Showing posts with label hand crafted children's apparel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hand crafted children's apparel. Show all posts

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Meet Kelleen from Kelleen Kreations

Meet Kelleen from Kelleen Kreations

 
Retro Style Apron, Children's Apron, Toddler Apron, Girls Apron, Baking Apron, Cooking Apron, Cupcake Apron, Kids Apron, Little Girls Apron
What inspired you to begin a shop featuring your own designs?
About 3 1/2 years ago, my college roommate was getting married and loved everything to do with cherries.  For a wedding gift, I sewed her a cherry themed apron, along with cherry place mats and potholders.  She absolutely loved them!  At that time, I decided to open my own Etsy shop and feature primarily aprons and kitchen accessories.  After awhile, I then added little girl dresses and skirts.
How long have you been practicing your art/craft? 
 I have always been around a sewing machine, as my mom sewed many of my clothes when I was little.  I took a sewing class when I was ten years old and continued to sew on my own until high school.  I then took the sewing portion of Home Economics as an elective in high school and then went on to college for fashion design.
 


What training have you had or are you self-taught?
After graduating from high school, I entered the Art Institute of Seattle and completed my AA degree in Fashion Design.  While there, I continued practicing and perfecting my sewing skills, along with learning and practicing pattern making skills.
Whale Peasant Dress, Toddler Peasant Dress, Girl Peasant Dress, Whale Toddler Dress, Little Girl Dress, Girl Whale DressWhat is your favorite material to craft with?
 All of my Etsy shop items (aprons, dresses, skirts, pot holders, coasters) are sewn from 100% cotton, from a variety of designers and patterns/ prints/ themes, etc.  

Any advice for other Etsy sellers? 
 My advice for other Etsy sellers is to join a number of teams, either located in the same area or selling similar products or items. Participation at least once a week in team promotions and activities helps shop owners connect with other successful business sellers, along with increasing viewing of items by potential buyers.  To help boost item sales from prospective buyers outside of Etsy, it’s helpful to join a variety of social media sites.  

 What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
 Off time finds my husband and I relaxing and enjoying time together, participating in a variety of shared activities:  gym time at least three times a week, daily walks with our dachshund, playing tennis, traveling, camping, visiting with family, cooking, reading, and watching favorite TV shows and movies.   
Western Skirt, Cowgirl Skirt, Toddler Skirt, Girl Skirt, Cow/Horse Hide Skirt, Twirl Skirt, Pink Western Skirt, Pink Gingham, Handmade Skirt
Describe a typical day in your life... 
 On weekdays, you’ll find me waking up early and getting started right away on my Etsy business. I work throughout the day by promoting my shop items in Etsy teams and social media sites, carrying out my Etsy team leadership responsibilities, and sewing new products/ inventory and fulfilling shop orders.  Weekends and evenings are reserved for personal individual and family time.

 Where can we find your products online?
 www.etsy.com/shop/kelleenkreations or www.kelleenkreations.com

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Meet Lori from Custom Touch Sewing

As many of you know, EtsyBABY team members are extremely talented. We wanted to take a peek at the person behind the creativity. All throughout March, we will be interviewing shop owners, to get a glimpse of the designer behind those adorable baby products!

Meet Lori from Custom Touch Sewing

BABY CRIB BEDDING
BABY CRIB BEDDING $238

What inspired you to begin a shop featuring your own designs?  My main business has been decorative sewing for the home but when the economy slowed down I decided to create some fun baby items and open an Etsy shop. It's fun to mix things up and have a variety of projects I'm working on.





How long have you been practicing your art/craft?  I've been sewing for over 40 years and have done it professionally for over 25 years.

What training have you had or are you self-taught?  I am mainly self taught. I did get decorative sewing experience while working for a company that allowed me to bring work home, which allowed me to stay home with my kids.

CHAMBRAY STRIPE DRESS
CHAMBRAY STRIPE DRESS $30
What is your favorite material to craft with? I love beautiful fabrics, soft fabrics, fun fabrics.

What has been the hardest aspect of creating a hobby into a business? The hardest part of the Etsy shop is learning the marketing and technical end of the business. I'd rather be sewing and don't have a lot of time on computer stuff.
 

Any advice for other Etsy sellers?  Be patient. It takes time to build up a network of people looking at (and hopefully buying) from your shop. Take the time to look around and favorite other shops and items and try and gain exposure.  







RUFFLED CAPRI LEGGINGS
RUFFLED CAPRI LEGGINGS $20


What do you enjoy doing in your off time?  I like to read, travel, work on home projects, go to lunch with friends, go to movies with my husband, and spend time with my kids and grand kids.

Describe a typical day in your life.
  Wake up, walk my dog, check e-mails and reply, sew, go to the gym, veg on the couch.

Where can we find your products online? 
Custom Touch Sewing