The Talent Behind The Shop: Vickie of Glass River Jewelry

I had the opportunity to catch up with a very talented jewelry artist for an interview. Her name is Vickie, she is the talent behind the shop: Glass River Jewelry.

Here is how it went:

When I asked Vickie to share a bit about herself personally, and how she got into doing her bead work; she shared,

"I am a married Mom of 3 great boys. I am a Registered Nurse, but I decided ten years ago to leave nursing and stay home with my boys. I have been crafting on and off for 15 years; I started after the birth of my oldest son. I have dabbled in several different crafts, but- when I found beads, I fell in love."


Do you set hours to do your work, is it sporadic?

"I try to work with my beads everyday, but that plan does not always work out. It depends on my children's schedule."


What about your studio, (or creative space as I call mine...)? Where is it located?

"I have a studio, but right now I only take my photos there. I drive my husband crazy because I have all of my supplies in rolling carts that tend to create some clutter. They are great though, because I can roll them into another room- and the clutter is instantly out of sight! LOL"

Where can we find you Vickie?


"I have a shop on Etsy. GlassRiverJewelry.etsy.com"

Do you do custom work?

"I love to do custom work.  Right now, I am hunting
down the right beads for a custom bracelet."



Where do you find "balance issues"?

"One of my problems is balancing jewelry making time
and Twitter time!  I use Twitter to help promote my
business, but I also use it to meet great people."

I believe that I met you there!


One more question before we end- the interview
would not be complete without it:

Why should people buy handmade?

"I think everyone should buy handmade. 
Handmade items are so unique, and so much time
and attention goes into each one.  When you buy
handmade, you are capturing a moment in time
of another person.

Most handmade items are created by people who have a
passion for their art, and it is reflected in their
work. You will not find that passion in a mass
produced product."

Thank you Vickie for a couple minutes of your
precious time!

You can visit Vickie at:
www.GlassRiverJewelry.etsy.com

Please feel free to browse her work- and take some
home with you too!

The Talent Behind the Shop: Linda of "Just IceJewelry"!

I had the pleasure to interview a dear friend of mine: Linda- the creator and designer of all items at Just Ice Jewelry: from upcycled pieces of Chinese pottery, bridal jewelry and the latest in Swarovski Crystals!

Here is how it went:

I asked Linda to tell us a little about herself:when she started crafting, why she started, is she self taught- or did she receive training?

"I have been somewhat crafty most of my life, but never thought I’d be making jewelry like I have in my etsy shop. Boondoogle, floss bracelets and fimo beads were creations of my childhood. As a counselor at summer camp I taught Black & White photography, something I studied again in college. In my spare time I love to travel & have tons of pictures from my time in Northern Michigan, Wyoming & Colorado last summer. This summer I’m heading to Alaska & to Italy, France & Spain. The European trip is a trip with some of my students, in 2008 we went to Italy, Turkey and Greece. So many wonderful experiences in our travel & many gorgeous pictures!

I started making jewelry in 2005, it started with a stressful event at work. A friend had recently learned how to make earrings and I told her I had to learn! Soon she invited me over, introduced me to her tools and we began to make a few pair of earrings. A few weeks later, I decided I needed to “try” to make a bracelet. That was fun, so I made some necklaces too. Soon colleagues at work were wanting me to recreate what I was wearing & asking to buy things right off my neck! My necklace & bracelet making was self taught. It seems silly now, but then I did not even know what type of wire to use! I took a few classes to improve my technique and even took torch classes to make my own beads."


What else besides crafting do you like to do? Maybe something about your family, or something else of interest to you...

"I teach 9th grade social studies and have an after school bead club with my students. It’s fun to show them how to make jewelry, which they could give as gifts and maybe someday make a bit of money from their hobby. They are often surprised to hear that I have a business. Little do they know it’s my stress relief from teaching!"

What inspires you?

"This summer I hope to create a line of jewelry inspired by my travels. The blue waters of Mykonos, the orangey brown cliffs in Colorado, I see inspiration everywhere!"

What type of craft/art is your favorite?

"Making jewelry is my favorite craft because I can always finish something in less than an hour. I am a novice at knit and crochet. I love visiting my Great Aunt Pearl who gives me lessons in crochet, I love spending time with her hearing stories about our family. My mom joined a quilt guild 5 or 6 years ago. I never thought it would happen, but she has gotten me to help make a quilt and she has helped me make quilts. I’ve made bed size quilts for my boyfriend, his mom & my dear friend Rose Ann. I’ve made baby quilts for some of my close friends. Family is important to me, my mom and I talk about way more than quilting when we’re at her Bernina sewing machines."

What about your studio, (or creative space as I call mine...)? Where is it located?

"I have a dedicated studio, but my beads are everywhere. I often wonder what will happen when I have kids, my niece is 20 months old, when she comes over that is when I realize that my house is not child proof at all! This will have to change when little ones arrive."

Do you set hours to do your work, is it sporadic?

"No set hours, I work when I feel like it, sometimes it will be a few hours a night, other times it will be a few hours a week. In October I find myself in overdrive getting ready for the Holidays. There are a few craft shows I do every year, in June and July I’m usually pretty busy making inventory for the shows. My jewelry is in a gift shop and a museum here in Rochester, that has given me the opportunity to get more exposure and means I need to dedicate a certain amount of time to checking in and restocking as well as maintaining my inventory."

Where can we find you Linda?

My jewelry is online at www.justicejewelry.etsy.com and www.justicejewelry.net
In Rochester, you can find my jewelry at the George Eastman House Museum,
Makiki gift shop and Mario’s hair salon.

Do you do wholesale orders?

"I’d love to do wholesale."

Do you do custom work?

"I have created custom orders for bridal jewelry."

How did you come up with the name for your shop?

"My shop name is kind of a play on words. I love the movie How To Lose A Guy in Ten Days. When the guy hollers out the window “Women of NY, Frost yourselves” I found it hysterical. The ice part of my shop is a spin off of that, ice/bling seems similar to me, and if I called myself Just Frosting, people would think I was selling food (getting hungry just thinking about it!) Just Ice is simplistic, if people read it quickly they might think Justice, which is fine with the history teacher in me! And, that is how, Just Ice Jewelry was born."


How do you find business for your shop?

Friends, colleagues, people searching online, the repeat customers on Etsy and at craft shows really make me smile. I’ve had a few referrals from online shoppers, I also do home parties which are always fun. Having business cards with me & wearing my jewelry as much possible is great. If someone says the like what I’m wearing, I thank them and tell them I made it & I’ll give them my business card.
What makes your products great?

"I make unique jewelry and keep my prices affordable. My goal is to make quality jewelry that the every day gal can afford. In my shop you’ll find nothing over $40, almost everything is under $30. I work with brides to create jewelry they will love at a price they can afford. Many pieces in my collection are made from one of a kind upcycled Chinese Pottery Shards. These pieces are one of a kind and can’t be replaced, they are a piece of history and they really speak to me. If you have a friend who likes antiques or history, this is THE gift to give them. Guaranteed they don’t have it already and they’ll have a hard time just finding one in a typical store!"

Side note: I have a few pieces of Linda's jewelry- they are incredible! I also have more that I ordered on the way!

Can't let you go without answering this one:
Why do you think people should purchase handmade?

"I made a crochet baby blanket and some jewelry for a friends baby shower. Women at my table couldn't believe that someone my age (33) would be able to make something like that. I think a handmade gift says way more than something purchased at a big box store. A handmade gift is extra special, made from the heart, something that says you mean “THIS” much to me. I’m currently finishing up some jewelry for a co-worker’s wedding. The bridesmaids and flower girl are all set, I just have to finish her necklace, I’m really glad to do this for the bride to be, she is the kind of person who always does for others and expects nothing in return. She is very excited about her jewelry, I am excited to be part of her special day!"


Please contact Linda through her shop(s), blogs, etc.- (go shopping while you're there!)

www.justicejewelry.blogspot.com

www.r-nest.ning.com

www.rochesternewyorkstreetteam.blogspot.com

Follow her tweets at:
www.twitter.com/JustIceJewelry

Visit her online shops at:
online at www.justicejewelry.etsy.com and www.justicejewelry.net

I highly recommend Linda for unique and quality craftsmanship- the earrings that I purchased from her are defiantly my favorite! At the very least- stop by and check out her shop on your own!

Brought to you by Braggin Rights Bath (bath & body indulgences), and Braggin Rights Gift Shop a variety of "gift-type items": www.BragginRights.net

The OWOH Giveaway

Grab your ticket and Climb on board the magic carpet to share the journey with bloggers all over the world.

ONE WORLD ONE HEART was created by Lisa Swifka in 2007, as a way to bring bloggers from around the world together who may never have ordinarily met. Not only do we get to visit with new and wonderful people, but we even have a chance to win some prizes along the way.

It is an annual event. The purpose is to encourage people to visit other blogs and to make connections. Anyone with the One World, One Heart logo on their blog is taking part. If you'd like more information click on the One World One Heart logo on the sidebar.

Anyone can join in my giveaway. You don't need to have a blog, just make sure you leave an e-mail address for me to contact you.

The giveaway ends on Feb. 15Th at 12:00 CST and will close at that time. I will use the random # generator to draw my winner, just make sure you only enter one comment! Others will be disqualified.

To enter- simply leave a comment w/e-mail included!

***Please note: I must have a way to contact you- alot of people assume that their Blogger settings are displaying their e-mail- alot of them are not! In order to win, I need to be able to reach you- otherwise, I will draw another number!***

The prize I am offering is the "Bakery Assortment" by Braggin' Rights Bath. There will be 1 winner.

Contents to include:

3 "Hand Sandies" (Hand Salt Scrub Cookies):



2 Frosted Cookie Bath Bombs:



1 All Natural Chocolate Milk Bath:




& 1 All Natural Mocha Milk Bath:


Thank you for stopping by for the One World One Heart Event. I hope you had fun while you were here and I hope that once this event is over that you will come back and visit soon.

The Talent Behind The Shop: Mandy of "2 Sweet Things"

I had the awesome opportunity to interview Mandy of 2 Sweet Things- a shop that is full of some of the most cutest kid items I've ever seen, and you know how much I like cute!

Here is how it went:

When I asked Mandy about her "roots" in crafting, she responded,

"I was fortunate to have creative parents who really encouraged me and my sister to try anything and everything in the arts, so growing up I tried lots of musical things as well as any messy art project I could get my hands on. My mom sews, but other than 6th grade Home Ec. I never had any training. When I was pregnant with my daughter in 2008, a friend gave me her old Singer and I was inspired to make a few burp cloths for my daughter and I was hooked!"

"I am a stay-at-home mom to my two crazy-wonderful little ones, Remy, almost 4, and Halle, 1. They really are my inspiration, as I started creating things for them out of frustration of not finding funky and cute baby items available that were well-made and affordable."

What type of craft/art is your favorite? Are you a "I only do sewing, jewelry, etc. type of artisan" or do you do other things as well?)

"At this point, sewing is really my focus, but I dabble in a bit of everything. I love to knit and crochet as well as bake."

What about your studio, (or creative space as I call mine...)? Where is it located, (it's own room, in a "shared" room, all over the house... Do you like it, love it, want to change it?

"We actually just moved from Tennessee to Illinois, and I am setting up my creative space. I'm so excited about it because in Nashville we lived in a tiny apartment, and my 'studio' was my dining room table. So at every meal time it became a matter of shuffling my sewing machine and piles of fabric somewhere else. My new space is still filled with boxes, so I don't dare to post a picture yet (!), but I am so excited about the new space. It's about half of our living room/playroom, and has a long counter top with storage underneath and a table for laying out larger things. I finally feel like I have room to breath without the pressure to have everything stored away every time we want to eat!"

I just went through a similar situation through a move- it's great to finally be able to "spread your wings"!

Do you set hours to do your work, is it sporadic, only certain days...?

"I typically work when the "littles" are asleep in the afternoons or evenings."

How did you come up with the name for your shop?

"2 sweet things started out as the name of my blog, which was basically a brag book for me to post pictures of my kids (my 2 sweet things...) for their grandparents. It sort of took on a life of its own, and after discovering Etsy through another blog, I decided to just go for it. My shop is at http://2sweetthings.etsy.com . There are 2 B & M stores in the Nashville area that carry my pieces, in addition to my Etsy shop. Now that we live in Illinois, I would love to expand my line into some boutiques around here. Last year I did 2 craft shows and hope to do more of those this year. I also love, love, love to collaborate and do custom work!"

How do you find business for your shop? How do you do it online? How do you do it online?

Online I have made a lot of contacts through my blog (http://2sweetthings.blogspot.com) and through social networking like Facebook and twitter (I'm @2sweetthings, please look me up!). Offline I have found that it's most natural when I make connections through other friends who are moms. My kids are usually wearing things I make anyway, so it's an easy conversation starter!"

Mandy, what makes your products great?

"I really try to make products that are super cute and in great, bold fabrics, but that are also a great value. I think the most innovative thing is that I try to incorporate extended sizing into my pieces. When dressing my kids I became increasingly frustrated paying lots of money for trendy items, only to have them grow out of them in two weeks. So when designing pieces I really try to make them wearable for a longer time. For example, I have a style peasant dress that is a dress when the child is at the smaller end of the size, and then as she grows it becomes a tunic to wear over leggings and then a top. I also make lounge pants that have cuffs made to be worn up or down. I have a fabric obsession and try to choose mix vintage/upcycled fabrics with prints that are trendy but also easy to wear and coordinate with other items."

It appears as though you have put a great deal of thought into your designs, that is what makes you special in this business. I think that is important!

The question that I can't allow you to leave without answering....

Why should people buy handmade?

"Since I started blogging and selling I have really become aware of the handmade movement, and I totally believe in it... I love supporting other hand-crafters, especially knowing that many of these use sustainable supplies. I love supporting 'the little guy' and seeing the amazing things that other artists create!"

What a wonderful, talented gal!

I highly recommend that you stop by Mandy's shop- have a "look see" for yourself! Stop by her blog and say, "Hi!". Follow her tweets...

Blog: http://2sweetthings.blogspot.com

Shop: http://2sweetthings.etsy.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/2sweetthings

Thank you for taking the time to do this interview Mandy! Keep continuing to make us those cute, cute kid items!

If you have any additional questions for Mandy, or are interested in a custom order, please contact her through "contact" at her Etsy shop!

Brought to you by Braggin' Rights Gift Shop & Braggin' Rights Bath

"Keeping Warm for the Winter" My Picks!

Baby- it's cold outside!

With that in mind, we are going to check out some weather appropriate gear!

There was no lack of such in the handmade market places!

First stop: a shop called: "Felted", where I found this lovely Montana Sky cowl and winter white rose brooch


Fashionable and functional neck warmer!

Next stop took me to some hand warmin' beauties:
Brown Leaf Mohair Wool Mountain Girl Recycled Sweater Fingerless Artist Gloves/Handwarmers


Gorgeous, huh? They are available at Mountain Girl Clothing's shop
And- at the time that I wrote this post: they were on special at: only $12/pr.! I can't guarantee that when you go to purchase them that they will be at that price- I'm not sure how long the sale will last... But that's a great deal!

Third stop: Itty Bitty Couture where I found...
This is absolutely adorable! A Newborn Infant Soft and Squishy Cocoon Pod


Too cute, isn't it?

Then, on to some wonderful diva dog apparel, of course... Check out this V Stitch Yorkie or Chihuahua Sweater in Country Roses


I just love it! You can get your's at IM Paws' shop, by clicking here!

A wonderful find, was this Blue Aran Fisherman's Sweater


Excellent sweater for him! It's available at Outer Knits Simply click the link or picture to get there!

An excellent combo for keeping warm, was this beautiful KNITTED HAT AND SCARF SET IN MOCHA/CAPPUCCINO AND CREAM

They are available at Two Artisan Sisters. You can find one for yourself, just click on the picture! You may also want to check out the rest of their shop, just click here!

And, last, but not least...
Another one for Fido. I know, I can't help myself! I ran across this Premium Fleece Dog Sweater Polar Bears on Pink


Two pieces for your four-legged friend too! I found it at Spoiled Bratzwear
Go on over, and check out the wonderful selection they have!

Everything here is available by clicking on the shop's links- or the pictures...
Stop by, and support handmade!

Brought to you by Braggin' Rights Bath & Braggin' Rights Gift Shop

The Talent Behind the Shop: Gabrielle of "Gab's Bags"!

I had the pleasure of interviewing the lovely Gabrielle: owner/designer of all items in "Gab's Bags". Please take a moment to get to know this wonderful lady.
Tell us a little about yourself, Gabrielle: when did you start crafting, why did you start? Are you self taught- or did you receive training?

She responded:
"My foray into the "craft world" dates back some years to 1970-something when I was about 10 years old."

"Now remember this was a different world then and we thought nothing of going door to door. My girlfriend Ingrid and I decided to make tissue paper flowers, attach them to pipe cleaners and sell them, you guessed it, door to door. I suppose that answers both the crafting and entrepreneurship questions!"

"I was schooled in theater and design & merchandising; and worked in retail for a back-breaking 20 years. It taught me all about great fabrics and great style. While working in some of the finest department stores such as Bloomingdales and I. Magnin, I learned about construction and workmanship. I learned how to spend my entire paycheck on just 1 item."

"I worked as a buyer for Bloomingdales and manager of the Cosmetics, Shoe, and Handbags/Small Leather Goods departments. I would say, I "grew up" in retail. I got to meet some of the coolest designers such as Oscar De La Renta, Perry Ellis, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. I also got to go to ultra cool parties in New York. Yeah, there were some fun times during those 20 years."

"I became a handbag maniac during that time and that passion has never waned."


What else besides crafting do you like to do?

"We are an avid tennis playing family. We, well mostly me, are movie buffs. Then again you could not be a member of my family if you couldn't go 10 rounds of Silver Screen Trivial pursuit without breaking a sweat! We have recently moved to Austin and are having a great time exploring and discovering what an awesome city we live in. We try to do our utmost when it comes to "keeping Austin weird"."

"My 12 year old son has discovered his "rocker" within and has already performed in two venues with his band. At his age I was perfecting my English accent while singing "I Could Have Danced All Night"."

"I love to poke around the high-end department stores to fondle the handbags and to get some ideas that I can tuck away for the future. Not too far in the future because as we all know, trends change in the blink of an eye."

What type of craft/art is your favorite? Do you do other things as well?

"I used to have a gift basket business which re-lit my sewing fire. I made christening gowns, crib toys, bibs and alot of other insanely detailed items. One of my craziest requests from a celebrity/golf fanatic was to paint the baby's monogram on the top of a golf tee. Yep, I did it. That basket cost $1000 retail for the studio that bought it. Those were the days. I was always experimenting with different fibers and textures and pushing the limits of my comfort zone in order to be able to offer a variety of goodies."

"I also made ornaments to go in the baskets. These were made with cloves and cranberries and cinnamon. They always smelled so divine!"

"The handbag designing began about two years ago when I saw a bag that was by Chanel and needless to say supremely overpriced and that to myself, you know what's coming don't you…I can make that. Well after three weeks of ripping out stitches, redoing of seams and some not so lady-like words spilling from my lips, my first bag was born. The good news is I still use it and it is still in one piece. You can see a picture of both bags on my blog: http://www.apassionforbags.com


"I have started to make some fiber pieces and some jewelry as well as getting into some items for the guys, like: pocket squares which are reversible. I call these pieces GabsBagsForGuys."


"If I had to categorize myself I would say that I am a student of design and production. I am always learning and reaching in order to create new things that challenge me as an "artisan". I love doing what I do. It gives me a chance to express both my serious and goofy sides. It is something to call my own, for better or for worse."

What inspires you?

"I am inspired by my son's sense of wonder and passion for music. He is an artist, my older son is an artist and I have been told that I am an artist but I don't think I deserve that label. I love working with beautiful fabrics and textures and I think I have an eye for colors, but I don't think my pieces will ever hang in the Louvre."

Do you set hours to do your work, is it sporadic, only certain days, only on a full moon? LOL

"When the moon is full I tend to have the urge to create things with fur, hmm… I have no set hours. Sometimes I can go for hours, sewing with no breaks and other days I walk past my machine hoping it doesn't see me and say, "Hey, remember me? Where have you been lately, my parts are getting dusty."


"There are those days when the left side of my brain just cannot churn out a single creative thought or idea. So on those days, I pay bills or do something else unpleasant."

Do you have a studio? Where do you work?

"Again, on my blog, I take my followers on a tour of my "studio"-I can't say that without getting just a wee bit hysterical!"

"I am in three spaces now and don't know where anything is. But having moved 30 times during my life, not knowing where things are is kind of a part of my fiber."

"Of course it is a dream to have a space, just for me and my bags. A nice little place, say designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, to call my own studio."

What makes your products great?

"I try to appeal to people who have style, like chic things but are a slave to labels. I don't see a lot of what I make on every arm at the mall and that's the way I like it. I try to use current patterns and textures and shapes that fit any one's wardrobe without having to put off making that car payment, or two in order to have them."

"Sometimes I just start cutting to see where it goes. I recently listed a leafy clutch, which, I think is so cool. That was made without a pattern and just the idea that I wanted a maple leaf shaped bag with some flowers on it. Now whether people like it, well, I can't say for sure."


"I have been told that my bags are beautiful and great and lovely. Who doesn't love to hear that."

"But when they are actually carrying it and using it and they say those same things, then I know I have created something I can truly be proud of."

"When you buy something that is made with love and pride, you can almost feel it. I love knowing I am not mass produced and honestly I don't think I would ever want to be. To be mass produced is to lose that sense of uniqueness which sparked my imagination and desire to design in the first place."

Where can we find you, Gabrielle?

Websites:
http://gabsbags.artfire.com
http://gabsbags.etsy.com
http://cafehandmade.com/index.php/category/virtual-craft-show/ 
(At this show you can vote for me as a best in show shop)

I have a spot on:
http://thegiftshophandmade.com/thegiftshop.html

My blog:
http://apassionforbags.com

Do you do custom work?

"I love to do custom work. I love weird requests and commissions.
They keep me going when things are
otherwise S L O W."

Now for the question I must ask everyone: Why do you think people
should purchase handmade?
"When I buy something that is handmade I feel doubly fortunate in
that I am not only getting something wonderful but I am getting
something that lived in someone's home and was stored in special
places until its time to be created. I love wondering if,
by chance that the piece I have was not like the first one made or
the last one made. I also revel in the tiny imperfections that are
inherent in natural materials and human nature."

"When you hear the compelling stories of our artisans, their
difficulties, illnesses and
challenges it makes the piece you buy even more remarkable. I have
met a super lady
who is blind in one eye and has limited sight in the other yet she
creates these lovely
pieces of jewelry because she loves her work, her art; and we are
the lucky
beneficiaries of that love."

"I had stated in a recent post, when asked about buying handmade,
I said something to this affect - "Sometimes
the pendulum of a society has to swing all the way in one direction
before it can begin to return to a time and
place that is more comfortable and, yes simpler."

"With all of the technology at our fingertips I feel we begin to
lose the appreciation for
things that take time to create AND are worth waiting for.
Supporting the handmade
community reconnects us with that appreciation and understanding
that in the
waiting lies the anticipation and the excitement."

Gabrielle, I thank you for taking the time out top do this interview- and wish you the absolute best, in all of your future endeavors. Please visit "Gab's Bags"! Simply click here.

Brought to you by Braggin' Rights Bath, & Braggin' Rights Gift Shop!

The Talent Behind the Shop: Valerie of "Mommy Tyme"!

I find Valerie interesting... As I was downloading the pics she gave me, etc.- it came across my mind: she's a : "jack of all trades"... I can relate: I felt a connection.

So, Valerie; how did this all begin for you?

I have always been working with my hands in one way or another. I started with plastic canvas making Kleenex boxes when I was in grade school, then my grandmother taught me to crochet and embroidery. From there on when other kids were buying candy or video games with their allowances, I was buying patterns, thread and yarn.

I see you have an added bath line- what prompted that?

A year ago I received a handmade lavender soap for a present and I was amazed at the difference in the quality, fragrance, lather, and way it made my skin feel- and I thought, “wow! I want to make these!”. So I scoured E-bay for molds, Etsy for oils and decorative additives, and Half.com for every book I could find on essential oils, soap making, bath and body, etc. That was it… A little at a time I increased my tools and molds until I had enough to make a sufficient quantity to sell. Then I became more and more obsessed with the ingredients and studying every aspect of the processes. I found some great suppliers for organic cocoa butter, lanolins, organic African butters, mango butters and my favorite- Kokum butter. I also started working with a woman I met on Etsy (the Organic Witch) who helped with essential oils (organic, of course) and the carrier oils. Now I am pretty happy with the collection of fragrances and products that I create for my bath line.


What crafts interest you?

Bath and Body products, I crochet every pattern I can get my hands on (I am just now taking a stab at writing my own patterns), jewelry (I love crochet wire!), scrapbooking and card making, etc. I am constantly looking at things and wondering ”Hmmm… can I do that? How do they do that?”

Do you set hours to do your work? Is it sporadic, or only certain days?

My life is chaos. I actually get up at 4 am every day to check my web stores, do some promoting, emails, packaging, mailings, etc.

I work full time (and some..) as a Nursing Home Administrator for adults with developmental disabilities – I have about a 45 minute commute time to and from work each day.

I also have a 4 year old son who has to get up and ready for day care everyday.

I go to school Full time working towards my Masters in Child and Adolescent Psychology- so when I get home from work I usually study for a while, then I am itching to get my crochet hook in hand!

I devote my weekends to my bath and body creations and jewelry making- These are projects I can't focus on if my son is awake or up running around. He demands my attention, and unfortunately there is nothing worse than a scorched pan of shea butter!

So, I look forward all week to my Saturday “Mommy Tyme” which is crafting for me! That is actually how the name of my shop came to be… I would tell my husband and son that Saturdays is Mommy’s special time to herself and he eventually started asking…”Are you going to have Mommy Tyme now?”

You are certainly one busy woman!

What about your studio, (or creative space as I call mine...)? Where is it located, (it's own room, in a "shared" room, all over the house...?

I am actually doing a blog right now about organizing your craft space. My new Years resolution was to create a functional and creative space that I could really work in. Prior to that I had a jumble of totes scattered in a room, but no real method to my madness. Now I have managed to organize and structure a 12X9 area into a room that serves as a craft space, study space, my clothing closet/shoe storage, and home office. You can see the blog and progress at http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com


Do you do any selling offline?

I have done some consignment and I do enjoy that. I also do all the local summer farmers markets, festivals, etc. This was my first year really pursuing this as a business, so I am learning as I go. I really enjoyed selling at flea markets this year- I thought all the different types of products, people, etc were so much fun! I think I spent all my profits, though!
How do you find business for your shop?

I hand out business cards everywhere, I give away baskets and bags of freebies all the time to my husbands place of work, my place of work, my kids school, the lady at McDonald’s drive through, etc. I just hand out samples wherever I can!



I also belong to some fantastic Ning networks like On Fire for Handmade, Handmade Cottage, Artisan Jewelry Designers, Fuzz Hub, Café Handmade, etc. These sites have helped me meet new people, find new selling venues, advertise, etc.

I enter every contest I can find.

I also promote on my blogs and website:
http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com
http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com
http://www.mommytyme.org

What makes your products great?

Wow! There are so many great artisans out there, so the competition is tough.

But, I think my products are special because I really truly take my time with them. I am not in a rush for quantity, but focusing on quality.

I want someone who wears my jewelry, my scarves, or uses my perfume or soap to feel truly special and one of a kind. I want them to look forward to using this product.

I try to add the quality ingredients that you may not get in a store bought product like Goats milk, organic butters, true essential oils, wonderful ingredients like Apricot Kernel Oil, etc. I also try to make some unique blends that help you stand out from the crowd- like Orange Blossom and Mango shampoo, or the new Sandalwood and Pine butter bath bar.

My crochet items I try to make fun and original. I love creating funky new neckwarmers, fingerless gloves, shawls, caplets, scarves- I try to make them something different and unique. I have a new scarf just listed, for example, that has detachable flower embellishments with big trendy buttons. It started as a custom order and just grew into a fun piece that I thought I should expand on. A lot of my projects start out like that- I think I am going to make bath salts, then I think “what can make this even better? Even more original?” and I just keep adding and changing the recipe until I get a product I am proud to put my name on.

You know I end every interview with that all important question: Why should people buy handmade?

I think it is imperative that we all support the arts, as they are dwindling and becoming relics of the past. I would hate to think that the only things my child can enjoy are mass produced with harsh chemicals, petroleums and built by exploited children in under developed countries. I believe in helping our neighbors across the borders, but not by moving our companies there. Rather, increase the appreciation and market for beautifully detailed handmade and artisan products that can be made here and abroad- this is the way to bring economic assistance and appreciation to the skills and lives of people in foreign lands.

Simultaneously, I think Americans focus on the quantity and quick availability instead of craftsmanship. These are talents and skills that are falling to the wayside. An appreciation for the arts and handmade is an investment in the future.

I think that it is an investment in imagination, creativity and beauty when we look to handmade and artistic version of products we are likely going to purchase anyway, and this is a means for the producers of these items to sustain a living and provide for themselves and their family.

Thank you for that wonderful "glimpse" into your hectic life! Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to do this interview! Valerie will be having some special items in her shop, just in time for Valentine's Day: A Sweet Pea set, Valentines gift bags, "Honey of a Deal": (Honey Almond lotion and butter bath bar).

Be on the look out for those! You can find Mommy Tyme online at:

http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com
http://www.zibbet.com/MommyTyme
http://fuzzb.com/MommyTyme
http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com
http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com

Be sure to pay her a visit, and if you have any additional questions for her- you may contact her through one of her shops or blogs!

Brought to you by Braggin' Rights Gift Shop: www.BragginRights.net and Braggin' Rights Bath's Artfire Studio!