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!

Broken Hallelujah "You're the Star"

Name: Brandy aka Broken Hallelujah

Company: Broken Hallelujah Accessories

State/Location: TX

Featured Product: STAR BURST MARY JANE SLIPPERS

These slippers are made with a 100% acrylic yarn creating a pair of fashionable and warm slippers. They also feature a bright, yellow star decal on the toe of the slipper.Fits US women's shoe size 7-10. Washer and dryer safe, but hand washing and air drying is recommended for best results.

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

Crafter

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

I am mostly motivated by color and texture. I love experimenting with different color combinations or new textures of yarn.

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

I love to travel, take nature walks, go to the movies, and of course shop! If I had a day to do whatever I'd like I'd probably take a day-trip to a nearby park and just enjoy being outside - taking pictures, have a picnic, and just walk.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

I love making my mary jane slippers because I get to play with different color combinations. I do enjoy everything I make, though.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

Artfire - http://brokenhallelujah.artfire.com/

and Etsy - http://brokenhallelujah.etsy.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

I love doing custom orders on any of my items and all items ship the next business day after payment is received so items arrive quickly after they are ordered.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I simply craft because I enjoy doing it. I don't really dream of making it big or making a lot of money off of it. I just hope that people enjoy my items.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

Crafting takes a lot of work and dedication if you want to sell your work, but always make sure that you craft because you love it and not because you think it'll make you rich quick, etc. It probably won't, but if you love doing it, that won't matter.

"Garden of Talented Artist"

A posting dedicated to artisans/crafters who have found a niche in the handmade world. With their permission I will feature products from their webstore and contact info so you can avail yourself what other special items they have.

Andrea Wagner Company-Star of The Day

Featured Work:GREEN PEACOCK SCARF

Beautiful scarf made of green italian nylon and brown italian acrylic(eyelash)I knitted these two yarns together ; the fringes are ribbon yarn.Measurement are: Length: 66 inches. Width: 9 inches. Fringes: 9 inches.This scarf is so soft, light and warm. It can be used with a pair of jeans or with an elegant coat or jacquet.

The Star of the Day Name: Andrea Wagner

Company: Andrea Designs

State/Location: Texas

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

That I create for women to feel pamper and to look beautiful

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

Color, texture of the materials. In general, I see a yarn and I am visualizing in my mind what combination or product I can create

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

Sleep late, eat and watch tv

What are your favorite designs/creations?

All of them, at the time I design a product I must be happy with the end product

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

http://www.andreadesigns.artfire.com/

http://andreawagnerdesigns.etsy.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

I will work with my customer until she is happy with the product she bought from me.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I would like to dedicate 100% of my time to my craft, and to be recognized it for everybody.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

That we need to continue doing what we love to do, not only for a monetary remuneration; but because we feel good creating, and our creation is making another person happy.

Marilou: It has been a pleasure having you for this special interview.

Andrea: Thank you again,

Andrea Wagner AndreaDesigns.artfire.com

Beads by TLC "Star of the Day"

Name: Tricia’s Lampwork Creations

Location: Plymouth, MI

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?
Someone who puts her heart and soul into her work and gives her customers nothing but her “best!”

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

I love taking an idea and seeing it come to life. Not to mention hearing someone say as if pleasantly surprised, “You made that?”

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today? Making more glass beads, as long as I am in the groove, I truly love being in front of the flame.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

I love color and I love layers and depth. I also love the random flow of the color – somewhat organic in nature. Perhaps controlled chaos if you will?

Where can they see your crafts and designs?
http://www.beadsbytlc.artfire.com/
www.beadsbytlc.com

What’s the best customer service you can offer?
I am a very firm believer in customer service. I know your money was hard earned, your time is precious and every now and then you would like to feel special. Given that, I do my best to provide you with a beautiful piece of art that you feel like you got a deal on, I communicate with you to let you know what the status of your order is. I deliver as quickly as possible (often times for free), I package it beautifully so you feel like you are receiving a gift and to keep you coming back for more, I offer special discounts or coupons.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?
To grow in my art by experimenting and exploring new techniques and ideas so that I can bring the customer something fresh while at the same time fulfill my desire to create and develop as an artist.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?
Follow your heart, make what you love. I believe it shows in your work if you are passionate about your art. Also customer service, customer service, customer service – make them happy!

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.

Best of Artfire Artisans

For the month of March I will be starting to feature "Star of the Day" artist from Artfire. They will be my honored guest here in Honolulu.