Wednesday Wonder
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
January 29, 2017
January 28, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Fire & Iron Custom Metalwork
Saturday Spotlight
Fire & Iron Custom Metalwork
1. What is the name of your shop or business and what do you sell?
We are an artistic metalwork and blacksmithing shop that also does small commercial and residential jobs such as gates and railings. We are very much a community oriented business and we do as several charity events each year and we donate pieces to the silent auction tables of many other organizations.
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
We are located in the heart of the Old East Village
at the intersection of Dundas and Rectory across from Aeolian Hall.
We sell our small artistic items at The Been Garden in London and Local Luxuries in Lucan.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
Yes.
and on twitter @fandimetalwork
and our instagram is fireandironcustommetalwork
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
As a Welder / Fabricator it’s been a hobby for decades, and as I got better at it and acquired good tools I began doing work and creating art for friends and family. It seems I do work that’s desirable, because eventually it spread to friends and family of my friends and family.
It became a business a little less than 3 years ago
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Our customers are our inspiration.
Because we are primarily a custom metalwork shop, people come to us with an idea or vision and we do our best to realize that vision in metal.
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I couldn’t work without Music.
Usually it’s just the radio (which is the second thing I turn on after the lights in the morning) and it’s usually good old Rock and Roll.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
Our craft is dirty, dangerous and heavy.
We literally put our sweat and blood into our work.
8. Describe your workspace?
It’s a very crowded 1000 square foot shop packed with machinery, material and projects.
The walls are covered in a random selection of odds and ends and leftovers.
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
We were commissioned to create a Vimy Ridge war memorial which was installed just south east of the Trafalgar/Hale roundabout.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Go to the Small Business Center and enroll in the set of small business courses and seminars.
The $500 you spend there will translate into thousands of dollars later.
Knowledge is power.
Learn how to make a proper business plan and then make one..You’ll be surprised...Trust me.
January 25, 2017
January 22, 2017
January 21, 2017
Saturday Spotlight: Brandow Soap Co.
Saturday Spotlight
Brandow Soap Co.
1. What is the name of your shop or business?
2. Where are you located? or where do you sell?
I am located in Ingersoll and in 5 stores:
Ohtera in St Thomas;
and Local Luxuries in Lucan.
3. Do you have your own website/store or online link?
I currently do not have a website; I currently only work off of Facebook. www.facebook.com/brandowsoap
4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?
I've been doing handmade bath products for almost 5 years. I originally started it as a line for my mommies when I sold cloth diapers. It took off from there and has been very successful. I am absolutely blessed to have the customers I do!
5. Who or what inspires you to create?
Over the years I have followed some amazing Soapers! They have definitely helped me take something ordinary and turn it into art. And believe it or not a paint chip can be some great inspiration. There have been many things that have planted a creative seed from artists and their painting to a plate full of milk and cookies! Nothing is off limits!
6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?
I listen to all kinds of music when working from opera to alternative to classical and holiday music.
7. What do you like least/most about your craft?
The least thing I like about my job is that it can become very repetitive and sometimes can become boring. Creating something new is the best part.
8. Describe your workspace?
I work mostly in the kitchen as I need a sink and a heat source. I also spend quite a bit of time in my office designing and printing all my own labels.
9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?
One of the best moments that I had was being asked to take part in a brand partnership with quite a successful business. My second greatest moment was when I was asked to join my first retail store.
10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?
Research! Research! Research!
When starting your own business you can never have too much information about your type of business. Know what's proven to work and be successful but never be afraid to try something new. And no matter what type of business your interested in starting, make sure you put your own spin to make it uniquely yours!
January 19, 2017
Day Tripping: Arva Flour Mill
Day Tripping
Arva Flour Mill
How have I never been here before?
Love this store!
We'll be back soon, when we have more time!
Arva Flour Mill
Arva Flour Mill
And besides flour and grains, they carry jams, honey (from Dave's Apiaries here in London!), and a variety of other goods.
And a glimpse through the door into the back....
January 18, 2017
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