Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Lej Jewellery

This week's crafter is Jo from Lej Jewellery...




How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I started jewellery making not long after my daughter was born nearly 3 years ago. I had done other crafts like cross stitch and card making and felt like a change so i decided to give it a go.


Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

The only negative aspect is having to wait until my children are in bed before i can start to craft. I used to be able to craft in the day when my daughter had her naps but she no longer has afternoon naps so i have to wait till shes in bed. She is at the age now where she is starting to ask if we can go and make bracelets so i put a stopper bead on some tigertail and give her a box of beads and shes quite happy to sit for half an hour or so. My son isn't really interested and i don't think i could get him to be without beads in the shape of spongebob.


What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

To have fun and enjoy playing with all the differnt techniques but to be careful as it can be very very addictive.

How did you find Misi?

I was emailed by Emma when the site had just opened. It took about a month before i decided to set up my shop but i haven't looked back.


What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

My favourite item is this necklace http://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/25896/fall_lampwork_necklace.html. I bought the lampwork beads but they weren't what i was expecting and i wasn't quite sure what to do with them so 6 months later i thought i'd use them and made this necklace. I love the colours.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

One of my favourite shops (because i have loads) is http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/Joannalondon.html. I love the teapots also the cups and saucers, i'd love the have a big dresser in my kitchen filled with them all. Kind of reminds me of being at grandmas house.




Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite season and why?

Autumn, i love all the colours when the trees start to change and the cold wind which makes you want to wrap up all snug or curl up on the sofa with a hot cup of tea and thick socks.

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is sausages with mash and beans, i could eat it everyday. I also have a thing for red onion chutney at the minute and put it on everything.

What is your favourite type of music/singer?

My favourite type of music is something with a guitar in it. My favourite cd at the minute is Ida Maria but i'm a big fan of red hot chili peppers and stereophonic.

How many DVDs do you have?

Not a lot, we used to have loads but they were never watched so i listed them on ebay. The kids have tonnes we have kept most of my sons for my daughter to watch.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Josh Hartnett mmmm, or Simon Baker. Can i have two? yes why not :0)





Thank you Jo. Visit Jo's lovely shop, Lej Jewellery, on Misi.


Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Sunrise Cards

This week's crafter is Tracey from Sunrise Cards on Misi.



How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I started three years ago , card making was supposed to be a small hobby to keep me amused as my children were getting older and I was feeling slightly redundant, I enjoyed it as soon as I started and my husband decided to make some as well , within a day we were both hooked and soon realised that we were going to end up making more cards than we would ever need. We decided to try and sell some and since then the cards have just taken on a life of their own. Its worked out well as three years down the line obviously the children are even more off hand with lives of their own and this gives my husband and I a common interest.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

there are two main negative aspects , firstly we don't have as much time as we would like to spend on our cardmaking as we both work as well but we have to work to get over the second negative aspect which is we spend a fortune on supplies !!!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Firstly be aware that it is very addictive and you will end up spending every last penny on great things to put on your cards. I found in the early days ( and even now to be honest ) that I got so many ideas by looking in magazines , online blogs, forums etc , these places really help when you need a bit of inspiration. Also join crafting forums etc and don't be afraid to ask for help and advice, I have found 'crafters' to be the nicest people I have ever met.

How did you find Misi?

there are often posts on the craft forum where I'm a member about Misi so I decided to see what it was all about.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

Again due to lack of time I haven't listed as much as I would like in my shop but I think my favourite item at the moment is the takeway card
http://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/40807/takeway_card_.html

I think its fun and I love the bright colours

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

it has got to be cocoapod - I am a chocoholic and everything in their shop looks so nice - there's some great novelty items in it.





Random Facts:


What is your favourite time of day? - My favourite time of day is probably about 8pm as we've usually had dinner and tidied up , the jobs are done and its time to settle down for the evening ( unless we're making cards lol )

What is your ideal vacation? Our dream is to go back to Austria which is where we went on our honeymoon - we've always said we want to go back for our silver wedding anniversary which is next year so fingers crossed.

Where were you born? - I was born in Basildon Essex

What is your favourite animal? - I think it would have to be a penguin !!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed? - my friends always tease me about this but I quite like Hugh Grant




Thanks for chatting with us Tracey. To see more of Tracey's lovely cards, visit Sunrise Cards on Misi.


Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ The Beading Lady

Yes, it's me, Helen aka The Beading Lady ~ thought I should see if I can answer the questions that I've been torturing everyone else with :-)



How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started making memory wire wrap bracelets about 2 years ago at a jewellery-making party and really enjoyed it. I bought a few bits and bobs and then sold a few. I've been learning new techniques and styles on a regular basis and trying to expand my range.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
Time, I just don't seem to have enough of it. Oh and the mess. Little beadies everywhere!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Make sure your tools are fairly decent and start small, find out which style, designs, techniques you enjoy and then you can expand on those.

How did you find Misi?
*blush* I can't remember, isn't that terrible? It was November 2008 and honestly can't remember how, think I may have just stumbled upon it.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I think this pendant, really enjoyed making it and love how it turned out.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Can't pick one. I'm biased because I quite often enjoy a shop because I like the shopowners. lol



Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?
First thing in a morning (after the initial "argh, don't wake me") when my kiddies have come for a cuddle.

What was your favourite Christmas present this last Christmas?
My brother came over with this big wrapped up box, and inside were lots of other little wrapped up parcels. Took me ages to unwrap but was totally worth it, inside were loads of different jewellery findings for me to play with :-)

What is your favourite animal?
Always loved dolphins but since losing my baby last year I have a special place in my heart for butterflies, they just became very significant to me for some reason.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
I have to agree with most of the other crafters who have said ~ Johnny Depp!



So, that's me ~ if you'd like to see any more of my creations, please stop by The Beading Lady.


Helen
xxx