I'm honored to be interviewed! Thanks so much and here are my answers corresponding to each question. Thanks!
Hats off to the Grad greeting card
Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
Hi, my name is Kristen and I reside in Michigan. My shop on Etsy is called EnchantingDreams.etsy.com and I specialize in making handmade cards for all occasions. Each card is unique and you will never see two cards that are the same. I also love to recycle so in some of my cards I have taken quotes from old magazines or calendars and put them on my cards.
What are your favorite materials?
My favorite materials is of course scrapbook paper being first, buttons, ribbon, flower embellishments, and quotes.
All Occasion Neckties Dad Greeting Card
What is your favorite color combination?
I can't say I have one favorite color combination. I enjoy picking out different types/patterns of paper and then using my creativity to find the best color combo that way.
What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
The first thing I remember making is way back in kindergarten. It was a wreath I made using my hand print that was dipped in pink paint and placed on a piece of paper in a circular fashion to make a wreath. It was a present for my Mom for Mother's Day.
Hold Tight to Your Dreams Greeting Card
What inspires you?
There isn't one specific thing that inspires me, but it's a combination of my craft supplies, being earth friendly, and my imagination. I never know what will inspire me next! When I hit a block I usually flip through some card idea books that i own or I go to a local craft store where I'll just walk the aisles of the scrapbooking section to get my mind thinking.
Where do your ideas come from?
My ideas come from looking at different patterns on scrapbook paper. I pick out colors from the patterned paper and then find coordinating colors in embellishments to put together on a card.
Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration is my Mom. She is a very crafty person and enjoys sewing, cardmaking, and crafting in general. Ever since I was young she has taught me and my sisters to love to craft as well!
Sweetly Sleeping New Baby Girl Greeting Card
What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
My favorite thing to do with my creativity is to play with different techniques that I see in card magazines or learn about on blogs and put my own take on it and see how it comes out on a greeting card.
Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?
I think people should buy handmade because it's supporting a community of artists/crafters that have put a lot of love and attention to detail in their products. I know whenever I have someone purchase one of my cards it makes me feel good to know that it will put a smile on someone's face!
Celebrate the Day with Cake
What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
The most valuable lesson I have learned from other artists is to never give up even when you feel no one is looking at/buying your products. It takes time, but if you keep creating and are enjoying it that is what is most important. Sales will eventually come as long as you keep creating, being optimistic, and promoting/networking with other artists that you admire.
Love, Honor, & Cherish
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Apart from creating, I work in the field of human resources. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and reading novels.
Forever Friends
What are the Web addresses for your work?
You can find my work on Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/enchantingdreams I also have a facebook fanpage where you can see new cards I post on Etsy: www.facebook.com/enchantingdreams
Are you offering my readers any specials?
You can receive 15% off your entire purchase in my Etsy shop by using coupon code SHOP15 at checkout until Sunday, June 12th at 11:59 p.m. If you are looking for something in particular please let me know as well and I am more than willing to work with you to make a specific card for that special occasion!
Kristen, your use of color, paper, and embellishments is wonderful. May you have find much success.
