It's a handmade celebration over here!

Most of my decorations are handmade by myself or by talented crafters I find on sites like Etsy.com or at local craft shows.  This wreath was created with crafty magic by PeachParlor on Etsy.

Happy Halloween!

from Dave, Margaret, Molly and Max

View from a spooky train ride we took a couple of weekends ago...

©MargaretNock, 2008-11. All rights reserved.

Visit me at knit1fortheroad.com for free patterns, resources and more!

Follow along merrily on Twitter @ knit1fortheroad

Delight in knit books, patterns and handmade items @ MargKnittinARound on Etsy.com.  More items coming soon, stay tuned.

Join me on Creating The Hive, it's free, full of fun and crafty inspiration.



Finding Charm is easier than you think...

Bracelet and Earrings Alpha Kappa Alpha Greek Sorority

I first met Sarah, the creative dynamo behind the successful Etsy shop, Finding Charm on the crafting community, Creating The Hive. I experienced the WOW when I visited her lovely shop, experienced her jewelry, and discovered her knowledge of marketing. I quickly grew to appreciate Sarah and share in her enthusiasm for the handmade life. Grab onto your handmade enthusiasm, here comes Sarah to share her own handmade experience with us today.


Q. Sarah, why did you start designing jewelry?

A. I always had a thing for fun and whimsy in jewelry pieces. I especially love oversized cocktail rings. I would go to Dallas three times a year. I lived in Kansas City, Mo at the time. I would stock up on fun and affordable jewelry from Sam Moon and other fun hideaway shops on Harry Hines Blvd. These were things I’d purchase, wear able to toss or sell on Craigslist. They are a far cry from “quality”, definitely fashion jewelry. In Christmas 2008, I moved down to Dallas for a new job. I found living in Dallas is much different than visiting. It is harder to meet people and just never found that welcoming group. I found myself with more time on my hands and thought one day at one of my little jewelry shops, I could make this. One piece led to another and I started meeting people because of the jewelry I made. People would ask me where I got my bracelet, earrings, or whatever I was wearing at the moment. Then a couple of gals mentioned Etsy to me. I hadn’t a clue! I thought, what the heck? I’m a marketing manager full time, I could do this. I love the consumer marketing best. I had no idea the competition out there for jewelry. I had to work extra hard to compete with those that have been established. Within six months I had nearly 20 online sales and double that in person to person sales. I’m pleased with my efforts considering it’s a hobby and I have a full time job. Right now, all my profits go into my savings account toward my first house. Which may happen at the end of this year.

Blue Charm Bangle Bracelet

Q. That’s so wonderful, Sarah, that you took your passion for jewelry, the tools for marketing that you enjoy, stuck to it, and became a successful Etsy shop. Tell us about your adventures with charm and why you chose Finding Charm for the name of your Etsy shop.


A. I came up with my shop name rather simply. I wrote down a variety of keywords related to jewelry from catalogs, magazines, and websites. Then I started combining them. I narrowed it down to 5, and then sent the names out to family and friends to vote on. It came back unanimous…Finding Charm.

Pink and Silver Chandelier Earrings

Q. That’s an excellent way to brainstorm and come up with the perfect name for your shop. Sarah, you’re one of my favorite Etsy shops to visit because you offer reasonable prices, value and excellent customer service for your customers. You’re also a whiz at promoting your business, and your shop is always colorfully organized and easy to navigate. What advice would you like to share with a crafter or artist who is just starting their business online?


A. Well thank you! One word: commitment. I had no idea the amount of time and energy it would take. You definitely get out what you put in.

I'm fortunate to have my marketing background so that I can catch up with the full time crafters. I also share tips for the handmade community as well on my blog. I've discovered systems and created some so that I'm working even when I have to be away from the house. Twaitter and Hootsuite have helped me with my commitment. I attribute most of my sales because of social networking. That is key for the handmade market. It takes a lot of time. You can't just list something in your shop and expect to sell like mad.

I do put a lot of thought into each of my listings and when I list them. I won’t relist or list a necklace if I listed one the day before. Once I determine the type of item to list, then I evaluate the color, materials, texture because these pieces will be neighbors. I do this every day. What contrasts with the red piece from yesterday…oh a green one would be perfect. That type of thing. This doesn’t work for all crafts, but it works for my shop and my sections. Thank goodness I have a backlog of pieces.

Shades of Gold Pearls and Crystal Statement Necklace

Q. What good advice, especially for people struggling with ways to start. Do you have a favorite way to unwind after a busy day of jewelry making?

A. To unwind, I do something non-creative. I’ll watch TV or read. I have a funny guilty pleasure in watching some of the A&E shows like Hoarders and Billy the Exterminator. I’ll watch a movie or my favorite sitcoms – LOVE the Office and The Big Bang Theory. I read a variety of things. I love to read. I read novels, magazines that are work and non-work related. But I can get burned out creatively pretty quick and the first to go is the jewelry. Thank goodness it comes around summer time when sales slow anyway. I’m always on my marketing game. Have to be…it pays the bills!


Q. Time out for gilty pleasures will definitely ward off creative burnout for many of us. Please share with us, Sarah, any upcoming shop news, events, or dreams and aspirations for your life as a jewelry designer that we haven’t covered?


A. I’ve been considering offering my marketing services to the handmade artist community at an affordable rate. I’m asked regularly for marketing advice. I know there are a lot of resources out there, but often times they’re so generic in nature they don’t apply to all. I’ll read them and say “yes, if or but…” I think that’s why so many crafters seem lost or unsure of their efforts. They really need a one-on-one analysis. It drives me buggy when I see a helpful post focus on SEO, keywording, or good pictures and that will solve your problems. Having a logo is not your brand. Those are just pieces to the strategy. I recently posted a Facebook poll and blog post to gauge what some of the community thinks of such a service and to give some explanation to it. I’d love to hear your readers’ feedback as well. The more the merrier! As for jewelry, I’ll keep making things because I have stash of supplies and still get inspiration. My energy feels like it is being shifted to help the handmade community in a different way. I think the jewelry is what connected me to the wonderful handmade community and make me realize they need me to help them. I want each of them to thrive and be successful, and if I can help in some way, I’d be so happy.


Sounds like an exciting new venture is unfolding for you Sarah. Continued success and happiness to you. Thank you for taking time away to share your passion for the handmade community with us today. 

Want to learn more about Sarah and her budget friendly handmade jewelry at Finding Charm? Please visit the following links.

 Etsy
Zibbet
Artfire
eCrater
Finding Charm Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Made It Myself
CreatingTheHive

The photos for this interview have been provided and are the property of FindingCharm.  All rights reserved.

The perfect storm of handmade, knitting, and free patterns...

Many of you already know the tremendous advantages of buying, creating and using handmade items, but have you taken a look at Handmade.org lately?  They have updates, handmade info and resources just waiting for you. If your desire to buy and make handmade is waning, than visit your local or online handmade artists and crafters. Support handmade events not only with your purse, but your hi-5's, knucklebumps, and whoohoos (or substitute your favorite geeky, handmade lovefest enthusiasm here)  to bring smiles and giggles to those hardworking vendors. Your fingers will be tapping and your heart pounding a little faster for the handmade life.  You'll find resources, kindred handmade spirits and exciting news from the handmade blue planet called Earth.

Monday is a great day to renew your dedication to the movement sweeping the world...renew your handmade pledge and get that crafty tingle from head to toe.

Here are a few goodies I've managed to find over the last few months...

There was a wee bit of knitting going on during my travels last week.  I find knitting while waiting, riding the train or in the car very relaxing and keeps me from being a total knitting slacker when I feel myself distracted by life.  You may recognize my Travel Go Lightly Purse, it's a free pattern from my website, knit1fortheroad.  The yarn is The May Pole Dance Hand Spun Yarn  from In The Eyes of March, on Etsy.  Do visit the shop for more goodies.  The Sari cloth is a scrap fat quarter from Fabricana ,also on Etsy.

Here's another handmade item I bought from one of my CreatingTheHive friends, Michelle, of MossyCreekSoaps , another Etsian. I had my eye on this for awhile.  It has a yummy aroma, nice texture, and makes a perfect addition for a kitchen and home.  It's named appropriately, Mocha & Coffee Soap.  You can also knit the festive knit1fortheroad free pattern,Luscious Lime Placemats, a fresh Spring/Summer sprucer upper for any table.  Lime not your color? No worries.  It's knit with Caron Simply Soft and you can choose from an array of fun colors.

I hope you'll be encouraged to think more about buying, creating, and using handmade items.  Here's to gentle reminders, really cool projects, and a better tomorrow.

Margaret (Merry Meet Market Tote from Knit Knitavian Style  (on Etsy) at Fort Mifflin)

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”

- Rachel Carson

Visit thinkexist.com

Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.


Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design

Craft Hope: Handmade Crafts for a Cause


Little Birds: 26 Handmade Projects to Sew, Stitch, Quilt & Love (Design Collective)
Enjoy crafty good times ahead on CreatingTheHive...here's your invitation!

Add a Holiday Handmade Tradition

Nemours Masion and Gardens, Wilmington Delaware

This past weekend, Dave and I took a trip over to Delaware to go to Nemours Mansion and Gardens.  If you are ever near Wilmington, you should definitely take a tour of the Dupont mansion.  It's a grand home, but with surprisingly homey touches that you will appreciate. It was a home that was definitely enjoyed and lived in. One of the the items under the Christmas tree, that was retrieved from the attic, was a box of Party Crackers.  Some of you may not be familiar with this English and Austrailian party favor, but I have fond memories of my Grandmother placing Crackers on her dining table for guests during different holiday celebrations.  Some are fancy, some are silly, and some are handmade.  When I returned home, I did a little research on how to make your own.  Enjoy the links and the pictures as you prepare for the Thanksgiving Holiday, I hope you'll embrace something from your childhood and add a new handmade tradition of your choice during the holidays.

Get the scoop on how to make your own...

Christmas Crackers USA  and Supplies to make your own Crackers

How To Make...Christmas Crackers

How to How To Make...Christmas Crackers

Marg (ready for pie making duty)

You might also enjoy reading about Alfred DuPont...

Alfred I. du Pont: The Man and His Family

Do you have a wrapping strategy?

A wrapping project from Eco-Wrapping Treasure Hunt!

Ok, the presents are going to be ready - how 'bout that wrapping? Here are some wonderful Etsy shops that will have just the thing you need to make fun, eco-friendly wrapping, cards, and tags. You'll also be helping handmade artists at the same time. But hurry, the time is getting near!

Smock letterpress.

snowy652's

The Craft Pantry featured in Childstyle, US Weekly & Hallmark Mags

FarAwayDesigns's

Feeling crafty enough to try making some of your own unique wrapping? Here are some ideas.

How-To: Recycled Wrapping Paper Bows on Craftzine

Eco Gift Wrapping. Holistic Secrets with Rachel Avalon a great little video with some ideas for keeping your wrapping eco-friendly, economical and organized for all your wrapping needs.

Create Your Own Designer Papers - All Over Stamped Designs at About.com

You might also enjoy ECO-WRAPPING TREASURE HUNT!

I hope you're officially inspired now

That's a wrap!

Marg (re-thinking my wrapping strategy)

HOGANFE IS IN DA HOUSE, YA'LL

Grab your coffee, triple mochas, and green tea mugs, and settle in for another in a series of Summer Etsy Shop Interviews. Today's featured shop is Hoganfe, a wonderful place to find bags, wonderful bags! You all know I'm obsessed with bags for knitting and shopping and if they're eco-friendly then I'm definitely on it! Hold on to your hooks and needles - here comes Mary Hogan of Hoganfe.

Q. Mary, thank you so much for agreeing to this interview.

A. Hello Margaret -What a honor to be interviewed by such a renown author, business woman, knitter, crocheter, & crafter!

Q. Ok, now I'm just blushing... thank you...on with the interview.

You have such a customer friendly shop, offering custom orders, gift certificates and a layaway payment option for ready- to- ship bags and Twitter updates. Your feedback from customers raves about the quality and service. How did you come by your savvy craft and business skills?

A. So glad you thought my shop is customer friendly this is so important to me! My business skills come from years of individual & corporate sales experience as well as knowing what I love when I visit a boutique. If I could offer tea & cookies when you stop by I would LOL!

Q. Great idea -cyber cookies could be an option - 0 calorie!

Mary, visitors to your shop can't help noticing that there is such wonderful variety in your designs and they really resonate with people. Your theme of reuse, recycle and creating reversible bags is very inspiring. Where do you get the most inspiration for your designs?

A. Ideas pop into my head, my daughter inspires me with ideas & of course the fabric inspires ! I am a fabricholic!

Q. Love that! Do you have any dreams, aspirations, products or events you would like to share with us?

A. This past month I have been working towards expanding my market and offering a wider range of bags and materials. My most recent addition; CottonCandyBags, were just introduced two weeks ago & they are a hit on Etsy and elsewhere-this is so encouraging! In the near future I will be adding a giveaway or two at my blog Hoganfe on Wordpress bringing attention to the newest additions coming soon at hoganfe.
So add Hoganfe to your twitter follows for my newest arrivals and

visit Hoganfe on Flckr.

Mary, you are definitely on a roll with your creations and your business. We all look forward to seeing more of your work and creativity on Etsy and elsewhere. Thanks for sharing your inspiring story with us.

SweetPeaTotes is HERE today!

GRAB YOUR MOCHAS, DOUBLE LATTES AND HERBAL TEA CUPS...


sit back and relax...here comes some inspiration!

Where can you find one-of-a-kind handbags and accessories with fabulous fabric and excellent hardware? Sweet Pea Totes of course. Mary Miele is the brains and talent behind this incredible Etsy shop. Her products are fashionable, durable, and down right beautiful - and there's also great prices. There's definitely something for everyone - AND custom orders are available Hooray! Today Mary, who has been sewing for many years, is going share with us how her passion for sewing led to the creation of a successful shop in our first 2009 Knit1fortheroad Summer Etsy Interview Series. Take it away Mary!

Q. Mary, thanks so much for taking time out for today’s interview. I see that you’ve been sewing for many years. Who gave you that first lesson and how did your passion for sewing and construction grow into your Etsy business?

A. I took home economics in high school and we were able to make anything we wanted for our first project. I chose to make a jacket, and my teacher was really impressed with my sewing. For me, that class opened my eyes to the sewing world. I’ve made several quilts, dolls, curtains, girls’ clothes, and so much more between my teen years up until now.

I started making tote bags 5 ½ years ago because my daughters had grown up and no longer wanted handmade clothes. I am pretty proud of myself for going from making my first jacket to having my own handbag and pattern business.

I sold on ebay at first and did quite well. Then last year ebay’s fees went up and most of the designers and I left to sell on Etsy. I also have a website SweetPeaTotes.com .


Q. Your fabric choices are wonderful! Which comes first in your creative process, fabric or the design?

A. It’s either way. If I see fabric that I love then my design comes second, but most of the time I think of a new design first and I will venture out or go online and do a little fabric shopping.

Q. If you had one piece of advice for those out there thinking of starting a business on Etsy, what would it be?

A. My advice would be to look at what Etsy already has to offer and see if your craft would sell well. Also, make sure you have good photographs that do your products justice.

Q. Do you have any upcoming events, sales or information about yourself or the shop you’d like our readers to know?

A. Be on the lookout for new ebook patterns. I really enjoy making new designs and sharing the patterns with my customers so they have the chance to make it themselves. If I ever have anything new, you’ll be the first to know by keeping up with my blog SweatPeaTotes .

Thank you so much Mary for taking time out today to share with the readers your story and share you tips.

Visit these links for more on Mary and her designs:

SweetPeaTotes on Etsy.com

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5418330

CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS HERE! http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetpea-totes-handbags

FOLLOW Mary's BLOG! http://www.sweetpeatotes.blogspot.com/

IF YOU'RE ON ETSY...you may be an interview!

Hello Crafties...

Today, it's all about the Etsies! Summer wouldn't be complete without Etsy features on Knit1fortheroad. If you would like to feature your Etsy shop or know of an Etsy shop that is amazingly wonderful (and there are many!) please email me at knit1fortheroad@gmail.com. (you may have to copy and paste the email link) The features will include a picture of a product (your pick) shop info and 4 interview questions. Short and sweet but wonderfully received.

And as always, spammers, don't make me sorry I'm doing this and give me a big fat headache...I'm seriously not in the mood.

It's important to support our fellow crafties and spread the word about the handmade evolution and revolution that has spread worldwide, like hot cakes, Twitter and the Jonas Brothers. Kind of cool, don't you think?

Craft On and shoot me an email won't you? Let's spread some Etsy glitter and glam far and wide. Marg at large here, always searching for blog interviews that will rock your crafty world.

( Molly knows - No wallflower here)