Sunday Solitude
March 05, 2017
March 04, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Evil & Enchanted
Saturday Spotlight
Evil & Enchanted
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
My Jewelry Line is called Evil & Enchanted.
(but don't let the name fool you).
It came about because of my love for reading and movies. In life, and in books...you have good and bad...and you have to deal with both. What it does, is creates a story.
This is what my jewelry is meant to do.
Every piece I make has a background or is derived from a memory.
They are meant to inspire and enjoy.
I create based on something that means something to me....and people grasp that because it may also evoke a memory of their own. Just like a lovely song...the writer writes....and the listener interprets the melody by associating the words to circumstances of their own.
Most times this brings comfort and happiness.
This is what I set out to achieve with my jewelry line. Within my line, I also make steampunk jewelry, and items made from actual pages of books and of maps. I adore vintage, and these aged wonders find places in my creations daily.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
I am proudly Canadian...but I have sold my pieces worldwide, for years.
Many pieces are posted for sale on my website, but I usually have over 40 show days a year where I travel all over Ontario. I am a regular at many of the largest shows, and I sell through Facebook as well. I have displays in local stores such as The Been Garden.
I am forever expanding, and being asked to be a part of special events....so you can always find my jewelry somewhere. I have also had the privilege of selling and creating for celebrities. My little world is expanding!
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
My website is www.evilandenchanted.com
There you will find articles, jewelry pieces, a newly started blog and more.
I also have a Facebook page: www.facebook.com/evilandenchanted
as well as Twitter and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evilandenchanted
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
My business started way back in 1995. I also own a craft supply company, and many parts for jewelry were always in the supplier catalogs. At first I created for myself...and when I was asked to make pieces for other people, I then started taking it seriously as a business. I have been in the fashion (modelling) industry for years, so it was all a natural progression.
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Everything!!! Books inspire me. People inspire me. The state of the world inspires me.
Anything that sparks an important message causes my wheels to start turning.
Memories make me the happiest to base pieces on.
What I also love , is when a customer views my wares, and it grabs at a happy place in their own heart. That is when I know I have succeeded.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I do, but only sometimes. There are days where I just want to be alone in a comforting environment free of all noise and chaos. That is when I am in my happy place.
Other days I will have my ipod on shuffle and enjoy a myriad of delightful tunes. My music taste is varied...so what I listen to can sometimes influence my creativity as well.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
I love an organized sort of chaos, as I am not the type of person who will sit around even for a moment. Because of this however, the thing I like least, is the amount of time I have to do it. I run a household, and all aspects of my two businesses. When "real life" time has been used up, I only have a certain amount left to create in. Such is the life of all business owners. Time management has been very helpful in this regard, but having more time to do it would be nice.
I LOVE people's reactions to my jewelry, and I love making custom items that make them joyful. Jewelry making, as in any artform is very therapeutic. It allows me to relax, to detoxify the events of the day, and to drift into a happy place. I help people relive their childhood memories, and build new ones. I love to bring a smile to someone's face...and that by far makes up for anything negative.
8. Describe your workspace?
My studio is vast and wonderful.
Some days it is tidy...but mostly a crazy fun array of parts and pieces that are ready to be assembled. I usually like everything neat...but I made a conscious decision that my studio was a place to leave things "as is" so that I can go directly back to it and work. (I am not a fan of the setup part. I just want to dive into something...and preparation, although completely necessary spoils it lol.)
I therefore have many projects in process as well as show displays set up everywhere.
When I am done for the day, I leave it all where it stands...shut the door to my little chaotic state...and it waits for me to come back when I am ready to conquer it again.
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
There are so many that have been "best"...but the most amazing for me was many years ago.
As a maker, I don't just sell, I give. I have been a philanthropist for as long as I can remember, and have been a huge part of fundraising for the literacy of children specifically. I would always have free patterns and products on my website for people to be a part of this wonderful process of giving. On the morning of the 911 attacks on the U.S., my heart broke a little, and I was devastated by the destruction that had occurred. Soon after, all I could think about was the children of the families that had lost parents and loved ones in the tragedy. My natural instinct, based on what I was doing already, was to create a craft to post for free in hope that it would entice others to make these pins and raise money for these families.
The craft was a safety pin pattern of the U.S. flag.
What happened next was crazy. I woke up the next day and my email was flooded. My site was in overload, and I did not know what was going on. Somehow, some way...somebody saw my post, spread the word and it got out to Martha Stewart. She did a tv show immediately on my craft, gave credit to me, and from there, the world picked up on my fundraiser. I still have magazine articles that people sent me of their success using my little idea. It raised millions of dollars. I was so thrilled also....to make 25,000 flag pins for the efforts. It is an experience I will never forget. It just goes to show the power of collaboration in a craft, and what a difference, we as artists can make from getting our ideas out there.
The most recent accomplishment that makes me proud, is that my Jewelry was just voted as winner for the London Reader's Choice Award in the Jewelry category.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
* Stay focused. Know your craft and don't compare it to others. If you know what you are doing, and you love it, your work will speak for itself.
* Don't spread yourself too thin with funds. Buy what you need...sell the items, then reinvest. It is too easy to want to buy an overload of supplies then not have an advertising budget.
* Be smart with buying supplies. Cost is very important...but quality is the most important. You are only as good as the parts you create with.
* Most importantly, don't be afraid to be different. Not everything is for everyone. It is better to step away from what you "think" is most popular, because people only buy what they have to choose from. I learned very early on, that there are loads of people out there...just waiting for "something different". Something that envelopes who THEY are, and like, and not what others tell them they should be akin to. Originality is a unique quality that belongs to all who are not afraid to step outside the lines. It is most rewarding when you realize there are others that are like minded, and this then makes you One Of A Kind!
* Collaborate. The power of business relationships is key.
March 01, 2017
February 26, 2017
Sunday Solitude
Sunday Solitude
Remember the milkweed pods?
Here they are in the winter - all the seeds dispersed.
February 25, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Inner Insights
Saturday Spotlight
Inner Insights
1. What is the name of your business and what do you sell?
We teach Aromatherapy, hot stone, deep tissue, holistic spa & infant & prenatal massage.
We also have a dozen workshops on how to make your own natural skin care products and remedies. We offer Goddess Retreats, all inclusive womens weekends once a year.
2. Where are you located or where do you sell?
We have a holistic spa with a student clinic at 60% off our regular rates.
We are the partner spa to Marriott Residence Inn & Metro Hotels.
We sell essential oils, vegan skin care line such as salves, perfumes, deodorants, hemp soaps & shampoos.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
Inner Insights Holistic School & Spa celebrates 19th years in February.
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
I am grateful for the opportunity to share & inspire others towards natural healing.
6. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
Best experience was my homebirth where I squatted & pulled my son out myself. The support of massage, herbal baths, essential oils & soothing music helped create the most empowering and magical experience in my life.
February 22, 2017
February 19, 2017
February 18, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Crochet by Chrissy
Saturday Spotlight
Crochet by Chrissy
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
I sell handmade crochet accessories and quality items.
I also do a lot of custom work by request.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
Ingersoll (my shop is from my home)
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
Facebook: https://facebook.com/crochet.by.chrissy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crochetbychrissy/
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
Started by little business in 2012.
Began crocheting though when I was 10 or so (which would be 34 years now! Yikes)
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Each item is insipired by something/someone different.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
No I watch tv - Netflix mostly : like The office, Gilmore girls, etc
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
That I'm pretty addicted to it and I therefore would rather crochet than exercise, or do laundry, lol!
8. Describe your workspace?
Big cosy leather chair
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
When someone lets me know that they love their item/s and when they send pics too!
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Worry about what YOU are doing - not what others are doing!
Do your best, and packaging matters!
February 15, 2017
February 12, 2017
February 11, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Wooly Maple
Saturday Spotlight
Wooly Maple
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
My name is Ashley Burt and I own Wooly Maple, a line of hand crafted crochet accessories and screen printed apparel. My products include hats, infinity scarves, headbands, Tote bags, T shirts, Tank Tops and Sweatshirts. I also offer crochet workshops for those interested in learning the craft.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
I operate out of my home in Old South.
My products can be purchased at Loveleigh Boutique in Downtown London, and at the many events and shows I participate in throughout the year. The next one is the Spring Merry Makers Fair on Sunday, May 7th at the Covent Garden Market.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
You can find Wooly Maple on Facebook : www.facebook.com/woolymaple
and on Instagram @woolymaple
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
I have been crocheting for over 10 years, and started professionally 2 years ago. I started the business because I was in between jobs and needed a way to bring income into the household. I've since gained a full time job, but Wooly Maple has only gotten bigger since!
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
The city of London and the people in it are what inspire me. I take my queues from my customers; if I get enough requests for an item or product, I'll start offering it regularly. My clothing line is a great example of that. I rebranded last year and everyone loved my logo so much that they wanted to see it on T shirts and tank tops, I had no intention of learning how to screen print or to start a clothing line! But, the people spoke!
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I listen to Basia Bulat, a Canadian Folk singer on repeat when I'm working. Over and over, same albums, all the time. She is one of my favorites and I've come to associate her music with being creative. I don't even think about it anymore, If I'm working...Basia is on.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
What I like most is the sense of purpose it gives me. It's a wonderful feeling going to bed at the end of the day knowing you spent it doing something that truly matters to you.
What I like least is the Social Media aspect. It's a necessary evil in order to be a successful brand, but it often takes up time that I'd rather be spending creating.
8. Describe your workspace?
Chaos. Utter chaos!
I have a craft room but it's full of supplies, so I work in my living room/dining room.
Yarn everywhere, all the time!
You have to call before you come over, otherwise I'm not opening the door :)
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
One of the best moment's in my business was the first time a customer sent me a selfie wearing one of my hats. It wasn't a friend or a relative, it was a complete stranger who didn't know me at all, but loved my product so much that she took the time to take and send me a photo.
To know someone other than myself was proud to be wearing Wooly Maple was a huge moment for me. There are so many talented makers in London that I "Fan Girl" over, so to be on the receiving end of that affection made me think " Okay, maybe I've got something here..."
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Make it a priority.
Starting your own business is a lot of long, long, long hours and very hard work.
It's so worth it, but it's not easy and you get out of it what you put into it.
February 08, 2017
February 05, 2017
February 04, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Drift Away Art
Saturday Spotlight
Drift Away Art
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
The name of my hobby (business) is Drift Away Art which is a mixture of Canadian driftwood and stained glass captured in the form of mini sail boats set upon a unique piece of glass infused driftwood. It also includes Message in a Bottle, Framed Art, Crazy Eyed Fish, Mood Boxes, Sun Reflectors, Christmas tree and Robin decorations, Lighthouses and nautical glass pebbles.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
I'm located in London (home) and I usually sell at craft shows.
I have my pieces in The Been Garden on Dundas,
Glass in Motion (Grand Bend & Sauble Beach) and
Lake Life Studio in Camlachie ON.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
I don't have my own website yet but watch this space it's coming soon.
I put everything I make on Facebook and Instagram so people usually PM me with requests and orders.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drift_away_art/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DriftAwayArt1/
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
I've been doing Drift Away Art for just over a year now; I got started after I took a stained glass course in London and loved it, but wanted to do something with glass and driftwood after I finished so Drift Away Art was born.
I'd like to thank
everybody who continuously supports Drift Away Art whether you are a Facebook
or Instagram liker, a customer, a shop owner for selling my unique pieces or a
friendly smile with lovely comments at a craft show. I thank you from the
bottom of my heart my making Drift Away Art turn from an idea into a reality
and a dream come true.
I appreciate and value every single one of you.
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
The beach and water are my inspiration; I could spend all day at the beach collecting driftwood and watching the waves.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I have started to lately it's usually a mixture of modern country, Sarah Smith, Pink and 90's pop music.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
Cutting my fingers on the glass is what I like the least especially when I'm grinding the glass.
The look on a customers face when they see my Drift Away Art pieces that is priceless and the best feeling ever.
8. Describe your workspace?
My workplace is my studio at home. I have 2 work stations, one for cutting and prepping and a soldering table, lots of shelves full of completed pieces and my two mini dachshunds dog bed in the corner they keep me company whilst I'm in there.
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
The best moment was the first time I sold my first piece of art at a show (I thought somebody actually likes my work) it's really hard putting your art work out there as it is an extension of yourself, so it's like people are judging you too.. it's very scary.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Start very slow, know what you want to do, where you want your business to go.. ie just online sales, or an actual shop, know your audience and what they want, research all your marketing areas, ask other business owners for advice.
Always move forward but always remember where you started from.. one step at a time.
February 01, 2017
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