Feature Shop: Sillygeese Designs

Got a silly goose in your house? Team member Shannon opened her shop, Sillygeese Designs, because she was inspired by her own three silly geese. Her colorful crochet creations are sure to make the silliest kid smile! Plus, between today and Sunday, Dec. 11, you can save in her shop with coupon code FEATURE30. - Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Shannon

Where are you located?
Just outside of Austin, TX

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a stay-at-home mom to three sillygeese, three pomeranians, and two ragdolls. I enjoy creating for my kids and being my own boss. I just love creating and designing. It has brought tons of joy to my life. I love meeting and conversing with new people and anytime I get to talk crafting with fellow crafters or just those that appreciate it.

Soft Crochet Doll Set -- Molly and Megan

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Mostly hand-crocheted items: scarves, purses, and other fun items.

How/why did you get started?
I always have a project in my hands, and people started buy things from me right off the hook, so to speak, so I looked around and sold on Ebay for a bit then found Etsy. I took a few years off as life got very busy, but when I got pregnant last year and had to slow way way down, people started buying off my hook again, and I reopened my store.

Crochet Boutique Owl and Little Birdie Drawstring Purse

How long have you been crafting?
Since I was a small child, my mom would do craft fairs during the holidays, and all her kids would pitch in to get enough completed to make money for Christmas.

What is your favorite thing to make?
Anything new. I recreate popular items all the time, but I really enjoy being creative and making something for the first time and seeing what I envisioned come to life.

What are your favorite materials to work with?
Well yarn :D But more specifically, I like to embelish so I like funfur and beads, too.

Boutique Pink Fun Fur Glitzy Bobby Pins

What inspires you to create?
My kids. I have a range from 10 to 9 months, and they are always inspiring me. My slogan has always been "Hand crocheted with your sillygoose in mind." That is because all my items where inspired by my own sillygeese.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Scissors. I can really get stumped and stopped by a lack of scissors. I've taught kids to knit with pencils, so really it's the scissors.

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Well, the kids come first -- I am a SAHM mom. Thankfully I have two that are a huge help around the house and with the baby. They also think my business is cool and like to see stuff head out the door to someone else to enjoy.

Boutique Crochet Wild Pink Zebra Eyelash Fashion Scarf

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Sewing patterns and things for the kids.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Reading, anything soccer related, and taking care of a busy household.

Soft Crochet Purple/Brown/Blue Boy Doll -- Aaron

Where can we find you? 
My store is www.SillyGeeseDesigns.etsy.com, and my blog is www.SillyGeeseDesigns.blogspot.com.

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
Fluffygirlboutique: Not only does she sew beautiful stuff, but she is super nice too!

Feature Shop: Butternut Boutique

This month, "Meet Your Leaders"! All of the shop profiles this October will be about the ladies who lead this team. This week, meet Lora of Butternut Boutique, a former litigator with a craft workspace to die for ... -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Lora

Where are you located?
Sunny Phoenix, Arizona

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a SAHM of two little girls: one is 6, and the other is 4. I was a litigator (criminal and civil prosecutor) for 11 years when I decided to become a WAHM (work-at-home mom). I miss being in the courtroom, but I’m so glad I’m not missing watching my little girls grow up.

Cinderella Fabric Covered Button Snap Clips

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Simple hair accessories for women and children, re-useable fabric snack/cosmetic bags, and crafting supplies.

How/why did you get started?
I was blessed/surprised with two girls who came out with full heads of hair. I purchased quite a few hair accessories that I wasn’t happy with due to quality issues and not staying in the hair, or being too expensive, or made with toxic materials like E6000 or lead. So I deconstructed some of them and figured out how to make them on my own. Friends wanted to buy them, but I’m a perfectionist and they weren’t quite perfect enough for me to sell. After a solid year of making various items, I was finally ready to sell to others, and opened my Etsy shop in January of 2010. My slogan is boutique quality at Target prices.

Re-Useable Set of Snack and Sandwich Bags in Designer Trains Fabric

How long have you been crafting?
I’ve been doing some sort of craft since I was a child. I still enjoy cross-stitching and doing creative things in my down time.

What inspires you to create?
My beautiful little girls, of course, are my main inspiration. Anything I make for the shop, I duplicate for them. My first grader has even helped me design quite a few hair clips.

Felt Flower Hair Clip

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?My iPod in its speaker station, loaded with every Glee album made. My girls now think all of the Glee remakes are the original songs. I also turned the room adjoining my craft studio into an art studio for my girls, so we can all create at the same time:

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Fabric, which I absolutely love with a passion, which cracks me up since I actually flunked home ec in junior high (shh!). And then supplies. I always try to buy from an Etsy seller when possible.

Butterfly Hair Clip Keeper

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?Besides working in my paying job? Reading. I go through a few books a week, mostly on my Kindle. I also have to work out every morning on the treadmill in my bedroom in order to be a sane mommy. Endorphins are a SAHM’s Prozac. (Yeah, I need to put that on a T-shirt.)

Where can we find you?
My shop is located at http://www.butternutboutique.com. My Facebook page is http://www.facebook.com/ButternutBoutique. I post coupons for my FB fans periodically.

Yellow Ribbon Daisy Flower Hair Clip

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
My favorite fabric source right now: http://www.etsy.com/shop/luckykaerufabric

And don't miss this: Lora's awesome crafting and sewing studio!

Feature Shop: Dirty Deeds Soaps

For Heather and Justin of Dirty Deeds Soaps, running an Etsy shop is all about teamwork. Meet them below, and learn more about their soaps! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Justin and Heather

Where are you located?
Lubbock, TX

Tell us a little about yourself.
We enjoy being able to work from home and support our family. There is nothing like having your son's highchair two feet from your work desk. Even though I almost always have toys to step over and slobber to avoid, we wouldnt have it any other way.

We have a blended family of three kids, two teen girls and a toddler boy. We are getting married in October and are so excited. Justin proposed with a ring he actually bought on Etsy on Christmas Eve of this past year.

Bridal Shower Favors Handmade Soap

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Handmade soaps, bridal favors, shave accessories, and groomsmen ideas.

How/why did you get started?
I was working for a daycare company in which it cost me almost half of my income to keep my son there, and we knew we had to find a better way for me to contribute financially. Justin brought home some handmade soap, and there was such an immediate difference; we knew we had to find out more. We researched everything we could, made loads of soap and haven't looked back since.

Vintage Mug Shave Gift Set with Beer Soap

How long have you been crafting? What got you started in soapmaking?
We have been doing the business side of this for about year. I think I may have mistakenly answered this above, but its fun. Not that I get Justin to shave all that often...think lumberjack. :)

What are your favorite scents to work with? Why?
I like the fresh scents: grass, aloe, hints of floral like plumeria. Justin likes amber, sandalwood and patchouli. There are so many, it's hard to keep count.

What is your favorite thing to make?
Beer soaps

Wooden Men's Shave Set with Cigar Box

What inspires you to create?
I think our inspiration comes from the seasons, and right now, wedding planning.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Music

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Sometimes its not always balanced. Most of the time if my house is clean, I'm behind in orders. If my orders are up, my kids need some quality time. But we all seem to support each other a lot, and our friends do as well. When they come over, its normal to see soaps curing, packaging material out, and toys on the floor.

Green Tweed Handmade Soap Shave or Bath Bar

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Wedding-related, and I'm already thinking Christmas for my kiddos.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Everything in the world it seems. lol

Where can we find you?
www.etsy.com/shop/DirtyDeedsSoaps
www.dirtydeedsoap.com
www.facebook.com/DirtyDeedsSoap

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
www.etsy.com/shop/bisongirl: I really love her unique footwear, and she is such a sweet seller.
www.etsy.com/shop/ReMainDesigns for her upcycled furniture and lighting

Part of Heather and Justin's workspace.
See more pictures of their process here!

Feature Yourself Friday Linky Party #10!

Welcome!!!

It's time once again for another fun Feature Yourself Friday!!

This week's top clicked link was....

These ADORABLE Peep Toe Shoes by Good Little Things

Some other faves were....

This fun and thrifty DIY Scrap Wood Dollhouse by Creative Contentment

...and these cute Mini Felt Fascinators by Sweeter Than Sweet

Thanks for all the great links, everyone!! Now let's get onto this week!!

Feature Yourself Friday will be a place for you to highlight something you've done!! You can link to blog post or tutorial that you've done or a new item in your shop! We want to see what YOU have been up to!!

The only rule for linking up is that you become a follower of our blog and check out a few of the other links shared!! YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A MEMBER OF OUR TEAM TO LINK UP!!! (Please link up only TWO posts/items each week!)

Each week we'll pick two or three of the links that stand out to us and feature those here on our blog! It's just a little way to help everyone see what YOU do!!

Let's see whatcha got this week!!!

~ Sarah from Sarahndipities

Feature Shop: Sapucha

After reading this interview with Erin of Sapucha, you're totally going to want to meet her in person! I know I do. Thanks for sharing your story, Erin! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Hi, I'm Erin Evans! (a.k.a. Mom, Momma, Mother, Ma, Mommy, Noooooo Mommy - ok not the last one but I hear it so much sometimes I think that might possibly be my name!)

Where are you located?
Grand Rapids, MI (west side of Michigan, and yes I would whip out my hand and show you the little MI "hand map" to show you that Grand Rapids is located right on the back of my left hand ring finger knuckle!)

Go Fish Felt Fishing Game with Yellow Handle

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am follower of Jesus and married to a wonderful guy and we have three great kids, two girls ages 6 and 4 and one boy age 2. When we first started having kids I worked outside of the home and my husband stayed home. About three years ago we switched, and now I stay home and my hubby works outside the home. This year we decided to begin homeschooling our kids (1st Grade and Preschool/K). Totally LOVE it and hope to keep doing it!

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
My shop offers sewn creations for babies and small children such as bibs, burp cloths, crayon tote bags, aprons, diaper clutchs, tooth fairy dolls, felt fishing games and car seat strap covers.

How/why did you get started?
Like most moms when you need something for your little one you need it now! So as those moments arose I just whipped them up on the ole sewing machine. After a while I started making "extra" and began giving them away as gifts to friends and familiy for baby shower gifts. As the "inventory" began to outgrow the gift giving my hubby finally asked, "What in the world are you going to do with all of this stuff?" That is when I decided to set up shop on Etsy and sell the items I created. Etsy also gave me an opportunity to be my own boss, work outside the home from inside the house and make/create anything I want to.

Reversible Bib in Orange and Brown Stripe with Fish Applique

How long have you been crafting? How did you get started sewing?
I've always loved to craft/create and have been doing so since I was little. I got serious about sewing when I was pregnant with my first kiddo and just couldn't ante up the $$ to buy more maternity pants to fit my growing belly so I decided to try to make my own. After creating my first pair of pants with two left legs I was hooked! I just kept sewing and sewing and I just loved it! (Maternity pants fit much better when they have one right leg and one left leg!) From here I started making baby items and really let the creative juices flow!

What is your favorite thing to make?
I have a short attention span and love to jump from one project to the next, so right now I really am having fun making the Go Fish Felt Fishing Game offered in my shop. My kids love to play with it, and it brings me joy seeing them enjoying it. My little girls are big time into the 18-inch dolls and love when I surprise them with new outfits, so I am having a lot of fun making doll clothes too.

Children's Crayon Bag in Pink and Black Houndstooth with Pink Crayon Pockets

What inspires you to create?
I draw a lot of inspiration from my kids - they have amazing imaginations! I also am a magazine-a-holic and love to browse just about any magazine for inspiration, which could be anything from colors to texture to how to make a new recipe.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
I don't have one tool that I have to have when crafting but I absolutely must be barefoot! And yes, in the cold MI winters my tootsies can get a little frostbit! I just can't seem to sew with shoes and socks on. Kind of weird, I know, but it works for me!

Children's Apron in Blue and Green Plaid

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Wow, this is challenging, but when I began this adventure I made sure my priorities were first on my family and kids and the crafting/store stuff came second. Every day is different so squeezing in a few minutes here or there is challenging especially since my two oldest do not nap. I've gotten the kids involved so they feel part of the process of creating something for mommy's shop. I even found this great little kid sewing machine at a garage sale, and they love cutting up my scrap fabric and making something by themselves. My little boy loves to sit on my lap and help me "feed" fabric into the sewing machine. He thinks mommy''s sewing machine is hungry!

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Right now my favorite thing to browse Etsy for is earrings. I've gotten some great earrings from various shops on Etsy!

Diaper and Wipes Clutch in Upcycled Blue Denim

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Playing with my kids, sweeping the kitchen floor, cooking, sweeping kitchen floor, riding bikes, sweeping kitchen floor, cuddling my kids, sweeping the kitchen floor, hanging out with my hubby - the heck with the kitchen floor, it can wait until morning!

Where can we find you?
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Sapucha
Blog: http://www.erinairout.blogspot.com/
Store: http://www.readingtreebooks.com/

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/obrienobjects (check out those cool earrings!!)

Feature Shop: The Adorned Abode

I love the variety of talents among our members. The Adorned Abode's Kelly makes gorgeous jewelry boxes and recipe boxes! I'm pleased to introduce her to you today. -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Kelly Brannan

Where are you located?
Georgia (about half an hour South of Atlanta)

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a Paralegal-turned-SAHM to my two sweet children, Millie (almost four years old), and Andy (two years). I've been married to my best friend, Matt, for six years. We also have a Boston Terrier, Bullet, who is our constant companion, and puts up with pretty much everything from the kids as long as they keep sharing their food with him. :)

Blue Paisley Trinket Jewelry Box

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Recipe boxes and divider cards, trinket and jewelry boxes, decoupaged lightswitch plates, and hopefully some new items in the near future. Basically, decor items for your home or child's room.

How/why did you get started?
I love doing crafty things and was looking for a way to (a) make some extra money for our household, and (b) have something for "myself," if that makes sense. I love staying home with my kids, but I needed a creative outlet as well, and this just fit the bill.

Owls on Blue Double Lightswitch Plate Set

How long have you been crafting? How did you get into decoupage?
Hmmm...I've always enjoyed doing crafty things, especially crafty tutorials I'd find online, but didn't consider myself a necessarily crafty person. Then last fall, we were redoing our daughter's room into a "big girl" room, and I decided to make a lot of her decor. Once I decoupaged her lightswitch plate, I was hooked, and it went from there.

What is your favorite thing to make?
I love making my mini dressers (jewelry boxes) the most, probably because I enjoy being able to put many different patterns on one item. I also love doing my recipe boxes.

Retro Floral and Red Polka Dot Handmade Wooden Recipe Card Address File Box

What inspires you to create?
Pretty paper and plain boxes - I just can't wait to get my hands on them and see how they'll turn out as a finished product! Just walking into a scrapbooking store and seeing all the paper ... I could spend ages in there picking out patterns and dreaming of what I'll do with them. :)

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Music isn't a "need" to have thing, but a "like" to have. Same with coffee! :)

Retro Floral and Red Polka Dot Custom Formica Recipe Address Divider Cards

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I try to do most of my creating at night after they go to bed; of course, this isn't always possible. When I'm having a busy period in the shop, or several custom orders, I often have to work during the day. I just try to take little breaks to take them out to play or to the park, or read them a few books, just little breaks to focus on them before I get back to work. And then, even when I'm working, there are inevitably lots of forced little breaks to get a drink or snack for them, clean up a mess, etc. It is a balancing act, maybe more of a juggling one. :)

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Children's items (clothes, room decor, etc...) is my number one fave browsing item, but honestly, I love to "window" shop on there and will find myself looking through people's favorites and finding all kinds of wonderful things I wouldn't have thought to look for.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Hanging out with my family, trying to keep up with the housework, reading, doing crossword puzzles, watching a show, swimming if the season's right and I have the chance; most of the time, playing with the kiddos.

Woodland Creature Spring Time Custom Jewelry Trinket Box Chest Mini Dresser

Where can we find you?
Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAdornedAbode
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheAdornedAbode

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
Oh, this is a tough one, as I have so many favorites! I would say my sister's shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/OhNoAvocado. We often craft together, and she makes gorgeous picture frames, bow holders, and name letters (coming soon). I also love: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thewheatfield. Such gorgeous art prints! And I also love: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mixedmediamama; love her pillows! And I love: http://www.etsy.com/shop/cinderellamoments. All of her items are amazing and so whimsical. I could go on for days about my favorite Etsy shops, so I'll stop at 4. :)

Feature Shop: My Little Nuggets

Good morning! I'd like to introduce you to Doray of My Little Nuggets. Thanks for your participation with our team! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Doray

Where are you located?
SF Bay Area

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a SAHM of 2 chiclets-- an almost 8-year-old son & a 4-year-old little lady. I have never EVER crafted a thing in my life, and last year I decided to make some cards for a friend. Next thing you know, I was neck deep in stamps, ink, and fun paper. One day my daughter asked for some clips at a store and I thought "$15?? I bet I could make those!" and I never looked back.

I'm a voracious reader and I know how to navigate the Internet like a spy. No one in my family books a flight, reserves a hotel room, or buys an appliance without consulting me first! My mother nicknamed me "encyclopedia"...

Hot pink stretch headband with yellow fabric flower

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Hair accessories!!! Even though it's all tagged for children, a lot of mommies have been ordering stuff for themselves :) Next stop: fairy wands...

How/why did you get started?
I got started b/c I was making all these clippies for my son's friends. At parties, all the moms would go nuts and start asking for some and that they'd pay me! So I said why not?

How long have you been crafting?
Just 2 years!!!

Rolled rosette headband in pink green blue on skinny elastic

What is your favorite thing to make?
Headbands and rosettes...

What are your favorite materials to work with?
Cotton!!! It's so versatile...

What inspires you to create?
My daughter...she's such a girl, and watching her play makes me want to indulge her every whim. My son has asked for me to make him something...but what do you make a little lego nut?

Retro 80s braided double bar barrette in purple and white satin ribbon

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Music.

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I have yet to figure that out! There are so many days where I feel terrible because everyone got a meal from Trader Joe's and they watched 100 movies -- other days I just stay  up late at night. But my kids understand that mommy is trying to do something for the family, and they love to watch me do stuff. A lot of times I give them scraps to play with so they feel part of the process.

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Food. Especially sweets.

Spring green headband and barrette set

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
I wish I could give you a witty and different answer -- but it's the usual mommy stuff -- housework, taking the kids around town for their activities, volunteering at the schools.

Where can we find you?
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyLittleNuggets
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mylittlenuggets
Blog: http://mylilnuggets.blogspot.com/

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
I'd have to say Amborela & Fusionsweets

Gator korker bow

Feature Shop: Nate's Mommy Made It!

Good morning! Makisha, of Nates Mommy Made It!, is a busy mom of two and an active member of our team. Keep reading to meet her and then check out her lovely shop of handmade children's items! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Makisha

Where are you located?
Issaquah, WA. About 20 minutes east of Seattle

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a SAHM of two little ones under the age of four, Nate and Sierra. I have been married to my wonderful husband Marc for five years. Before having children, we loved to travel and see the world. Now that they are getting bigger, we are excited to show the world to our kids! I love coffee, the sun on my face, the sound of the ocean, frogs croaking, children laughing, favorite music playing, and lazy Saturday mornings. One of my favorite things to do is read and sing to my kids!

Mix And Match - Set of 3 Reusable Snack Bags

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
I have a wide variety of baby and children's items in my shop. From baby blankets, ribbon sensory blankets, reusable cloth wipes, plush animals, and reusable snack bags. A little bit of everything for little ones!

How/why did you get started?
I started my little shop almost a year ago. I started thinking about opening it two years before that, but a move to a different state, and the birth of our daughter delayed it for a while. I had always felt it was important to be able to stay at home with my children, so I needed to find a way to supplement our income while doing so. I absolutely LOVED the flannel blankets that my mom had made for my children when they were born, so I thought I'd start with that. Now, I can't stop finding new items to make!

Ribbon Mini Minky Baby Lovey Blanket - Mod Dots

How long have you been sewing? How did you get started?
I have been sewing since I was about 10. I received my first sewing machine at 12, although I never quite got into it much until recently. Having six children, my mom has always been a huge sewer and crafter, mostly out of necessity. Really, my entire family is very crafty. To be honest, I never thought I had it in me, but I quickly realized I did!

What is your favorite thing to make?
I love making my little plush elephants! Nate's favorite animal is an elephant, and I recently made one for him using his favorite outgrown PJ'S. It turned out really cute.

What inspires you to create?
My kids, for sure! A lot of the things I make, I also use in my home. We get a lot of enjoyment out of these things, and I would love for someone else to also.

Pink and Cream Flower Blossoms Chenille Blanket - Baby Shower Gift Set

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Usually coffee! Quiet, and kid free helps!

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
It's definitely hard to do. I try to work on small things while my littlest is napping, and Nate is happy to help do "crafts" with me. I am also fortunate to have a great husband who is willing to help out and give me some free time in the evenings to get some sewing time in.

Corduroy Plush Kitty Cat

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Anything and everything!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
When I'm not doing the usual daily grind..... I like to go on nature walks and hikes with my kids, listen to music, go camping, work in my garden, anything outdoors really!

Where can we find you?
www.etsy.com/shop/NatesMommyMadeit
www.facebook.com/NatesMommyMadeIt1

What is your favorite shop on Etsy currently?
Without a doubt........www.etsy.com/shop/thewheatfield. I love her work, just beautiful!

Green and Brown Damask Minky Stroller Blanket

Feature Shop: Off the Hook by Jen

Today, meet Jen of Off the Hook by Jen. Her pot scrubbers and Swiffer covers will have you cleaning in style! Cheers! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks.

What is your name?
Jen

Where are you located?
Bolingbrook, IL

Set of 3 Pot Scrubbers

Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been married for 11 years, and have two children, Madison (6) and Colin (3). I am a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and work very part time (a few days a month) at two local hospitals

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Currently I have coffee cup sleeves, pot scrubbers, and Swiffer covers. I am also planning on adding wash cloths, and I'm working on items for children as well.

Crochet Swiffer Cover with Scrubbing Stripes

How/why did you get started?
I have been making the pot scrubbers for several years and giving them away as gifts. I had been thinking about opening an Etsy shop for several months before I actually worked up enough courage to do it.

How long have you been crocheting? How did you get started?
I learned to crochet when I was in 3rd grade from my babysitter. I knew how to make chains and circles. I tried to sell them at my mom's yard sales. I don't think I sold a thing, and I stopped trying. :) Fast forward 15 years to my wedding shower, where my mom gave me a large bag of pot scrubbers. I LOVED them! When I got down to my last two, I asked my mom if she could get me more. Unfortunately, the woman who made them had passed away. So I took matters into my own hands, and armed with those two scrubbers and You Tube, I relearned how to crochet, and came up with my own variation of the pot scrubbers, and have been making them ever since.

Pink Cotton Coffee Cup Sleeve

What is your favorite thing to make?
Whatever I am working on at the moment.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
COFFEE!

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I tend to do most of my crocheting at night after the kids are in bed, while my husband and I are watching TV. I also crochet in the car, not while I'm driving of course. I try to keep a ball of yarn in the car, so I can pull it out while I'm waiting for my daughter to get out of school or waiting at the doctor's office. One of my biggest problems is that whenever I try something new, or get a new color, my daughter wants to have one just like it, so she's stashing away her own little inventory!

Crochet Swiffer Cover

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Everything! I love seeing all the creativity and talent out there!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Playing with the kids, watching TV, cooking/baking, reading. I'm pretty boring.

Where can we find you?
www.etsy.com/shop/OffTheHookbyJen
www.facebook.com/OffTheHookbyJen

Crochet Coffee Cup Sleeve

Build a Better Blog #2: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

You've all heard the saying...and know what I'm talking about, right?

But here's what you may not know: you don't have to be a professional photographer to take good pictures! In this day of digital cameras, taking good pictures is easier than ever...but you can also fall into mediocre photo-taking traps just as easily.

Today I'm going to share some simple tips for getting (and taking) better pictures! Taking good pictures is more than having a great camera or awesome products!

1. KNOW YOUR CAMERA! Because of the ease of digital cameras, you can often overlook features that can help you take better pictures. It may seem like a really boring and unimportant thing to do, but read your camera's manuel! Get to know the features your camera offers. Do have the option to use a Macro lens? Figure it out! Do have the ability to adjust the f-stop on your exposure? Do it! (Don't know what these things mean? Your manuel will probably explain them!)

2. USE GOOD LIGHTING! It's easy to just use your camera's Auto-Flash when taking pictures, but there is nothing less professional looking than product pictures taken with a flash. Even if you are taking pictures of something in your own kitchen, using a flash makes it look unprofessional. You can use the same setting with good light and get fantastic pictures! 

Try to take your pictures during the day in a place that is lit by lots of brightindirect light! If this isn't quite possible take advantage of some good photo imaging software to "fix and brighten" your pictures. Most cameras have some sort of simple photo imaging software included for your computer, so when you upload pictures from your camera you can adjust certain things. 



Play with exposure, saturation, and shadows.



If your imaging software isn't quite up to snuff, you can also use another program like Photoshop or Picnik (which is FREE!)! Go mess around with your options!

3. GET FOCUSED! No amount of good light can make up for the lack of focus in a picture. Make sure you're subject is in focus. This being said don't be afraid to get up close and personal...if your camera has the option of a Macro lens setting, you can take some really fun and interesting shots by focusing in on just a part of your subject, rather than the whole.



4. TRY SOMETHING NEW! This one is pretty simple...Experiment with different backgrounds, lighting effects, and compositions. You don't always have to take a picture from a straight-forward angle: 

Change things up by putting your subject off-center!



Crop to feature a specific part of a picture! 



Tilt your camera to get a different angle! 



5. TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES! It's easier to eliminate the bad pictures if you have a bunch to choose from! Try to take multiple shots of each angle...this will help allow for lighting discrepancies, angles, and compositions. You can get rid of the ones you don't like with the click of the button...that is the beauty of digital!!

6. DON'T STRESS! Taking photos can be an overwhelming process...don't let it stress you out! Take it one step at a time! Read a little about your camera, and then take a break! Try something new during one photo shoot, and see if you like the result. Take it easy and have fun!!

Hope these little tips will help you start thinking about how you can improve your photos, and get you thinking about trying new things!!

Have fun!!!

P.S. I'm also sharing this post on the SAHM of Etsy Team blog and one the Olive Smiles fanpage!