fabulous fridays...the interview ~ Jewellery by B

It's Friday and we are pleased to bring you one more interview from our beloved crafters. Today we are featuring: Jewellery by B. Her name is Belinda and she makes amazing jewellery.

Let's meet her:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself/ introduce yourself. Besides crafting what else do you love doing?

My name is Belinda and besides making jewellery, I like going for long walks in the countryside, travelling, meeting up with my friends for a good gossip, cooking and going to the cinema.

2. How did you start crafting and how long have you been doing it? 

I have been making jewellery for just over 7 months now. I had an operation on my foot so I had plenty of time off work and I was getting bored with the usual shows on TV. I started channel hopping one day and discovered the Jewellery Making channel. After watching several shows, I thought to myself, I think I would like to have a go at this, and so my new hobby was born and my bank account has not been the same since!!

3. What are the problems you faced as a crafter until now? Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking to start or is new to the crafting business?

The main problem that I have is the lack of funds to try all the new designs that I want to do and the new techniques that I want to learn. My advice to anyone wanting to start any sort of craft is just give it a go, if you don't like it then at least you tried. It could just be the career change you were looking for.....

4. What's your favourite crafting category? Do you have in mind to start crafting something else (besides your usual crafting category)?

My favourite crafting category is jewellery and I don't have any plans at the moment to try any new crafting (I don't think my husband could take it!).

5. What is your main source of inspiration? How do you propel your creativity?

My main source of inspiration, is probably the Jewellery Making channel. I learn my techniques from them and then try to incorporate them into my own designs. I like to keep up to date with everything that is going on so I also buy jewellery magazines and look in jewellery shops. 

6. Tell us about your crafting space. Do you have a favourite material and tool?

My crafting space, the place where I make my jewellery is my dining room. The place where everything goes once its been made and where I store all my tools and beads is the spare bedroom. My husband says that we need a bigger house as I keep buying new tools and display equipment for my craft fairs, that I am now starting to run out of space. I am just starting to use craft wire in my jewellery and have bought myself a wire coiling gizmo, so at the moment that is my favourite tool, but I am sure there will probably be a new one next month...

7. So your crafting space transmutes to an online shop. How do you promote your e-shop, which social media you use?

When it comes to social media, I am affraid that I am a complete novice and have always been a bit scared of it. I am probably the only person (other than my husband) who has only just got herself a face book account! So that is how I am promoting my jewellery. Hoping to get into other social media when I know what I am doing and feel brave enough.

8. How long after listing an item into your e-shop you had your first sale?

 I think it was about a couple of months before I had my first sale on MISI. I was so excited to think that someone liked my jewellery enough to buy it. I have since had several more sales since then and my friends have been buying some for christmas presents for there friends. I have also been doing some craft fairs as well and have had lots of positive feed back.

9. Where do you see your business in 10 years from now?

In 10 years, it would be a dream come true to have my own little shop or stall selling lots of lovely jewellery handmade by me.

10. How did you find MISI? What else would you like to see being added to the site?

I found MISI just by searching online for different places to sell my jewellery on line. MISI was the first one that I looked at I thought it looked like a good site, (and I still do). I can't think of anything at the moment that I would like added to the site. The changes you have made to listing products are definately better than they were when I first joined. I hope to have many more years with you. - we hope so too :)

Visit Jewellery by B

Other Profiles/Pages:

Facebook

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Fabulous Fridays...The Interview ~ Indigo Aana

Guess what: Friday is here and we are back with another new Interview for you. Today we have the pleasure to present you: Indigo Aana

She is a really multi-talented artist; just take a look at her inspired creations: bracelets, rings, necklaces and other women jewellery.

She also has a beautiful voice as you'll discover soon!

Let's meet her:

1) Tell us a bit about yourself/ introduce yourself. Besides crafting what else do you love doing?

My name’s Stevie. I drink lots of tea and to make a living I do waitressing, however I’m musician. I studied music for three years and I’ve written and released an E.P in May 2012. I’m currently working on my second record which is why I’m not gigging at the moment. I love music!

2) How did you start crafting and how long have you been doing it?

My music is what got me into jewellery making. I was trying to come up with unique merchandising ideas and decided to make little bracelets that I incorporated my song titles into. I realised how much I enjoyed it, but because I was so focused on the music and my studies I never had time to take it further. Now that I have finished studying I decided to pick it up again this year, around July.

3. What are the problems you faced as a crafter until now? Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking to start or is new to the crafting business?

Finding suppliers for me was quite difficult and still can be. I’m limited to one shop locally and the rest I have to get online. Getting recognition was also pretty hard at first. Marketing and networking are really important factors and I have been lucky to have great friends and family helping promote me through social networking sites. I’d recommend promoting yourself as much as possible, through the internet, posting flyers into houses and supermarkets and get a logo/trademark. I’ve got my own design that I am having put on some clothes and I also label everything I post with my design. People will soon recognise your work that way.

4. What's your favourite crafting category? Do you have in mind to start crafting something else (besides your usual crafting category)?

Well the jewellery category is my favourite. I love to see what beautiful things others are making and then challenging myself to learn a new technique from what I’ve seen, the possibilities are limitless. I have been looking to do other crafts recently especially for the festive time of year. I’m going to attempt some candle making, toiletries and some fabric/felt work.

5. What is your main source of inspiration? How do you propel your creativity?

My inspiration comes in big bursts and I want to try lots of things at once! Then other times I get nothing at all. When I see other people being creative it really motivates me to do the same. I’d much rather be making a lot of jewellery than sitting in front of the T.V, although sometimes a break is needed! Craft books and YouTube tutorials are a great source of inspiration for me also. When I read up on something I didn’t know I really want to go try it out. Colourful things definitely help my creativity flow!

6. Tell us about your crafting space. Do you have a favourite material and tool?

My dining table is my workshop at the moment and I still, somehow end up needing more space! My favourite materials and tools depend on what mood I’m in. At the moment I’m having fun experimenting with resin, there is so much you can do with it and I’ve just scratched the surface. I like polymer clay also, but only in small doses!

7. So your crafting space transmutes to an online shop. How do you promote your e-shop, which social media you use? 

I only use Misi as an e-shop as it seemed more interesting than a lot of others I came across. Then I have an actual website people can purchase from, but most people get in touch to purchase through Facebook. Facebook is my favourite for promoting, it’s just so easy to use and has a lot of cool features you can add to your page. I also use Instagram. I prefer this to twitter because it’s the use of pictures instead of words. You can # tag your photos and share them on all your other media sites simultaneously. I have pinterest, tumblr and twitter also.

8. How long after listing an item into your e-shop you had your first sale?

Unfortunately I haven’t sold anything on Misi yet. However, the first creation I ever sold was an ‘Alice in Wonderland’ inspired necklace and it was sold through my Facebook page within a couple of days of the page going ‘live’. I was really surprised!

9. Where do you see your business in 10 years from now?

I’d love to have a little ‘Indigo Aana’ shop one day. But because music plays a big part in my life it is hard to say what will happen as I’d love to have a career in music. I’ll always make jewellery though, even if it remains a hobby.

10. How did you find MISI? What else would you like to see being added to the site?

I found out through a friend. She saw some pictures of the jewellery I had made and emailed me about your website. After checking out the site I thought I’d join in! , I think the site is great, the admin team really get involved with the sellers and I love the forums. I think a really handy feature would be when selling an item to have options for colour choice/size e.t.c. I have 3 of the same necklace on my Misi shop in different colours as I couldn’t see a feature for this. - we will pass it on ;)

Thanks for your time Stevie, we wish you all the best!

As promised check her in one of her own songs:

Isn't she amazing?

Visit her Shop: Indigo Aana

Other profiles/pages:

Facebook 

Twitter.

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Fabulous Fridays...The Interview ~ The Baby Bakery

It's Friday and we are pleased to bring you one more interview from our beloved crafters. Today we are featuring The Baby Bakery.

Let's meet her:

1. Tell us a bit about yourself/ introduce yourself. Besides crafting what else do you love doing?

My name is Nikki and I have been making Mummy & Baby Gifts for about a year and a half now. Besides running my business I work part-time at a local hospital, have a soon to be 3 year old Son and I am currently 30 weeks pregnant with another little boy! Besides crafting, I enjoy spending time with my little boy, which can sometimes involve crafts anyway! And when I actually get 5 minutes to myself I like to enjoy a good book on my Kindle.

2. How did you start crafting and how long have you been doing it? 

I am not really sure when I first became interested in making Nappy Cakes, I have always been interested in crafting generally and used to enjoy scrapbooking. I guess I was always fascinated by Nappy Cakes and as I didn't get one when I had my Son, after a lot of research etc, I decided to make them instead! So I took the bull by the horns, completed my training and have since branched out into other things such as Baby Bouquets and Ladies Gifts. I just love that I can be so creative with my work!

3. What are the problems you faced as a crafter until now? Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking to start or is new to the crafting business?

I suppose the biggest problem is getting yourself noticed/establishing yourself, there are so many other amazing business' out there you have to work hard to show your potential customers why they should choose you. It is not as simple as setting up a website and waiting for the orders to pour in you have to work extremely hard to promote yourself and sometimes it can get you down in the beginning.

4. What's your favourite crafting category? Do you have in mind to start crafting something else (besides your usual crafting category)?

I am not really sure what my favourite category is, it would be so easy to get carried away and do a bit of everything! I really have to rein myself in sometimes and stick to what I know/keep things consistent.

5. What is your main source of inspiration? How do you propel your creativity?

Usually I just have a vision of what I want a design to look like in my head and I can't stop until I have that vision brought to life in front of me, no matter how much tweaking it may take. The inspiration for my designs can come from anywhere and a lot of it comes from my own experiences as a Mum - 'what would I have liked when I had my Son' etc. I think if you are passionate about something then the creativity/ideas just comes naturally.

6. Tell us about your crafting space. Do you have a favourite material and tool?

I don't know about a favourite tool but I definitely have a least favourite - my glue gun! A necessary evil lol.

7. So your crafting space transmutes to an online shop. How do you promote your e-shop, which social media you use?

In terms of Social Media I tend to use Facebook mainly but I do also use Twitter & Pinterest to promote my items/store. I haven't ventured into Instagram yet as I haven't found the time!

8. How long after listing an item into your e-shop you had your first sale?

My first ever online sale was actually via Facebook about 1-2 weeks after I published my page, it took about a month before I got a sale via my website and I had my first sale on MISI after 4-5 months

9. Where do you see your business in 10 years from now?

Gosh I don't like to think that far ahead, I will have a 10 & a 13 year old! For now I plan to take each day as it comes, and for as long as I enjoy what I do I will continue to do it, I am sure I will keep 'branching out' into other things/areas though

10. How did you find MISI? What else would you like to see being added to the site?

I found out about MISI via word of mouth/recommendation. I think MISI is already improving and growing all the time and it is nice to be a part of it. - Thank you we are doing our best to offer you the best MISI experience ;)

Nikki, thank you for the time you took to answer our questions. We wish you many sales to come!

Visit The Baby Bakery's amazing shop.

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Sparkly Things

Let's meet Carol... who is the crafter behind... Sparkly Things on MISI...



How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I've been making jewellery for about 6 years, I started not long after the birth of my daughter, I was looking for something to do as a hobby and jewellery has always been a passion. I started selling my jewellery when I realised I was running out of room to keep it and my wesite has been running for 4 years.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
There are so many wonderful jewellery makers out there and I worry that what I make does not compare, but everytime I get a sale or a compliment it always helps my confidence. Last week at my workplace, a few of the women there were looking at my website and there was a lot of 'oohs and aahs' going on, someone commented that it sounded like they were at a firework display.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
There are several jewellery making magazines out now, I think they are probably the best place to start, they're a mine of information for basic techiniques and also suppliers.

How did you find Misi?
It was actually mentioned in the Daily Express, a small piece about making money by selling crafts and after having a look around the site I thought I would give it a go.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
It would be the purple turquoise wrapped pendant, I'm pleased with how that came out and I do like a bit of purple.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Lots to choose from but I think I'll go with V B Designs, they're items are so unusual.




Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite season and why?
Spring, just as it's starting to warm up and you can get out of the house again after being stuck in during the winter.

What is your favourite food?
I'll give most things a try, Chinese maybe.

How many DVDs do you have?
I normally rent, but if I include the children's DVDs we have just over 50.

What is your favourite animal?
Cat, they like their independence.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Richard Armitage, aka Lucas in Spooks or Guy of Gisburne in Robin Hood.




Thank you for chatting to us today Carol.
Visit Sparkly Things to see... well, more sparkly things :-)

Helen
xxx

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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

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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

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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

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Vintage Beadery

Let's meet Ley from Vintage Beadery...




How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started beading after finding a book on brick stitch in the library where I work, I had a collection of beads, vintage ones m,ostly which I didn'tknow what to do with, I've never really liked more traditional beaded jewellery, or at least never fancied making any, but this book had some beautiful designs, particularly the paisley shapes on the front cover. I made a necklace using some of the beads I'd hoarded, and started looking for other books. That's when I discovered beading with cabochons by Jamie Cloud Eakin. This was the breakthrough, her work is beautifula and I wanted to make some of that. I started with a few glass cabochons bought cheaply from a local craft shop, having also bought some much smaller beads and proper beading needles. The first piece sold to a friend at work and led to 3 more sales. I'd also been collecting beach or sea glass for a while and suddenly I got a flash of inspiration and put the two things together. I suppose I've been doing this for nearly 3 years now.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
One of the big negatives is the time it takes, it's a very slow process. Also I insist on using very small beads and I'm getting quite old. The first one has no real way round it I and the second involves lots of light and a magnifying glass round my neck.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Don't! Seriously make sure you have a lot of patience and are prepared to do a fair bit of undoing what you've done, when I finish this I have some of that to do on my current piece.

How did you find Misi?
I did a lot of searches for things like selling crafts online etc and eventually found Misi, I think I found Etsy first but was a bit put off because they insisted on you having a credit card which I didn't have.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
At the moment my favourite is the Peacock's Eye pendant, I'll probably like something else next week. I'm very pleased with the thing I'm working on at the moment.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
JoJo jewellery, she's really got the hang of that silver stuff!




Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?
Around 6.00clock in the evening when I get home from work and have a cup of tea.

If you could go anywhere in the world, money no object ~ where would you go?
Oh all over ,but I'd love to visit Japan

What was your favourite Christmas present this last Christmas?
A beautiful photograph taken on her travels by our daughter Zoe, You can see it on Flikr it's a lovely picture of a lake with turquoise blue boats and she calls herself zoesoldout. I think it's in Nepal

What is your favourite animal?
Cat, or giraffe

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Johnny Depp!



Thank you Ley. If you would like to see more examples of Ley's gorgeous beadwork, then visit Vintage Beadery on Misi.


Helen
xxx

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ CM Crafts

Let's meet Clare from CM Crafts...



How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
Let me just say first I am dyslexic and I am proud of it I have had to work hard but I have always loved art because it is the one thing I can do with out the worry of spelling and getting it wrong but I did not get into making the cards I do today about 9 years ago even then they were only very simple but i have grown over the last year to doing more different and harder cards which I love doing.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
The blocks I get when I sit down and I cant see the card in my mind I get over it by getting all my books and I have started to take photos of my cards so I can always look back on them.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Come over to my house and have a play with all the bits and bobs I have
then go and have good look around a craft store and talk to the ladies there and also come to on to Misi to talk to the lovely people on the site.

How did you find Misi?
My sister in law told me about the site a year before I plucked up the courage to come on and I did not know how to spell it I had to ask her about 5 times and each time when I got to the computer it had gone.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
It would have been my hand bags cards in a box but i have sold all the ones i have made so i am picking a hand bag charm called pretty in pink and purple

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
I love them all but i love Expressorize and also her new shop Expressorizesale.




Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite month and why?
June as its my birthday and it only 6 months to Christmas

Confess one secret that no-one knows about you?
I am a secret barbara cartland reader I have just over 200 of her books I think this comes from the dyslexia they are easy books to read and easy to follow.

What is your favourite chocolate ?
I love most of them

What is your favourite animal?
I love most of them cats and my favourite

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
That's a hard one I guess it would be Harrison Ford but when he was in star wars and the indiana jones films.



Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us Clare. You can find CM Crafts on Misi and see more of her lovely items.

Helen
xxx

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Pixie Doodle

Let's meet Emma aka Pixie Doodle...




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

I have been Needle Felting for about 2 years now, after trying various other crafts such as card making and jewellery making which i still do from time to time. I started needle felting after finding a blog by a lady called Kay Petal, who makes the most amazing characters.

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

The only things are sticking a very sharp needle in your finger when not looking what you are doing, which i do a lot! I just need to pay more attention! The other problem I have is my cats are addicted to my felt beads and balls and keep running off with them! I have to get a box with a tough to remove lid and problem solved!!

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

Just buy some merino wool, a couple of needles and give it a go. Its very addictive once you realise the amazing things you can make with a bit of roving!!

How did you find Misi?

I think it was recommended on another forum I visit regularly, had a look and loved it and over a year later I still here!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

My favourite thing has to be Doodles the Turtle, I think he is so adorable!

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

Can I have two faves please? I really love Mornie G Jewellery and Little Scruffs! Both gorgeous shops with amazing items.




Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?

Im a morning kind of girl, but I also love snuggling up in my bed at night.

What is your favourite colour?

Pink

How many DVDs do you have?

About 300 hundred with my hubby and kids! I love all types of films, but not keen on war type ones.

What is your favourite animal?

Pigs or tigers. Not much difference there lol!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
My man of the moment is Gerald Butler- funny, sexy and very handsome!





Thank you Emma. Please stop by Pixie Doodle on Misi for some lovely creations.


Helen
xxx

Apologies about the photos ~ having a sizing issue at the moment. xx

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Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Neate Crafts

Please welcome Susan from Neate Crafts...



How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
It seems like I have always been making something!
I trained as a Fine artist but taught myself all my crafts - Pyrography, knitting, sewing, crocheting, glass painting, silk painting, jewellery, macrame, patchwork...the list goes on.
I am addicted to trying new crafts. I just love it!

Are there any negative aspects?
Housework goes out of the window but I Always put my family first.
Never enough hours in a day. My husband bought me a peg loom for Christmas but I haven't had time - yet to sort it out.
I have too many ideas for the amount of time I have to put them into practice.

How do you get round them?
I try and spend a few hours early in the morning doing all the housework.
I am also trying to be patient, and in fact got told only the other day that I was a very chilled, easy-going person!
I also bought myself a shed and put it at the bottom of the garden and that is where I work from. (except when it is very cold and wet, so I then work from the house as I always have some project here).

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your particular craft?
Just have a go. There's no right or wrong way in creating. Sometimes it's the 'mistakes' that make it work!

How did you find MISI?
Misi found me. Emmas husband had been on my website and asked if I would be interested in joining. THANK YOU so much for asking!

What is your favourite item in your shop right now?
I think it has to be my Monkey hat as it turned out exactly as I visualised it when I designed it!
But, I also like my Lizard Point, Cornwall painting, it brings back such happy holiday memories. Also the sea is so dramatic there.
It is also one of the first of my paintings where I used a more relaxed style instead of the rather formal style I also do. I really enjoyed painting it!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
IMPOSSIBLE QUESTION!
I have found something in every shop on Misi that I like.
But if I have to choose one I do love 'Impsandthings'. The tree sprite is my favourite it has such character. I just wish I could afford to buy him!



Random Facts about you:

Favourite Chocolate?
I have two - Lavender Chocolate so subtle and scented, smooth and relaxing.
- Chilli Chocolate- the hotter the better. They both give different moods and experiences.
I love trying new ones all the time, and if I had time I would love to be a Chocolatier too!

Favourite place you have visited?
I have so many favourites but I just love Cornwall. It has a quality to it that I can't put my finger on. It may have something to do with the fact that I recently found out that some of my ancestors came from there.
Of course I love where I live now not only because my family is here but it is so beautiful and dramatic at any time of the year, and the scenery is so varied.

Favourite movie?
I can't choose just one. It depends what mood I am in.
I love 'Hot Fuzz' - so funny, but also because my husband is a Special Constable in Cumbria Police.
Chocolat- I love chocolate and Johnny Depp.
Bridget Jones Diary- so funny.
Kingdom of Heaven- Brilliant film based on historical events with the Knights Templars( which I am fascinated by).
Ridley Scott is such a great director, O'h and Orlando Bloom is in it too!




Thank you Susan, it was lovely hearing about you. To see more of Susan's talent, visit Neate Crafts on Misi.


Helen
xxx

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