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/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment

Hey everyone! I just wanted to update you on what I’ve been working on lately. I’m sorry I haven’t posted in a while… Life has been busy, and I’m sure a lot of you can relate to that.

So, what have I been up to this year? Let’s start with professionally:

As I’ve shared before, I have an Etsy shop that primarily offers SVG and PNG files for crafters. I’ve also become a writer at The Artistry by Creative Fabrica, sharing craft tutorials and tips. And, lastly, I began selling my handmade items at a local artisan shop nearby

Personally? Life has had a lots of ups and downs this year, but I’m thankful for every blessing that came my way.

So, what will 2022 look like? Well, I can’t guarantee anything. After all, the best laid plans of mice and men (and me!) soon go awry. But here’s what I hope to accomplish in 2022:

  • Continue to write for The Artistry, while also writing here at my own website
  • Start listing more physical products for sale on Etsy, while also uploading more SVG files for sale
  • Continue to be the geeky, sarcastic CraftyGirl that I am 🙂

Do you have any goals for 2022? Let me know in the comments!

Kate

What’s your craft(s)?

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment

Hello, everyone! Today, I wanted to discuss crafts (as usual) and to ask, specifically…what’s YOUR craft? (Or crafts, if you’re like me)

Do you like to crochet? Knit? Or maybe you can’t stand anything with yarn. Maybe you paint, or sculpt, or even make your own stained glass sun catchers.

Whatever it is you do, I’d love to know! Drop your comment in the box below, and let us know: what’s your craft?

NEW! Plus exclusive coupon code

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment

I’ve previously posted some free crafting graphics – transparent background PNG files that you can use with your cutting machine, a print on demand company, and more. I wanted to let you know that I have even more graphics for sale in my Etsy shop, CraftyGirlMerch.

There are SVG files to use with your favorite cutting machine, as well as PNG with transparent backgrounds for sublimation, cut and print, or even use with a print on demand company. The best part? Every design comes with a commercial license.

Save 20% off your order when you use coupon code BLOG21

Stay crafty!

Katie

CraftyGirl Supports Small Business: Expressions Vinyl

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment

As a small business myself, I like to purchase from other small businesses whenever possible. Not only do you get great customer service, but you sometimes find speciality items you wouldn’t find at a national chain. With this series of blog posts, I’m going to share with you some of my FAVORITE small businesses!

Expressions Vinyl

When I say that I’ve always had great customer service with this company, I mean it. From actually contacting customer service with a question, to getting advice on their Facebook customer group from employees, someone at Expressions Vinyl has been there for me every single time.

Glitter HTV at prices that can’t be beat.

With an easy to navigate website, great customer service, and awesome prices, Expressions Vinyl is my go-to shop any time I need (…or want) more vinyl for projects like tote bags, aprons, coasters, decals and more. Make sure to sign up for their rewards program, where you get points for your purchases that you can trade in for store credit.

If you use my referral link here, you’ll get $5 off!

What have I made with vinyl from Expressions Vinyl? Let’s take a look…

HTV rainbow holographic vinyl unicorn, to go on a tote bag.
A shapes matching game for my son, with permanent vinyl.
This adorable mug, with permanent vinyl.

Make sure to check out Expressions Vinyl today!

P.S. Everything I’ve said has been my own opinion, and I have not been compensated in any way for this post. I just want to share my love for one of my favorite small businesses. 🙂

Handmade Wooden Toys Your Kids Will Love

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment

Sometimes, the simplest toys are the best for using your imagination and fostering creativity. And honestly, does your kid really need another loud toy with flashing lights? (I know mine doesn’t!) So, today, I’d love to share with you a few handmade wooden toys from creative minds around the world.

Rainbow Painted Blocks by HappyToyHouse on Etsy.

Montessori Wooden Peg Doll, Set of 10 by BusyBeingMe on Etsy.

Handmade Wooden Toy Cars by MigsCoolItems on Etsy.

Personalized Name Puzzle with Pegs, by BusyPuzzle on Etsy.

Just think of the fun your child could have with these colorful wooden toys! Which one is your favorite?

Until next time…

Kate

Quiet & Quarantine

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment

As you might have noticed, I’ve been quiet for the past month…maybe a little more. Like most of the world, we’ve been dealing with the consequences of COVID-19. While we’ve been blessed to not get sick so far, it’s definitely been stressful having our whole lives change…and we’re some of the lucky ones.

My husband is, thankfully, able to telecommute to one of his jobs. We have plenty of food (thanks to my tendency to keep a well stocked pantry + living in an area with a lower population than most), we don’t have to worry about most of the problems that the world does. We’re blessed. And so thankful.

Quarantine has still been hard, though. I haven’t felt the urge to write, or to really be that crafty, until recently. Instead, I’ve been focusing on getting through each day, and doing little projects.

But, much to my dismay, quarantine is unlikely to end any time soon. Social distancing looks like it’s going to be part of our lives for a while yet. It’s flattening the curve – I can only imagine the loss and sickness if we didn’t have any measures in place.

So, in my attempt to feel as normal as I can (plus the fact that I have, honestly, missed writing and crafting fun projects), I’m going to do my best to post more often..and to make those posts as cheerful as possible. We’re all going through a LOT, and we could use all the laughter we can get. 🙂

In the near future, I’ll be featuring lots of handmade finds (including toys!), and I hope to show you some of the projects I’m going to work on.

So…until next time..stay crafty. 🙂

Kate

I’m back!

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment

To quote Leonardo da Vinci: “Art is never finished, only abandoned”. 

While I don’t consider my writing to be art, I feel like this quote summarizes the past few years of inactivity on CraftyGirl Creates. I love sharing crafty finds with you, and doing artist interviews so you can see into the mind of some truly awesome and creative souls. The break for the past couple of years was definitely necessary (can you imagine me trying to feed a baby and post at the same time? Total 💩 show, haha) but I’m back, and – I’d like to think – better than ever. 

So, what will I be sharing? 
– DIY projects
– Interviews with handmade artisans
– My own brand of snarky wit (you’re welcome 😉)
– Recipes (everyone’s gotta eat, and cooking is creative when you have fun with it)
– Handmade items I’ve found that I just have to share. 
Let’s get crafty together. 
Find me on…

Handmade Wooden Cutting Boards

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
I was recently browsing pictures from our local farmer’s market’s opening day, and I noticed a table with handmade wooden cutting boards in the background. I am FASCINATED with them! I’ve always wanted to be able to make something so precise, so intricate…though if I did make myself one, I don’t think I’d be able to use it because I’d be afraid of messing it up 🙂 
So, for today’s post, I thought it would be fun to take a look at some handmade cutting boards on Etsy. Even if you don’t want to purchase one for yourself, I think that they would really make a great wedding present or housewarming gift.
Elephant Cutting Board/ Maple Cutting Board/ Animal Cutting Board/ Walnut Cutting Board/ Wooden Cutting Board/ Elephant Chopping Block/ 
Made with maple and walnut, this adorable striped elephant is 14 inches by 12 inches, and 1 inch thick.
I just love how this oak cutting board is staged for the photo – it really makes you want to roll your sleeves up and start cooking. Cooking can be such a relaxing hobby if you don’t take it too seriously!
Edge Grain Cutting Board, Bread Board, Carving Board, Cheese Board, Wooden Cutting Board, Bread Knife 
I really love the handle and the variety of hardwood used in this cutting board!
When my sister-in-law got married, my husband and I purchased a personalized cutting board for her & her new husband. It was beautiful! Personalizing gifts is such a great way to add a little extra thought into the presents you buy.
Whale Shaped Wooden Cutting Board - Handmade Cutting Board - Large Cutting Board - Wood Cutting Board 
Thar she blows! This whale shaped cutting board is made from yellow birch hardwood, and is such a fun way to add a little whimsy to your kitchen.
Which of these was your favorite? Is there a cutting board on Etsy that you love that you feel I should have featured? Let me know in the comments!
Until next time, stay crafty & buy handmade!
-Katie

Keeping It Green for St. Patrick’s Day!

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse to wear bright, vibrant shades of green – though, in my opinion, you don’t need an excuse 🙂 Since I love focusing on handmade items, I thought I’d feature some apparel and accessories for the whole family from Etsy sellers.
Emerald Dress, Emerald Flare Dress, Green Dress, Green Flare Dress, Swirl Dress, Green Swirl Dress, Abstract Dress, Abstract Flare Dress 
Mens Necktie Green with White Polka Dots Necktie 8.5cm Party Tie.Casual Tie.Handmade Tie.Polka dot tie. Green tie.Formal Tie.Business Tie. 
 
Slip on Fabric Bandana over the Dog Collar - St. Patrick Day 
Until next time…stay crafty!
-Katie

Moving to the Country

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
It’s been at least a month since my last post – probably close to two. What could’ve possibly happened to silence CraftyGirl for so long, you ask? Was it a month of mourning because I couldn’t find the right fabric for a project? Did Michael’s have a huge sale and I’m currently buried in shopping bags? 🙂 Thankfully, it’s not either of those…though I wouldn’t mind buying more craft supplies! 😉 No, these past two months have been spent in preparation of a huge move, the move, and then the unpacking.
Are we completely unpacked yet?…I’m not sure if we ever will be 🙂 But I think we’re getting there! We’ve also added to our family since we moved – Navi (our dog), Link & Zelda (our cats) and George, Grace & Audrey (the chickens). If you’re a fan of The Legend of Zelda video games, you might’ve picked up on our enthusiasm over naming our pets 🙂
It’s so nice to be in a house, not an apartment…one of my favorite things (besides having two bathrooms instead of one) is that I can make noise anytime I want without worrying about waking people up. Sometimes I can’t sleep, and cleaning helps me wind down. I’m pretty sure the neighbors at our apartment complex wouldn’t have appreciated me vacuuming at 2am. 🙂
The only downside to moving, that I can think of, is that I haven’t had much time to work on craft projects lately…and Christmas is rapidly approaching! The past few weeks have been full of painting, unpacking, chasing after animals, and there just hasn’t been much time in there to work on Christmas presents.
So, dear readers, I’d like to ask you: What’s your go-to quick Christmas present that you like to make? I can’t wait to hear your ideas in the comments section! 🙂
Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

Kid Friendly Fall Crafts

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
It’s fall! Depending on where you live, the weather may be getting a bit more chilly, the leaves may be changing colors, and you *might* just be gearing up for Halloween and Thanksgiving. 🙂 If you’re looking for some great kid friendly fall crafts, look no further! I’ve rounded up some of my favorites for you that I think your kids – and you! – will enjoy.



















HollyODesigns: Handmade Pearl Jewelry & Gifts

/ Kate Wilson / 1 Comment
The shop:  HollyODesigns
The owner: Holly O’Connor from Madisonville, Louisiana
The products:  Handmade pearl jewelry – necklaces, earrings and more!
Fun facts:  Holly has a Bachelors of Fine Art degree, with a concentration in jewelry design and metal smithing. 
Reviews & Sales:  99 sales with a 5 star average review rating 🙂 
Here’s 3 of my favorite items from Etsy shop HollyODesigns:

Vintage crystal earrings Vintage pearl earrings Vintage style jewelry Vintage wedding earrings Bridal pearl earrings Crystal dangle earrings 
Grey pearl chunky necklace Braided pearl necklace Bridal pearl jewelry Silver Statement necklace Elegant wedding Bridal jewelry Gift for her 
Braided pearl BRACELET Chunky pearl bracelet Blush bridal jewelry Chunky pink bracelet Braided statement jewelry Blush wedding bracelet 

Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

Tissue Paper Crafts DIY Tutorials

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment

I was browsing on Pinterest this morning..and afternoon (because we all know, you can get sucked into Pinterest for hours!) and I came across some tissue paper craft tutorials that I just HAVE to share! Some of these are classic, others use tissue paper in ways I would’ve never thought of. So, scroll down to see my favorite picks from my Pinterest binge session today 🙂 

Tissue Paper Wreath Tutorial by A Blissful Nest
Halloween Crafts: Pumpkin Decoration and Treat Holder~ Buggy and Buddy 
Tissue paper pumpkins - a beautiful (and kid-friendly) way to decorate pumpkins for Halloween! OMG So pretty! I love this! || Gift of Curiosity
 Decoupage on paper mache letters - by Craft & Creativity

Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

RestlessRemedy: An Interview with Owner Debra

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!
Alzheimer's Fidget Quilt Fidget Blanket Stroke Rehabilitation Dementia Patient MOD Hot Pink FLOWERS by Restless Remedy 
A lot of Etsy shops are born out of inspiration to provide a product that the owner feels would be a benefit to a group of people, and Etsy shop RestlessRemedy is no exception. After her sister-in-law suffered from a stroke and was diagnosed with dementia, owner Debra set out to create a way to help her maintain her fine motor skills. After researching, Debra learned about fidget quilts: a lap-sized quilt with different buttons, pulls, and other activities that patients can use to occupy their mind and help with their motor skills. “After making Alexandria a quilt and seeing how much she enjoyed it, I made a few more to donate to my local senior center. Restless Remedy has snowballed from there”, says Debra.
Alzheimer's Fidget Quilt Fidget Blanket Stroke Rehabilitation Dementia Patient CATS on the BEACH by Restless Remedy 
When asked if she’s always been interested in arts and crafts, Debra replies, “You name it, I’ve crafted it!”. When she was a child, her grandmother taught her to sew; and as an adult, Debra focused on jewelry making, paper crafts, knitting and crocheting. Debra’s been a fan of Etsy for the past several years, but just opened her shop in 2015.
Alzheimer's Fidget Quilt Fidget Blanket Stroke Rehabilitation Dementia Patient FISTFUL OF VIOLETS by Restless Remedy
As you might have guessed, Debra’s main inspiration for RestlessRemedy is her sister-in-law, Alexandria. Debra loves crafting fidget quilts, and loves the rewards of being able to inspire and help out her customers and their families: “Every time I get feedback from my customers, my heart sings! I especially love seeing pictures of loved ones with their fidget quilts.” Debra loves working on custom quilts, getting to learn about who she’s making it for. 
As for her plans for the future, Debra wants to focus on the same things she’s always done: maintaining the care, quality and meaning of each quilt.
You can find Debra at RestlessRemedy on Etsy, on Instagram and on Facebook.
Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

40% off coupon at Michael’s!

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
40% Off Any One Regular Price Item
Valid through Saturday (9/3/16), you can use this promo coupon online to get 40% off any one regular price item at Michael’s! It’s a great deal – there are some exclusions (sewing machines and Cricut machines, to name a few) but if there’s something you’ve been thinking about getting for a while, now’s the time to get it!
Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

MonsterNo5: An Interview with Owner Hannah Holmes

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!
Game of Thrones Art - 8x10 Pop Culture Print // Cersei Lannister Pop Culture Quote // Pop Art Quote // Pop Art Gift // Retro Typography
Hannah Holmes isn’t afraid of monsters – they’re one of her biggest inspirations. “I am so, so in love and intrigued with the Universal Movie Monsters. Those are comprised of some of your most iconic film monsters; think Frankenstein, Dracula, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, etc… Universal Studios were the first to really tap into horror movies in the early 20th century and shaped those characters so much; it was really quite revolutionary for the time period”, she says. A huge fan of pop culture, Hannah opened her Etsy shop, MonsterNo5, to share her love with the world in the form of graphic design prints, and a (soon-to-be released) t-shirt line.  
 Orson Welles Silhouette - 11x17 Art Print // Vintage Wall Art // Navy Wall Decor // Pop Art Portrait // Citizen Kane // Classic Film
With a background in fine art photography, Hannah contemplated going into cinematography because of her love in film; both the process of making a film, and the storytelling behind it. Graphic design hasn’t always been her cup of tea; she picked it as her second major in college, but ended up dropping out of her graphic design class when it focused on advertisement placement & magazine layouts. “I hated it so much! Fast forward two years, and I end up getting a job as a graphic designer where I am making ads, brochures, and marketing material for a living. Talk about irony!”, she laughs. While Hannah loves her day job (“I think the difference is doing it for something you really care about”, she notes) , she’s really enjoyed being able to explore her creative side in her spare time with MonsterNo5.
Hunchback of Notre Dame - 11x17 Print // Quasimodo Silhouette // Pop Culture Wall Décor // Universal Monster // Vintage Art // Lon Chaney
What’s her favorite shop item so far? Hannah loved working on the Hunchback of Notre Dame print (pictured above), adding in extra colors and design elements. She has plans to do a line of all the Universal Monsters in this style, taking time for special details and typography. As for what the future holds, Hannah is excited to work on her upcoming line of t-shirts that feature her illustration of Frankenstein. 


You can find Hannah at Etsy shop MonsterNo5, on Instagram and Facebook.

Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

FoxHillLlamas: An Interview with Owner Nichelle Scholz

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!
 Plush llama. Little Llama Decorated with Tassles ...Just like the Llamas of Fox Hill!
“Llamas are an enchanting animal, with so many unique colors and fibers”, says Nichelle Scholz, owner of Etsy shop FoxHillLlamas. Having started paper crafting at the young age of 8 years old, Nichelle began to craft with llama fibers in 2014. Her desire was to showcase llama fibers in products that you wouldn’t normally expect; paper, bird nesters, dryer balls and more. Nichelle and her family have a small herd of llamas at their farm in Western Australia. Each one of her llamas helps contribute to their cost of their care by the sale of the products that Nichelle is able to craft from their fibers and sanitized llama poo.
Llama Poo Paper Business Cards. Hand-made Recycled Paper .. with llama poo. 120 Cards - Blank - Textured - Deckle Edges - Letterpress 
Lllama poo?! Yes, you heard that right. 🙂 Nichelle adds sanitized llama waste to some of her paper products. They’re actually her best seller on Etsy – “The business cards have proved to be great conversation starters!”, comments Nichelle. Llama poo paper is made with recycled paper, and is hand formed with a specially sized mold.
Native Bird Nester - MakeForGood - Bird Nesting Fibre - Outdoor Decor - Eco Friendly Home - Nature Lover Gift
Nichelle’s best-seller isn’t her favorite item, though. Passionate about making products that benefit nature, Nichelle has created bird nesters filled with llama fibers – perfect for your local mama birds to make nests out of. She says, “There is something special about helping a mother provide for her family and this can be extended to our native animals too.”

If you’re thinking about becoming an Etsy seller, Nichelle has advice for you – “You will grow with your store and learn along the way. If you wait until you feel ‘ready’ that moment may never come.” She also advises to be patient in waiting for sales, and to stick with it. “I have found that the Etsy community is amazingly supportive, both buyers and sellers. Others sellers are very supportive, they will help if you have any problems and will lift your confidence if it wanes. Good luck!”
You can find Nichelle at her shop, FoxHillLlamas on Etsy – as well as on her website, Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr.  

Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

CustomPortraitArt: An Interview with Owner Robin Zebley

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!
https://img1.etsystatic.com/130/0/19021/icm_fullxfull.99061419_8a66vhq3308wg8ckwgsk.jpg
For some people, painting comes easy…and for others, like Robin Zebley (owner of Etsy shop CustomPortraitArt), it takes lots of dedication. Already proficient at drawing portraits, Robin wanted to branch out into painting. Her son, a classically trained artist at the Philadelphia Academy of the Fine Arts, came over one afternoon to teach her the basics of painting portraits. With determination, and lots of practice, Robin was able to master the art of portrait painting. “Now, I just love it. My inspiration comes from my customers; their energy and enthusiasm are contagious!”, she says.
https://img1.etsystatic.com/120/0/19021/icm_fullxfull.99061319_bn5ep9gqkd4ckg4ssc8g.jpg
After having sold portraits for a few years by word of mouth, she learned of Etsy while browsing in an artists’ forum. Nervous about her new business endeavor, Robin started off with watercolor and ink miniatures before gaining enough confidence in her art to offer full-sized portraits. When asked what her favorite project has been, Robin confided that she’s had a few celebrity orders – but she’s not telling who! 🙂 One was a celebrity who ordered custom portraits of her family members’ dogs as a Christmas present – Robin says that it’s so fun to see pictures of  that particular celebrity walking her dog in the news. 
 https://img0.etsystatic.com/122/0/19021/icm_fullxfull.95012522_2x2b5o8i4hic8004g080.jpg
Another one of Robin’s celebrity orders was from a famous writer, who ordered portraits of his groomsmen painted as 18th century generals. Robin’s husband, John, joined her in making this order possible; he did the initial stages and blocking to help Robin meet her deadline.
One of Robin’s greatest inspirations is artist Chuck Close, who is well known for his massive-scale portraits. “I admire him for his work, of course, but also for his work ethic, his imagination, and his incredibly positive attitude, even after his accident that left him in a wheelchair.”, Robin responds. “And he’s incredibly kind to beginning artists; I know that for a fact.”
You can find Robin at her Etsy shop, CustomPortraitArt, on Twitter, and at her blog!
Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

Crafting for Good: Cards for Kids

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
Do you want to put your crafting superpowers to use for good & not evil? 🙂 There are so many ways that you can take your talents and use them to brighten someone’s day. Today, I thought we’d cover making cards for children in hospitals.
Picture
There are some regulations – no loose glitter, for one (it’s a breathing hazard..plus it’s just a mess to clean up). But it’s pretty straightforward, and it’s a great way to unleash your creativity and do a little something to make the world a little brighter.
– Cards For Hospitalized Kids, based in Chicago, IL, accepts cards year-round and encourages crafters to create some cards written in Spanish, if you are fluent. They distribute cards to a variety of hospitals on a monthly basis.
– The Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles requires that you laminate your cards prior to sending them. This makes it easier for the hospital to deliver the cards to children, since they’re able to be wiped down and disinfected, especially for children with compromised immune systems. One perk of laminated cards is that your creations will last longer! 🙂
– Send a Smile 4 Kids is a group of volunteers who distribute cards to children in hospitals all over the country. They ask that you keep cards you send blank on the inside, so the nurses and staff can complete the card with a message for the patient and their family.
So, super-crafters…get out your card stock, pens and paints (but no loose glitter!) and make the world a better place…one card at a time 🙂
Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

WhimsicallyOrdinary: An Interview with Owner Lacie Beverly

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!
https://img0.etsystatic.com/140/0/5176247/icm_fullxfull.95011198_qmmi9ubgfaos0444go0g.jpg 
A lot of Etsy shops start out of necessity; dissatisfied with current products, Etsy shop owners create to fill a need in their life…and then the product takes off. Friends and family start paying interest, word gets around, and suddenly, artisans all over the world realize that there is a market for what they’re making.
The process was the same for Lacie Beverly, owner of Etsy shop WhimsicallyOrdinary; an avid reader, Lacie struggled with finding the right bookmark. Most were too flimsy, or were lost easily, neither of which are qualities that are desirable. Lacie started creating her own bookmarks, and they quickly grew in popularity with her friends and family. When asked why she decided to open an Etsy shop, Lacie replied that those closest to her gave her the courage to start selling online: “My family and friends saw my own bookmarks that I use and were always bugging me to give them one or they would “steal one” of their own.”
https://img1.etsystatic.com/101/0/5176247/icm_fullxfull.99061681_ib4deoxh454wkkos4880.jpg 
 
Inspired by everyday life, Lacie strives to find the beauty in all situations. She loves working with antique glass beads, and enjoys re-purposing vintage jewelry to add to her creations. With an array of colorful options to choose from, Lacie’s shop gives her an outlet for her creativity, and gives her customers a great shopping experience – every one of her customer reviews is a perfect 5 star rating! 
https://img0.etsystatic.com/136/0/5176247/icm_fullxfull.95011190_et5olw792lkog80gwkkw.jpg 
As for her favorite project she’s ever worked on, Lacie refers to her Queen Bee book bling (pictured above). “It’s unique, compared to the others…more of a statement & display piece”, she noted.
You can find Lacie and her shop on Etsy, and make sure to like her page on Facebook!
Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

StarShineVintage: Vintage Clothing, Jewelry and Accessories

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
The owner: Krista Morrison from Seattle, WA
The products: A carefully curated collection of vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories. Use coupon code 15OFF for 15% off your purchase!
Fun facts: Krista’s motto is “Live in style, wear vintage”. Vintage pieces are a great way to add flair to your wardrobe, and timeless pieces never go out of style.
Reviews & Sales:  1300+ sales with a 5 star average review rating 🙂
Here’s a very special 7 items from Etsy shop StarShineVintage:

Me & Ro Graduated Shell Disc Necklace 
Native Nanook Alaskan Moose Leather Beaded Winter Mittens Gloves 
Boho Gypsy Crocheted Black Witchy Dress 
1960's Large Tortoise Shell Mirrored Sunglasses 
Coach Soho Ergo Leather Cinch Crossbody Bag 
Spring Swarovski Sautoir Flower Bezel Necklace 
70's Boho Chic Sheer Dress Capelet Dress 

Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

Back to School: College Edition

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
In just a a week, our local schools will start their fall semester. In the spirit of the season, I’ve decided to publish a series on affordable back to school items for kids of all ages. Most of the items I’m including are handmade, but there are some great deals from non-handmade sources that I’ll be including as well.
Today’s blog post is… college supplies! Whether it’s clothes, bedding or office supplies, these options are sure to please. I’ve picked three handcrafted options from Etsy, as well as two great deals from Amazon (affiliate links, please see my disclosure policy for more info). 
Slouchy Womens Pizza Party Lightweight Sweatshirt / Pullover, back to school shirt, brunch clothes, college kid pizza lover gift for women 
Never Never Never Give Up Notebook, Waterproof Cover, Inspirational Notebook or Journal, Office Supplies, School Supplies, College Ruled 
Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

DinnerWearJewelry: An Interview with Owner Mary-Ann Wood

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
One of the things I’ve enjoyed the most about featuring Etsy shops on my blog is getting to know the owners; what inspires them to design? What brought them to open their shop? I’ve started a new series of blog posts specifically for this occasion – owner interviews. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about these unique artists’ process and inspiration!

When asked about how crafting became a part of her life, DinnerWear Jewelry owner Mary-Ann Wood muses, “Crafting has always been a part of my life, for as long as I can remember”. Growing up in a family of artists, artistic expression came naturally to her. Not with a brush and canvas, but with found objects and vintage components. Mary-Ann originally experimented with china mosaic art, but didn’t enjoy the process. She did, however, develop a passion for playing with the vintage china.
Creating her own style and process, Mary-Ann began to carve vintage china plates into gorgeous pieces of jewelry. Choosing pieces based on their patterns, colors and places of origin, Mary-Ann takes something old, and makes it new again. To most people, vintage china – especially if chipped or cracked – isn’t of much interest these days. But, with an eye for creativity, Mary-Ann takes china pieces and transforms them into the best possible parts of themselves; there are no more cracks or chips, just beautiful pieces of china, waiting to be worn.
Mary-Ann’s favorite projects to work on aren’t always the ones that are closest to her heart…but are the ones closest to ours. Customers can send in china that they want custom jewelry made from, often the china of loved ones or eras gone by. It’s a great way to keep and hold onto the memories, without having to worry about dropping the china plates while clearing the table. Often, when receiving an order, Mary-Ann gets to learn the history behind the china; why it’s special, and how much it means to the customer. From the way she speaks about this process, I feel that learning about it only spurs on her desire to make every order the best order possible; to provide the customer with their memories and cherished loved ones in the form of broken china jewelry.
As for her crafting regrets? Mary-Ann only has one – “I wish I had taken more photographs of my work”. I know the feeling; often we finish a project and give it away, only to wonder later about the specifics of the projects. Photographs of past work are a great way to learn from yourself, and your process.
You can find Mary-Ann and her broken china jewelry at DinnerWearJewelry.com, as well as DinnerWearJewelry on Etsy. She’s also active on Instagram and Facebook – drop in, like/follow her page, and say hi!
Until next time, stay crafty!
-Katie

Back to School: School Supplies

/ Kate Wilson / Leave a comment
In just a a week or two, our local schools will start their fall semester. In the spirit of the season, I’ve decided to publish a series on cute & affordable back to school items for kids. Most of the items I’m including are handmade, but there are some great deals from non-handmade sources that I’ll be including as well.
Today’s blog post is… school supplies! I’ve picked three handcrafted options from Etsy, as well as two great deals from Wal-Mart (affiliate links, please see my disclosure policy for more info). 
Personalized folder in chevron print, monogram folder, pocket folder, school folder, personalized school supplies, back to school 
BACK TO SCHOOL -- Personalized Pencil Box -- School Supply Box with Name 
School Supplies // BE KIND pencils // Quote Pencils // Turquoise Teal Pencil Set // Gold Foil Engraved // Gift Under 10 

Until next time, stay crafty!

-Katie