The Talent Behind the Shop: "Passion For Beads"!

My interview today is with Sally, from the lovely shop: "Passion for Beads". To start the interview, I asked Sally a bit about her background. I learned alot about her that I didn't know! Her is what she had to say:

"My name is Sally and I am originally from Hong Kong, and I have lived in Canada since 2001. I am a stay at home mom with two gorgeous boys: 7 and 4 years old!"

"I have been beading for about 7 years. When I first started beading, I was doing it for fun. One day a friend of mine asked me to make her a choker and a pair of matching earrings. I started having orders for bracelets, chokers, necklaces and earrings thereafter. My journey of crystal jewelry business was also officially started and Passion For Beads is my very first online shop which was established in March 2009."


"My inspiration and ideas mainly come from craft books. I read a lot of craft books on beading to get ideas. Once a find a pattern that I like, I start working with the beads. To create a piece of work can be just a few hours or it can be days! Sometimes it is hard, but I enjoy the whole process. Other sources of inspiration are from those promotional flyers from local jewelry shops, inputs from my customers and other artists."

"My favorite material is of course BEADS! To be specific, I really enjoy working with Swarovski crystal beads because they are so beautiful and sparkly. Besides beading, I also enjoy crocheting, cross stitching and paper quilling."

I asked Sally about her "studio", where do you do your work?

"My studio was first located in the kitchen, now is in the living room and hopefully one day I will have my very own studio in the basement."


Do you set hours to do your work?

"No, I don’t set hours to do my work. I do it when I have time and when the ideas come!"

Where can we find "Passion for Beads"?

"I have two online shops:

http://PassionForBeads.artfire.com

http://madeifmyself.com/user/passionforbeads.aspx

(I do custom work too!)."

"You can also find me on:

My Facebook fan page:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/PassionForBeads/102601197463

and Twitter:

http://twitter.com/PassionForBeads

Why should someone buy from you?
"My products speak for themselves. They are beautiful, shine, unique and durable. They can be worn daily and in special occasions."

Sally told me that she is really excited about the upcoming holidays. She also informed me that she is having a "Pick Your Own Sale" in her shops. Please visit her shop for details.

Do you have a blog? What type of things do you blog about?
I do have a blog. I intended to blog everything that happens in my daily life. Please stop by and take a look: http://passionforbeads.blogspot.com."

"If you have a blog or website and would like to exchange banners and/or 1 x 1 rapid cart codes with me, please feel free to contact me."

The question that is widely known... Why do you think people should purchase handmade?
"Handmade products are unique and they are not mass produced! Each piece of work was made with love and care by the artists/designers and that is good enough to make handmade products so precious and special. I believe that everybody wants something different from everybody else!"

Thanks for taking the time for me to conduct this interview, and share some information with others about the gal behind the shop- who makes gorgeous jewelry! Once again, you can stop by and check out Sally's shops at:

http://PassionForBeads.artfire.com and http://madeifmyself.com/user/passionforbeads.aspx

(Simply click on the links to get there!) Don't forget: she has a sale going on for a limited time only!

The Talent Behind the Shop: Annabelle of "Handmade Baskets By Annabelle"!

I had the wonderful opportunity to interview Annabelle, of "Handmade Baskets By Annabelle".

I was surprised when she told me of her beginnings... I thought she had done this all her life!


"Until I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and had to quit work, I didn’t know I had a creative bone in my body. I love to make rag baskets and sell them on ETSY now. After making them for a while, I wanted to learn how to crochet, so I took a class. Now I sell my crochet items on ETSY too. I make crochet washcloths that are disguised as lollipops, cupcakes, and candy."


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...) ?

"Studio, what studio?! (LOL)"

What type of materials are your favorite to work with? Are you a "I only do sewing, jewelry, etc. type of artisan" or do you do other things as well?)

"For some reason, I am addicted to fabric. That’s probably what attracted me to making rag baskets. "



Do you set hours to do your work?

My craft work is sporadic because of my illness. When I feel well, I’ll take some time to make a basket or crochet for a while.

Where can we find your shop?

http://www.HandmadeByAnnabelle.ETSY.com


Annabelle also loves doing custom work.

Where else can we find you?

"I use Twitter(http://www.Twitter.com/HandmadeByAnnab,
I have a blog: http://www.HandmadeByAnnabelle.Blogspot.com,
& I use Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Handmade-Baskets-By-Annabelle/128313934607

From time to time, I’ll add something to CraftJuice or CraftStylish."

What makes your products great?

"Because I make my baskets as a hobby, I put everything I have into each and every basket. If it’s not perfect, it won’t go out."


The "question of the day"...

"Why should people buy handmade, Annabelle?"

"Handmade is so much better than mass produced items."

Cute, Cute Things!!!!

Okay- "Look What I've Found" ended up on a "cute streak" this time...
I couldn't help myself!

However, before I show you my "finds", I would like to share with you something that made me feel soooo good. It reminds me of why I write this blog in the first place: to connect shoppers with handmade artisans, to expose those who may have never been found... This touched my heart:

I received an e-mail, it read,

"Dear Tracy,

I just wanted to let you know that I sold my pumpkin earrings that you had featured in your Halloween showcase and even got an order to make another pair and sold that. I have 1 more pair to list today or tomorrow on shophandmade.com. I really would like to Thank you for advertising them. Sales have not been what I hoped. I really believe that you helped me sell them. Thanks again for all that you do!"

Awwww......

Anyway, I am sharing CUTE with you today! I found some really cute things- I believe you wont be able to not say, "Awwwww..." also! Here's what I have:

When I swung by Crochet Corner's "Shop Handmade" store
I came across the most adorable "baby bundler"! It's a giraffe cocoon!

Can you believe it?!? Now how cute is that? You can visit her shop by clicking here, or go directly to the cocoon by clicking here...

So, I got stuck in the "cute mode", and found a dog accessory that ranked high on the "adorability" factor! Check out this "Foggy Morning" Scarf for Dogs!


How classy is that pooch? What a find! Check out Tail of Two Cities's Etsy shop
by clicking here, or go directly to the scarf by clicking here.

On I went, sifting through so many cutsie creations! Next stop: Designs By Tami's ArtFire Studio - which you can get to by clicking here. I found these Santa Sheep bamboo knitting needles :


Awwww! I just thought these had a bunch of "cute-ability"... Get yours by clicking here!

Continuing my travels, I was fortunate enough to find these Little Pink Deer Gingham Shoes


I love these! I was wondering if they came in a size 7 1/2, adult... Seriously though, they would grace a little girl's pair of tootsies so fashionably! Adorable, definitely. Visit Em and Sprout's Etsy shop
by clicking here, or go directly to the "little deers" for your "little dear" by clicking here.

Moving right along...

I love rag dolls, and I thought these "pint size wonders" were cute, cute, cute! You can get them in sets of 5, 10, even 20! Great little stocking stuffers! I found them at Art by Jean's Zibbet Shop which you can get to by simply clicking here.

Aren't they great? Too cuddly! Simply click here if you'd like to go directly to the dolls (set of 5)!

I could go on all day with all of the cute things I truly found... Though everything has to come to an end.

My last stop for the day had me at Charbridge Knits' ArtFire Studio
Feel free to stop by yourself- just click here! There were soooo many absolutely adorable hats to choose from, truly! Check out this one:



I know, I bet I got you to say "Awwww..." again, huh?!?
You know you want one! Just click here to get it!

Please feel free to go shopping now! :-)

Why Should YOU Buy Handmade For Holiday Gifts This Year?

Artisan Voices: Why Buy Handmade?

I asked a few artisans what their take was on handmade. Why do we recommend handmade purchases for your holiday gift giving; not to mention year round, & in general.

I created this blog because I do believe in the purchase and selling of handmade products, wholeheartedly. Yes, we will be having, for the most part- a handmade Christmas!

My intent is to connect the artisan with the general public. As well as showing those out there (that are unaware), the importance, and value of buying handmade products.

Alot of people don't know how great the quality is! They feel as though they may be getting something "substandard" because they didn't purchase from a mall or department store. Believe me- I can tell you first hand, I sell quality handmade products, (I put alot into them- I know my name stands behind that product, and reflects upon my character.

Tracy of Braggin' Rights Gift Shop: http://BragginRights.net

I also know that I want you to be pleased with your purchase, because to me- it IS personal. (I feel confident offering my customers guaranteed satisfaction!), & because, I purchase handmade myself- and I have received amazing work!

I can get just about anything, with attention to detail, at an affordable cost, and can communicate with the seller- rather than a recorded phone message, if need be. When communicating with the seller- I have found, THEY CARE! Unlike a large corporation- they do care how you feel about your purchase.

Support your small businesses & their handmade products- most will "bend over backwards" for you! The creations are anything but substandard!

Here are some of the responses I have received to answer your question, you will be surprised at the reasons; my goal is that you are convinced.

Kim of VaBeachQuilter:
www.VaBeachQuilter.com

"I have made it my mission, this year, to buy as much "handmade" as I possibly can for Christmas gifts. I'm realistic enough to know that my Christmas won't be entirely handmade but I intend to buy as much as I can. I started my Christmas shopping near the end of August. Anytime I make an online sale, I turn right around and purchase something handmade."

"I think that people should really put some serious thought into buying handmade this year. Do you really think that you're helping the "economy" when you purchase from corporate giants? Your money goes to the manufacturers in China, Taiwan, etc. or to the bigwig CEOS with their multi-million dollar paychecks and bonuses."

"When you purchase a handmade item, you know that the person has put time and effort in to each and every piece. Most crafters don't even make back the cost of their time (even at $5 an hour) in the items that they sell!!! I know that I don't make money for my time but that doesn't stop me from putting in the hours that is needed to make a finely crafted item. I just can't take "short cuts" and sell something even if it means I'll "lose" money on it."

"By purchasing handmade you're literally helping to stimulate the economy. The sellers, in turn, buy handmade, supplies, groceries, gas, clothes for their kids, etc. I have met so many crafters, this year, that have lost their jobs or had a spouse who has lost a job and are trying to make ends meet. I feel GOOD when I make a purchase knowing that I put a smile on someone's face and maybe, just maybe, helped them out when they were in a bind and needed the extra money at that time. Honestly, how many of us DON'T need extra money at any given time???"

"I think we should start a "Celebrity Handmade" movement. Celebrities spend so much money every year on corporate, high-priced items that if they spent 10% of their usual Xmas "costs" on handmade it would make a HUGE difference in the lives of so many other people and would do MORE good than feeding the corporate giants. Who's with me???"

Gina from Taisi & Chrysalis Designs: http://www.chrysalisdesigns.net/ http://madeitmyself.com/user/taisiforlife.aspx

"When you purchase through Taisi, 40% of every pendant gose directly to REFUGE HOUSE so that they may continue to serve battered women and their children. In these tough economic times, charities are the last on the list for most people & they truly suffer the brunt of the economy."

The reason you have to buy handmade this Christmas is because, when you buy handmade, you are supporting an individual- not a huge company, which in turn, stimulates the economy!"

"I have personally resolved this year to no longer shop at Walmart and the other big chain stores- not even for groceries! I am making an effort to keep my business's going to the 'little man', so that the small business can stay in business! This includes artisans and crafters."

"I am encouraging others to do the same."

Gabrielle from GabsBags:
http://gabsbags.artfire.com/

"It is not an altogether unfamiliar theory that as a society we have to swing all the way in one direction before we feel the need or desire to swing back in the other. We have gotten to be so gadget conscious, tech savvy, and "can't get it done fast enough". There is a segment of the population, I believe a growing one at that that longs for a simpler way to get things done; a return to a simpler, more basic lifestyle."

"I see handmade as a comfort concept. It is not cookie cutter nor is it necessarily perfect and that's what makes it desirable. I know I feel good when I buy something I know was made by someone who has a passion for and dedication to a craft."

"As a child my favorite holiday gifts were the ones made by friends of mine because they made me feel special. Someone made this for me. It doesn't get any more personal than that. I get quite a few custom holiday bag orders and I love knowing that someone will be carrying my passion and dedication with them and hopefully they will feel special because of it."

Anne from "Made For Me By Oaklie" & "My Helping Hands":
http://www.madeformebyoaklie.com/
http://madeitmyself.com/user/myhelpinghands.aspx

"Handmade is so much more personal than through a retail store. The items are made with two loving hands, and the service is much more personal as well."

"Not to mention, that by buying handmade, you are helping to support the entrepreneurs rather than big business."

The Talent Behind the Storefront: "Jia Girl's Best Friend": Jasmine

Today, I had the opportunity to interview Jasmine Malstrom, owner and designer of all things at Jia Girl's Best Friend.

I asked Jasmine to tell us a little about herself:

"I started making jewelry 4 years ago when a friend of mine had taught herself from craft store booklets and was willing to teach me. We had so much fun making jewelry and learning new techniques (and buying beads of course) that we were soon over run with jewelry and decided to sell.

I enjoy many different kinds of crafts, but I also like to read mysteries, work crossword puzzles, and watch Jane Austen movies.

Does she have a favorite type of material to work with?

I love glass (it's so sparkly) and I really do like stone. Most of my other favorite crafts are paper crafts, and I love finding new paper (and new ways to use paper).

She tries to only work while her kids are at school, but she hates routine, so it doesn't always work. She works when she has an order, a boutique to get ready for, or just has a "head full of ideas" that she wants to work on....

I then asked about her studio... Her response:

"I just barely set up a permanent space in my bedroom, and I really love having a "space". It's nice to be able to work and not have to put all my tools back in the closet where they used to live. I would love to have a "real" desk instead of my folding table, but I haven't yet found one that I love."

Where can we find "Jia Girl's Best Friend"?

"My shop online is www.jiagirl.etsy.com I'm fairly new to online sales, but I've been selling my jewelry out of my home, and at boutiques for almost 4 years now. I make custom pieces mostly for my neighbors and my top customers. They like to tell people that they have a "personal jewelry designer".

"My business online is mostly from my customers that I already had. Having a place for them to look at what I've been working on is so much more convenient for those that live far away than having to come visit me at my home or boutique."

Jasmine likes to keep her products affordable. She sells jewelry to feed her "bead buying addiction". She states that she loves to make pretty pieces and get so much pleasure in seeing them worn and enjoyed; "My jewelry is the perfect "everyday" jewelry, but is also fancy enough to be worn on special occasions.".

Are you excited about the upcoming holidays?

"I love holiday season because it's also boutique season! It's so much fun to meet new people, buy lots of beads at great after-Thanksgiving sales, and be super busy doing something I love."

"My favorite holiday is St. Patrick's Day. I love the fact that there's a day where everyone has to wear my favorite color or I get to pinch them. :) And I'm always ready with lots of green jewelry."

I asked her about her blog, and what type of things do she blogged about...

"I have an organizing blog. I love to organize for others and share any new tricks or tools that I find. If nothing else, it's really fun to look at the before & after shots!".


You can check out Jasimine's blog at: http://organizeme-jasmine.blogspot.com

The question that I must ask:

Why do you think people should purchase handmade?

Jasmine responded, " I think when you make something by hand, it takes on some of your personality. And when you buy handmade, you are not only appreciating someone's hard work, but also making a small connection with the artist. Plus you can customize!"

Please visit Jasmine at her Etsy shop: http://jiagirl.etsy.com

You can also check her out at her blogs: http://jiagirlsbestfriend.blogspot.com

& http://organizeme-jasmine.blogspot.com

Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions Jasmine! I appreciate it.

Take a bit of time to check out her shop! You'll be glad you did!

Don't forget, tomorrow is "Artisan Voices: Why Buy Handmade?"! :-)

Thanksgiving Treasures: My picks!

There are a tremendous & tempting bunch of handmade treasures available out there in the handmade marketplaces! There is also still time for you to get your items before the holiday arrives! With that in mind, I stumbled across a few myself...


Isn't it just adorable? I found this cute little girl's Fall or Thanksgiving Play Set, (available in 1-2T, & includes top & pants) at Fairie Wings' Etsy Shop , and I just couldn't help but include it! You can get your's by clicking here!


Along my travels.... I also ran into this Fall Paper Bag Scrapbook Album at ScrapGal's Shop Handmade Store!
I found it very unique, I loved her collage-type work, and was impressed by it's depth!

It would make a great place to store all of those pics taken at your Thanksgiving "get-together"! You know- the one where Uncle James has pumpkin pie stuck in his mustache, etc.... Either way, it's a great place for memories! You can get yours by clicking here!

I investigated a bit further, and came across...
This cute little Autumn Oak Soap Set (Crackling Firewood).


Now, how cute are those? They would be great in the guest's bathroom for overnight guests- or even in the bathroom that everyone will be using during your Thanksgiving celebration, wouldn't you agree? I found them at Pink Fawn Designs ArtFire Studio. Just click here to get yours!


Then, I found this Autumn Bounty Table Runner at Threads of Magique's ArtFire Studio- what a treasure! The detail and 3D effect of the felted vegetables was amazing!

Here is a closer view:


Isn't it incredible? You can get it by clicking here!

Another great find was this cute little set of Thanksgiving Finger Puppets!


They're too cute, right? I thought so too... These are available at Wee Knit's ArtFire Studio

They would be a great surprise for keeping those little hands busy- if you could keep yourself from not keeping your little hands in them... Get them today by clicking here!


And, last, but certainly not least...

I was thrilled to have found this Hand painted Wine Bottle at Fla. Chris Creation's Made it Myself Shop!


How beautiful is it?!? You can "feel" the depth of the painting, especially on the pumpkin and it's leaves- wouldn't you agree? Wow! You can just click here to get it!

Well, I certainly only "skimmed the surface" of what is available out there! You really need to have a look for yourself! These treasures are available simply from clicking the links on this blog post. However, should you desire- you can have a look for yourself at any of the handmade venues out there....

Some include, (though this is not a complete list):
ArtFire
Made it Myself
Etsy
Shop Handmade
Zibbet
Trendy Indie
The Shops at Funky Finds

Go on- have yourself a handmade Thanksgiving! Wherever you decide to go, there are so many wonderful things out there!

The talent Behind the Shop: Kim from VaBeachQuilter

Kim's introduction to sewing (in "Home Economics", in high school) was a complete disaster. It's very difficult to believe, but she failed sewing (She states, "I couldn't even make a stupid little stuffed animal pillow...a no brainer looking back at it now!"). On the other hand, she passed cooking with an "A"...& finished with a "C" for the semester.

Her "ex" sister-in-law taught her how to cross-stitch when I was first married (at 18). She did that for many years and worked her way up to intricate pictures, even turning family pictures into cross-stitched items. After many years of listening to an aunt talk about how I should take up quilting, I decided to give it a try. Her intention was to put cross-stitched blocks into quilts...

She had her first machine for 3 years before she even took it out of the box. She then tried to sew and it was a disaster. She didn't have a CLUE what a "quarter inch seam" was or how to figure out what it even was. So she took a beginner's "Foundation Paper-Piecing" class and she was hooked! (Foundation paper-piecing is simply sewing along the lines and matching points). She figured she could do that. For the next five years, that's ALL she did- and never cross-stitched again.

One day, a local quilt shop asked if anyone was interested in teaching. she told them that she could teach "paper-piecing" and "Grandmother's Flower Garden" (a type of hand-pieced quilt). So, she began teaching.

She then took a "Buggy Barn" class...(a class to teach you how to do the "Buggy Barn" crazy quilting method). The following 5 years, she had magically learned how to sew a quarter inch seam! She then learned how to chain piece in the class and saw how fast she could have a quilt done without spending hours ripping out papers, etc.!!! She found a new obsession and soon became the "Buggy Barn" teacher.

Usually from June to December (except for this year with my busy online shops) she only makes quilts. By January, she's "burnt out" and doesn't want to THINK about making another quilt until June. That's how she got started in all of the other dozens and dozens of things that she now sells in her shops.


She also likes to work with wool; to read fantasy/sci-fi books; she's a Sudoku fan; Loves basketball games and watching movies...

She only works with "quilt shop quality" fabric, (except on those rare occasions when she has to buy NFL, MLB, NBA, or Disney licensed prints- unfortunately those aren't made in the highest quality fabrics). She LOVES making "penny" rugs and other various projects and tries to use hand-dyed wool as much as possible, (it is expensive so she tries to mingle felted wool into her projects when possible, & economically feasible).
When I asked her about her daily routine she said, "I do try to keep set hours...it helps me to stay organized. I do all of my online "networking" etc. from 7:30 to about 10 every a.m. Less, if I can swing it. I then, sew (on my machine) from about 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Then I cook dinner, do the homework thing, etc. About 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. I do all of my hand-work...bindings, wool-work, sew on buttons, etc. Oh, and that's just about 7 days a week....). She is one busy gal!
I asked her where she does her "miracles", she replied, "I currently have my own sewing room. It's the smallest bedroom in the house and every available space is stuffed with fabric, projects in various stages, projects to be started, books, etc. All of my inventory is stored in 10 large plastic totes and is stacked next to my side of the bed. We're hoping to finish converting the garage (just have to put the dry wall up and have the electric inspected) by the end of the year. It's a much bigger space and I'll go from two 6 foot tables (in an L shape) to three-four 6 foot tables (in an L shape).".

Where would I find your work if I wanted to purchase from you? "I have shops on Artfire, Zibbet, and Etsy. I also have my own website with a secure shopping cart and Paypal/Google payment options." She also does a lot of custom work (quilts and quilted purses). You can find her at: http://vabeachquilter.artfire.com, http://vabeachquilter.etsy.com, www.zibbet.com/vabeachquilter, & www.VaBeachQuilter.com.

She sells such a variety of items, all of very high quality- From pincushions to my most quilts... She makes sure that every piece meets my Her "quality" standards. She does a fine, "blind applique stitch" on her quilts but will use it even when she binds her table runners/toppers, etc.. She tells me, "Most people will use the faster, more visible, whip stitch when they bind to save time.". She would rather have a piece cost a little bit more, and KNOW that it will last for years, and not fall apart or fade after it's been washed once or dozens of times.

I asked her about the holiday season, she replied, "I'm excited about the holidays but it's also a very stressful time of year for me. Of course, the stress is my own doing...". Just about every year she's binding a quilt, or finishing a stocking or gift, on Xmas eve. She told her 4 kids that this year, the quilts that they generally get on Christmas, will be ready by the end of January. "She states, They're old enough (11-19) to understand and use the quilts they have in the meantime.".
Okay Kim, thanks for taking the time out of your hectic schedule to do this interview for us... I have to ask you one final question:

"Why do you think people should purchase handmade?"

"I have always loved my handmade gifts over purchased gifts. Being a crafter, I know how much time, effort, thought, love, passion, frustration (at times..LOL) that the person has put into the gift that they made for me...no matter how big or small. I know that there's a piece of them in every gift and feel honored that they took the time to make it just for me.

Everything that I sell has a piece of me in it....sometimes, I'm even a little sad to see them go (especially quilts, where I've spent dozen of hours creating them). I'm always happy to hear that customers like, love, appreciate the things that they've purchased from me. I strive to make the best items possible and until I hear some sort of feedback, I always worry that they might not like what they've purchased. I've been fortunate enough not to have had any negative experiences, with customers, in the year that I've been selling online- but I still worry all the same.".



So, there you have it- Kim is an amazing quilter, a wonderful lady to get to know; & adament about the quality she delivers! It is a shop you shouldn't miss this holiday season, that is for sure! Go on over and give her a visit: www.VaBeachQuilter.com You certainly will be glad you did!