FuZing the Creative with the Consumer
Where are you located? Rutland, Vermont
How long have you been creating handmade items? I learned to sew when I was 4 years old, and have been creating hand sewn items since then. I officially started selling my work under the name "Auntie Jill" on January 1st, 2008. (It was my New Year's Resolution to get my work "out there" and actually sell it rather then just making them for friends and family.) By April I was sewing plush toys full time as my only job.
What type of products do you offer? I make stuffed animal (plush) toys from patterns I have designed myself and have also made plush airplanes, lighthouses, and pillows by customer request and some clothing - although I prefer to focus on plush toys.
How did you decide on your company’s name? My nephew once got upset at my step-dad for calling me "Jill". He thought that my name was "Auntie Jill" and was offended that anyone dared call me something else. It was really cute and since my nieces and nephews are a source of great inspiration, I decided it was a good name for my company.
What is your motivation? Kids of all ages. I have a degree in art and a ton of training and licensing in childcare and child development, but it has been my personal interactions with babies and kids that has really taught me what they like and dislike and I use that experience to design my patterns and select fabrics. I worked in a crises center for a while and realized that what I care about most in life is comforting kids and making them smile. I hope my work does this for all the kids who receive my toys.
What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? I get to give a little of myself with everything I make - I get to put a little love into each toy and I really believe that it makes my toys a little more special then something you could buy in the store.
Which items are your best sellers? My snuggle bunnies sell the best.
How do you market your products? I've taken out ads in Craft and Venus Magazine, and use Twitter, but have had the best responses through bloggers who have a following of young parents. I've done give-aways and provided products for reviews to a few bloggers and have had great response from those.
What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion? What new features would you like to see? I think its really easy to use as a seller, and I have the impression they really care if their sellers succeed or not and invest not only in their own success, but the success of their crafters.
Do you have any advice for other artisans? Be passionate about what you are making. It shows. Also let the perfectionist inside of you find its voice - even if it means you're not making a profit at first it will pay off in the long run with more repeat customers and more customer referrals. If I make an item that doesn't turn out perfect I find a way to fix it or I don't sell it. I also take the time to attend to all the tiny details that I figure the average customer doesn't even notice - because some of them do and I feel better about the product I sell if I know it is perfect.
CASH FOR VALENTINE'S DAY!
JAN. 24th – FEB. 7th, 2008
FREE Giveaway for Valentine's Day!!!
No signup for the contest is necessary**. Everyone is eligible to win!
Here's how it works:
We have assigned virtual tickets for things you normally do in building your business, such as listing an item, making a purchase and telling your friends.
- Virtual Tickets for each Item Listed = 50
- Virtual Tickets for each Item Purchased = 75
- Virtual Tickets for each New Referral = 100 (The person you refer needs to put your name into the registration form. You will receive your tickets manually)
1st place - $25.00 Cash in your Paypal Account
2nd place - $10.00 Credit to your Handmade FuZion Account (*Note: If you hold a buyers only account, then we'll credit your Paypal Account )
3rd place - Beautiful Valentines Day Full Scrapbook Layout Page - Donated by Scrap Your Memories by Rhonda )
**You must hold a HandmadeFuZion account to participate. Signup is FREE!
If you would like to donate an item for the next contest please contact us at admin@handmadefusion.com. If you are selected we will add 25 tickets to your account.
Where are you located? I live on the beautiful Oregon Coast in Coos Bay.
How long have you been creating handmade items? I've loved making things for as long as I can remember. I began sewing very young because my Mother is a seamstress, and she taught me how to sew. I made most of my clothes in High School, my own Wedding Gown, and then clothing for my daughters. In 1986 a friend introduced me to the wonderful world of quilting and I have never looked back! I also do cross-stitch, knit, and crochet, but quilting is definitely my passion.
What type of products do you offer? Quilts of all shapes and sizes and a variety of other quilted items. I love the freedom of free-motion quilting and have used this art to create a variety of items.
How did you decide on your company’s name? I wanted a simple name that was easily identifiable so I used a combination of my first name with what I do! 
What is your motivation? I love working with fabric, the colors and textures along with all the possible combinations of design excite me. I love the three dimensional aspect of quilting and the way the quilting stitches can accentuate the pieced designs in a quilt.
What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? The fact that each item is unique, and that a quilt made well will last for years. I love the challenge of piecing, making the points pointy and the corners match. Sometimes it seems like the only thing I can control in my life and it's a wonderful world of peace and order! I love the speed and versatility of machine quilting, but also the peacefulness of hand-stitching.
Which items are your best sellers? My quilted postcards have been quite popular. They are a wonderful way to own a little piece of quilted art.
How do you market your products? I blog, am marketing locally with a group of other artists, and enjoy showing my quilts at quilt shows.
What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion? What new features would you like to see? I love the relist similar feature! Makes it so easy to list a new item without starting from scratch! I'm sure I haven't explored all of the nooks and crannies yet, but I also like the blogs and forum section. I love that it is a juried site!
Do you have any advice for other artisans? Make what you love, and then everything else will follow!
Where are you located?
I live and create in the beautiful Middletown Valley in Maryland.
How long have you been creating handmade items?
Forever. It started as a young girl when my grandmother taught me to crochet. I started out making things for family and myself, then started selling at craft shows, then wholesale trade shows. I started selling my creations online about three years ago. The internet is a wonderful thing!
What type of products do you offer?
My main focus for the past three years has been designing and creating pincushions. Making the practical cute is what I like to do. I want my pincushions to be more functional and even cuter than what you'll find at the local craft store. I think they are. Most of my pincushions don't just provide a place to store your pins, they're filled with a mineral called emery to keep them sharp too. My Emery Pincushions resemble strawberries, peapods, bunnies, and cherries atop cute cupcakes. My Pincushion Rings keep your pins right where you need them. All of them - super cute, practical and well-made.
How did you decide on your company's name?
I wish I had a different answer for this one. My unofficial, internet company name is "dottyral" - my first name and part of my last name. That was the username that I chose on my first internet site. I didn't realize at the time that name would become how I was known. I resisted for a long time, using my official company name along with it. I eventually realized that I need to embrace "dottyral". That's the name that was connected to my pincushions all over the internet. I now use it everywhere. If only I'd put more thought into it three years ago!
What is your motivation?
I'm inspired by practicality. I make things that are useful. I'm inspired by what's out there, and how I can improve it. I'm motivated by loving what I do. I love to design and create. I'd spend all day, every day doing it if I could. I'm motivated by the fact that I can generate income while staying at home. It doesn't get any better than to make money doing what you love, being your own boss, working on your own schedule, and all from the comfort of home.
What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items?
I adore doing handwork. Sitting in my comfy chair with my family nearby, taking tiny stitch after tiny stitch. It's relaxing and brings me great joy.
Which items are your best sellers?
This year, my cupcakes with cherries and my peapod pincushions were my best sellers.
How do you market your products?
I advertise online. I have a blog and flickr account. I think I've joined just about every social networking site on the internet!
What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion?
I love the scrolls of recently listed and sold items.
What new features would you like to see?
I'm very impressed with the way that Handmade FuZion has adapted and changed since its opening. I can't think of anything specific at the moment. I know that when/if I do think of something that HF admin will listen and take it into consideration.
Do you have any advice for other artisans?
Do what you love. Don't look at what others are doing. Take some quiet time to think - often. It's amazing what you'll come up with.
Do you have anything else to share?
My most exciting recent accomplishment was receiving three official copyrights. This was a really big deal to me. Applying for them was rather scary and I really didn't know if they'd be approved. I was surprised and so pleased when the certificates arrived in the mail. Each copyright covers a whole collection - Pincushion Rings, Pincushion Pal Rings and Emery Pincushion Rings.
Where are you located? Bridgeport, Connecticut How long have you been creating handmade items? I started out making just soap which was over eight years ago. What type of products do you offer? I offer handmade soaps, whipped body butters, sugar scrubs, foot care products, fizzy bath bombs, lip balms and solid lotion bars. How did you decide on your company's name? That was easy. I grew up in the UK on Morgan Street. That was my home for 18 years of my life. It's where I learned how to knit, sew, draw & paint and the back yard was where I would squish flower petals between my finger tips to see if I could get perfume out of them. What is your motivation? I recently found out that my now deceased grandmother who I barely knew was a soap maker also. This knowledge has affirmed for me that I'm doing the right thing and explains my addiction to all things soapy. What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? It feels good knowing every single ingredient that I'm putting on my skin. Which items are your best sellers? Black Raspberry Vanilla and ChocoTherapy bar soaps sell very well. During the winter the body butters are quite popular too. How do you market your products? I really don't do much in the way of marketing. I dabble a little with Project Wonderful and I also have a blog where I write about my soaping adventures sometimes. What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion? I love the "List Similar Item" feature. It makes listing so easy and quick. I also love that our items are submitted to Google Base. What new features would you like to see? Maybe an arena where shops can announce any sales they're running. So shoppers can click on a link to see a listing of shops offering deals. Do you have any advice for other artisans? My advice would be to make sure you love what you're creating. If you're passionate about it, it will show in the end product. Treat your customers with the utmost respect. Wrap their goodies as if you're sending them a special gift. They will appreciate it.
Where are you located? Florida
How long have you been creating handmade items? I was always dabbling, mostly pottery, but have been doing metal for 5 years.
What type of products do you offer? Wearable art, made of metal, mostly in the form of jewelry.
How did you decide on your company's name? I couldn't think of anything really catchy that hadn't already been used, so I went with my own name. Not much imagination there, I guess!
What is your motivation? The metal itself. I see infinite possibilities in a piece of metal or wire, mostly in an organic sense. When I apply a torch, the metal moves and forms in unexpected ways. I take that piece and build on it.
What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? My biggest joy is seeing someone wearing it! It's personal for me, and when they buy and wear it, it becomes personal to them. Like giving one of my children a good home.
Which items are your best sellers? My life cuff in particular. Last year I made it to honor the death of a dear friend. The story resonated with many people and I made over 40 custom orders of that cuff, in silver, copper or brass, in less than 6 months after I introduced it. My folded cuffs, in general, have done very well.
How do you market your products? On line with social and professional networks, some printed advertising, through the galleries, and by wearing the designs. I've had people buy pieces right off my arm!
What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion?
What new features would you like to see? I like the summary in our shops, and the ability to have a store newsletter, though I haven't gotten started on that yet. Would love to see more stats for the site, overall, and more subcategories when listing.
Do you have any advice for other artisans? Do what you love. Create what gives you pleasure. And market, market, market. I'm new to HF, so I haven't done much of that here yet. But I learned from experience on another venue, that it works when you have a business plan to follow and marketing must be an integral part of that plan.
I am Jess and I love to make cute baby items. Where are you located? I live in Bakersfield, California. How long have you been creating handmade items? As long as I can remember...starting way back in Elementary School I would put together fun homemade Halloween costumes. After I married, I started making baby blankets and quilts...now I make all sorts of things. What type of products do you offer? I make mostly baby items, from small toys to burp cloths and blankets. How did you decide on your company's name? I have used bluejeanjess for almost 7 years now...I started out making beaded jewelry under Blue Jean Chic Jewelry then it evolved into just bluejeanjess....which lets me do what I want...who knows where it will lead me. What is your motivation? I am motivated by color, when I walk into a fabric store the colors entice me to buy fabrics...I usually have an idea about what I want to make but usually it changes some once I find the perfect fabric. I am not a fabric hoarder; I tend to buy what I need for a specific project and then make it. Only once the item is made and I like it do I buy additional fabric. What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? I love to see my items being used. I get a thrill when I see someone using and enjoying the items I made for their baby. That makes it worthwhile. Which items are your best sellers? I sell tons of my Sprinkle No Mores (better known as pee pee tee pees). I have this idea in my mind that I will have ten of each set made and ready for eventual sales, which never happens. Usually I get an order for the one I don't have finished and the ones I do have finished just sit there... How do you market your products? I have them listed on a couple different sites, other than that I don't. I am a full time student, with a part time job, three children and I am going through a divorce...I wish I had ten more hours in every day, five for sleep and five to be productive! What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion? What new features would you like to see? I like being able to add like items...this feature save tons of time. Do you have any advice for other artisans? Enjoy the process, have fun with your business.
BlueJeanJess
Where are you located? I am located on the rocky coastline of Connecticut, we are a military family and have been stationed here for the last 13 years
Under Glass
How long have you been creating handmade items? Oh boy! I can't remember a time when I was not creating, so I would say from a very young age.
What type of products do you offer? Right now my current passion is jewelry, resin, plastic, glass, beads, and especially collage!
How did you decide on your company's name? When I was little I was fascinated by a collection of glass domes my grandmother had, every size and shape. Under each of the glass domes were her favorite items, those things most precious to her.
Items that were honored enough to placed under one of her glass domes were not all expensive or breakable, they were the items that touched her heart. A pressed dandelion, a hand embroidered handkerchief from her grandmother, a small cup full of pearls from her wedding dress.
When I would give my grandmother a handmade gift I would know I really got it right when she would say, "This is wonderful, this belongs under glass!" And up she would lift one of the precious glass domes and place her gift under it.
In my shop I hope you to will find something that touches your heart, something you will feel is good enough to place under glass. And that is why I chose "underglass" as my company's name.
What is your motivation? A deep seated need to create something all the time, I get hugely restless if I go too long without creating something!
What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? Everything!
I love the ideas that come flowing through my brain as I am creating, I love the way it can transform from one idea and turn out to be something totally different but just as satisfying when it is complete. I love experimenting with all the wonderful supplies available. I especially love how those that appreciate handmade item are so enthusiastic about the work, creativity and heart that I put into each item.
Which items are your best sellers? I have teeny tiny Ouija board necklaces adorned with a cluster of beads and crystals, strung on a modern silicone cord that I can't seem to keep in stock. Also the tubular collage necklaces are different and very popular. But probably the most popular items in my shop are the translucent resin necklaces with barren trees and hand colored backgrounds .Dusk, Dawn, Scarlet twilight, Violet twilight, and Reflection to name a few.
How do you market your products? I have two online shops that I promote regularly, in various forums, I have had huge success participating in the little black box promotions and advertising on craft cult.
But hands down, the best marketing tool is word of mouth, offer great quality products, at a good price, and add in excellent customer service and you will find people will spread the word.
What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion? What new features would you like to see? I absolutely love the ability to run a sale in an easy way! That feature alone is worth it's weight in gold!
With all the bells and whistles that are already available on Handmade FuZion I can't think of anything new I would like to see, but if I think of anything I will be sure to let you know!
Do you have any advice for other artisans? Put all of your heart into your creations, and love what you do!
TwiddlestixThis shop features handmade greeting cards. If you are looking for unique cards for (almost) any occasion, you have come to the right place! I try to keep a good variety, and love to use lots of color, and pattern. Enjoy!
Blue Sky Pottery / Deb Babcock I was honored last year to be asked to submit my work which is featured in Best Of America Pottery and Woodworking Artists & Artisans Vol.1 by Kennedy Publishing.
Where are you located? I live in the mountains of northwest Colorado in Steamboat Springs. We're noted for our ski mountain and the number of Olympians who live and train here.
How long have you been creating handmade items? My first pottery class at the local college was taken in 2001. Since then, I've honed my skills with additional classes and workshops through such venues as Anderson Ranch, Laloba Clay Ranch, attending NCECA conferences, etc.
What type of products do you offer? The majority of my work is functional dinnerware. I like to think of it as a whimsically elegant style with the use of bright colors, textures and embellishments.
How did you decide on your company's name? Actually, a friend of mine came up with the name when we decided to rent studio space together. Meanwhile, she left to raise her young children and I retained the name.
What is your motivation? I enjoy making artistic pieces that are also useful. So I strive to combine functionality with my desire for pleasing all of your senses when you hold and use my pottery.
What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? For me, it is the almost unlimited number of ways that I can use creativity to make something. From manipulating soft clay to form an object, to altering it via carving, poking, embellishments, etc. through the glazing phase and sometimes beyond when you add found objects to a piece.
Which items are your best sellers? People tend to especially enjoy my organic series of pieces that include teacups on leaf saucers, berry bowls and leaf bowls. My teardrop series of vases gain a lot of interest and are featured in shows and publications as are the whimsical teapots for which I have a nice following of admirers.
How do you market your products? Online through a site such as Handmade FuZion, in my studio which doubles as a gallery of my work and is located in an office building not too far from the ski mountain here, and at an annual holiday sale that is held locally with other ceramic artists.
What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion? What new features would you like to see? One thing that I especially appreciate about Handmade Fuzion is the personal touch the owners provide, with frequent updates on what they are doing to promote the site, and the enhancements they have added as they receive feedback from buyers and sellers. It has a clean look, seems easy to navigate, and as a seller, it is easy to upload my work. Frankly, I need to get more of my work listed here since it is kind of hard to sell your work if you don't have it listed and available for sale, right?
Do you have any advice for other artisans? Communication is key to making an online buyer comfortable and happy with their purchase. I always acknowledge a sale as soon as it comes through and tell the buyer a little something about the piece they bought, when it will go in the mail, with a request to let me know that it arrived safely. I also enclose a business card that contains a guarantee on the back should the recipient have any problems with my pottery. I offer to repair, replace or refund their money.
My teapot set that is currently on display at an International Teapot Show.
Jewellia is all about unique, elegant jewellery, carefully handcrafted from quality materials. 
Jewellia
Luminescent Art for ambiance, for serenity, for renewal of the spirit.
Where are you located? Durango, Colorado
How long have you been creating handmade items? All my life, but especially the last 4 years
What type of products do you offer? At this time, mainly my light sculptures, but I also offer giclee prints of my art and original abstract paintings and multimedia works.
How did you decide on your company's name? LifeDance Art Studio... I like to think of life as a dance, where we learn to step in flow or sometimes stumble and spend some time off balance. Each has its place in our lives for learning and personal growth. 
What is your motivation? To create beauty... I feel that beauty calls forth higher consciousness in humanity, and humanity is at a critical stage in its development at this time in history, so anything that inspires higher, expanded consciousness is needed even more right now. We need to recreate the world, and do it from love, joy and creativity at its best.
What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? I love the design process and watching the creation itself take turns I didn't necessarily plan, feeling I'm co-creating with the Great Creator of the Universe, bringing into being a piece of art as individual and unique as a sunrise or a sunset - each one of a kind. I feel a kind of bliss when I'm creating and watching something beautiful emerge and come to completion.
Which items are your best sellers? So far, light sculptures are a hit. Some of my colorful paintings are favorites with people and I also make frame drums with art on them at times... The drums have been very popular.
How do you market your products? I've been working on marketing online to increase my market beyond my local area, trying many places and strategies and will continue learning and fine-tuning. I plan on placing some of my pieces in local stores in my area in the New Year as well. It's quite a learning process!
What are your favorite features on Handmade fuzion? What new features would you like to see? I think Handmade fuzion is doing fine... I don't have any suggestions at this time; I like the site very much.
Do you have any advice for other artisans? Keep creating and be creative with your marketing as well. Try new things, keep doing what works!
Archival prints from original paintings as well as original paintings. Where are you located? I live just outside of Charlotte, NC and also maintain a very small studio in the South end art district in Charlotte. What type of products do you offer? Mostly archival prints from my original paintings as well as original paintings. I will soon be offering note cards and jewelry from my art. Which items are your best sellers? Prints of whimsical cats.
The Blue Cat
How long have you been creating handmade items? On and off since childhood. I enjoyed creating art (mostly pencil drawings) throughout my school years, but took a hiatus for a few years while pursuing a "real" job. I've spent the past 3 years developing my painting skills via workshops and self-study.
How did you decide on your company's name? I wanted a name that was simple and easy to remember. I also love cats and the color blue.
What is your motivation? I have a very strong desire to create art and to run my own little business. I enjoy both the creative and business sides of being a self-represented artist.
What do you enjoy most about creating handmade items? I enjoy the challenges of taking a blank canvas and turning it into a painting. I also find painting to be very relaxing and satisfying.
How do you market your products? I have a blog and I also twitter. I'm a member of a local art league which allows me the opportunity to meet other artists and patrons in person as well as participate in their gallery shows. I also participate in several charity auctions in the Charlotte area throughout the year.
What are your favorite features on Handmade FuZion? What new features would you like to see? My favorite feature is the very affordable option for sellers to promote their item(s) on the home page. I also appreciate the ease of listing items. Handmade FuZion is very visually appealing in both images and text.
Do you have any advice for other artisans? I would say to have patience and persistence. Strive to do your best work. Always maintain excellent customer service.
Handmade FuZions First Blog Giveaway starts January 2, 2009 GIVEAWAY: Scented Junk Food Jewelry Happy New Year everyone. Sorry it's taken so long to post. Every year after Christmas we take a time-out from our busy lives and just dedicate time to our children. At our end of year meeting we discussed advertising, new features, giveaways and contests. We are starting the new year on the right foot with our first Blog Giveaway. The unique and upbeat Handmade FuZion artisan DanzDzynes is giving away one Junk Food Jewelry item to a lucky reader. Winner will be announced on DETAILS: One comment will be chosen at random.
Thank you to DanzDzynes for being our first contributor. Your scented Junk Food Jewelry is awesome! Leave a comment on the giveaway post. One comment will be randomly selected. Check back on Fridays to see if you're the winner and to enter a new giveaway.
Check out this adorable Peanut butter and Jelly Charm! Yum!!!!
The best part is that you can choose which adorable handmade piece you want and also the scent that you like. Visit the DanzDzynes store and come back here to tell us which Scented Junk Food Jewelry is your favorite. If you win you get the piece you commented about!
Friday January 9th 2009.
FOR EXTRA COMMENTS YOU CAN
1-follow this blog
2-twitter this giveaway
3-subscribe in a reader.
Good Luck!
