Lillies "Star of the Day"

Name: Kim /lillies2009

Company: Lillies

State/Location: Swindon, Wiltshire, UK

Featured Product: SPRING FEST COLLECTION 1

Description: This is a stunning necklace, with matching bracelet and earrings, with beautiful spring colours! The Necklace is made from gorgeous green freshwater pearls, AB grade rose quartz, AA Grade cherry quartz and white jade. Finished with four beautiful purple filmo clay flowers, and sterling silver beads. The Bracelet, with matching colour scheme of the necklace, is made from AA grade cherry quartz, Green freshwater pearls and two beautiful purple filmo clay flowers, The earrings are matching purple filmo clay flowers. S shape 925 sterling silver clasps on both the necklace and bracelet.

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

I think for me, i would like to be known artisan, for making pretty good quality products that will last.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

I have many motives, but originally. like so many artisans it started out as a hobby. With three children, i felt i needed an outlet that was for me alone, plus, it halped me regain some sanity!I love creating pretty and differnt things, that, now is my main motive.

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

I would leave the kids with my husband, lock myself in a room, with a coffee maker, kettle, milk, teabags and cup and i would experiment with beads, threads and silver until my heart is content and i feel relaxed enough to face the world!I forgot to say, i would HAVE to have some music!

What are your favorite designs/creations?

My favourite designs of my own, are the spring fest collection, with these i just started and let my mind and hands create.There are so many designs and creations made by very talented people that i love. A silver jewellery maker, barbara parker, who taught me in silver art clay makes some gorgeous items.With this question the list could go on, but poeple are free to contact me if they want to know more.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

You can find my items at either

www.lillies.artfire.com

www.lillies.etsy.com

which at present holds several more items than my artfire shop.

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

I promise to sort out any problems to the cutomers satisfaction, if they are unhappy with the product, once received, I will offer a substitute, or refund on receiving the returned item. I always try to be polite, and listen to my customers needs. On custom orders, i will quote, the customer before an order is placed, and keep in regular contact with the customer.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I hope that, at some point there will be peolpe around the world wearing something I have designed and created. My desires are to be successful and retain good customer satisfaction, to the best of my abilities.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

It can be very hard and very slow going, but if you believe that you have a talent use it, be consistant and never give up!

Many thankskim / lillies

Hdawnparrat

Name: Heather

Company: Heather's Handmade Cards

Location: Alberta,Canada

Featured Work: HAPPY MOTHER''S DAY BIRD CARD

Description: Here is a very pretty mother's day card. Pretty springlike and bright colors. This card is blank inside but if you would like something stamped on the inside let me know with note to seller with payment. Thanks for looking. Comes with a white envelope

What would you like to be known or recognize as a crafter/artisan?
I would like to be known as a scrapbooker/paper crafter.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

I get motivated mostly to make handmade greeting cards. I was a avid scrapbooker who loved to scrapbookin my wedding,pets,family. When I ran out of pictures to scrapbook, I turned to card making and was instantly addicted. I enjoy the feedback I get from the people who purchase my cards or those who receive them.

Given today as a day you can do whatever you like, how would you spend today?
Usually when I'm not working I can be found in my scrapbooking room making a greeting card for a family member or my online shop, or an order I have received. That is my most favorite thing to do.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

My favorite designs or creations are basic greeting cards. I also make paper bag albums but find them so time consuming that to do them I really have to be in the right mood. Cards I just find come more naturally to me and if my cards can make someone smile it pushes me on to continue to make them.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

I have two online shops. One is on artfire, and the other shop is on etsy. I joined etsy in march of 2008 and loved it so much it prompted me to open another shop on artfire. I also have a blog where I write about my projects and enjoy the comments and feedback I get there as well.

www.hdawnparratt.etsy.com

www.hdawnparratt.artfire.com

www.heather-cardcreations.blogspot.com

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

The best customer service I can offer is putting smiles on the faces of people who receive my cards and projects. I love what I do very much and strive to make sure every sale is a happy one. So far I have had only postive feedback and hope it will only continue to flourish and grow.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

My hopes and desires are simple, to have people enjoy my cards, and if they are happy to have them return to my shop again and again. I hope as time grows my shops grow and my client list grows. Making people happy makes me happy, I hope I can continue to do this for a long time to come :)

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

If I had to share a message to other crafters / artisans I would say just have fun and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Some artists do better then others with sales, there are lots of trials and errors, if you have fun with it and enjoy what you do to me that is the best gift you could give yourself. hdawnparratt@hotmail.comhttp://www.hdawnparratt.etsy.com/http://www.hdawnparratt.artfire.com/http://www.heather-cardcreations.blogspot.com/

Kraftouch: I would like to ask permission to use a photo of your work.

Hdawnparratt: I would be more than happy for you to use any pictures of my work for your feature, which ever card or project you choose is ok with me :) Thanks again so much. It is really appreciated :)

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

I'm Not Spoiled Designs " Star of the Day"

Name: Rochelle

Company: I'm Not spoiled Designs

State:Nevada

Featured Product: ASIAN INFLUENCE INFANT/TODDLER FITTED HAT

Product description:This hat was definately created for the child with style, it is the perfect all weather hat. made with designer 100% cotton fabric,lined with interfacing.Seams are seged for a finished look.These fitted hats are made to order for infants - toddler head size up to 20 inches (when measuring your childs head make sure to give an inch or two allowance for comfort)

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

I know some consider "crafter" a bad word, but I completely consider myself a crafter. I love to work with many different mediums, I love to be versitle with my creativity.

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

My child completely inspires my crafting, I don't think that I would enjoy making accessories for kids as much if I did not have her spunky attitude around. I am also motivated by my craft studio (since I can see the floor now) I love color and all of the fabrics in my studio keep me creating.

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

It is such a nice day out today, I will Take my daughter out to ride her bike, and then crafting .... it is not a full day with out some kind of craft. BUT...if I could I would love to take my daughter to the beach in California...and heck,since we are doing whatever we want, why not a trip to Disneyland.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

My favorite creations, are the ones that I have to wok to and re-work until I get a finished product I like. The canvas frames I now LOVE to make have had many "practice" runs.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

you can find my crafts @

my website

http://www.imnotspoileddesigns.com/

http://www.imnotspoileddesigns.artfire.com/

my ETSY site

http://www.imnotspoileddesigns.etsy.com/

I also post pictures of work in progress on my blog http://confessionsofasincitycraftaddict.blogspot.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer?

Always give people more than they expect, it does not have to be something big, a thank you tag in the package, a coupon for the next purchase. Customer service does not end when the package is sent. It means a lot to take that extra step, I bought something on ETSY once and the seller e-mailed me after I got the package to thank me for the puchase. It really made an impression.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I really want to own a shop one day to sell my crafts, I love doing craft shows,but a permanent location would be ideal. it is a lot of working setting up and tearing down show displays.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

Keep it fresh and new! I really try to change up my inventory every year, it does not have to be anything big, just a new twist on something you already do. I love making stacking (shelf sitter) blocks,but I change my tecnique every year, so the people who bought them last year will still want to buy the same thing this year with the new twist.

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

Imnotspoiled: Yes, definitely

Tropical Crush "Star of the Day"

Name: Leslee Giovale
Company: Tropical Crush
State: Kailua, Hawaii

Featured Product: ELEGANT TAPESTRY BAG

Description: This bag is a great size for everyday.Holds all you need, a magazine fits inside with plenty of room for all of your other goodies.It is fully lined with one inside pocket.Made with high quality tapestry recycled from scrap fabric.

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

Fun, up-lifting, fresh and colorful bags, jewelry and pottery. Most people remember me for the colors I use, I love color!

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting?

All of the fantastic colorful parts of nature that surround me. I am lucky enough to live in Hawaii and have an amazing view of the mountains on one side and Kailua beach on the other. I am able to work at home and do what I love full time so I stay creative most of the time. As long as I can do different things, I stay inspired and not get bored.

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

Anything?! O.K. I would go sky diving on the north shore early in the morning, horseback riding from the mountains to the beach in the afternoon and then to the spa for a 2 hour massage, haircut, mani/pedi and finally down to a torch lit beach for a fresh seafood dinner with a few friends.

What are your favorite designs/creations?

Oh my! I have such a diverse appreciation of what the human mind can create. I guess I like things that are colorful, fun and joyful while being natural. Pottery has always been a love of mine since I was very young.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

Hawaii State Art Museum, Nohea Galleries in Kailua, Waikiki and Ward, Pacific Gateway Center downtown Honolulu and on

http://www.tropicalcrush.artfire.com/

www.tropicalcrush.com

http://www.shophandmade.com/Store/Tropicalcrush
http://en.dawanda.com/shop/tropicalcrush
http://www.artistful.com/leslee6_gallery
http://en.dawanda.com/shop/KawaiiKawaii


What’s the best customer service you can offer?
I take custom orders for bags and jewelry, ship items that are packaged well, I also gift wrap for free for anyone interested.

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?
I would love to be able to continue in the business for the rest of my life, I will never stop creating things.

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?
Never let anyone tell you can't do anything! Always give your very best and you will never regret it.
Many artists are discouraged from creative lives by others, it is very sad to know what you love and are great at went by the wayside.

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

Tropicalcrush: Sure!

Artwork by KD "Star of the Day"

Name: Kathy DellaValle

Company: Artwork by KD

State: Pennsylvania

Featured Product: RECYCLED BEER CAN EARRINGS

Description: Ultra-FunKy earrings hand-cut out of recycled aluminum beer cans!Feather light.Not sharp.Hand made sterling silver filled ear wire!

***Made to order, your earrings will be similar to this pair.

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

Artisan

What motivates or inspire you to do crafting? -

Color, texture and shapes are big inspirations to me. Another inspiration is trying to reuse containers/bottles to save them from getting the heave-ho!

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

I would be at my desk making tons of new, funky pieces out of recycled materials and also I would be overwhelmed with orders :-) (First part is a typical day)

What are your favorite designs/creations? -

Anything with rich, bold color. Simple designs/shapes go a long way with a pop of color.

Where can they see your crafts and designs?

http://www.artworkbykd.etsy.com/ -

http://www.artworkbykd.artfire.com/ -

http://www.kevinandkathy.com/ -

http://artworkbykd.blogspot.com/

What’s the best customer service you can offer? -

Fast, friendly responses, fast shipping, fun to receive and open (handmade) packaging, an original, beautiful handmade product, coupons for the future, affordable prices, helping to reduce waste with every purchase...am I missing anything?

What’s your hopes and desire for your crafting?

I hope to develop a great customer base and have lots and lots of steady sales/orders. I'd also like to be at many stores all over the country and world! I'm also a musician (http://www.kevinandkathy.com/), so I'd also like for my music business to grow along with my art!

Can you share a message to fellow crafters/artisans?

The 3 'P's you need to have every single day: Persistence! Patience! And Passion! Don't wait for sales and customers to find you, go out and find them! Love your work, wear your products, give them out as gifts/promos, always carry business cards, etc. Do lots of arts/crafts shows around your area and take advantage of all the free online promoting. And ask questions! Ask other successful business people about what they do and how they do it.

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

KD: Absolutely!

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 ;)