November Book Review - The New Macrame by Katie DuMont

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I won't spoil it for you by revealing the projects but leave it to be that there are some downright nifty projects in this book!

While having fabulous pictures never hurt anyone, I have to say the display of finished projects as well as samples for other reference really make this book for me.  Like most how to do books there is a brief introduction wherein the author talks about the subject, a brief overview of the history of macrame, and of course the all important tool & supply list with descriptions and some pictures.  Katie also goes into other things you may want to know when considering the creation of your jewelry and other macrame projects.  She has a "Knots 101" section which I found to be particularly helpful as it showed finished photographs, a lined drawing, and a small written paragraph about each knot.  And I can't forget to mention she also shows variations of many of the knots or combinations when right and left handed ones are concerned.

And if you thought there wasn't anything other than projects and other basic how to advice in this text I can assure you you'll be wowed by the macrame gallery section full of inspiring and literal works of art in the world of knotwork.  At the end is a brief description of designers featured, glossary, and a small index.

I'd give this book a 5 out of 5 at least.  It's clear, has wonderful pictures, and perhaps the only drawback is that these designs are for personal use only, but don't let that stop you from being inspired!

October Book Review - Creepy Cute Crochet by Christen Haden

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I love to crochet so how could I have not bought this book.  Sporting a picture of a monkey with a fez hat, a little Cthulu, and a mini grim reaper... I was sold!

This book is creatively written starting out with the author's inspiration of how they came to write it as well as tips, tricks, and resources that are always popularly found in how to books.  A benefit of the book is it's small enough to fit in your project bag to tote around while you hook cute monsters, however I am sad that the pictures in the how to basics are so very small, not optimal for the beginning amigurumi enthusiast.

Projects range in things you'd expect to find in this book - like zombies - to things less expected such as the gladiator (I'll admit to missing the creepy reference here since they're just cool!  Yes I'm a fan of the Gladiator movie...)

The pictures of each project are great, though again some of the diagrams are a little small so I wouldn't recommend this for a novice.

I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5, only docking for the fact that some of the diagrams are a little on the tiny side for my tastes.  However this allows the book to remain in pocketbook form so it's not that big a deal if you can read standard crochet abbreviations!

May Featured Artist - Melli of Melli's Trinkets!

*And a big round of applause for our first featured artist!*

Melli's Bio:
I make and sell custom handmade jewelry.  Each piece is handmade by me using a wide variety of beading techniques, beads, and other materials (such as sea glass, polished stones, etc.).  I take custom orders for almost any kind of jewelry imaginable and then some.  I also make other items such as bookmarks, key chains, and other things using beads as well.  I like making customized pieces, and anything seen in my store can be ordered to any specifications or sizes (if ordering rings, necklaces, etc).  I also make hemp jewelry, that can also be custom ordered.

1.  How long have you been making jewelry?
I have been making jewelry since I was about 12.

2.  What inspires you the most?
A lot of things inspire me.  Some days I make jewelry because I can!  It is amazing to look down at a finished piece of mine and think “I love this and should make more!”  I get inspired by jewelry in stores, that other people are wearing, from TV, or things I find online.  I love giving things my own spin!

3.  What is/are your favorite materials/supplies?
Glass beads!  I love how many different kinds of beads there are, and how glass beads can also be handmade!

4.  Do you have a favorite tool?
My round nose pliers would probably be up there...along with all my other pliers and wire cutters!

5.  What is your work space like?
My work space is awesome!  I have a large book case that is FULL of my beading materials.  I have a long table where I can have multiple bead organizers open ready for me to use the contents!

6.  When do you find the most time to work?
I find that I can work whenever I get a chance.  Normally I have to wait for my son to be napping, asleep or if my husband is feeling generous, he will take him downstairs and keep him entertained for a few hours while I get stuff done!

7. How does your work fit into the rest of your life?
Being a stay at home mom offers me the luxury of being able to work whenever I have a chance!  However, I am also going to school full time, so I am still trying to find that balance of school, my awesome jewelry, and being a mom!  It’s a work in progress.

8.  How often a week do you get to work?
I would say a few days!

9.  Do you sell your work?  Directly?  Indirectly?
I sell my work online.  If someone wanted to purchase in person, I would not refuse them!  I try to pass out business cards when possible, and am looking to getting into craft fairs!

10.  Do you have a business (on or offline)? Consign?
I have a business online.

11. Do you have a website?  Blog?  Facebook profile or fan page?  Myspace?  Twitter?  Pinterest?
I sure do!  I have a website, Facebook page, and two blogs:  Melli's Trinkets & Melli's Mish Mash

12. Where do you feel your work fits in your market?  (Do you concentrate on high volume, low volume; do you make multiples or one of a kind only; Walmart or Bergdorf Gelman?)
I think my stuff is fun and pretty.  I try to make my items one of a kind as well.  If someone wants an item that was previously made, I will try to instill changes in it that would make it its own piece rather than an exact duplicate.

13.  What is your favorite part?
My favorite part of all this is being able to make jewelry and offer it at a cost that is affordable for everyone!

14.  How did you get into making jewelry?
I’ve always been crafty!  And jewelry has a calling to me!

Interested in contacting Melli for your own custom piece of jewelry?  Want to see her wares or connect with her?  You can find her and her store online at the various links below!

Melli's Trinkets Storefront

Melli's Trinkets Blog and Melli's Mish Mash

Melli's Trinkets on Facebook

Melli's Trinkets on Twitter

Melli's Trinkets on Google+

Melli's Trinkets on Tumblr

Melli's Trinkets on Instagram

Melli's Trinkets on Wanelo

Contact via Email

Thanks for tuning in for our Featured Artist/Crafter of the Month!  We'll see you back in June with our next feature!

Coming together?

I reserve this blog specifically for things about the business, but nothing overtly personal.  It's not a matter of not being the full me all the time so much as a desire to compartmentalize.  If you're interested in my personal thoughts as an artist I have a blog just for that, which at times includes rants even...

It's true, while I don't really want to admit it, that I haven't invested as much time or effort into growing this business - or it's sister company.  While my products and services are good, great even marketing and putting myself out there just isn't my forte.  This occurred to me as part of the reason for the mediocrity of my success. Sure I sell things, sure people like what I sell, or my work, but how many people (who know me personally) even know what I do?  Sure the few who know me exceedingly well and talk to me often have likely heard me talk about it or even been on the phone/messenger with me while I've been working on something.  But I know a lot more than just those and honestly for the sake of getting my name out there it should be one of the most commonly known things about me shouldn't it?  Yes.

In that light I have noticed that a lot of things seem to be coming through lately.  While I can't say that the decision to focus more on the business aspect, rather than just the creative, of my business has landed me this sudden influx of consumers other types of things have been coming through.  Such as this article about using one's blog to get business.  There have been a handful of other things, such as new contacts via Facebook and LinkedIn, new followers on Twitter and with Google+, and likes to my pages and website.  All "baby steps" in the grand scheme of getting out there and reigning in success.

So do you have any tips?  What's worked for you?  Looking forward to hearing from you and thanks for tuning in! :D

Progress...

It's almost as though it was just yesterday that I was picking up my hook and beginning to crochet again. Forever a lover of handicrafts I remember long ago when I first began to try to crochet. I never really made anything worthwhile, and for the life of me I could not understand the pattern instructions and why all my scarves turned into little triangles (though I'm glad to say I've mastered the art of the turning chain :D ).

But though I started and fiddled with it then I never really got off the ground with it...then years later I picked it up, understanding a little better some of my earlier mistakes, but again, my affair with crochet was short lived - in favor of other things...

Years upon years later I now sit before you 24 and the proud owner of my own business and a healing center. My love of handicrafts has again led me down the path to meet with my old lover, crochet. But this time we have stuck together the whole way through. Now all those seemingly cryptological abbreviations and directions suddenly make sense (although I'm sure it has something to do with me actually doing research and reading the directions, lol o our impatient youth!) I am constantly making everything I can, and at times dreaming up my own designs.

It seems as though I've come so far, for it was just January of this year that I finally avidly started my "pipe dream" business. It'd long been in the workings of my mind, my logical side desperately trying to plan everything just right before embarking - but I decided this time to give in to my creative side, to hell with the planning and just go for it...and here I am 9 months later after much gestation, giving birth to my ideas beautiful and loved...

It's funny how this all comes about, though we may not see it or plan for it, or even consider that anything of the sort could come our way - it does and we are amazed at the results we receive...

So a big hip hip hoorah to all of those who have purchased from me and all of those who will!

A gracious and deep thank you to the Universe and myself for manifesting my desires and dreaming these bright, beautiful dreams!