Who has time to blog?

Geesh. I don't have time to do all the things I want to do. Boy is that stating the obvious, right? Who doesn't wish they had more hours in the day? Pretty much everyone needs to prioritize. Why I thought I could be excluded from that party, I'm not sure. Having two kids has made it abundantly clear that less is definitely going to have to be more. So here are the things that I'm thinking about cutting out of my life:

• This blog; although it doesn't take a ton of time (or rather, I prioritize it way to the bottom and don't give it the time I would like to) but it does require some.
• My handmade Etsy shop, Pumpkin Girl; this, too, does not take a ton of time (or rather, I can spend time on it when I want to) but it is a bit of a time commitment and I'm lacking inspiration lately.
• Cleaning my house; I could opt to let it go entirely, or hire someone
• Geez, there isn't anything that can go!

So, really, if I cut some stuff out I may feel more like a normal person who can like sit down and watch a little TV and do a little knitting. Or, there are about a dozen things I would love to ADD in, in place of what gets cut. Like exercise, cooking, baking, reading a book now and then, making stuff for myself and my kids...friends. But see if I cut something, and then add more in, then I'm kind of back here where I feel like I'm doing too much. Ah, 25th hour in the day (and 26th, 27th and 28th), where are you when I need you? Any recommendations? What do you do to fit all the things in your life that make you happy?

People in My Neighborhood: Resign

Some places you go are full of "transplants" -- like no one is really from New York or L.A., are they? Places like that seem to attract a lot of people from all over the place. Usually I don't think of Wisconsin like that. Maybe it's because I'm from here. But now that I'm also sort of a transplant, it's really comforting to know that I'm not the only person who hasn't totally taken root here yet. Which is why meeting Jenny from Resign was especially comforting. She's from Australia and recently moved here via Arizona. She now lives in Nashotah, Wisconsin, which is basically just directly west of Milwaukee.

Jenny makes beautiful jewelry, or jewellery as she spells it, and homewares. I was struck immediately by the colors she uses, and how much the pieces look just like candy. I hope you love them as much as I do!



Tell me a little about yourself. When did you start crafting? What kinds of crafts do you enjoy?
My name is Jenny, and I make jewellery and homewares using hand cast resin. I'm an Aussie (hence the weird spelling) currently living in beautiful Wisconsin with my husband, 2 children and 2 dogs. We moved to the US a little under 5 years ago for my husband to take up a new position in Tucson AZ, but have very recently relocated to Nashotah WI, which I am loving!



I've only recently started working with resin but have always been interested in crafting in some shape or form. As a child I did everything from crocheting squares with my grandmother, to leather work, weaving (both baskets and wool), copper jewellery and enamelling, macramé and pottery. While I was at university, and before I had children I made a lot of my clothes as well. I love interior design, fashion and cooking and now that we're in the cold country, I've started knitting scarves for the family too!



What inspires you? What other artists/crafters do you admire?
I've always loved the look and feel of hand cast resin but wasn't inspired to actually make pieces myself until we moved to the States. It is very popular in Australia but I soon realised there was a big gap in the market over here, so with time on my hands I decided to give it a go. So, after much research and experimentation (that never stops), here I am, sharing my story with you. As far as inspiration for my pieces...I see colours all around me to use in my work. Sometimes a shape or form will inspire me to grab a lump of clay and start modelling but usually I just knead the clay until I end up with something I like.

I admire anybody who can make beautiful, interesting and unique pieces with their hands. I had no idea there was such a world of talent out there until I started my shop on etsy. I'm now an avid etsy buyer as well...there is so much lovely stuff to be had!



What are some shops that you love?
That's a hard one as there are so many shops on etsy that I love and so many more that I haven't found yet. At the moment I'm loving the vintage shops on etsy for finding unique pieces for the home. I love that mix of contemporary and old.
I'm still finding my way around Milwaukee, but the whole family (well maybe not my 14 yr old son) loves going to Third Ward to the public market, restaurants and eclectic mix of shops there. I'm also loving the art gallery and lake front area. Then there are the little shops in Delafield, not far from where we live, where you can spend a quiet Saturday morning browsing and having coffee. I have found one great boutique there, don't even know the name of it but they do have some very nice pieces!



What's a guilty pleasure of yours?
Staying in bed for way too long on a weekend, surrounded by my Australian home and cooking magazines, enjoying the most aromatic tea in the world (Mariage, from France), with the beautiful Wisconsin scenery outside my window...and I cannot wait to do that in winter so I can have the fire on as well!



What's a perfect Milwaukee/Wisconsin day to you?
As I've only experienced Spring and Summer so far, I would have to say a perfect Milwaukee/Wisconsin day would be spent outside. Either on the lakes surrounding our house, walking through the beautiful parks and having a picnic, or in town enjoying the lake front or river outdoor dining. I have to say though, that I'm looking forward to all the seasons and the diversity that each brings. I've never really experience a truly cold winter, so the thought of snuggling up with comfort food and a good book or movie, while it's snowing outside is also very appealing!

People in my Neighborhood: Jennifer Ladd

I recently discovered another awesome crafy lady in my neighborhood -- Jennifer Ladd. She's got a shop full of the most beautiful bags and purses you've ever seen, often made from original fabrics that you can't just pick up at the local JoAnn's (which, as an aside, I have decided to avoid at all costs).

Not to mention her own adorableness, look at how cute she is with her sweet little daughter! Well, it's almost too much to take, I know.

This week I asked her a few questions about herself and her life here in Wisconsin. I also read an article she wrote for Esty about Milwaukee Esty artists and felt glad all over again that I've moved here. My interview with her follows...

You're so crafty! Tell me a little about yourself.
I have been crafty all my life. It probably all started when I was a baby and spent my days watching my grandma sew in her basement (she has her own company making and tailoring clothes). I picked up a needle and thread very early, and I haven't put it down since! While sewing is probably my favorite craft, I love to try out any other craft I can. I love to work with glass (glass fusing and glass blowing whenever I can get access to the facilities, stained glass, glass beads). I paint. I make jewelry. I embroider. I make baskets. I work with metal. In college, I even spent quite a bit of time woodworking (although my pink tools received lots of snickers from the men in the shop). I'm always searching for some new outlet to help me create.

What inspires you? What other artists/crafters do you admire?
I am inspired by beautiful color combinations. My brain just feels happy when I see beautiful colors together. I admire artists who are either very good at what they do (locally: RosyBird, Papavier) or very good at what I CAN'T do (locally: UrbanTurn, Kilsook). And I admire anyone who can knit ... I have tried and tried, but can't seem to get the hang of it, so anyone who does is my idol!

So you're a mom of one, and soon to be two. What kinds of crafts do you do with your daughter, or look forward to doing as she gets older?
She is a crafty little girl, too, so we are always digging into our overflowing art closet and working on some kind of project together. She's only 3, so we are still a bit limited, but most afternoons you will find us either painting, stamping, drawing, cutting, folding origami, or stringing jewelry. AS she gets older, of course, I am looking forward to sewing with her (and luckily, she has already expressed an interest! Yay!).

What are some of your favorite local shops?
Since I do have my daughter and another baby on the way (hopefully soon!), I spend most of my time in kid stores / toy shops - I like Sprout, the Learning Shop, Winkie's in Whitefish Bay, and Downtown Toy Store in Kenosha. If I ever want to do some window shopping for myself, I will always head to the Third Ward ... Anthropologie and Broadway Paper always provide some great eye-candy!

What's a perfect Milwaukee/Wisconsin day to you?
I love Milwaukee in the summer - there's always something to do (and the weather is FINALLY perfect)! My perfect day would be a picnic at the zoo with my daughter (followed by a nice walk through the zoo, a train ride, and even feeding the goats (to make my daughter extra happy!). On the way home, of course, we'd stop at Kopp's for Turtle Sundae custard. Maybe some shopping in the Third Ward. Dinner at Coquette's Cafe. And then an evening at South Shore park. Perfection!

New Product: Recycled Clothesline Organic Tees

Finally, I started making something for girls! It started with the Big Sis Tee, and now I'm on to these cute clothesline tees made on my new, colorful, organic cotton baby onesies. I use repurposed fabrics to make the little clothes that hang on the line, too, so these are do-gooder shirts, for reals.

I was inspired to make these by my own shoes. Yes, my shoes. You see, years ago I bought a pair of Camper Twins shoes that have a clothesline. They were on super-duper sale and I've worn them to death ever since. In fact, I dread the day I have to replace them because I'm sure they will either not be on sale, or I won't be able to track them down. So maybe my new onesies are my way of immortalizing these shoes.

I also love the clothesline image because I love to hang our clothes out to dry. Did you know that some states are moving to BAN them? Check out Laundry List and this article in Time Magazine for information if you're pro-line drying like I am, or just want to know what all the fuss is about. I don't have a clothesline at my new house, so I guess I'll have to find out if they've been banned or if I can put one in. If I do, I just know these little onesies will look so darn cute hung on it!

New Little Man Shirts on Horizon!

I've been madly sewing up new tiesies out of the great Zee Spot long sleeve organic cotton onesies I just ordered. It's so soothing to do this work. I love putting together the colors, and I love imagining what the little dude who wears it might look like. My customers are usually buying for a special occasion - wedding, birthday, gift - so it's such an honor and source of pride for me when these little shirts head out the door. And of course I love the fact that I am finding uses for things like old ties that might end up in a landfill somewhere or something.

It all started over two years ago before my wee pumpkin was even born. We had a wedding to go to, and I had no idea what a 3-month-old wore to such an event. So I put my thinking cap on and came up with the uber-comfortable and super retro hipster baby tiesie. Of course wee pumpkin ended up stealing the show a bit in his duds, but he didn't seem to mind all the attention! This year I am hoping to spend a little time with some new designs, maybe using more reclaimed or vintage fabrics in applique form. I'm thinking more birthday tees and maybe adding a "big brother" and "big sister" tee into the mix. And as a special request for my mom-n-law, a "Grandma" tee! Can't wait to see what the future holds for Pumpkin Girl...now if I can just squeeze in a few more hours to my day, somehow!

Any other great ideas for new Pumpkin Girl tees? I got lots of onesies that need a purpose!

Get Your Shopping Done in a Day

It's true. You can totally get all your holiday shopping done in one day. If you'd like, you could also spend every last penny of money you have, and happily so. Where and when is such a opportunity presenting itself? Why, the No Coast Craft-o-rama, of course!

Let me tell you the story of the No Coast Craft-o-rama. Oh, the year was 2005, I think. Right around the same time Crafty Planet opened it's doors. I had started crafting things to sell and was having very little success at the local craft sales. Around the same time my mom was retiring, and bugging me about what she was going to do with all this newfound time. So, I set about to recruit forces to help me plan a wee little sale in our fair city. And that is what I did.

To get things started, I dropped in on Trish at Crafty Planet. "Trish," I said, "...how can I get some hip crafty peeps together to help me plan this thing?" To which Trish said, "I'll help you!" And so it was. I created some flyers and hung them about town. Trish passed the word through the store and her wide network of crafty hipsters. The night of the first planning meeting arrived...and some people showed up! Real, live people! Who also liked the idea of a cool, indie craft sale! It was a thrill. To this day only one or two of the people who were at that meeting are still involved with the planning, but believe me, every one of them made a difference in how things came to be!

Fast forward past all of the agonizing hard work of putting together that first sale, trying to find vendors, a location, determine advertising needs, establish an identity and get organized to the morning of the sale. We all arrived at Columbia Manor in northeast Minneapolis with butterflies. Would anyone come? Would the tables all fit? Would everything run smoothly? As people trickled in, then crowds amassed, then hoards of made shoppers practically stormed the place, it became clear that we would far exceed our expected attendance of 500. In fact, I think I recall we had around 2,500 attendees! It was amazing, and one of the most exciting and rewarding feelings I've ever had to see all that hard work pay off. Our vendors said that shoppers were crazed, throwing money and snatching up crafts like it was their last ever opportunity to get a piece of the craft action. My husband dressed as Santa and dj'ed all day, and my mom had a banner day of sales. All of my friends came, and I made new friends and discovered some unbelievably talented local crafters and generally just had an awesome day. It whet my appetite for more.

As I said, the whole story is a long one, but I've helped plan this sale for the last four years -- everything from writing press releases to setting up and tearing down tables to helping design shirts and web sites and choose vendors and appear on media interviews. It's been a labor of love but also extremely consuming. This year I stepped away from it all to focus on (selfishly) me, my family, and lots of other things. But I can rest easy knowing that it's now in Trish and the Crafty Planet gang's capable hands. I feel like I set out to accomplish something really great, and I did -- and now it's got momentum of it's own! I can finally just show up and shop...with no responsibilities! It's a great feeling, and I plan to completely blow every penny I have there. So if you're expecting a gift from me this year, you can't come shopping with me. Or you've got to get lost...which won't be hard to do at this event!

Come check it out and support local handmakers. They deserve your business!

A Pumpkin Girl's Dream Come True

I have some BIG BIG BIG news! Little miss Pumpkin Girl is going to be in a book called One Yard Wonders, by the talented local duo Trish Hoskins (owner of Crafty Planet)and Rebecca Yaker (designer behind Hazel and Melvin's Room). I'm pinching myself with excitement! The concept of the book is 101 sewing projects that require a yard or less of fabric. I am not only completely humbled and honored that one of my projects was chosen for the book, but I honestly cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of the book so that I can check out all the amazing work by other crafters. I think a few crafty gals I know personally also have designs in the book, so it'll be especially fun to try out their designs!



You can become a Facebook fan of the book and get a sneak peek at some of the projects (check out the adorable little girl's skirt designed by Rebecca) or even enter a contest by the publisher to win a yard of fabric for a year! The book is due out at the end of October, just in time for all that holiday crafting we all say we're going to do and then generally don't get around to. Maybe this year will be different. I think a yard of fabric and this awesome book would make a pretty awesome gift in itself.

It's a real dream come true for me. Now, I just have to try to suspend my disbelief that my project will actually be in there!

New Card Designs!

I've been in a real card design rut lately, until I realized that there's a half-hour window between which my kiddo goes to bed and the sun goes down. Some nights that half hour has been used to clean up toys strewn about the house. Other nights, like tonight, it was used to make the most of the daylight by photographing all the toys rather than put them away. I have to admit, I had a lot more fun photographing them than I did putting them away.

What do you think of the results? I'm really not that great of a photographer, so maybe I shouldn't be selling these but instead keep them for my own stash. It's it painfully obvious that I'm a total amateur?

Get Hip to it: Run Amok

One of the most excellent fringe benefits of helping plan the No Coast Craft-o-rama each year is meeting all the talented and so-friendly local crafty types. I am always completely blown away by how welcoming and open everyone is, and it really makes all the work of planning big events worth it.

Enter Oona, the talent behind Run Amok. Not only is she super-talented, but she cracks me up. She says "aces!" She doesn't drive. Her mom is one of the sweetest moms I've ever met. She's just one of those people who gives me warm fuzzies every time I see her, and I want to see her become rich and famous beyond her wildest dreams. So, I asked her to write a tell-all autobiography and I agreed to publish it on my blog. I was dying to know what her craft space looked like. What books does she read? What inspires her?


Oona says: I keep my knitting needles (and typewriter ribbon tin collection) in the diningroom.


Oona says: My favorite fabrics.


Oona says: I love my green chair.


Oona says: A view from the door with piles of things that need finishing.


Oona says: I love my (moms) Bernina. A lot.

What's inspiring you now?
A random collection of things I guess: photos of fair isle knitting, 1950s sewn vinyl toys, Japanese craft books, the Organized Collections pool on flickr.


Oona says: Pincushions to be finished, and the never ending sock. This is only the first sock, and its taken 5 weeks to get to the heel, I can't believe it at this point.


Oona says: Cottons on the left, vintage kimono fabrics on the right.

What books are on your nightstand?

Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace and the Emperor and the Wolf (bio of Akira Kurosawa and Toshiro Mifune) . I think each one is about a million pages, and that’s why they’re both constantly on my nightstand, but both are well worth it.


Oona says: Sorted buttons for making bracelets.

What are your favorite places to shop?

Right now it’s mostly Blue Moon Fiber Arts for yarn, United Noodle for unusual snacks from Japan, and thrift stores for everything else.


Oona says: Some of the (mostly handmade) doll collection I have, mostly bought or traded for on etsy.

What are your plans for Spring?

I’m starting to get a little stir crazy, so basically anything that involves being outdoors would suit me just fine. I’d love to be walking home from work, or sitting in my backyard most of all. Also, I need to spray paint a massive light fixture so I can place it in a thoroughly inappropriately small room, so that’s pretty much tops on my to-do at this point.


Oona says: Some of the dolls I've made.

What websites and blogs do you visit?

F*** You, Penguin is the funniest website ever. Ever!

Fine little day is lovely.

The Selby takes amazing photographs.

Ravelry is the knitting equivalent of crack and should be illegal. I’d like to visit other things on the internet, but I can’t seem to stop looking at the ravelry.

Thanks for being so totally "aces" Oona! And thanks for sharing your crafty space. It looks like you've got quite the set up!

Reform the CPSIA

Hi everyone...I wanted to pass along some information about a proposed set of laws called the Consumer Product Safety Information Act (CPSIA) that will basically close my Etsy shop, or at least the part of it that contains clothes for kids. Take a minute to read the law as it's been proposed if you are so inspired. Although we all want our kids to be protected from what can be harmful to their health (duh), this law has some serious flaws.

Now, I'm no lawyer, but from what I hear, even libraries will be affected by the law, which wil require them to test all of the books on their shelves or ban kids from their libraries. I won't be able to sell my tiesies or kid's clothes as of February 10 unless I have each item independently tested. Quoting the below-linked Forbes op-ed: "As of Feb. 10, it will become unlawful to make or sell anything intended for use by children under 12 without a program to test the goods for lead--even if no items of their kind have ever been found to pose a lead risk, even if you make and sell only a few inexpensive items a year, even if you've sourced their materials from the most conscientious local suppliers and even if they're items toddlers seldom convey into their mouths, such as dartboards or bicycle tires."

Here are some articles on the topic:
Forbes, part 1
Forbes, part 2
Bloomberg
National Bankruptcy Day

Please call your congressperson or senator to give your feedback. I appreciate it!

No Coast Has a New Face!

I'm really excited to announce that No Coast Craft-o-rama, the big annual craft sale I helped to found, has a new web site. It's beautiful (IMO). It was a total redesign by the masterful Giant Squid Industries. We now have so many things we've always wanted (but weren't sure how to create), like a forum and a place to store all the resources both for those seeking to become crafty business people, and those trying to purchase local handcrafted goods.

Our lovely and talented webmistress Kristen has done such a great job to this point, now I'm scared for her having to learn a new technology! But she's a whiz, and she'll have help, so I'm sure it's going to be a great new adventure for us!

I can't wait to hear from people what they think of the new site. I know there are a few "oopsies" right now, but not too bad for as big a job as it was! What do you think of the new site?

Earflap Hat With Skulls

My son is usually a pretty willing (and ultra adorable) model for my projects. This one, however, not so much. Maybe it's the fact that I'm trying to get him to put on this super warm hat and it's 80 degrees outside. Or, by the time I get home from work and everyone eats and he gets a bath he's much more ready for a book or some snuggling than a modeling shoot. Oh, well. I did manage to snap this shot of him just about to take the hat off.

I am going to make some slight modifications to this new design, such as making the front flap a little wider. I hope to whip up about 100 of these for the big craft sale in December. I want to get some red plaid flannel to make some cute hunter-kid hats with. Yay! It's hard to get excited about winter, but I'm trying!

Cool Mom Picks Featured ME!

I hate to brag, but I am so on a roll these days. Yesterday one of my organic cotton tie tee-shirts (which I call "tiesies") was featured on one of my new favorite sites CoolMomPicks.com! I guess I need to start preparing my acceptance speech for when I'm picked as "Crafter of the Universe" because I'm sure that's not too far down the road.

Summer Hat, Winter Hat

Somehow along the way here I became a maker of hats. I have had an Etsy shop for about a million years and have been hawking my wares longer than that. I think it just makes me feel better about spending copious (read: all) my spare time crafting if I can sell some of the stuff I make. Because of that, I have ended up selling whatever random stuff I wanted to, depending on my mood and inspiration. Unlike more disciplined "artists" (I don't really consider myself one, BTW...using the term loosely here), I haven't had to think really hard about creating a cohesive "brand" or anything like that. Now if I was seriously going to try to make a living doing this, then more thought would have to be given to how to make Pumpkin Girl not appear like a flea market of crazy craft ideas.

But I'm not serious, I'm having fun. I've sold (or still sell in some cases) cards, lip balms, jewelry rolls and hangers, soap, laundry soap, pillows, eye masks, onesies, etc. Recently, after hunting on Etsy for the perfect boy's sunhat without luck, I've also started making hats. Why not?! I'm having fun, dammit. Welcome to my flea market! Everything's a dollar...well, not really.

I have made close to a zillion hats over the last few months, or so it seems. Now that I'm getting really confident with the fit/sizing and the way the parts go together, I'm trying some new things. I'm particularly excited about the ear flap hat. It's this buttery soft flannel with a nubly fleece on the earflaps. And really, every Midwestern boy needs some ear flaps. Winter IS just around the corner if you live where I do.

I'd like to try to make some more for my shop, but I'm not sure how well they'll go over. Thoughts? Do they need a chin strap? Should I make some different colors/fabrics? Does it need the little flap in front that folds up? Gah, I'm so indecisive!

My summer hat was a custom order on Etsy. I think it turned out adorable (aren't I modest?). I am particularly fond of the flower detail. Ah, too bad summer's on it's way out...I could make one for myself.

Hope you had a lovely SUMMERY weekend!

Using up Scraps: Fabric Hair Pins

Vintage Fabric Hair Pins
Originally uploaded by truckertracy

Looking for a really simple way to use up every last scrap of fabric? Make some fabric covered buttons, and turn them into bobby pins, magnets, push pins, any number of great uses (besides the obvious use as a button!).

I purchased a kit from Tobysmom on Etsy that helps push the fabric onto the button nicely. You can do it by hand but it isn't as easy or as clean looking. Here are the easy steps to making your own:
1. To cut out the perfect fabric circles, I used the lid of a baby food jar.
2. Then, using a needle-nose pliers, I pulled the little loop off the button back (don't do this if you plan to use the button as a button!)
3. Next, I covered the button with the fabric circle.
4. Finally, I used Gorilla Glue to glue the fabric covered button onto a nice sturdy bobby pin, which I also purchased on Etsy, from KikisKlippies.

To complete the etsy circle, I'm now selling these on etsy. My primary motivator to make these, though, is that I HATE throwing away fabric scraps, no matter how small. I also wanted to have some fun things ready for No Coast Craft-o-rama this winter. I'm also going to make some smaller bobbies, so stay tuned for that.

What other cool things can you do with these fabric buttons? The possibilities seem endless!

Trendy Tots Featured Us!

Yay! Trendy Tots featured Baby Pumpkin and his awesome bicycle bucket hat! Check it out!

It's a great blog -- today they're featuring Dad's Day gift (which, if you haven't gotten yet, you need to). They also clued me in to a great shop selling Mr. T shirts for babies, great baby shoes, so many cool things! I'm honored to have been featured!

Apply Now for No Coast Craft-o-rama

Just a little plug for all of you who are interested in applying to be a part of this year's big sale: the No Coast vendor applications are now available on our web site! The sale will be December 5 and 6 this year, at Midtown Global Market.

In other exciting news, Lonny Unitas will be the designer of the No Coast artwork (including posters, postcards, tees, etc.) this year. We're so excited to work with him!

Also, No Coast will be getting a new web design to align us better with our overall nonprofit mission of helping the crafty scene in the region. We've selected Giant Squid Industries to help us, and we hope to launch the new site later this year. I'm really looking forward to seeing that project come together.

My New Pumpkin Girl Banner

Sometimes I feel like getting ready for a craft sale or selling stuff on etsy is escapism. I haven't balanced my checkbook in months, I have dirty laundry, and the dishes need to be washed, but I manage to update my blog, add stuff to my etsy shop, make new products to sell, and order supplies for No Coast. But doing fun things that make me happy should be all good, right?

Anyway, good or not, I made myself a new banner for my craft booth. I hung it on my fireplace to test it out. Whatcha think? It was easy to make. I printed out letters, about 5 to a page and made a thin black circle to go around them that served as my cutting line. Then I traced a bigger bowl to cut out the shapes for the background. Add a little gluestick and a hole puncher and some ribbon, and voila! A banner!

If I didn't feel like making one, I would have thought about buying this one from Mahar Dry Goods. Other banners that I like include this Merry Christmas one from meringuedesigns on Etsy and this Believe banner that looks a lot like mine from StoriaHome, also on Etsy. I'm really kind of digging the idea of getting one to hang on my fireplace for the holidays. Maybe since my house is sort of wood-y, I should get this super cool wooden banner from smallstump.

Anyhoo, happy banner hunting and wish me luck with mine!

My Mom's Crafty: Interview with Granny's Closet

My mom is the reason why I’m obsessed with crafting. Yes, I blame her for my need to sew in particular, but also my irrational objection to throwing anything away for fear that it could be part of some groundbreaking new craft project. Some of the earliest memories I have of spending time with my mom are of the two of us sitting on the floor in our living room, pinning down patterns for pinafores, Halloween costumes, fall jackets and other things she made for me.

She taught me how to sew (my first project was a heart shaped pillow made out of stretchy cotton) long before Home Economics class, and it was in that class that I was issued my first speeding ticket – not for driving too fast, but for sewing too fast. Mom also taught me to do cross stitch — which I can still do, barely — and most recently I used that skill to make my husband a “Man Room” sign for his record room, complete with “sitting ladies” (think mud flaps), beers, and guitars.

Nowadays, my mom and I don’t craft together much since we aren’t in the same state, but we both still craft, and sell our stuff on Etsy. She also was the driving force behind my founding of the No Coast Craft-o-rama, which drew 8,000 attendees last year, many of whom stood in line to buy my mom’s bags before she was even fully set up. I thought it might be fun to talk to my mom about her recent success crafting for business. Here’s the interview:

Q: So, mom -- you've been retired now for what, 2 years? How do you like being a full time crafter?
A: I love being a full time crafter for many reasons. First, it keeps me from being a couch potato. Many retired people that I know just do not seem to do anything. Crafting makes me feel productive and gives me a reason to get up in the morning. It also keeps the mind active and helps me stay current with the changing trends.


Q: Remember back on the pumpkin farm? What kinds of things have you crafted over the years? Successes? Failures?
A: I have dabbled into many areas of crafting. I used to make most of my children's clothing so my sewing was mostly doing essential stuff rather than "crafty" things. Failures? I guess the one I remember the most isn't exactly a failure but it sure sticks out in my mind. One Christmas I had spent months secretly crocheting Barbie Doll clothes for one of my daughters. I was SO excited because they had really turned out well and I was thrilled that she would have bunch of Barbie clothes that were different from everyone else’s. She opened the box on Christmas morning and it went over like a lead balloon. She wanted the store bought stuff. My most recent failure is my first pair of underwear that I made in my Serger class. My husband threatens to frame them - guess I am going to have to burn them!

Q: Your sales on Etsy are incredible -- 637 items sold as of today! To what do you attribute your success?
A: I think it is mainly my fabric choices. That is the most frequent positive comment I get from people. I also think that I have priced my items well. I try to figure as closely as possible what it costs me to make it and give myself a reasonable profit.


Q: What's some advice you would give to people selling on Etsy, or doing craft sales like No Coast Craft-o-rama?
A: Study what is selling on Etsy and at what price range. Try a few items and if they totally bomb - move on to something else. Know your skill limitations and stick with making things you do well. Promote your shop as much as possible. However, I think the main thing for long-term success on Etsy (or anywhere else for that matter) is GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE with a personal touch! I have lots of repeat customers and I think part of the reason is that I am respectful to my buyer, prompt with acknowledging each sale and with the shipping.

Q: You buy a lot of handmade stuff from other Etsy sellers. Why do you like buying handmade stuff?
A: I like handmade things because they are usually well done and unique. I like buying things that you maybe cannot get anywhere else. And I love the opportunity to buy from my fellow Etsiers. For the most part, they are a great, creative bunch of people.

Granny's Closet Etsy Shop

Buy Handmade Pledge

There's a cool little web site encouraging people to buy handmade goods this holiday season. Of course, I both make, sell and buy handmade goods, so I fully support the cause. Not only that, but I help plan the No Coast Craft-o-rama where people all over the Twin Cities area can buy handmade from over 100 artists and designers. Not that I dislike the mall, or shopping, or buying some things that are mass produced (tights? underwear? toilet paper?), but when it comes to buying gifts, there really isn't anything I like giving or receiving more than something someone spent TIME on. Money is easy to come by in some ways, but creativity, time, thoughtfulness, originality...these are the things that make the receiver of a gift feel truly loved.

Please sign the Buy Handmade Pledge today!