Feature Friday: Katie Stalker Talks

Happy Friday everyone! Hope you are all excited for the weekend :D

On Wednesday, I met a fellow blogger on the Blogtacular weekly twitter chat. She is a new blogger with lots of fun posts about lifestyle, beauty, accessories and music. Read on to know more about her!

Ms. Katie Stalker

Tell us a little bit about you & your blog? How did you start? Why did you start? 

I'm a 24 year old from Oxford, with a love of all things French, food, pets and an unashamed interest in Kim Kardashian. Mostly, I like people: I was very shy when I was younger and still have a quiet voice which frustrates everyone, but I love exchanging ideas and comments with the world. I started in September, I was freshly graduated from  Sheffield University with a degree in English Lit and French and had every and no idea what to do with it. Everything was overwhelming and daunting and I didn't know where to start. I had previously tried a blog when  I lived in Paris, following my 'no sugar' diet; neither the blog nor the diet lasted long. 

I knew that I liked writing I always have done, when I was little I would write stories and laminate them. I remember writing my first one about a holiday romance. It never mattered whether anyone read them, I just wanted to get them down on paper. 

Now, I write about anything from make up to exhibition reviews. Whatever takes my fancy, really. I love the positive feedback I get from my blog, especially from people I've lost touch with or I didn't imagine would read a blog post about make up. People like knowing about other people's lives; it's escapism. That's why East Enders and TOWIE are so popular. No one gets murdered in my blog though so soaps are definitely more interesting. 


Why did you pick Katie Stalker Talks to be your blog's name?

My surname has always amused people so I thought I'd make it the title. Also because I imagine a lot of people actually call me Katie Stalker - there are a lot of Katies in the world. In my class at school there were three Katies. Only I had an awkward surname though. 

When in Paris 

What inspires you & motivates you to keep blogging? 

In this digital era, we're flooded with things to read and see whilst we're on the move, or even at home. I've always loved reading and would happily read a book in a day. Nowadays, although I still read books, the truth is that online content is just more convenient. 

If only one person read what I wrote whilst they were waiting on transport, with a cup of tea or just standing in line for something, I'd be happy. I want to give someone else some light relief if only for a second. I want to give myself more confidence in my writing and keep my creativity going. When I started with no idea what career or move to take, I thought I might as well. Even a couple of months later I'm still feeling a bit lost but I know media is what I want to work in. 

Having a strong online presence is crucial these days. 

What do you enjoy the most about blogging?

I love the actual writing the most; it feels like a challenge and when you're left with something you're happy to publish it's rewarding. Even though I only write about trivial things. Twitter is also a fantastic source of discussion, there's a whole community of bloggers on there and they're all so supportive and have great tips. Even if you tweet about a yoghurt you just ate, there's someone there cheering you on - it's so lovely to be a part of, when there's so much negativity out there online. I haven't met a troll yet. But I hear they can be quite nasty little creatures. I only have a very small following at the moment but I want to earn each single one I do get. I hate that people buy followers - is there a shop for them? Do you get to choose the followers you purchase? What if it's like when you do Secret Santa and you pay for it, but you get back something you didn't want, like a pepper grinder.

Katie taking over London 

What do you like to do for fun?

It's boring but I love just seeing my friends. Seeing them isn't boring - we laugh so much until I cry, and I have a tendency to push people when I laugh. They always joke that one day I'll kill someone from laughing. Or I shop, I could shop all day long. I spend ages in Boots looking at the make up. In Paris I lived next to a Sephora - it was very dangerous. Or I read, listen, watch things online. Playing with my pets is a big one. I don't even play that much I just smoosh them up next to me and squeeze them really tight. Maybe they don't like it? When I was younger I spent evenings after school learning how to write backwards, like in a mirror. I don't know if I found it fun or if I was just bored. Maybe the dial-up connection wasn't working or someone was using the house phone.

#FromWhereKatieIsStanding 

What would you like to get out of your blog?

I would like to one day look back at this online creation and re-live things I did, saw or thought. I want to be part of online discussions, that translate to offline ones. Most of all, I want to be happy (ew) and if doing it makes me happy then I'm going to continue doing it whether it's read by anyone or none. I don't want to not do it because I'm scared people will mock me for putting my life online.

They probably will but everyone gets mocked anyway that's just human nature. It's not even that big a deal, it's just the same as you discussing something you would in real life with someone. You might as well do something you're enjoying whilst people are thinking what some will inevitably think. Everyone likes doing different things. That's life. Get over it. Saying that, a lot of my friends leave encouraging comments, even if I've only just started my blog. And I love them even more for that.



Make sure to check out her links to get Katie's latest updates

kstalkertalks on Twitter k_stalks on insta

Blog: katiestalkertalks.wordpress.comemail: katiestalkertalks@outlook.com

Stay inspired until the next feature! 

Feature Friday: Pearl & Groove

Happy Friday world. It's the big Halloween weekend! What's a better way to celebrate it than feature my new favourite cake bakery, Pearl & Groove?

Eat your fears away ;)

One day last month, I got really fed up after reading the endless chemicals on the gluten free cake packets I used to buy thinking they were a healthier alternative. Of course I had to Instagram a photo expressing my disappointment and desire for good, fresh cake and BEHOLD! I got a response from a quirky adorable cake account that promised gluten free, dairy free AND sugar free. I couldn't say no and few emails later with Serena Whitfield, the hands, skills and brains behind the Pearl&Groove bakery, I got my beautiful delicious cakes to try them out. They were so good I had to share it with you all!

Pearl and Groove is constantly dreaming up funky new ideas to keep pudding alive and fun, whether it’s a pudding bar at a party, wedding cakes, bespoke birthday cakes or office deliveries for a Friday treat. It’s all fun and a bit quirky.

My beautiful cake box *DROOL* 

Tell us a little bit about your business Pearl&Grove bakery; How did you start? Why did you start? 

I have always baked but mainly worked as a chef in private villas and chalets around Europe which was great fun, but over that time developed a few recipes that I really loved and the added bonus was that they were gluten free, which inspired me to play with other free froms, as well as interesting flavour combinations. I come from a family who have all done their own thing so it feels natural to be my own boss, so starting out was all experimental but not too scary.

Why did you pick Pearl & Groove to be the name of your business? 

The name Pearl and Groove has come from my parents. My mum's nick name is Pearl or Pearlie and she is super healthy, lives of a sugar, dairy and gluten free diet, so this is the ‘Pearl’ range of cakes - which contain no nasties, and no sugar, dairy or gluten. Groover is my dad's nick name - Groove for short, and he is slightly different to Pearlie in that he is a little greedier but still has a healthy lifestyle and an eye for quality (he’s a chocolatier so you can’t blame him) so the ‘Groove’ range is gluten free, but does contain sugar and dairy but I try to keep the sugar to a minimum.

Some of the delicious Pearl range. The orange one was to DIE for. 

What inspires your recipes? How do you come up with your delicious goodies? 

The recipes I develop are all inspired by seasons, puddings, associations and putting a little spin on things. I have friends who come and visit and ‘help’ with the recipe tastings which is a great help - so that’s always lots of fun and interesting to get everyones feedback.

What do you enjoy the most about being a baker? 

I love baking for Pearl and Groove especially because it’s totally mine, I can be as creative and whacky as I like and it’s all part of the brand. I studied fine art at university so thinking creatively is how my mind works best and I think baking and puddings are all about being a little bit silly.

What do you like to do for fun?

 I love to explore London with friends, visit galleries, new restaurants, Saturday markets. I also love to be in the mountains (spent a long time working in ski resorts so this is a big passion) travelling and generally living life.

Do you have any tips for people who want to start making their hobby into their business? 

Yes, if you believe in it and think it’s the best, then do it. Why not!

Who delivers your goodies? 

As the company is growing we are now using a gorgeous courier service called Urban Bundles, they are a bespoke delivery company and I know that the Pearl and Groove cakes will be delivered with a personal touch, manors and in the condition they left the kitchen in. So I feel they are a big part of the Pearl and Groove brand. >> They delivered to me and were really nice <3

Get your cake fix! 

I also have been having great time selling cakes with Kerb Food at Granary Square in Kings Cross, every Friday 11.30-2.30, the food at this street food market is delicious, so I’m spoilt for lunch options and then pudding is on me.

**Stay in touch with Serena and all the updates of Pearl and Groove via their social media
Instagram 
Twitter
Facebook
Website 

Feature Friday: Four Corners Interiors Ltd

Happy Friday everyone!

This Friday I am featuring an inspiring story and of course full of colours and designs. 

One day on Instagram, I was looking up the #interiordesign hashtag like any cool kid these days and I found an interior design account, Four Corners Interiors, that looked interesting and one of the posts said that the company was present in a networking event, so I asked for more details. Few emails later we became real life friends. Don't you just love it when you get to meet creative, like minded people on the web? Then happen to be in the same city and meet up in person! Anyway, without a further ado, let's get to the interview:    

Alimah, Four Corner Interiors MD

Tell us a little bit about your business, Four Corners Interiors; What services do you provide? What do you sell? How did you start? Why did you start? 

Four corners interiors ltd is an interior soft furnishings and interior design company I formed as a way of returning to my young passion and utilising my growing business mind! At the moment I sell custom, handmade and hand selected cushion covers, photo frames, lamp shades, bean bag chairs and other small decorative pieces like vases.

I started by learning to use a sewing machine and sewing samples of cushion covers from random African fabric I found around the house. I then got my first set of cushions made based on my samples in Nigeria. I have always loved interior design! All my friends know this about me. Whenever I would go shopping for food in supermarkets I would always go missing spending ages looking at candles and cushions in the home sedition. I began decorating my own room at 13 while I was obsessed with the bbc show Changing rooms! I have redecorated my own room several times and done everything from building furniture, stripping wall paper, painting squares and bubbles on my wall to designing the precise floor plan.

I provide interior design services ranging from design consultations, personal or collaborative shopping, space planning and new room installations. I am currently trying to build a portfolio of work and clients so I can take this element to the next level.

I started because I want to make something I love, what I do for a living...eventually! Currently I work as a corporate paralegal so there isn't much room for creative expression! Though i do enjoy my day job.

At the launch sale

Why did you pick Four Corners Interiors to be the name of your business? 

When drawing up my business plan I needed a USP (unique selling point). A lot of small businesses are doing the African thing. I love to travel and my room is a reflection of this. I pick up pieces for my room wherever I go, so I decided that the concept would not just focus on African custom pieces but items from everywhere!

Playing around with the beautiful cushions that happened to match my red shoes

What inspires you/motivates you? Is there a special place that you like to go to get inspired?

Living a fulfilling life inspires me! Travelling inspires me and meeting amazing people inspires me. Mostly my religion inspires me. I am motivated by my peers who are doing better than I am and I am motivated by the vision I have for myself and where I think I can go if I work for it!

Hotels inspire me because I love great decor. Parks and open space inspires me as it allows me to clear my mind and my creative juices to flow! The clouds and flying also inspire me so I spend a lot of time reflecting and thinking while on a plane or at the beach or in the park! I love flowers so I love new gardens though it has been a while since I have been there. My imagination is quite wild so I tend to inspire myself by allowing it to wonder!

A selection of the Asian Line

What do you enjoy the most about having an interior design business?

Supportive friends and family is great! Having something to call my own that I control the success and or failure of! Having something to be proud of but without the added pressure because I have a job alhamdullillah. 

What do you like to do for fun?

Everything! Theatre, poetry, parks, picnics, dinner, museums, spas, cinema, bowling, mosque, tea parties and of course travelling! I also love a good nature walk and adventures like climbing a mountain ;)

A selection of the African Line

Do you have any tips for people who want to start making their hobby into their business? 

Just do it! The time is now! Analyse the market, make your business unique. Utilise social media as much as possible. Network. Talk to people. Be organised. Be driven. Be someone who does more than pay lip service and be proactive! Follow your passion and working will never be work!

A selection of the oriental line 

Make sure to checkout the website!

Feature Friday: AGirlCalledBoz

Happy Friday all! I hope you are enjoying the sunshine! it's way too hot where I am right now, but I am not complaining hehe, the winter this year was just way too long. This week I will be featuring a crafty friend based in Manchester, UK. She has some wonderful pieces, and she's only getting started her creativity has no limit, and she's right on trend! Say hello to Boz!

1. Tell us a little bit about your shop; how did you start? How did you learn your craft? Why did you start? What do you sell?

My shop first opened in July 2012, but the story starts way before that. I studied fine art at college and applied art at university and the plan was always to be self employed. Unfortunately, real life got in the way so it took me a couple more years to get up the courage to start selling my creations. I sell jewellery, note books, pocket mirrors and temporary tattoos all based on my original illustrations and papercuts. The main focus behind my work is making something cute and quirky, something that is a bit different to what everyone else is wearing or using, but that is still beautiful. I like to wear what makes me happy, whether its in trend or not. So I design what makes me happy too.

Find this lovely necklace here

2. What inspires you? Is there a special place that you like to go to get inspired? What is it? Any favorite galleries or exhibits that inspire you?As I mentioned, I started out in Fine Art so I'm a big fan of Alphonse Mucha's work. I saw a piece of his in the V&A a few years ago, it was amazing. One of my uni teachers is a big inspiration, Claire A Baker. Her work is brilliant because she starts by looking at an object, then she makes a piece of art based on it, and then from the art comes little products like brooches. I'm not so much inspired by a particular place, but I like to keep my eyes open when I'm out and about. I like to get inspired by materials as well, nothing better than a brand new pad of paper.

3. Who is the biggest supporter of your craft/Art & business?
I'd have to say my sister. She's always commenting on my facebook, sharing my links, and asking me all about what I'm up to. My partner, Joey, is also very supportive. He let me turn our spare room into a studio and he reads through anything that I write for the shop, or my blog if I ask him to.

Find these brooches here

4. Are you part of a crafting group? 
I do try to participate in online forums but I find it difficult to join in with groups that would meet up face to face. Firstly, I don't have my own transport, and secondly I spend a lot of my spare time creating, so it's hard to fit in around my busy lifestyle.

5. What do you enjoy making the most? Something new! I absolutely love designing new products, learning new techniques and the thrill of making something complete. Of the products I make on a regular basis my favorite would be the shrink plastic earrings and brooches. When half the plastic is shrunk and the rest is still getting that way it makes the illustrations look pretty funny and distorted. Imagine any of my animal earrings but like they're in one of those crazy mirrors at a carnival.

find these super cute earrings here

6. Do you craft in public? Where do you do it?
I did used to knit in public, in college. Recently, I tend only to draw in public. Carrying around a heat gun, a pair of scissors, a drill, super glue, varnish etc is really heavy! So I'll leave it mostly in the studio.

7. What do you like to do for fun?
Here's a crazy fact about me only my friends really know. In my spare time I do fancy dress a lot. Like, A LOT.

8. Do you have a crafty room?
Yes I do. I turned the spare room into a studio. (There's a picture of my desk and a picture of one of the inspiration walls.) If I wasn't renting I'd paint all the walls white, and install way more shelves.

9. Where do you get your supplies; online, local shops, vintage stores, from friends, recycled materials or others? How easy/hard is it to get supplies & why? Are craft shops missing something?
I get a lot of my supplies online. It has been difficult to find some of the materials but I find the more determined I am to make something the more searching I am willing to put in to find the supplier. Living in the countryside is wonderful, but not being able to drive means I prefer to get things delivered to me.

10. Do you participate in craft fairs or do wholesales? Is there enough support for these types of things?
I've done an occasional fair. It was a brilliant experience and I hope to do more soon. I don't think I ever looked for support. I think the hardest part is finding the right place to display your own products. What's right for a vintage dress seller might not be good for a clock maker or a baker. As with finding materials, I think it just comes down to spending a bit more of your time searching for the right place.

Find these cool cufflinks here

11. How do you find selling offline? How is it in comparison with selling online? 
Selling offline feels a lot easier. Mostly, I feel, because there was a captive audience there already. With selling online you have to put a lot of time and effort into getting your links out there but with a craft fair, you do have to spend some time promoting it, but once the people are there they can see and feel your work much better than through the photos you have online.

12. Do you have any tips for people who want to start making their hobby into their business? I believe that there should be a strong line between hobbies and businesses. A business should sell professional, high quality work and to sell your work as a business you need to think of it as a business. I think if you still consider your business a hobby then it will show and other people wont take you seriously. I think that was one big step that I took, and now that I refer to my business as a business my friends and family have also stopped referring to it as though its just something on the side. Wow, I think I just used the word business way too many times!

find this notebook here

Thanks for having me.
Boz. 

Stay in touch with Boz, and her work through the links below!

Etsy Shop 
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook

Feature Friday: Spellbinderie

Happy Friday everyone! This week's feature has the sweetest story Ever! Karen moved from the US to France, and there her creative story unfolded with her Spellbinderie shop. Here's the lady herself

Read on and be inspired.  

1. you told me a little bit of your story earlier on how you travelled around then you started upcycling books, can you tell us more? and please tell us about how you started? How did you learn your craft? Why did you start? What do you sell?

This whole thing started when I moved to France in October, 2010. I met my husband in Brooklyn, NY in 2007. He's French, I'm American.  Three years later, I took the plunge and agreed to move to France with him.  We wanted a calmer life with time to work with our hands and pursue personal projects. I worked as a documentary film editor in NYC, which I loved, but the hours are intense. So I was ready for a change and excited for a new experience but I spoke no French.  Needless to say, finding a job was going to be challenging but a friend inspired me with his success on Etsy with his shop. He was very supportive and encouraging and it also seemed like the best fit for my circumstances. I started trolling the local flea markets, looking for inspiration and found myself gravitating towards the gorgeous old books.  Many of them were a bit damaged on the spine or some pages missing and so weren't collectible anymore.  People just wanted to get rid of them and I found myself buying them up with the hopes that I'd figure out what to do with them.  From there the idea to upcycle them was born.  I bought books on bookbinding and watched tutorials and taught myself.  I practiced for quite a while to work out the kinks of using old books instead of crafting the journal from scratch.  

2. What inspires you? Is there a special place that you like to go to get inspired? What is it? Any favorite galleries or exhibits that inspire you?

I'm inspired by what I find at the flea markets.  Ideas pop into my head and I don't always know where they came from.  For example, I saw some vintage lace at the flea and thought it would be pretty cool to incorporate that into a wedding guestbook.  I mean, that's not too crazy, lace, weddings, adds up.  How to use it in a unique way though was the challenge. I'm also very inspired by some of my incredibly creative customers.  I love working with others and if they have a vision, I'm game to try to create it.

checkout the shop for more

3. Who is the biggest supporter of your craft/Art & business?

My biggest supporter is my husband, without a doubt.  He's pitched in and helped when I was overwhelmed with orders.  He also makes the hand-stamped brass nameplates for the book covers.  The second most supportive person is one of my clients actually.  She is a huge fan of my work and bought many journals, each one more challenging to make than the last! She really makes me a better, more creative journal maker.  I have a few special pieces that I created for her and one of my custom orders is named for her as well.  It's pretty amazing to have a stranger come into your life and affect you so profoundly!

4. Are you part of a crafting group?

No. Craft groups aren't as big in France.  In Paris you'll see the trend more but in Lyon it's only just starting to happen.  There was an Etsy type crafting event recently, hosted by a fantastic Etsy jewelry maker, but I wasn't able to attend.  Maybe next time.

checkout the shop for more

5. What do you enjoy making the most? 

I love stepping outside the usual a bit, for either journals or guestbooks.  I love working on any journal where the buyer wants illustrations included and gives me some free reign to add what I like.   My other favorites has to be my Retro Journal Series.  They are so fun to make and I admit I love to burn paper.  A little oddity of mine.  When I put the first one up for sale, I thought it would just sit in my shop.  Burned pages, pieces of reclaimed paper, antique science or literature books...was it too much?  It's turned out to be one of my best sellers.

6. What is your busiest season and how do you cope with the orders? 

I've only been in business for just over a year so I'm still seeing trends here but last year it started at the end of April with wedding guestbook orders.  I had just started offering guestbooks and was completely unprepared for the onslaught of orders.  I ended up getting a friend to help, another expat from Brooklyn, who pitched in by packing orders, going to the post office, and buying supplies.  Oh and by bringing homemade snacks!  She moved back to Brooklyn though so I'll need to find another assistant for this summer :(

7. What do you like to do for fun?

Travel.  Definitely my passion and my husband is the same.  We also love camping and go just about every summer.  This year we plan to do a long road trip through the south west of France. I can't wait!

find this item here

8. Do you have a crafty room? 

No, I wish.  Currently I have a work corner in our living room.  I'd love to have a room all to myself with a door to shut. Or even better yet, my own separate studio.  Hopefully soon!

How would you like your future crafty room to be?

I want lots of shelves and bins, everything wonderfully organized and at my reach, a small desk for business, a huge table for working, good lighting and huge windows.  And as mentioned before, a door that I can shut when I'm done for the day.  

9. How do you find selling offline? How is it in comparison with selling online? 

I haven't done too much selling offline.  I've participated in a couple of local vintage markets and this Christmas I was honored that some of my neighbors bought journals to give as gifts.  They found out about my work because I use the buildings staircase as my background in my photos. I was "caught" a few times while taking pictures and that led to interesting conversations about what I do. The ability to talk face to face, to see the customers reaction personally, is a great experience.  However, I love the online experience, the ability to interact with others all over the globe is pretty incredible.

Find this item here

10. Do you have any tips for people who want to start making their hobby into their business? 

Do what you love but also do your research.  Is there a market?  Is that market flooded?  What can you offer that is different? It's a lot of work but also very rewarding.

For more gorgeous journals, please checkout Karen's Shop

Etsy Shop

Feature Friday: OrigArti

Happy Friday beautiful people! This week we have a new British designer -Jimmy Dean- with a new skill that we didn't share before! It's Origami. Jimmy is the owner and the maker of OrigArti, and he's got a ranged of fabulous accessories. Here's the artist himself!

1. Tell us a little bit about your shop; how did you start? How did you learn your craft? Why did you start? What do you sell?

I formed OrigArti in April 2012 after I decided to host an anime themed birthday for my 27th. I created a block top with 50 origami cranes stitched onto it. It looked awesome and I quickly developed a passion for origami. I have always loved Japanese culture and it seemed like the best idea to create origami fashion accessories as there isn't am lot of it about. I quickly learned how to make different kinds of flowers, animals and shapes which are slowly being developed into unique pieces for people to wear as hair clips, brooches and more. I opened my shop in July 2012, though not much of it has been on sale (I mainly do bespoke items and commissions). I am now working on a new range of higher quality items which I am going to advertise on my Etsy page and would love to make OrigArti my full time job in the future!

how awesome is this jacket!

2. What inspires you? Is there a special place that you like to go to get inspired? What is it? Any favorite galleries or exhibits that inspire you?

I am a massive fan of Japanese culture and anime. I have always loved the unique designs, shapes and colours and to me, the bigger the better! I have a broad imagination and can just get lost on walks out along the beach and through the woods where I get a lot of inspiration. It allows my mind to go wild and I always visualize new ideas, though my ideas seems bigger than the reality (I intend to work on this). 

3. Who is the biggest supporter of your craft/Art & business?

I have taken part in a couple of craft fairs (Brunswick Craft Fair, Hove) over the last few months which are organised by the lovely samantha Holland. She has given me the opportunity to get my items out there and I see her as great inspiration because of her passion for what she does. I have met many great artists here and learned a lot from each one. It's really helped carry me forward and to not give up on my interest.

Origami Lotus Flower Lanterns find them here

when the above lanterns are lit -beautiful-

4. Are you part of a crafting group? Tell us a little about it

The Brighton Craft Alliance. The Brighton Craft Alliance serves as an outlet for local craft-makers, artisans and designers in & around Brighton. I have attended a few of their craft fairs and all the artists know each other really well. It's like a small family and I'm honored that I've been welcomed in!

5. What do you enjoy making the most? 

I love making flower and butterfly hairclips. These have always proved to be the most popular and I am always developing these ideas to make grander head pieces. I intend to start making fascinators and would to make some bespoke hats for events like Ascot Races. Aside from the fashion accessories, I LOVE making 3d origami dragons, some of whoch are made from over 400 individually hand-folded pieces of paper. 

find this gorgeous piece here

6. What do you like to do for fun?

I love my computer games! I'm a big fan of fantasy and enjoy nothing more than a good RPG game like Kingdom Hearts or Final Fantasy. I always do a bit of drawing as well (surreal fantasy art) mainly depicting anything that comes from my imagination (faeries, demons, spirits, mythical creatures).

7. Do you have a crafts room/workshop? 

I am in the process of moving house and will be getting an extra room to use as a workshop/ studio/ showroom. I would like to make a life-size 3d origami dragon that goes up the wall and across the ceiling. It needs to be as creative, imaginative and magical as possible so I can always be surrounded by inspiration.

the awesome dragon
Made from over 400 individually hand-folded pieces of paper. 

8. Do you have any tips for people who want to start making their hobby into their business? 

All I really say is that no matter how small or silly an idea might be, you can suprise yourself with how far an idea can go if you just believe in your own abilities. It takes a lot of work, but the best thing you can do is just keep telling people about it. Get them excited about your work and you'll get excited too. Always take the advice of other crafters and always take an opportunity when it is presented to you. It is a journey and you have to enjoy that journey!

similar butterfly hair clips here

For more awesome pieces, news and updates please checkout the links below: 

Website

Etsy Shop
Facebook
Twitter
Email: origarti@live.com

Feature Friday: HouseOfSharkey

Happy Friday all! :) Finally it's an exams free weekend. For this feature I have a British crafter for you. It's Lucy the owner of HouseOfSharkey. She doesn't only make lovely dresses and funky jewellery, she also crochet and cross stitch. She started her Etsy shop under a year ago, so let's give her some love and support! :)

  

1. Tell us a little bit about your shop; how did you start? How did you learn your craft? Why did you start? What do you sell?

I've always been keen on crafty stuff like cross stitching. Then I studied fashion design at College and University. I got into making jewellery after i graduated and was looking for some work placement opportunities. One of these was Tatty Devine and i loved it so much that i thought " why not give it a try?" I recently discovered that i have a knack for Crochet which has really helped me to expand my product range.

2. What inspires you? Is there a special place that you like to go to get inspired? What is it? Any favorite galleries or exhibits that inspire you?

I find that ideas just come to me usually, like the Fruit Salad bracelet or Petra the Valentine Zombie. I love strolling around the galleries in Liverpool and have recently started work on some cross stitches, inspired by song lyrics

find the Fruit Salad bracelet here

3. Who is the biggest supporter of your craft/Art & business?

I would have to say that my biggest supporters have been Sophie Bold and Laura Pye of Strange Case Collective and Danny Byrne of Papertwin Ltd. I met them when they organised a networking/ get together group in a cafe in Liverpool and as well as being great friends, they have given me so much advice and work experience opportunities.  

4. Are you part of a crafting group? 

Sadly i'm not as i don't drive and where i live, means that its a little awkward for me to get to places. Maybe i should look at setting one up ;^) 

find this yummy fortune cookie here

5. What do you enjoy making the most? 

I would say i enjoy crochet the most as i find it the most easy and therefore quickest to do. I feel like i can be more creative and free with my crochet. 

6. What do you like to do for fun?

As sad as it sounds, my work is my hobby lol but if i am not curled up on the sofa with a ball of wool and a hook then I'm reading or I'm taking a walk with my ipod.

find this lovely dress here

7. Do you have a crafts room/workshop? 

My "workshop" was just my bedroom with a rickty old desk, which is getting chucked out when we move house. Someday though, i will have a spacious room with loads of storage and decorated with Duppeny Wallpapers, gorgeous Burlesque wallpaper. 

8. Do you have any tips for people who want to start making their hobby into their business?

I have only be doing this for just under a year so i certainly am not in a position to give out advice lol but i just try to remember to be patient, it can get very very disheartening when you seem to be doing everything that you're advised to do to publicise your shop but seem to get nowhere. Craft fairs are where you really sell things and get good feedback. 

Find flower necklace here

Last words?

I seem to have gone a bit shy now so i'll just say thank you for reading and i hope you enjoy my shop and blog. X

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