Crafter Q & A #7 Handmade Crochet Accessories by Gracie

Handmade Crochet Accessories by Gracie

1) List a short blurp about yourself! Ie: married, children, location, etc.

I'm Gracie from east Michigan, have two crazy boys , have been married for 9 years.

2) Whats the name of your handmade business and why is it named that way?

Well it's Handmade Crochet Accessories, not a creative name I know, but just started selling my hats

as they were asking me were I got the ones my boys were wearing :)

3) What do you specialize in?

loveee hats and mittens, I have made lots of hair accessories like flowers headbands!!!

4) What made you want to venture into the world of handmade sales?

Well I love crochet!! so relaxing for me and if I can sell my projects well welcome !!

I love it when people likes what I do!!!!

5) Where is your "office" located?

haha I would have to say in my couch, or table, or bedroom, all depends were the kids are.

6) What is your most favorite item you have made or make?

I would have to say 2 hats, one for my sister in law and mine.

7) What other passions do you have?

cook and bake, read, and of course go camping and fishing with family

8) What are some of your favorite things? Ie: color, food, place, etc.

colorful!!! love Mexican food .

9) Who inspires you? This is a very general question for a reason!

my grandmother, she was always there for me.

10) What do you want people to think/see/feel when they look your handmade things up?

happy, sunshine, smiles.

 Want to see more???

Handmade on Facebook

The Blog :)

Etsy

Q&A Crafter #6 HollyCraft

 Holly of HollyCraft

1) List a short blurp about yourself! Ie: married, children, location, etc.
 My name is Holly Ernst. I am married, have 2 wild and crazy kids and have lived in West MI my whole life.

2) Whats the name of your handmade business and why is it named that way?
The name of my business is HollyCraft Originals. My husband actually came up with this name. Basically I have always loved crafting and all my appliques and cards are my original work.

3) What do you specialize in?
 I specialize in handmade fabric appliques made from fabric scraps and upcycled denim and corduroy.

4) What made you want to venture into the world of handmade sales?
I started trying to sell on Etsy because I wanted to try to make money to pay for my hobbies. My husband seemed to think I was spending a lot of money on all of the different hobbies I do, so I thought why not try to make a few bucks off of what I enjoy doing?

5) Where is your "office" located?
My "office" is usually my kitchen table. I also like to work in the living room while watching a something on TV.

6) What is your most favorite item you have made or make?
I really love to make my little owl appliques. They are my favorite.

7) What other passions do you have?
I also enjoy scrapbooking, quilting, making cards, painting, drawing, baking, making korker bows

8) What are some of your favorite things? Ie: color, food, place, etc.
I love bright, funky colors together. My favorite food is pasta! And New York style cheesecake with strawberries(I make the recipe from Junior's) My favorite place to visit is Tennessee...beautiful. And I love Florida in the wintertime....:)

9) Who inspires you? This is a very general question for a reason!
Wow~ Inspiration for me comes from so many places. I look at scrapbooking magazines ALL the time. I ♥ Mary Englebreit's artwork. And my Mom taught me so much of the things I use today in my crafting. I thank her for that! Her inspiration is what got me going.

10) What do you want people to think/see/feel when they look your handmade things up?
I want them to think that what I make is original, whimsical and fun. I hope they can see that I really do enjoy making my handmade items.

To find more from Holly....

HollyCraft on Facebook

HollyCraft on Etsy

Blog

Crafter Q&A #5 JazCrafts

 Jasmine of JazCrafts

 here are the answers as submitted

1) List a short blurp about yourself! Ie: married, children, location, etc.My name is Jasmine, I have a wonderful husband, and a handsome son who I adore.
I currently reside in Alberta, Canada. I'm a working mommy trying to balance a FT job, taking care of the home and my family.
I am in my late 20's :) I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and picking up the hook daily to create something special for someone else.
 
2) Whats the name of your handmade business and why is it named that way?
JazCrafts is my paying hobby on the side. It is named that as my name is Jasmine I am rarely called by my name instead by Jaz, Jazz, or Jazzy.
 
3) What do you specialize in?
I specialize in Crochet hats mostly, but do offer other things such as scarves, mitts, baby booties, bath puffs, etc
If you find a pattern or want something that I do not offer I'm willing to try it to see if I can make it for you.
 
 4) What made you want to venture into the world of handmade sales?
I was asked to make a pumpkin hat by a friend for their son, so I found a free pattern online tried it out and from there I was seeing orange as all the mommies in our playgroup wanted one for their kids. I have my fellow mommy Kristi to thank for that :)
 
5) Where is your "office" located?
My "office" is located in my living room, I sit on the couch with my lap top nearby and watch tv.
 
 6) What is your most favorite item you have made or make?
My favorite item that I have made and make is the Levi hat, a pattern which I received from CrazySocks Crochet shop, it has brought me alot of business and has been a great success.  Also anything that I can put a flower on it :)
 
 7) What other passions do you have?
Other than crochet I used to dabble a bit in sewing I did it more before I had my son and while I was pregnant but now my machine sits in the basement with its cover on collecting dust for now.
 
 8) What are some of your favorite things? Ie: color, food, place, etc.
My favorite colors are kelly green and amethyst purple, anytime I get to use those colors I love it.  My favorite food is dim sum which is a Chinese brunch mmmmm sooooooooooooo gooooooood. Along with seafood and pasta.
My favorite place is anywhere my family is.
 
 9) Who inspires you? This is a very general question for a reason!
I am inspired by what I see around me. Sometimes I get inspiration from other people (fellow artisans), other times it can be from what I see around me. Items that I make, the outcome is usually from what people request me to make for them, and then i will offer it. I like to merge patterns together to make something new and have had success with that a few times. I find the occasional free pattern that works out but mostly purchase my patterns from etsy from a few favorite shops. They have helped me to learn alot more about crochet I only previous knew a few basics, I still don't know everything but am still slowly learning.
 
 10) What do you want people to think/see/feel when they look your handmade things up?
When others visit my shop/page I want them to see things that they could buy for themselves personally as well as for gifts which is the majority of all my sales so far. I want them to feel reminded of something they maybe had from their childhood that their grandmother or Nana made for them who may not be around to make something for their children now. My aunt taught me how to crochet and I am very grateful that she did show me how, as she is no longer with us, I am now able to make things for our family that she would have wanted to do. I now get to pass on her legacy in a way, although it may not be the same, they would not have been able to receive those things from me if it were not for her showing me her craft.

To see more from JazCrafts...

JazCrafts on Artfire 

JazCrafts on Facebook

 

Crafter Q&A #4 SarahStitches

 Sarah Palmeter of SarahStitches

Here are the answers submitted by Sarah's Stitches

1) List a short blurp about yourself! Ie: married, children, location, etc.  I have been married to Steve for 12 years and have 2 boys, ages 9 and 5. I live in rural SE Lower Michigan.

2) Whats the name of your handmade business and why is it named that way? Sarah's Stitches, simply because my name is Sarah and it is a sewing business

3) What do you specialize in? Custom fabric purses, totes and accessories

4) What made you want to venture into the world of handmade sales? I had seen so many handmade purses that really didn't seem that great to me for the price! I thought I could do a better job for a lower price.

5) Where is your "office" located? In the finished basement of my home

6) What is your most favorite item you have made or make? A custom purse and checkbook cover set for my mom!

7) What other passions do you have? Gardening, cleaning, organizing, and most of all spending time with my family!

8) What are some of your favorite things? Ie: color, food, place, etc. Favorite colors are green and orange. Favorite food could be anything! I love to try new things! My favorite place would be outside.

9) Who inspires you? This is a very general question for a reason! I get my inspiration from so many sources: my kids, my mom, nature. I pull inspiration from my surroundings.

10) What do you want people to think/see/feel when they look your handmade things up? I'm hoping they see the amount of time and dedication that goes into each one of a kind piece!

I love a good challenge, and enjoy figuring out how to create things from just a picture. I generally don't use patterns, but rather enjoy making it up as I go along and seeing what I come up with! I find I do my best work this way!

Want to see more from Sarah???

She can be found at the fallowing places

SarahsStitches on Etsy
SarahsStitches on Facebook

Crafter Q&A #3 JustBeHappy

Alessandra Of  JustBeHappy

1) List a short blurp about yourself! Ie: married, children, location, etc.
My name is Alessandra, I am 30 years old.  I've been married for 5 years, this July.  We have one beautiful little boy and we live in Tacoma, WA.

2) Whats the name of your handmade business and why is it named that way?
Just be Happy. my husband and I were chatting one day and in the middle of the conversation he said that just be happy should be my moto, I stuck with it!

3) What do you specialize in?
i have a variety of crochet items, like hats, toys, necklaces and patterns.

4) What made you want to venture into the world of handmade sales?
crochet is my passion, I relax while I do it and since I became a stay at home mom, I figured I could do what I love and make a little money, too.

5) Where is your "office" located?
bedroom or living room, while my son naps.

6) What is your most favorite item you have made or make?
Baby hats, toys and granny squares!

7) What other passions do you have?
I like to cook and bake, read, but my favorite thing is to spend time with my husband and my son.

8) What are some of your favorite things? Ie: color, food, place, etc.
I like things very colorful, but if I have to choose it would be pink or turquoise blue.  I love Italian food, but I'd love to eat chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  My favorite place is home.

9) Who inspires you? This is a very general question for a reason!
My sister is a big inspiration, she is like a mom to me, she helped raise me after my mom passed away when I was 8 years old, she is a brave and beautiful person, I love her and thank her  in my prayers every night.

10) What do you want people to think/see/feel when they look your handmade things up?
Happy. I just want them to be happy. :o)

 Want to see more from Mrs. Alessandra ?? Check out her sites below

JustBeHappy Blog 

JustBeHappy Etsy 

JustBeHappy Artfire 

JustBeHappy on Facebook 

Crafter Q&A #2 Kawaii Crochet

Alisha Murray of Kawaii Crochet

 

Here are the answers submitted by Kawaii Crochet

 

 

1) List a short blurp about yourself! Ie: married, children, location, etc.  
Hi My name is Alisha Murray. I'm from Michigan and I've lived here my whole life. Last September I married my high school sweet heart. We've been together almost 6 years. I've recently taken up crocheting and I can't seem to stop creating new hats and Amigurumi Animals. My husband has set up the website for me and we are in the process of branching away from the business because it is my brother and his girlfriends business. My new site is called www.Kawaiicrochet.com and it should be up and running soon. For now though...my products will be sold on www.basementcs.com.

2) Whats the name of your handmade business and why is it named that way?
The name of my business is Kawaii Crochet. Kawaii is Japanese for Cute. My grandmother came to America from Japan when she was in her 20s and I wanted to use a Japanese word instead of calling it just "cute crochet."


3) What do you specialize in?
I specialize in a variety of Hats and Amigurumi animals. I hope to creak purses and wallets in the near future.

4) What made you want to venture into the world of handmade sales?
I was working kitchen Jobs after kitchen jobs. It was very stressful so I took up crocheting to relax. I enjoyed it so much and my husband suggested I sell my hats because I've gotten so many positive responses. So I left the kitchen world and went back into the arts and crafts.

5) Where is your "office" located?
I do all my work in my home while watching CSI and Law and Order. I Love it!

6) What is your most favorite item you have made or make?
My most favorite item I've made is my Amigurumi Dinosaur. I think it's adorable and I really enjoyed making it.

7) What other passions do you have?
I have many different passions within art, whether it is painting, drawing, Photoshopping, Crocheting, Cake Decorating, cooking, or Drumming. I love all ares and am very passionate about everything I get into.

8) What are some of your favorite things? Ie: color, food, place, etc.
Throughout the years my favorite colours have changed but I love Olive Green. I really enjoy traveling and my most favorite place to travel to was Japan. I've traveled there twice already and plan to go back this winter to see my family there.

9) Who inspires you? This is a very general question for a reason!
My husband is my inspiration. He thinks that everything I put my heart into...cooking, drawing, crocheting.. is amazing. He tells me that I'm the most talented person he knows and Always supports me. He's my best friend and my soul mate.

10) What do you want people to think/see/feel when they look your handmade things up?
I want people to be excited and happy when they purchase or even see my products. I've worked really hard to make my products special and unique for people. I express a piece of myself through crochet and I hope people feel the love in every stitch.  

Want to see more from Alisha???

She can be found at the fallowing places

Kawaii Crochet  

Kawaii Crochet on Facebook

Crafters Q&A #1 CrazySocks Crochet

I decided to have a little fun while also trying draw attention to my blog, blog more often, gain followers, and open your eyes to some of my fellow crafters. On my page Crochet Medley on Facebook, I have a discussions tab in which there is a Q&A for anyone that is interested in being "featured" here. So here goes nothing!!! My first feature crafter is...

Danyel of CrazySocks Crochet 

 
Here are the answers submitted by CrazySocks
 

 
1) List a short blurp about yourself! Ie: married, children, location, etc.
My name is Danyel.  I've been married for 5 years.  We have 2 children.  My husband is in the army & we are currently stationed at Ft.Bragg, NC.

2) Whats the name of your handmade business and why is it named that way?
CrazySocks Crochet.  CrazySocks was my screen name back when I was in H.S.  When I first signed up for Etsy, I didn't know that my login name would also be my shop name, but I decided that CrazySocks Crochet sounded pretty cool, so I kept it.

3) What do you specialize in?
Hats, Crochet Patterns

4) What made you want to venture into the world of handmade sales?
I have a severe crochet addiction, and a severe money deficiency.  No, but seriously... I crochet A LOT & when people started to become interested in buying stuff from me, I figured, "Why not?" and it was all uphill from there.

5) Where is your "office" located?
I mainly crochet at the kitchen table while my kids either watch TV or play in the back yard.  I have an enormous yarn stash in my bedroom though.  ha ha

6) What is your most favorite item you have made or make?
I love to make hats, and hot pads.  But mostly hats.  Especially tiny little newborn hats.

7) What other passions do you have?
I like to watch movies, listen to music, play with my kids... I really don't have any other hobbies or anything.  I just enjoy my time with my friends and family... when I'm not crocheting, of course.

8) What are some of your favorite things? Ie: color, food, place, etc.
My favorite color is Rainbow.  My favorite food is spaghetti.  My favorite sports are baseball and bowling.  My favorite animals are giraffes. :)

9) Who inspires you? This is a very general question for a reason!
Other WAHMs inspire me.  It's wonderful to be surrounded by so many other hard-working moms who take care of their families, and are able to manage an at-home business.  I know some moms are busier than others, but more importantly... they've all found something they LOVE to do, and they're DOING it. :)

10) What do you want people to think/see/feel when they look your handmade things up?
I want people to think that my items are fun & colorful, and reasonably priced.  I want adults to be able to have all the fun & cute things that you can usually only buy for kids... but I also want kids to have some of the more sophisticated things that are usually only made for adults.  :)

Interested in learning and seeing more from Danyel?? She can be found at the fallowing places...

Etsy Shop
Artfire Shop 
Crazy Socks Crochet Blog 
CrazySocks Crochet on Facebook