This week Sethayla gives us a peek behind the scenes of her shop, AislingDezines. Fabulous bunting for all occasions is her speciality, along with beautiful woolly creations!

Describe your “typical” working day or week

As I am a mother to four school-aged children, I find I have to do any crafting or associated activities whilst they are at school. There are a few things I can do when they are at home, but anything that needs concentration or the use of the dining table is reserved for school hours (our dining table is in constant use with model painting for my son and husband, homework, drawing, and even eating!)

Fairy Tale Bunting by AislingDezines

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

If I am not doing Etsy things, then I am more than likely cooking, cleaning, or doing something with the children. In the nicer weather I am down the allotment too.

What was the first piece you ever sold?

The first piece I sold to someone I didn’t know was a nuno felted bag. I remember being so excited that I was creating something that someone wanted to buy!
What material do you most enjoy working with?

Hmmm, that’s really difficult. Sometimes I prefer wool, either spinning it, felting it, knitting or crocheting it. Other times I prefer material and creating some unique bunting. I guess it depends on what ideas I have at the time, sometimes I am inspired by a piece of material and want to to create something straight away, other times I have an idea for a yarn, and want to create it from scratch.

Summer Time Bunting by AislingDezines

If you could try a new craft, what would it be?

I would love to get my head around weaving, but really don’t have the time to take on any other crafts (or space!)

Which piece of equipment would you be helpless without?

I wouldn’t be able to make my bunting without my sewing machine, hand stitching it all would just be too much!! I would also miss my spinning wheel as it is so relaxing sitting there spinning away, sometimes using the fibres from an animal that you know, it is a really lovely feeling.
Tell us about one handmade item that you own and love

That’s another tough choice, I have many handmade items that I love. My most recent creation for our home is a knitted cushion cover in yarn that I spun myself, a mix of alpaca and blended merino, played together to make the softest yarn, with very subtle changes in colour, it is my most favourite yarn i have spun to date. The cushion is now on a chair in our lounge.

Knitted iPad Cozy by AislingDezines

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

Probably the same plans that most crafty people have, I would love for my shop to create me a regular income. I have many plans for bunting, which I think I will be focussing more on, but don’t want to lose the woolly side of things, as I love that too!

Thank you Sethayla for a wonderful insight into your creative world!

For updates, follow Sethayla on Facebook: @AislingDesignz and on her blog: aisling-designs.co.uk

Sethayla was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

Our newest CraftBritannia Shop of the Week is KTMakes, home to original handmade tote bags and cushions. Katie tells us more about her work in this week’s interview.

What was the first piece you ever sold?

My first sale was a small denim badger bag. I came up with the design when my daughter moved into Badgers class at school and wanted to make a cushion for the class reading corner. When the first sale came I was thrilled to ship it all the way to Australia. I have made several versions of this bag since and at a craft innovation workshop with Emma Bridgewater it was my badger bag that she picked out to talk about. A larger version of the bag was also featured in a sewing magazine.

Oilcloth Tote Beach Bag with Seagulls by KTMakes

What advice would you give someone taking up your craft for the first time?

I think the most important thing with any craft is to just throw yourself into it and not worry about mistakes or things that don’t work out as originally planned as often this leads to improvements in your original design. Once you have completed your first project then it is time to be critical and decide what will make it work better next time. Also when starting out on sewing projects it helps to use old fabric/clothes to try out ideas in order to keep costs down.

What material do you most enjoy working with?

I love working with oilcloths and laminates as they make great splash proof bags and are available in such lovely designs. The first bag I made myself was a really big seagull bag that would take all the family’s swimming stuff as I had been unable to find a big enough one. I still get compliments when using it 3 years on. I also love upcycling fabric and have a stash of coffee sacks from my favourite coffee house that I am looking forward to transforming in the near future.

Beach Bag Tote Deck Chair Fabric by KTMakes

Which piece of equipment would you be helpless without?

My sewing machine. My first machine was an 18th birthday present from my Grandpa and is still going after 25 years! I’ve recently brought a second machine that does more embroidery and even threads itself but there are still jobs I prefer to do on my trusty original machine.

Tell us about what inspires and motivates you

I was inspired to make bags after not being able to find a fun bag large enough for my needs. I have since made a lot as presents for friends and family and love the fact that everyone has individual ideas about what makes a bag work for them.

Tell us about one handmade item that you own and love

My most precious handmade item is a silver flower ring that my grandmother made while studying at the Glasgow School of Art in the 1930s. She died when my mother was young so I never met her but as well as loving the beauty and simplicity of the design I love the fact that she passed her love of arts and crafts onto my mum who has in turn inspired her children and grandchildren to love creating things.

Teal Tote Bag with bird by KTMakes

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

I moved from London to near Manchester at the beginning of the year and have spent some time setting up our new home. My sewing machines are now unpacked and raring to go so look out for some new designs that will be coming onto my shop shortly. As well as cushions I have made some gorgeous storage baskets for my new home so hope to add these to my shop soon.

I have ordered some gorgeous new laminates, including some Kaffe Fassett designs that should arrive this week. I usually order just one or 2 meters of a design as I love making individual bags rather than large batches of identical bags. As well as cushions I have made some storage baskets for my new home so hope to add these to my shop soon as they came out really well.

Thank you Katie! We love your designs and look forward to seeing more.

Katie was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

This week we talk to Louise, painter of whimsical & abstract art. Her nature inspired work can be found in her Etsy shop, LouiseMead

Describe your “typical” working day or week

Painting is obviously a big part of what I do, and the part I love most, but there are lots of other tasks that go on behind the scenes to make sure I can keep on painting. Some of my other tasks include researching colour and home decor trends, building & priming custom-sized canvasses, writing my blog, keeping my social media pages up to date, working on my Etsy shop marketing, product photography, photography to build inspiration for new designs, photography for prints, producing prints, responding to customer queries, working with customers to come up with designs to fit their home decor, and packaging finished paintings for shipping. I’ve also recently started to run school workshops, which are great fun, and there’s some preparation work that goes into those as well. Finally, I try to make time to work on my skills and develop new painting techniques so that I’m able to evolve as an artist and keep bringing my customers something new and interesting.

Still Night Large Giclee Art Print by LouiseMead

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

I have another job to help pay the bills and I’m also studying for a degree through the Open University. It can be a task fitting everything in sometimes but it’s worth it to know that I’m able to do the thing that I love.

What was the first piece you ever sold?

On Etsy the first painting I sold was a custom order for a wedding tree.

What advice would you give someone taking up your craft for the first time?

Don’t be afraid to try different things – if a piece doesn’t turn out how you expected it to, you don’t have to show anybody and as long as you’ve enjoyed or learned something from the creative process, that’s the main thing. The more you try the better and more confident you’ll get.

Abstract Tree Painting on Canvas by LouiseMead

What material do you most enjoy working with?

Without a doubt it has to be paint. I can draw and do enjoy drawing from time to time but you can’t beat the immediacy of paint.

Which piece of equipment would you be helpless without?

Aside from all my painting equipment I’d say my camera. It’s such a useful tool as it enables me to capture inspiration when I see it as well as allowing me to share and market my work and make prints of my paintings for people who like to collect them.

Tell us about what inspires and motivates you

When I paint, I generally want to share a little bit of light and positivity.

Tell us about one handmade item that you own and love

Probably the one handmade item that has meant more to me than any other is a wooden jewellery box my Grandad made for me. It’s so sturdy and has some really pretty detailing on the front. Now that he’s gone, it’s wonderful to hold on to something so personal that he made especially for me when I was a little girl.

Rain – Abstract Acrylic Painting on Canvas by LouiseMead

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

I’m beginning to expand my range to include more abstract pieces. They’re quite different from the trees and flowers, but I think the palette and light in them should tie them together quite nicely.

Thank you Louise for this peek behind the scenes, we love your beautiful work!
Keep in touch with Louise on Facebook: @LouiseMeadArt, Pinterest: LouiseMead, Twitter @LouiseMeadArt and at louisemead.blogspot.co.uk

Louise was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

Our latest CraftBritannia Shop of the Week owner, Claire of ThePenguinTheory, talks to us about her cute and quirky handmade fashions.

Pink Polkadot Skirt by ThePenguinTheory

Describe your “typical” working day or week

I don’t really have a “typical” working day/week as I do shift work at a pub. Most mornings start waking up my boyfriend with a cup of coffee though. I try to work all my crafting around my shifts, although this sometimes proves difficult when I’m working 40+ hours a week, and often leaves my boyfriend feeling a little left out. I make sure I put some time aside for him on my days off

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

Usually going on fun dates with my boyfriend, meeting up with my sister or working.

What was the first piece you ever sold?

I think it was a pair of earrings, at a hobbies fair. My first sale on Etsy was a mens tie.

What advice would you give someone taking up your craft for the first time?

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and don’t get stressed over the mistakes you make. Learn, unpick, start again.

Large Orange Dangle Earrings by ThePenguinTheory

What material do you most enjoy working with?

Cottons. They’re easy to work with and can come with some gorgeous and fun patterns!

If you could try a new craft, what would it be?

Glassblowing. I have a friend whose uncle makes the most amazing sculptures out of glass and it’s always been something that intrigued me. I used to love walking into his house and seeing all these beautiful objects dotted around. It is just amazing what can be made.

Which piece of equipment would you be helpless without?

My sewing machine. As much as I try to sew by hand, ! really am terrible at it!

Tell us about what inspires and motivates you

My family and friends who support me. My mum bought me my first ever sewing machine, as well as the one I have now! My sister is always coming up with great ideas and giving me direction. My boyfriend helps me with the photographs and organisation, plus he tells me off when I procrastinate. My work friends are always asking about my products as well as some of my customers! And last, but not least, my friend Katy who is an amazing artist and also partner of The Penguin Theory.

Pink Flower Apron by ThePenguinTheory

Tell us about one handmade item that you own and love

I’m sorry if it sounds bigheaded to say this, but my Cape! I made it myself and it was my first big sewing project. It came out just how I wanted and really gave me confidence to plan even more adventurous items for the future. I do, however, own an amazing steampunk necklace which was my first purchase from Etsy – it’s just stunning to look at and I’m always complimented on it.

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

I have actually made some really big plans, with the help of my sister, which should all kick off in May. I’m making some brand new items which will hopefully streamline my shop and give me more of a brand image as well as expanding on some of the current items in my shop. I also will be playing with screenprinting in the near future!

Thank you Claire! We look forward to seeing the new plans in action.
Keep in touch with Claire on Facebook: @ThePenguinTheory, at ThePenguinTheory.wordpress.com and Twitter: @PenguinTheory

Claire was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage
Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

This week our CraftBritannia Shop of the Week is AccidentalVix. Vicky, who makes cards, textiles and illustrations tells us about her creative process.

Describe your “typical” working day or week

I am a freelance interior designer so usually my day starts by checking e-mails and assessing my work load. I try to get my day job out of the way first and then as a reward allow myself some ‘creative time’ to work on AccidentalVix illustrations and sewing. I do however always allow myself half an hour before I start work to check facebook, twitter & etsy teams to share designers work that I like, write blogs and promote some of my latest designs. I usually find that by about 4pm I am ready to do a bit of sewing or illustrating before my husband gets home from work at 6pm, and allow myself a couple of hours in my ‘creative zone.’ I utilise my evenings whilst sat with my hubby watching films or just chatting to edit photos and create new listings in my Etsy shop.

Original print, Elephant blowing bubbles by AccidentalVix

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

If I am not listing on Etsy, editing or taking product photos, or making new designs then I am always thinking about new ideas and taking inspiration from anything and everything around me, I find it impossible to switch off and never go anywhere without my sketchbook and pen! I do like to spend some quality time with my husband though going for walks, or visiting lovely villages and countryside near us as fresh air is always good for getting motivation but also because I am recovering from major hip surgery and I need to keep pushing myself and strengthening my muscles. Dan is my absolute rock so it’s always good to spend some time together and recharge.

What was the first piece you ever sold?

The first item I sold on Etsy was a bib and burp cloth set in my most popular design – safari animals But my first ever sale was one of my anonymity cards, and that’s when I thought ‘wow – people actually appreciate my designs enough to buy them!’

clouds on a sunny day Baby bib by AccidentalVix

If you could try a new craft, what would it be?

That’s a dangerous question – I’d try everything!! Unfortunately though there just aren’t enough hours in the day… The last creative challenge was doing a screenprinting workshop, as it’s something I’ve always wanted to get into to allow me to build layers into my designs – as much as I love gocco printing the size is limiting and it’s very expensive, so screen printing allows me to add block colour. I loved it so much that I have just bought my first screen and cut my first stencil so once I have a few more supplies I’m ready to get printing… watch this space for new designs soon! I also have a bit of a fascination with colour, texture and pattern so I’ve found a new magazine called MOYO – a surface pattern design mag – and have decided to enter a competition in there to do a series of 3 pattern designs in a week. I know, I must be mad! I’ve never designed a pattern before so, once again, I am a fish out of water but I would absolutely love to see my designs printed onto fabric bolts one day.

Which piece of equipment would you be helpless without?

If I was stranded on a desert island I’d be lost without my sewing machine, my sketchbook and a biro!

Wedding dance save the date cards by AccidentalVix

Tell us about one handmade item that you own and love

My favourite item at the moment, handmade by someone else, is a tapestry cushion that my friend made us for our wedding present (it’s amazing and I strongly recommend checking out her Etsy shop – Jessie G Designs) – the colours are beautiful and knowing how much work has gone into it means a lot. Secondly, in our bedroom, we have 3 batik pictures that we made on honeymoon in Malaysia and had framed, which bring back fantastic memories but are also a reminder to try new things as batik is a technique I had always wanted to try. There are 3 batiks; one by me of our wedding invite illustration which is a reminder that I need to keep challenging myself, one by my husband which is a reminder that he is more creative than he cares to admit, and one which we bought and is a reminder of Malaysia and our honeymoon in general.

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

I had a full time job as an interior designer in London until 6 months ago, when we moved back to Yorkshire and I took the leap of faith to become freelance. The hope is that I can slowly build up my Accidentalvix presence on-line and also get into a few local shops to build up my brand and increase sales, and that this will allow me to reduce my freelance time and increase illustration and sewing time enough to make AccidentalVix more of a full-time business venture – and allow me to make a living from doing what I love.

Thank you Vicky! We love your unique designs.
Keep in touch with Vicky’s work on Facebook: @AccidentalVix.uk Twitter @AccidentalVix and at AccidentalVix.co.uk

Vicky was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

Lisa designs and creates pretty jewellery and cards, to be found in her Etsy shop LisaDeluxe. In our new CraftBritannia Shop of the Week interview, Lisa tells us more about her world.

beaded flexi bracelet by LisaDeluxe

Describe your “typical” working day or week

Like many of us – I don’t have a typical week. Broadly speaking, I get up when I wake up, check email and then decide what I’m going to focus on. Then I flit from one job to the next – dictated to by a longstanding pain problem – with a sprinkling of housework in between. If it’s a nice day it may be at the bench silver-smithing or photographing my work. I’m in 24/7 pain so my ‘good time’ is very limited. But it’s amazing what you can achieve lying down on a sofa surrounded by beads or scraps of paper! I can even type one-handedly now.

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

Mainly reading, plus tiny amounts of physio, short walks, sewing, knitting, or just enjoying time with my soul mate. I have a retail website selling manufactured jewellery, so I work on that. I’m going to be swapping the mass produced for more handmade items and anyone wanting to add their work can contact me. I do some ebaying too which funds my crafty needs. As I’m slowly re-training myself to silversmith, I draw designs and develop ideas. I trained 20 years ago but went straight from college to hospital with my spine so never managed to make a business of it. I’m also designing and painting a range to fill a 2nd etsy shop with limited edition prints and cards of my watercolour pen and ink designs, with a view to going back to doing commissions of houses and bespoke Christmas cards.

One of the first pieces Lisa sold on Etsy was this memory wire bangle

What was the first piece you ever sold?

In my etsy shop it was two memory wire bangles to a lovely lady; one with Murano Glass beads; I was so chuffed, but I can’t believe how madly I priced my work back then!

What advice would you give someone taking up your craft for the first time?

My ‘craft’ is really silver-smithing, and for that you are best off taking a college course, even if it’s at night school. As far as card making is concerned, work in a very clean space and store your finished items fully protected from possible corner damage. Oh, and when taking your photos, don’t do as I have and use ‘close-up’ for the full sized card – I’m going to re-take all mine as the sides look like I can’t cut a straight edge!

What material do you most enjoy working with?

Silver. And paper. I’m such a hoarder!

salmon pink bracelet by LisaDeluxe

If you could try a new craft, what would it be?

Silk painting and paper making are on my ‘to do’ list. But in an ideal world (with no pain) I’d love to be a lapidary or a property restorer/developer.

Which piece of equipment would you be helpless without?

My PC and internet access. I’d be so stuck as we live miles from anywhere.

Tell us about what inspires and motivates you

I’m chock full of ideas – I reckon I’ve forgotten 90% of the card ideas I’ve had – even though I jot down sketches and explanations for them in the wee small hours. Many a time I can’t remember what the heck I was thinking! My motivation is to be earning a living. I know I’m relying on my partner for financial and every other kind of support, but I’m so independent at heart it hurts. Maybe that’s why I find it so hard to switch off, I’m still searching for my niche – one that will be manageable and yet profitable within the limits of my problems.

Lime Pop Ivory and Grey hoop earrings by LisaDeluxe

Tell us about one handmade item that you own and love

There are two things which I can’t pick between. One is a little suitcase my Granddad made, which I’ve stored my embroidery items in for years. Secondly, when I was 10, I went to Nigeria to stay with family. My suitcase didn’t make it and I only had winter shoes. So, I went barefoot and stood on a hairy caterpillar. The foot swelled up and my Aunty Lizzie had to painstakingly tweeze out all the hairs using talc to be able to see them. Anyway, I went to a market, met a toothless but smiling chap who drew around my good foot on a piece of card. Later that day I returned to find I had my very own pair of beautifully made leather flip flops. I’ve still got them.

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

Firstly, to get my photographs more coherent and consistently lit. Then I hope to have a range of Sterling Silver jewellery that I can make and remake to order using traditional techniques, and casting to cut down on the hours needed. I’m working on getting a design ‘voice’ and I’m doing some things for men too as they are so hard to buy for – don’t you think? Also, I’ll be opening a 2nd shop for my cards and printed designs. I’m finding suppliers now and learning photoshop. Gosh I miss my son who’s left home. He did teach me so much!

Thank you Lisa for the insight and lovely stories! We look forward to seeing your second shop too.
Please follow Lisa on Facebook: @LisaDeluxe.Handmade, Pinterest: lisadeluxe and Flickr: lisadeluxe

Lisa was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

Our latest CraftBritannia Shop of the Week Ana creates colourful and uplifting art – find them in her shop ChanelledCreations. Today Ana talks to us about her work.

Describe your “typical” working day or week

I wake up and take 10-15m to manage my money and set an intention and action for the day. Have a shower, have breakfast and check my emails and see whether there are any orders and Readings. I take a walk, then work on any work related actions I have for the day. I have lunch at around 1pm and then perhaps go for another walk. I continue working on my actions for the day until 5 or 6pm. I also spend some time writing in my journal, meditating or practicing yoga. My days vary and each day is different depending on work and new projects, alongside events and collaborations. Sometimes if I am feeling inspired I may create a new piece of artwork.

Scalloped Art Wooden Heart Magnet by ChanelledCreations

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

I am mainly working in my Personal Development business, and that is being of service to others and helping people in a wider capacity.

What was the first piece you ever sold?

It was the Pathway Eco Greeting Card.

What advice would you give someone taking up your craft for the first time?

Enjoy the journey, let go and see what arises.

Nature and Dragon fly Watercolor Painting and Verse by ChanelledCreations

What material do you most enjoy working with?

Watercolor paper, new textures that I haven’t painted on before like used papers and cards.

If you could try a new craft, what would it be?

I would love to learn how to assemble flower bouquets.

Which piece of equipment would you be helpless without?

Paint brushes!

Nature Inspirational Quote Fine Art Photography Postcard by ChanelledCreations

Tell us about what inspires and motivates you

Life, experience and nature are my main motivators because without them I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m very grateful for this.

Tell us about one handmade item that you own and love

An artwork titled ‘Emerging Vibrance’ by Chrissy Foreman Cranitch

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

At the moment my intention is to sell all my artwork this year.

Thank you Ana! Great advice.
You can keep in touch with Ana on Facebook: @ChanelledCreations and Twitter @ChanelledC

Ana was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

In our CraftBritannia Shop of the Week interview this week, Samantha of Kysam talks to us about her quirky handmade silver jewellery and gifts.

Personalised silver bookmark by Kysam

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

When I’m not designing jewellery I teach yoga. I find it helps to clear my head ready for the next day of ideas and jewellery making.

What was the first piece you ever sold?

The first piece of jewellery I ever sold was a thick silver cuff I’d made whilst first starting out – one of my friends bought it for their sister, so I still didn’t believe I was a “real seller” at that point!

What advice would you give someone taking up your craft for the first time?

If anyone is considering taking up jewellery making, my one and only piece of advice would be to make practice pieces using copper, brass or aluminium. Making mistakes with silver can be costly, as I learnt the hard way

Sterling silver Bee bracelet by Kysam

If you could try a new craft, what would it be?

If I ever get a moment to spare I’d love to give screen printing a go, some of the items on Etsy made through this process look amazing.

Tell us about what inspires and motivates you

I started making jewellery as a hobby seven years ago and quickly got hooked, but its only in the last two years I’ve started to look at it as my full time job. I live in Brighton and its such an eclectic place that it has become my constant source of inspiration, whether its along the seafront or up on the hills of the South Downs there’s always something to inspire me.

Geocache latitude & longitude keyring by Kysam

Tell us about one handmade item that you own and love

My favourite handmade item is a woolly hand knitted hat that I’ve worn loads in this snowy weather. It came from a lovely lady on Etsy who has since become a good friend, so I gained a new hat and a new friend via Etsy!

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

My plans are to expand my range to include anodised aluminium jewellery, as a more affordable alternative to sterling silver.

Thanks Samantha! We love your pretty and unique designs.
Keep in touch with Samantha on Facebook: @kysamsilver and Twitter: @kysamsilver

Samantha was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

KoalitaCraft is our new CraftBritannia Shop of the Week, and Cris tells us more about herself and her colourful felt party décor.

Set of 6 heart flower decorations by KoalitaCraft

Describe your “typical” working day or week

To be honest I don’t really have a typical working day or week. As a full time mother my work fits in between house and mother duties. While my daughter Laura, at 15 months now, is having her one hour nap in the morning, I’m reading and replying to emails and messages, promoting my shop on twitter and facebook, preparing posts for my blog and taking photos when needed.
In the afternoons, with daddy at home, I can isolate myself in my home office and design new things or just sit on the sofa making personalized orders. It’s also time to list products and give some extra attention to my etsy shop.

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

I love to spend time with my family and friends. Sitting on the sofa watching a movie, playing with Laura or having friends around to play some board games are on my hobbies list. When the weather is good we like to go out without a set destination. Kent has lovely fields and cities to explore.
On Saturdays I often try a new baking recipe. I really enjoy baking.

Set of 6 Valentine Heart Brooches by KoalitaCraft

What material do you most enjoy working with?

Felt and fabrics. However with felt I can use lots of colours, create patterns, cut the shapes I want, choose if I want them flat or with filling… I can do what my imagination demands in a faster and easier way then with fabric I think.

If you could try a new craft, what would it be?

Crochet; I’m absolutely in love with those colourful crocheted blankets and rugs. I was a foolish girl because my grandmother was an expert and I was unable to take advantage of it.

Tell us about what inspires and motivates you

Colours and everything around me inspires my work. Laura and love are what motivates me.

2 Babushka Love Decorations by KoalitaCraft

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

I managed to open another shop to sell my jewellery: Koalita Gifts. Now Koalita Craft is just about party and weddings. I think when we can define what we sell or do in two or three words is when we finally find our way.

Future plans? Well, promote more and more KC. Design new products. I’m working on themed party sets. And this year my biggest effort is take KC to be featured in a magazine. I would be very happy with it!

Thank you Cris! Great to know more about you and your inspiration for your lovely shop.

Keep in touch with Cris at her social media:
Facebook: @KoalitaCraft
Pinterest: Koalita
Twitter @KoalitaCraft
Blog koalitacraft.blogspot.com

Cris was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery

Big Bang Theory Cross Stitch Hoop by RatherUnseamly

Meet Beki of RatherUnseamly, our latest CraftBritannia Shop of the Week and home of geeky cross stitch designs.

When you are not doing Etsy related things, what are you doing?

I love Theatre, I’m always doing something theatre related. Normally backstage where I make props and paint set but in a month’s time I’ll be treading the boards in a local Am-Dram show!

What was the first piece you ever sold?

The first thing I ever sold on Etsy was some earrings made out of computer keys. But since the overhaul of my shop the first item sold was a Pokemon Pattern.

What advice would you give someone taking up your craft for the first time?

Be patient. And count your patterns carefully! Better to count twice and stitch once than miscount and have to unpick it all!

Easter Bunny Cross Stitch Pattern by RatherUnseamly

If you could try a new craft, what would it be?

Glass Painting or Pottery although I don’t think I have the skills to be able to do either of them!

Which piece of equipment would you be helpless without?

My card bobbins and storage box, sounds strange but if I didn’t have that my threads would just be in one large knot!

Tell us about what inspires and motivates you

I love geekery and things that make me laugh. If I hear a good quote in conversation I’ll write it down. I’m inspired by TV shows, retro video games and blogs. I like the idea that I’m using what was once seen as a “granny craft” to make things with swear words on!

Black Books Quote Cross Stitch by RatherUnseamly

What plans do you have for your shop in the future?

To expand the range. I’ve only been selling cross stitch specifically since December and I want to have a lot more items and completed hoops made. I would also like to start selling kits for those who want more than just the pattern.

Thank you Beki! We love your quirky designs and look forward to seeing even more.

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Beki was talking to Nadine of imyinda and MuntjacVintage

Article published by Erika of ErikaPrice and Blucha jewellery