I saw some blocks on Etsy a couple months ago and, like every crafter in the universe, thought, "Hey, I can totally do that." And so began the usual struggle between, "I can make that, so let's do it right now," or, "I know I can make that, but do I have the time and energy to invest in this project/do I care?"
The first option won. Because "reasons".
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Photo from the Cambodia Knits Facebook page.
It seems like one of the best channels for harnessing the power of people (or the Wisdom of Crowds, if you will) is that wonderful website: Kickstarter. Today, I'm writing to help spread the word about a wonderful group called Cambodia Knits, who has developed a Kickstarter campaign to launch a new line of crochet toys and provide work for more people in vulnerable communities.
Read MoreHere's a little guy that doesn't get enough photo love on my blog - or in general. Meet Nelson, our rescue kitty that we adopted nearly two years ago from a local shelter. He's too quick to get photos of on a regular basis, but he's always interested in the photo shoots for my blog and shop. How could he not be, really?
Pigtail hat photo is Copyright 2013 by Jenn DiMaria.
These pigtail hats are all the rage right now; everyone from kids to adults is picking them up, and it was a hit at the craft show I attended last weekend. How could it not be? It resembles a Cabbage Patch hairstyle, so it's only natural that I would be drawn to crafting something that resembles the favorite doll of my youth. And I mean my really young youth, not the more mature youth that was into Barbie and Polly Pockets (a stage I still haven't grown out of, to be honest).
I didn't use a pattern for this hat, but there are plenty of similar styles that exist around the web. I've gathered some of my favorites here so you can try making one of your own:
Read MoreMe with my goodies at the Marple Christian Church Craft Fair on October 19, 2013.
This past Saturday, my fabulous crafty friend Nicole and I attended a craft show that we've been going to for years. If nothing else, it's become a nostalgic part of the year for us - a sign that fall has arrived and an excuse to chow down on yummy church chili or soup. And boy, that church can cook!
With it brings not only a ton of inspiration (thanks to all the other talented artisans in attendance), but the chance to truly evaluate your product and how you are as a business person. Plus, as a full-time marketer, I get to experiment with some fun ideas I've either thought about or read online without destroying someone else's company.
So this year, I threw almost everything I've learned out the window. And here's why:
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