either way, chocolate please!!

What are your favorite designs/creations?

Every time I make something new, it's my favorite...it's hard to choose when you put so much of your time and effort into all of them! At the moment, my body scrubs are a big favorite, I feel so decadent using them!

Where can they see your crafts and designs?
Artfire:
http://www.paradisepotpourri.artfire.com/
Etsy:
http://www.paradisepotpourri.etsy.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?
I believe communication is very important! If there is a problem and someone can't send their payment right away, I am happy to work with them. If I have a short supply and there will be a delay on my part in sending out an order, I will let the buyer know right away. I recently sent several samples of scents to someone who wanted me to create a custom potpourri and they didn't know what my scents were like. Our cyber world is far too sterile sometimes, so I try to add a personal touch where I can!

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?
My hope is that I can continue my crafting in spite of our dire economic times. I make my potpourris and bath products because I love using them, and I hope that others will enjoy them as much as I do.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

Keep doing what you love and don't stress if it doesn't get the attention that you expected. Try new things, too...you never know what fun new opportunities await around the corner!

Marilou: Now I feel like pampering myself with your products, more like my "Home Spa"

Jana: Thank you again, and Mahalo! I hope to visit your beautiful part of the world someday!

Bijoux Design for You "Shining Star"

Designer: We are the mother/ daughter team of Glenda and April.

Company: Rouge River Beads and Bijoux Designs For You

State/Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?

We love beads as much as we love creating and our goal is to bring other artisans quality beads, charms and findings at reasonable prices! Additionally, we want those who don’t make their own to able to find fashionable, fun products for even those on the tightest budgets to be able to enjoy.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

Sometimes inspiration comes from making a piece for myself to match an outfit, sometimes it’s a great bead or charm, sometimes you just wake up at 3am with an ah-hah moment! We both just enjoy making pretty things and hope to be able to share them with others.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?

I have a 7 month old so my ultimate dream would be to sleep in!!! Lots of baby hugs and kisses and in my perfect dream world it would be warm outside and we could spend the afternoon swimming and at the park. I would follow that by a nice dinner out with my hubby and maybe going to a theatrical production.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

I’m a sucker for earrings, whether they be my own creations or someone else’s. Anything with the word Mom or Grandma also captures our attention. I adore making bookmarks and the pink and white MOM one in our shop is my current fav, closely followed by Spring Cascade. I remember scouring book fairs as a kid looking for fun bookmarks and now I can’t stop making them!

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

You can find our jewelry and gifts at

http://www.bijouxdesignsforyou.artfire.com/

http://www.bijouxdesignsforyou.etsy.com/

You can visit our supplies store at

http://www.rougeriverbeads.artfire.com/

http://www.rougeriverbeads.etsy.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

We stand behind our products, want to make sure that every customer is satisfied and are honest and respectful in our business. We strive to ship quickly and offer our products at competitive prices.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

The ultimate dream would be to have our own little gift/bead store. We are slowly but surely working towards that goal and just learning, creating and enjoying our journey!

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

Believe in yourself, work hard, and be patient. Learn and grow every day and enjoy your journey!

Silver River Jewelry "Star of the Day"

Name: Sonja

Company: Silver River Jewelry

"whimsical jewelry from my heart and hand to yours"

State/Location: Ohio

Featured work/design:

Triangle pendant cut from sheet metal, lightly textured with dragon flies stamped on all three corners. two mother of pearl cabs, one blue and one green give the same shimmer as the wings of a dragon fly.

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?

I would like to be known for unique, well made items that last a lifetime.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

Everything. Its more of a need than inspiration lol! I do get inspiration almost everywhere. I have a line of pendants that was inspired by painting at a restaurant.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?

In my workshop working on metal.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

Right now my favorites are my wildflower in copper series of pendants.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

http://silverriverjewelry.com/

This is my main site, it shows a small sampling of my work and gives links to other venues where I have most of my items listed for sale.

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

Good contact with the customer from that first thank you for your order this is when I am shipping, to making sure that the product is the best that it can be and shipped in a timely manner.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I want to do this full time and quit my day job.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

No matter what if you are doing what you love don't give up. And don't let yourself get burned out by the non crafty side, take the time to step back and take a break if you need it.

Marilou:Mahalo for your time

Sonja: Thanks for doing this! I will add a link to your blog from mine also.

Star of the Day "Thejewelryshop"

Name: Amy

Company: TheJewelryShop

State/Location: Florida

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

I love to take pieces and parts and see what I can make from them. I love jewelry of all kinds, so it's really fun to make my own. The best part is when the piece is finished and I can see the results - I don't always know where a design will end up when I start it.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?

I would spend time with my family, make jewelry, and go shopping at the thrift stores to see what goodies I could find. I love looking for vintage components. I also love to go to the beach, but to get all of that done it would have to be a very long day ;)

What are your favorite designs/creations?

My favorite creations are my pendants and my knotted necklaces.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

http://www.thejewelryshop.artfire.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

I always try to answer all questions promptly and keep in touch with my customers. I respond with a thank you email when I receive the order and notify them when their item ships. I know these things are important to me, so I try to give the type of service I would like to receive.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I just hope people like my pieces as much as I enjoy making them.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

If you want to sell your items online, don't get discouraged if the sales take time. Every new shop must build a following and as much time is usually spent in promoting your shop as in creating your items. People have to know you are out there before they can buy from you.