Tracy Smith of Cinnamon Jewellery
If you’re anything like me – inquisitive, curious or just plain nosy(!) you’d like to know a bit more about who lies behind those online shops………..
Although smaller than Etsy, Folksy has a thriving and ever~growing community of talented designers and crafters. I’d like you to meet two of them…………
Introducing Christine Begg, owner of Folksy shop Planet Events Direct Trimmings and Accessories
How long have you been selling on Folksy?
I started selling on Folksy in April 2009.
What type of items do you make and sell?
I would describe myself as an all around crafter who loves to make and create….from jewellery items created with ornate beads and crocheted pieces right through to patchwork quilts: it’s one big creative melting pot.
Whilst being a crafter myself I recognise that many individuals also have or indeed want to improve their crafting skills and like to purchase quality components to do so which is why I like to stock a number of craft items in my shop such as mother of pearl buttons, fabric pieces, loose beads, furnishing trimmings, jewellery making findings plus lots of hints and tips !
What inspires you to create ?
My background is in Soft Furnishings so the sewing machine plays a large part in my creative world and I am one of those individuals who finds inspiration all around me. I love to use colour in a controlled way so for example if I see beige or magnolia walls I automatically start thinking “Which colours can I introduce to these surroundings to compliment it” rather than “Right I am going to change that completely”…… for me it’s a lot to do with complimentary touches, especially as a lot of my work does involve making items for other people who much of the time know exactly what they want.
When the items are for personal usage and to sell on to potential customers Ii tend to look to the current seasons to inspire me, so for instance in autumn I lean towards chocolate/deep reds/mulberry shades to add warmth to the colder air and in summer it’s all about shades of blue, soft & vibrant pinks alongside big splashes of cool glacier colours.
Is it a full~time job or hobby?
Full time. For me being creative is really a way of life and I do believe that you really do need to put in the hours to reap the best from any business. It’s hard going working for yourself, especially in the current economic climate but like many other self employed individuals you just push on…..working with colours & textures always helps to lift my mood when necessary so you could also say that there are many therapeuatic aspects to being creative which helps to make the day seem easier.
What are your best sellers?
Mother of pearl buttons & Furnishing Trimmings. As I mentioned before I have customers who like to get stuck in creatively themselves and as such I try to accommodate their needs as best I can by supplying ready-to-go items which can be easily incorporated into creative projects.
Knitters & Crocheters keep me on my toes button-wise as they are always looking for nice buttons to add the finishing touches to their lovely hand knitted items !
I must also add that in addition to my Folksy shop I also operate a very robust Mail Order service and keep customers in touch with what I’m up to and items which are currently available through a bi-monthly newsletter which is normally sent by post. I then get to engage with my customers on a more personal level, who in turn will let me know the types of products and items they are searching for, which then gives me a better idea of what to stock in my shop and through mail order.
What are your plans for your Folksy shop in 2010?
Sew-your-own couture inspired cushions and other Soft Furnishing items.
Many people want to create a signature theme around their homes and soft furnishing items are the easiest and most cost effective way to do that.
In this modern day people are short on time and want to “get creative” with the minimum of fuss and I hope that the pre-cut ready-to-go items which I will be offering will offer them the chance to revamp their surroundings without being a drain on their time and resources.
To see more of Christine’s products & to follow her crafting adventures & creative ramblings go to –
Christine’s flickr group
————————————-
My NEXT Folksy shop owner is Danni Clarke of nelliD2, home of quirky resin jewellery & handbags
How long have you been selling on Folksy?
I have been selling on Folksy for about 1 year.
What type of items do you make and sell?
When I started nelli D I made handbags and various homeware items…I used to have another shop nelli D homeware, but I didn’t have the time to spend on both so I decided that I would concentrate on the girly items..much more me anyway!
In my shop you will find one of a kind handbags, this includes totes and clutch bags and purses, I love applique so they all get an applique treatment.
On the jewellery front, people will know me for my massive collection of junk jewellery…I LOVE IT…so about a year or so ago I took myself off to a resin course…. it was brill, loved every minute and it has taken me a while to hone my craft but it’s only recently that I have started selling it properly…… I am finally happy with how it looks.
So to conclude in my shop you will find fun,fresh handbags and resin jewellery and sometimes the two are combined!
What inspires you to create?
I love design (I have a degree in printed textile design from Saint Martin’s), past and present and love looking at new trends and designs. This could be from old photos or flicking through magazines, but what I truly love is colour and texture…….this mixed with fairytales and sequins = my shop!
I also have a slight obsession with all things British (which I think shows ever so slightly in my shop) I used to live in London and I love the quirkyness of the people there and the smells and sights of the City, so this all inspires my work. I also love culture and I think that this is evident in the sequined bags I make, they remind me of Morroco and India with all the amazing patterns and foods available…….sumptuous!
Is it a full~time job or hobby?
At the moment I am spending all of my time crafting but due to a pending mortgage I have just secured a place in the police as a pcso (Police Community Support Officer), this does not mean I will give up…….its in my blood!
What are your best sellers?
Key To My Heart pendants, the Teapot brooch and the Union Jack bags…..which I can’t make fast enough!
What are your plans for your Folksy shop in 2010?
As I have said before I have combined my jewellery with my bags and I want to continue this trend, but I will have to plan this one, I am also working on chunky necklaces.
If I can make it happen (ie win the lottery) I would love to get a screen printing system up and running (this is what I did my degree in ) but I think this one will take a bit of time to sort out !
Check out danni’s blog and Danni’s website (in progress!)
Thanks to both Christine & Danni for this article, enjoy their slideshow!
Share
Pic courtesy of Muchinalittle
Loading ...
