My cat, Mindy, keeps jumping up and demanding attention while I'm busy trying to take photographs. She's very bold!! ..
...but also cute. The fact that she's so cute is the only reason she gets away with it. Cats really know exactly how to play you!
Labels: cat, clowning around, pets
posted @ 5:26 PM
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Handbag addicts are in for a real treat now! DESIGNED BY DIANA is another great etsyian who sells handmade bags and purses. Diana's line has something for everyone, her work is just really impeccably well made and her designs are exclusive, trendy, stylish and distinctive with affordable price tags. What more could you ask for?..... Tell us a bit about yourself. What is your name, label, location, & whatnot?I’m Diana and I live in Miami, Florida. I live with my husband, our cat and our doggie. I work a day job at an international cable network, but my real passion is designed by Diana. I dream and scheme about my bags all day and when I get home the fun starts, making patterns, cutting, sewing and designing.
When did you start crafting?I started crafting before I can remember. The first thing I remember making was painting a receiving blanket with Gonzo for my baby brother when I was six. My mom has always been a crafter and I loved to craft alongside her. My first solo project was a plastic canvas blowfish tissue holder. I loved it and think it may still be floating around my mom’s house.
Describe your craft in one word: Hmmm... just one? Funky
Explain your craft, what drives you and your inspirations:I make handbags because I’m a handbag addict. I just love having all sorts of bags, so I started making them to quell my addiction. I love mod and retro fabrics and patterns. I get inspired by so many things, clothing, a trip to the bookstore, an idea can come anywhere at anytime, which is why I always have a little notebook to jot them down in my bag.
What makes you different than other sellers?My bags are unique. I try to get unique fabrics and handles to make my bags true originals.
Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor? Tell us about them.Totally. I consider my grandmother to be my mentor. She has been a seamstress for over 65 years. She learned to sew and make her own patterns in Cuba and brought her craft with her to the US. She’s worked in many factories and even opened a couple of factories of her own. By the time I was born she was doing “costura a la medida” (custom fitted clothing) from her home. I would sit by the sewing machine and help her sometimes. I got the sewing bug from her. I, of course was one of her best customers. She’s made every prom dress and even my wedding dress. Her work is always of the best quality, true craftsmanship. It always looked as if you would have gotten it in a store. I aspire to have my work look as professional as her does.
Do you have a favourite product or a signature piece? Show us.I have to say, though I love all my pieces, my Angela bag has a special place in my heart. It was the first bag I ever made and sold and was basically the beginning of designed by Diana. Here is the latest Angela bag with a cool Alexander Henry Geisha print.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5891482If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?Love what you do, cause in the end, the money may not come, but if you love what you’re doing you will be happy no matter what. And another thing, if you want your craft business to work, you have to treat it like a business. Take it seriously, while still having fun of course, but dedicate time to it and it will get you results.
Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?Eventually I’d love to see people walking down the streets in every city with one of my bags. I’ve been dreaming of having 2 designed by Diana lines, one ready-to-wear and one couture-- just like the big fashion designers.
Don’t forget to tell us where we can buy your work: You can learn more about designed by Diana at
www.designedbyDiana.com which links to my etsy store at
http://designedbyDiana.etsy.com
Labels: artists, bags, cat, cat toy, catnip, community, etsy, etsyian, featured, handbags, indie, interviews, purses
posted @ 1:32 PM
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It's that time again! This weeks interview is with Shannon & Jess of CraftasticDesigns. Please visit thier shop, they have amazing products in a range of categories so you'll be bound to find something whether your looking for jewelry, original artwork, home decor, something for your baby or something for your pet!
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Tell us a bit about yourself. What are your name, label, location, & whatnot?Our store is named Craftastic Designs. It is run by Shannon & Jess. We have been friends since kindergarten. We are located in Somerset and Fall River, Massachusetts.
When did you start crafting?(Shann) I've been interested in creating art since I was a little girl. Before I can remember.
(Jess) I always loved painting and doing crafts but I didn't get seriously into making jewelry until about 3 years ago after I hurt my back.
Describe your craft in one word:(Shann) I would have to say "practical" Many of my items are used in everyday life.
(Jess) "STYLISH" I want my jewelry to make people feel good and look good when they wear it, and I want my paintings, vases and candle holders to look good in peoples homes. I don't sell anything I wouldn't want for myself.
Explain your craft, what drives you and your inspirations:(Shann) I focus mainly on sewing and quilting. I love getting new fabrics and imagining what I can create out of it! I am definitely inspired by colors and patterns in the fabrics I choose.
(Jess) I paint, make jewelry, and make decoupage vases. Usually I am inspired by colors or if I have a certain pendant for a necklace I take my inspiration from that. When I paint I am inspired by the mood I am in.
What makes you different than other sellers?(Shann) We have such a unique collection of items.
(Jess) What she said lol!
Have you had anyone that you consider to be a mentor? Tell us about them.(Shann) My dad is very artistic. I used to love watching him draw me things when I was younger. He always encouraged me to fulfill my creative side.
(Jess) My high school art teachers taught me so much. I don't think I would be able to do what I do without them.
Do you have a favourite product or a signature piece? Show us.
(Shann) This is my favorite. It is my first quilt and I am really proud of it!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6438915 also these seem to be a hit on Etsy and Craft fairs:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6413376(Jess) This painting is my favorite I put a lot of emotion into my paintings so I get pretty attached to them
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6290757If you had one piece of advice for someone just starting out, what would it be?(Shann) Make sure that you really enjoy your craft! Don't do it just to make money. Express yourself and show it off to the world!
(Jess) Wow Shann how can I beat that lol. I would just suggest that you do as many craft fairs as you can to get yourself out there. If you have a bad experience at one craft fair don't give up it just might be the wrong crowd for what you are selling.
Where do you see yourself going with your craft in the future?(Shann) I would love to have my own baby boutique. I've wanted to do that since I was a teenager.
(Jess) I would like to do more custom jobs for weddings and stuff I recently did one for the first time and I loved it. I would also like to have a little art gallery or a craft store.
Don’t forget to tell us where we can buy your work:http://www.craftasticdesigns.etsy.com/Fancy Feline catnip toy set
Pretty Kitty Bib and Burp Cloth Set
Magenta Leaf Candle Holder
Labels: artists, bags, cat, cat toy, catnip, community, etsy, etsyian, featured, indie, interviews, pets, seller, sellers, treat
posted @ 2:51 AM
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