Oh The Craftiness Of Me!

Artists Name: Amanda
Shop Name: Blue Baby
Etsy Shop: www.bluebaby.etsy.com
Artists Blog: www.bluebabyhomemadegifts.blogspot.com






From Her Etsy Shop Profile:
My name is Amanda and I live in a small town in Michigan. I am a stay at home wife to my loving husband Brien, and mom to our furry baby chihuahua Taz. I love all types of arts and crafts, from jewelry making to drawing to crocheting. I love to create things that are somewhat different and unique.

From Her Online Interview:
How did you get started ?: I have been crocheting since I was about 19. My grandmother always used to crochet, and I wanted to keep the tradition. I taught myself how to crochet and have been hooked ever since!

Where are you from?: a small town in Michigan.

Are your creations seasonal? My creations are good for any time of year, but I do do special things for the holidays.
How long have you been doing it? Since I was about 19, so that would be almost six years.

Are you a professional or is this a hobby? A hobby, but if I could make it into a profession, I would! Creating things is one of my passions, and I am so lucky to be able to do something that I love.

What inspires you? God, my family, life! I like making things that people can use, or that will just bring a little smile to their faces. If I know I've made another person smile, then that only inspires me further.

How do you promote your business? I find it difficult to promote. A lot of it is getting the word out through friends and family, sending them my shop-site to check out and hopefully pass on to people who might be interested.

Where are you showing/selling your work? The only place I am selling my work is on Etsy. I have yet to sell my crafts at a show. I also like to blog about my items on my blog page.

What is your favorite product and why? I love yarn! I love the things I'm able to create with it, from huge comfy afghans to small cute little critters on key chains!

What advice you wish someone had told you when you started? To not let myself become frustrated when I don't get a sale. Actually, people really have given me this advice, it's just that I find it hard to follow!

Do you have any advice for fellow designers? Find something you love and do that. Don't try to make something just because you think you will make money from it. If you don't love doing it, you will never be happy!

Will I get a discount or freebies? I am still in the beginnings of my shop, so I haven't offered any discounts as of yet. But in the future, I'm sure I will have special discounts and other offers.

Anything else you'd like to add? I appreciate anyone who gives my shop a chance, and if they go as far as to purchase something, I only hope they enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it!