Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Mountain Scentaments

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Mountain Scentaments

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Meet Julia Laughlin from Mountain Scentaments

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I am a mother of a wonderful supportive teenage son and have a very supportive husband.  I have been a crafter my entire life.  I when I was young, I made ceramics and painted shirts with my mother.  My sister also taught me to make beautiful candles.  Crafting has always been a part of my life.
Years ago, I started making candles because I could never find the right fragrance at the store, or the candles I bought were just horrible.  Either I could not smell the candles, or they would burn so fast with lots of wasted wax let over.  I decided I could do better with making my own candles.  When I discovered wooden wicks I fell in love.  I just love the crackle they make, much like the wood burning fireplace my grandma had in my wonderful childhood memories.
My soap making started as an effort to make better and more natural skin care for me and my family.  I found out quickly I could make more than we could use or give away to friends and family due to the pure joy I had making soap.  I found soap making really sparked that creativity from my younger years.  The versatility of making soap seems endless.  I make everything from beer soap, salt soap, pet soap (I can’t forget the furry family), artisan soap, and felted soap.  When I discovered felting I wondered where this craft has been all my life.  I just love felting and with local sheep farmers around don’t be surprised to see more felted items soon!

♥ How long have you been in business?
Mountain Scentaments has officially been in business for 3 years.

♥ Please describe your business:
I hand craft wood wicked candles, soy wax melts, car fresheners and soap

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
All things handmade.  Nothing satisfies me more than using a product made with my own hands.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
Local Farmer’s Markets, Craft Shows and  Facebook.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
It allows me to fund my crafting desire.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
I have participated in Sampler Village in the past and I really love the crafting community Traci has built.  I really feel like I am in large crafting family!

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Don’t give up and if you craft candles and soap remember testing, testing and more testing is a must to make the best products.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I would love to be able to open up a store in my town.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Please use coupon code FALL12 during checkout at my  Craft Cafe Shop - exp. 11/24.2012

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Julia for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Mountain Scentaments soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Pinterest

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Fran's Homemade Wonders

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Fran's Homemade Wonders

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Meet Fran Lay from Fran's Homemade Wonders

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
My grandma taught me to crochet when I was 5.  I even started “the crafting bunch” at work, when I started crocheting in the lunch room during lunch hour.  Soon everyone was bringing in projects and the table would be surrounded by everyone doing different types of crafts.  I retired from a long career working for a government law enforcement agency after being diagnosed with a very rare form of bone marrow cancer. I spend most of my time crafting now, but I am also an avid reader and I love to cook.  I also love going out to lunch with friends and getting together with family.  My favorite past time (besides crafting) is spoiling my 3 little furry 4 legged children (Long Haired Chihuahuas).  They “supervise” everything I do. I always craft while in chemotherapy and everyone is always interested in what I am making.  I have even sold my creations to the nurses and other patients in the chemotherapy lab.

♥ How long have you been in business?
I started selling my crafts in 2000 after years of my friends and family encouraging me to get out there and do it.  I started by selling at craft fairs and our local crafters mall, but due to health issues I now only sell through the internet.

♥ Please describe your business and what inspires you:
I do a little of everything from sewing, tatting, cross stitch, woodworking, quilting and general crafts but I have 2 mediums I love working in.  My first is Polymer Clay.  I love letting my imagination go wild and then making my creations.  Making wedding cake tops and Christmas ornaments are my favorites.  My second is crocheting.  I especially love making baby items.  I not only follow existing patterns, but enjoy making up my own patterns, too.  Nothing excites me more than figuring out how to do a new craft technique.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
I love seeing my creations come to life and sharing them with my customers. I work closely with my customers on custom made items, especially wedding cake tops, so that they receive exactly what they want for their special day.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
I am always looking for places to list my items and when I found Craft Café it was just getting started, priced reasonably and easy to use.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
I wish I had started selling earlier and I encourage everyone to just get out and go for it.  Don’t get discouraged and don’t give up. Take advantage of every opportunity to share links with other crafters and list your items everywhere you possibly can.  The more listings you have, the more exposure you get.  Sometimes it takes a while for people to find you, but once they do they will share with their friends and off you go.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see my business continuing to grow, with consistent orders coming in, even during the slow times of year. I wish I had started selling earlier and I encourage everyone to just get out and go for it.  Don’t get discouraged and don’t give up. Take advantage of every opportunity to share links with other crafters and list your items everywhere you possibly can.  The more listings you have, the more exposure you get.  Sometimes it takes a while for people to find you, but once they do they will share with their friends and off you go.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Fran for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Frans Homemade Wonders soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Pinterest 

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Peachies Pasttime

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Peachies Pasttime

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Meet Laura Roberts from Peachies Pasttime

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I started making jewelry with my friend and fell in love. After a few months my techniques got better and better. I started learning new things and finding things out on my own, asking others how to do things. I love what I do and love finding new ways to do things!

♥ How long have you been in business?
1 year and 2 months

♥ Please describe your business:
I create bead, wood, shell and glass necklace, bracelet and earring sets. I have recently started doing bottle cap necklaces and domino pendants with amazing graphic images provided to me.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Pleasing my customers inspires me. I want them to come back, and come back happy. I know we all do but how are we to get good reviews and new business if we have unhappy customers? I also enjoy doing custom creations, if someone wants something special and they have bought from you before they are likely to come back for that special item. I always make sure each thing I make is something I would wear myself or give to my mother!

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
I  Blog , post around  Facebook on many different pages and have many friends who get the word out about my store.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
There are many things I love but I would say that there are 2 that tie as being the things the things I love most. They are seeing the pop up email saying I have a sale and posting new items for sale.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
I was only selling to family, friends and sorority sisters then I got a Etsy store in April. I heard about Craft Cafe and how it was supposed to be much better and the fees were going to be so much better for the seller. I have since canceled my Etsy store and had 7 sales in my Craft Cafe store. I have found that if you promote your link and other sellers they will in turn do the same for you. I have also found that Craft Cafe works with their sellers and lets them know of any issues they are having fairly fast, something that I really enjoy!!

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Don't give up, promote, promote, promote and if you think something you created looks funny then put it aside, take a break and come back to it later, maybe you are just tired of looking at it. This happened to me once. I was working on something, I finished it and thought it looked so funny but I but it away and went for a walk, when I came home I took it apart-well some of it- and fixed what needed to be fixed, sometimes you just need to clear your head.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I am hoping to have many more talents and more designs. Maybe working with someone who's talents will mold with mine to create a wonderful creation!

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Please use the code "HOLIDAYSURPRISE" for 50% off your entire order at my Craft Cafe Shop .. WOW!!

♥♥ Please be sure to enter Peachie's Pasttime $20 Gift Certificate Giveaway (Oct 22 through Midnight Oct 25)

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Laura for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Peachies Pasttime soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Pinterest

Gift Certificate Giveaway - Peachie's Pasttime

Peachies Pasttime
$20 Gift Certificate Giveaway

Facebook / Craft Cafe Shop / Blog / Twitter
*Be sure to read the giveaway rules before entering..Thank You!

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Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Lisa Boland Jewelry Designs

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Lisa Boland Jewelry Designs

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Meet Lisa Boland from Lisa Boland Jewelry Designs

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
My most important job and greatest joy is being mom to my incredible son, Benjamin.  He inspires me every day to be the best person I can be.
My love of jewelry design started over 17 years ago when a friend took me into a bead shop.  I was hooked immediately and my new hobby quickly grew into a passion for creating beautiful, unique jewelry.

♥ How long have you been in business?
I started selling my work and teaching classes about 14 years ago.  I took a few years off when my son was born and officially launched Lisa Boland Jewelry Designs almost 2 years ago.

♥ Please describe your business:
In my shop you will find everything from simple and stylish handcrafted designs perfect for everyday to sparkling accessories for your special night out. My pieces feature sterling silver wire and hand-forged components, semi-precious gemstones, and one-of-a-kind artisan beads. I also love working with Swarovski crystal beads for their unmatched sparkle and brilliant colors.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Color inspires me more than anything else, as well the shapes and lines found in nature.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
As much as I love interacting online, my most successful marketing technique is one-on-one interaction with my clients. Meeting people in person gives me the opportunity to really share my ideas and passion for jewelry more than any photograph or online post ever could.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
I love seeing my designs go from concept or sketch to the finished piece.  I always get excited when the ideas in my head become a beautiful reality.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Craft Cafe's customer service is second to none.  The administrative team always goes above and beyond doing all that they can to make the site work for both sellers and buyers.  Concerns are addressed promptly and ideas and suggestions are always welcome.  And of course, the membership fee for sellers is more reasonable than any other site I've found.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Before investing in a lot of materials, take your time to discover what you enjoy creating most.  Stay true to your aesthetic and design what you love.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
My dream is to have my own studio space away from my home where I can really focus on my work.  I would also love to be able to have a staff to take care of all the "business" aspects of business so I can devote the majority of my time to designing and creating.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Please use coupon code "CCBLOG" at my Craft Cafe Shop during checkout to save 15% on your order.  Coupon expires December 31, 2012.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Lisa for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Lisa Boland Jewelry Designs soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Pinterest / Wanelo / RebelMouse

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Faux Sweet Diva & My Crafty Addictions

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Anita from Faux Sweet Diva & My Crafty Addictions

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Meet Anita Beeghley from Faux Sweet Diva & My Crafty Addictions

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I am a mom to four children and wife to an awesome husband that runs two businesses. I'm originally from Washington DC and now reside in upper Maryland. Anything that has to do with crafting I find myself learning it with ease and adding it to my resume. Aside of crafting I am also an award winning cake decorator and an amazing singer!

♥ How long have you been in business?
I've been in business close to 2 years!

♥ Please describe your business:
It's hard to put a title to what I do but i'll try.
I love everything sweet, frilly, girly, fru fru, shabby chic and more. I guess I live in a bubblegum gum drop world and my business reflects that! Everything I do is geared towards what every kid and adult loves!
I make Candy and sweet scented Faux Cupcakes and Bath & Body products. Along with candles, jewelry, tutu's, wands!

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
My daughter. I want to establish something great for the future in hopes that she takes over. She shares the same passion and is my right hand to everything I do.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
Facebook! I firmly believe that if you post and keep your fans updated it can change your world!

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Creating!! I have ADD and sadly my mind never rest but the beautiful outcome is everything you see in my shops :-) Crafting is my drug and Joanns, AC Moore and Michaels are my pusher!

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Here's the truth. I love how Craft Cafe doesn't allow commercial made items! I've sold on other venues and I always get turned off when I see commercial made items being passed off as handmade when it's not. Craft Cafe is truly home of the handmade and I adore that.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
KEEP SWIMMING!!!! I've been at this for 2 years and i'm still pressing towards my goals. Nothing is promised in this line of business and if you want it, you have to give it 100%. If it's your passion, if it's what completes you, if it's all you think about day and night, DO NOT give up. I believe in God and blessings. He gives it to you in it's entirety when he's ready.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see me having my own boutique that also hosts awesome parties! Keep your eyes open for me, I promise you will see my name in lights very soon :-)

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes, please use code "Feature2010" for 10% off your entire order when checking out on my Faux Sweet Diva Craft Cafe shop

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Anita for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Faux Sweet Diva & My Crafty Addictions soon ♥ ♥ Faux Sweet Diva Facebook / My Crafty Addictions Facebook

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Aphrodite's Attique

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Aphrodite's Attique

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Meet Michele Wolfe from Aphrodite's Attique

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
 I'm a 57 year old widowed mom and grandmom from northern Georgia, a mother hen and collector of "strays" (both 2- and 4-legged), spent most of my working life in office administration until illness and the economy forced me into "involuntary premature retirement", lol.  I love playing with patterns and colors, and have been a crafter all my life, doing everything from crochet to soft sculpture and sewing, silk flower arrangement, paper crafts, and beading...whatever looks interesting and fun.  When computers came along, I began to do graphic and website design, and digital art and photography - since I can't draw a stick figure with pencil and paper, it was thrilling to discover I could now create recognizable artwork, lol!  When I'm not creating, I love to dance and cook (although I can't follow a recipe exactly to save my life), hang out with my family and friends, and have fun with my furry kids.

♥ How long have you been in business?
The Attique was officially opened in February 2012, and has been on Craft Cafe since mid-August.

♥ Please describe your business:
A little of this, a little of that, all handmade with love!  Beaded jewelry and suncatchers, crochet apparel and accessories, printable graphics...and lots more to come!

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Anything and everything!  People, animals, nature...something I see, read, hear...a "challenge" (can I make something like this?  what can I make with this?)...I also love things that can be used or worn in several different ways, and am always looking for unusual ways to use ordinary objects!

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
 Not sure if I've found my best techniques yet, lol, but I think social network marketing is going to be a big one, along with plain, "old-fashioned" networking...anything that spreads the word about you and your business.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Doing what I love...and being able to do it any hour of the day or night, whenever the mood, need or inspiration arises!

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Divine intervention, lol!  I had a store on another site, but wasn't happy with it, so I was researching other options and kept coming back to Craft Cafe - the price was very reasonable, there were no extra fees, I liked the store layout, it was a new venue with great possibilities for growth, and sellers there did seem to be making some sales....but I wasn't quite ready to commit.  Then, one night, I was randomly browsing some CC stores when I hit on one called B'ead Unique, owned by a Tammy McCoy...and years ago, I was friends with a lady of the same name and had lost touch with her.  My first thought was "naw, it can't be", but I followed her Facebook link, messaged her, and sure enough, it WAS her...and she highly recommended Craft Cafe.  So I figured being reunited with an old friend through CC was the "sign" I was looking for, and I signed up for my store that week...and have been very happy - with the site itself, with the "family" of CC store owners, and with the wonderful, helpful folks behind the scenes who really do seem to have our best interests at heart!

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Since I'm just starting out myself, this might be a little presumptuous, but I'd say "PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE"!  Take any opportunity to get your name and your product out there in front of people in a positive way - enter contests, do interviews like this one, swap business cards, ask for positive feedback/word of mouth from your customers, teach a class or write a tutorial - think outside the box and get creative, you never know what might work.  Also, don't give up - it takes time and effort, but if you believe in yourself and your creations (and promote, promote, promote), eventually you'll find your niche...at least, that's what I tell myself!

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
Supporting me well enough that I can delay using my Social Security benefits, lol!  By then, I'd like to have a solid customer base online (with an ever-growing online presence), and have my creations in several local "brick and morter" stores.  Ultimately, I'd like to have the need to, and be able to, employ/contract a few folks (even part-time) to help with crafting, shipping, and whatever else needs to be done.  Hey, if you're going to dream, you might as well dream big!

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Get 15% off your order with coupon code "ccblogaa" - and thanks for shopping with Aphrodite's Attique at Craft Cafe!

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Michele for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Aphrodite's Attique soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Pinterest

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - The Sticky Wrapper

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - The Sticky Wrapper

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Meet Sara Kamla from The Sticky Wrapper

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I am a stay at home mom, trying to get my business strong enough to support us. I love cooking, crafting, and gardening. I have 2 kids, 13 and 4. Both are boys.

♥ How long have you been in business?
Almost 2 years.

♥ Please describe your business:
I make gourmet candy, dessert toppings, and nut butters.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
My family for sure!~

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
Sadly, I don't think I have found my best yet. I am stil working all that out. :)

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Being able to create unique and yummy flavors. I love that I can be creative and do not feel trapped inside a box.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
 I love the support, how it's set up, just everything about it really,  and of course the fees are totally affordable.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
If it's truly your dream then stick with it. It's not easy, but eventually it will pay off.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I hope to have my own food truck.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes, please use the code "blog" during checkout at my  Craft Cafe Shop and you will receive $5.50 off your order!

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Sara for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit The Sticky Wrapper soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter

Tutorial: How to Leave Feedback - Buyer To Seller

One of the biggest features of any buying site is the ability to leave feedback. Our feedback system has been up for a while but some people have have been confused on how to do so. This tutorial is designed to make that easier.

To find your purchases when logged in, on the left hand side of the front page - is now 'orders placed' (this may be changing soon) - but for now the direct link would be: http://craftcafe.co/account/orders.php

Once in there you'll see a screen a bit like the one below - mine shows two purchases one that I've not left feedback for (green text) and one that I've left feedback for (red text). The photos show step by step how to leave both ITEM feedback (where you're ONLY rating the product itself on quality, workmanship, color, etc), and how to leave SELLER feedback - where you're going to rate the experience of buying from that particular shop - things such as customer service, adherence to stated turn around times, packaging, and any other SELLER based comments.

It is up to the buyer to leave quality feedback that includes details that are noteworthy - did a seller go above & beyond in their packaging, presentation and overall positive attitude with the sale? If so - note that. Were there issues with an item's quality but the customer service and seller's actual behavior about the sale great? Leave details about the product in item feedback and details about the seller's positive behavior/willingness to correct issues in the seller feedback.

There is no time limit to leaving feedback. However, if an order is cancelled, no feedback will be allowed for that transaction. 

This image shows the green highlighted areas as incomplete feedback - red ones being completed feedback - the little icons show up as dark green when feedback has been recorded for that item/seller.

Clicking the Feedback Icon - for an item brings up the feedback window. You have a few quick questions to answer and an area for comments. What you post in the comment box will be shown to the public. If you want to contact a seller about an item or an issue you think needs improvement or just to give an extra happy thought - Click on the shop name above each transaction [blacked out area middle of page above 1st item shown] This will take you to the seller's shop - where you can use the contact seller button on the left hand side - anything sent through the message system will remain private.

This image shows you how to leave SELLER or SHOP feedback - similar style of leaving feedback - remember what you post is public. Please make sure you're polite even if it wasn't a positive experience. 

Once you click submit your feedback will appear in the seller's FEEDBACK tab so they can view it themselves - or other sellers can view shop and item feedback from within the shop view on the bottom left hand meun of a shop's main page or within item views.

Enter Our Giveaway!

 
Meet The Fabulous Giveaway Box Participates!
* Krazy Candle - https://www.facebook.com/krazycandle - http://craftcafe.co/shop/krazycandle/
* Sugar Sugar Scrub - https://www.facebook.com/SugarSugarScrub - http://craftcafe.co/shop/sugarsugarscrub/
* A Penny For Your Thoughts - https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Penny-for-Your-Thoughts/187818774594336 - http://craftcafe.co/shop/apenny4urthoughts/
* Argania's Embrace - https://www.facebook.com/SoaptownRoadHandcraftedSoap - http://www.craftcafe.co/shop/arganiasembrace/
* My Candle Box - https://www.facebook.com/mycandlebox - http://craftcafe.co/shop/mycandlebox/
* Linda Searcy Designs, Two - https://www.facebook.com/LindaSearcyJewelryDesigns - http://craftcafe.co/shop/lindasearcydesignstoo/
* Izzy's Place - https://www.facebook.com/myizzysplace - http://www.craftcafe.co/shop/izzysplace/
* Bead Unique - https://www.facebook.com/tammysb.eadunique - http://craftcafe.co/shop/beadunique/
* Aphrodites Attique - https://www.facebook.com/aphroditesattique - http://craftcafe.co/shop/aphroditesattique/
* Goatie Girls - https://www.facebook.com/GoatieGirlscom - http://craftcafe.co/shop/goatiegirls/
* Lisa Boland Jewelry Designs - https://www.facebook.com/lisabolandjewelrydesigns - http://craftcafe.co/shop/lisabolandjewelrydesigns/
* Mammygram - https://www.facebook.com/Mammygram - http://craftcafe.co/shop/mammygram/
* Signs of the Time - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Custom-Hand-Crafted-Signs-and-Primitives/259971190740496 - http://craftcafe.co/shop/signsofthetime/  
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Dragonfly Arts Pottery

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Barbarah from Dragonfly Arts Pottery

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Meet Barbarah Robertson from Dragonfly Arts Pottery

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I'm a potter and clay artisan based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. I began making pottery in 1994 and have been quite lucky to be able to make a living at making mud pies.

♥ How long have you been in business?
I've been making pottery on and off for 18 years. Taking time off to work in the corporate art world, run a brick and mortar gallery and start a family.

♥ Please describe your business:
I create functional day to day pottery pieces that fit into daily life with ease. I strive to make pieces that are pleasing to use and pleasing to look at.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Function & nature! I love making multi-purpose pieces, baking/serving pieces and garden items that inspire their owners to cook well, garden more and be mindful.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
I take lots and lots of photos, and while I'm not a fantastic photographer, I've gotten quite good at photo editting, and make sure to post photos of my work in as many places as possible. Through email, Facebook, Pinterest and other social media venues, I'm able to get pics of my work "out there" to be enjoyed and shared.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
I love being able to look back into the studio at the end of the day and see tangible accomplishments.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
I like the flexibility Craft Cafe offers, and I love that I can list as many items as I'd like. It allows me to offer a wide variety of colors & styles which gives my customers the ability to find something that really fits their home and their lifestyle.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Don't feel bad about promoting yourself, it's part of the job!  You love your work, so let others know how wonderful your items are and why they shouldn't live without your work.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I'm hoping to do fewer outdoor shows and more online sales. I like the ability to reach a larger market via the internet that I couldn't reach by strictly selling in local venues.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Please use code EarlyHolidayNov1 to recieve 10% off anything in my Craft Cafe shop. Good through November 1st, 2012.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Barbarah for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Dragonfly Arts Pottery soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook

TheBeadLadi - Craft Cafe

TheBeadLadi - Craft Cafe

$22.99

This jack-o-lantern is made from safety pins and beads. It stands 7" tall and is about 6" wide. It is lighted by a string of 20 Christmas lights. An cute and easy way to decorate for Halloween without the mess of pumpkin seeds!

ForGoodnessGrape - Craft Cafe

ForGoodnessGrape - Craft Cafe

$3.75

Trick or Treat Halloween Lip Balm

This is a real treat for the hardcore Halloween candy lover. I know there are some of you out there that just love the smell a bag full (or empty) of Halloween candy…well guess what? This is for you. A super yummy combination of Halloween candy flavors so that this year you don’t have to drool over the inside of your child’s treat bag since you will have your own treat :)

Gives your lips a nice clear shine, superior moisture and protection from the elements. Super soft and buttery on lips. Why not try a couple for layering flavors on your lips? Just put one in your purse or in your pocket and you are good to go!

Feels ‘GRAPE’ on your lips and makes your lips feel GRAPE!

TheSweetsFairyBakeshop - Craft Cafe

TheSweetsFairyBakeshop - Craft Cafe

$22

Scare up some fun with these cute cake toppers!!

This listing for 12 halloween cupcake/cake toppers. Unless otherwise specified you'll receive an assortment similar to what is shown in listing picture. If you'd like a different assortment please specify when ordering, other designs are available upon request. 

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Artistic Creations

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Peggy from Artistic Creations

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Meet Peggy Garr from Artistic Creations

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I am a Published Visual Artist. My paintings are displayed in homes and galleries throughout the USA. I am also published in Germany, France and Italy as well as the USA. I also create and design jewelry

♥ How long have you been in business?
I have been painting for over 20 years and I have been designing jewelry for over 5 years

♥ Please describe your business:
I offer hand-crafted designer necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, hand-painted glassware, and paintings on canvas.

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
I am actually inspired by my own creations as strange as that may sound.  Each time I create something new whether it be a painting or a piece of jewelry, I get such a sense of accomplishment that it inspires me to do more.  I appreciate my gift of creativity and love to share my creations!

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
I have found that in my profession, visual presentation is a key factor.  Fortunately, the internet is a great outlet to show my creations.  My work is shown on several art sites and I continue to market myself and my work to new sites almost on a daily basis

♥ What do you love most about your business?
Creating! Sharing my creations with the world! Knowing that my work is being enjoyed!

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Craft Cafe even though it may be a new site, caught my eye as being a well organized, creatively displayed website.  I find it to be very professionally done and easy to navigate.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Create! Create! & Create MORE! Don't ever get discouraged. There are hundreds and hundreds of talented artists out there and you may think that your creations don't have a chance of selling...well your wrong....just keep your inspiration going and show your creations!

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I will be a published jewelry designer!

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
I would like to offer 10% off of everything in my shop, simply us code "AC1" during checkout.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Peggy for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Artistic Creations soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Liquorish Bake Shop

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Heidi from Liquorish Bake Shop

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Meet Heidi Nutzman from Liquorish Bake Shop

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I am the mother of two busy bodies!  My daughter is 6 and recently started Kindergarten and my son is 3.  They love to play outside and considering they are with each other alot........they are very protective of each other and play well together for the most part.  I also work part time from home for a Corn Milling company taking phone calls after hours.  I'm also enrolled in school through the University of Nebraska - Omaha and will finish with a bachelor's in business in May of 2013.  I love to stay busy and have been eating sweets since I could walk.  I decided to try my hand at baking when I was in junior high and haven't stopped since.  Baking and creating goodies has always been my passion and I would often bake for people in our local community.  Many people mentioned "you should sell these!".  That brings me to Craft Cafe - where I can do what I love and love what I do! :-)

♥ How long have you been in business?
I have been selling online for years now but just recently open up my shop on Craft Cafe!

♥ Please describe your business:
 We bake and decorate everything from cakes, cupcakes, cookies, truffles, candies, donuts, scones, caramel apples, dipped pretzels, etc.  If it's something you can eat.....we find a way to make it taste sweet!

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
Baking bloggers! They are amazing with what they come up with and always keep me fresh on the latest ideas and trends to try for our business.  My children inspire me to stay young at heart and keep my feet firmly planted as their mother first....... and student/career woman second.  I am a bit of a control freak (winks) but I am also learning on "letting go and letting God" direct me with the path He has for my life.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
 My best marketing techniques have been work of mouth and Facebook.  I love to donate or give items away to get my name out there.  I also love to shower our neighbors, coworkers, etc. with treats I make.  This allows me to try new recipes and share them with others while getting feedback before I launch them on our website.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
The people I have already met through doing business have been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! In a world filled with sometimes negative news and stress of everyday life.......people I have done business with have reminded me why I truly do this and that is to make others happy as well as myself.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
When I found out about Craft Cafe I had to jump on the opportunity.  I love craft websites!!! I love buying things others have taken the time and effort to make with their own two hands and a lot of love for what they do.  The items are unique and it creates a neat niche for finding things that aren't mass-marketed.  I wanted to become a part of this community because I believe in what it stands for and love trying new things.

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
You WILL make mistakes! I have and so has everyone else!!!! But the important thing it NEVER lose sight of WHY you are doing this.  If you enjoy what you are doing and what you make......others will see that, feel that, and embrace your items.  Always take time for your family and never let your business ventures overtake your time spent with them.  This one is hard for me and something I still struggle with as I am a workaholic and LOVE to stay busy.  But time with our loved ones is limited and precious.  NOTHING is worth short changing them.  Lastly, remember that love is in the details.  Take the time to make your item and/or transaction with each person extra special in some way.  Everyone loves to feel noticed and special :-)

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I hope to be blessed with the opportunity of opening up a local bakery where I live!  For me, that would be a dream come true!

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes! Please use coupon code "Try25" for 25% our order from Liquorish Bake Shop

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Heidi for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit  Liquorish Bake Shop soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

Craft Cafe Artisan Chat - Dollipop Cosmetics

Craft Cafe Artisan Interview - Jennifer from Dollipop Cosmetics

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Meet Jennifer DeHerrera (and Liz) from Dollipop Cosmetics

♥ Please tell us about yourself:
I am a stay-at-home mom with two beautiful little girls. I have an identical twin and I love my family! I enjoy cooking, crafting, and creating new products!

♥ How long have you been in business?
2 Years

♥ Please describe your business:
Dollipop Cosmetics is a super small company consisting currently of only 2 employees. My twin sister Liz and I produce every single thing we make by hand in small batches.  We have always wanted to own our own business together and accomplishing that dream was very exciting for us. We make mineral makeup including highly pigmented eyeshadows and bath and body products, as well as some home goods like candles. We believe in giving our customers the best products with high-end ingredients while offering outstanding customer service!

♥ Tell us what inspires you:
My grandmother Helen inspired my sister and I into starting a business together. She raised us from the time we were little babies and she always taught us that we could do anything we set our minds to. She passed away in 2008 from breast cancer, but in her last year of life she made her family promise to follow our dreams and live our lives to the fullest and Dollipop Cosmetics is the result of us keeping our promise to her.

♥ Please share with others, your best marketing techniques:
Being personable with your customers definitely helps to promote and market your items. I often ask my customers for input on new products, like what colors they'd like to see, or what scents they love. This helps to keep them active on our page and keeps them shopping with us.

♥ What do you love most about your business?
My sis and I are total girly girls. We love makeup, bath and body stuff, and home products. Getting to make these things on a daily basis is so much fun! I also love owning my own business, it is very rewarding to be my own boss.

♥ Please tell us why have chosen Craft Café as a venue for your business?
Craft Café is awesome and so much better than other choices out there! Not only do they fully understand and support handmade artisans, but they are open to suggestions and ideas for their growing site. I get to keep more of my profits with Craft Café as they do not charge per-listing or per-sale fees so I can pass that savings directly on to my customers. I also love how beautiful my shop looks with the large banner and user-friendly layout. Plus CC's overall theme in general speaks to me as I love coffee and coffee shops!

♥ What advice can you give for crafters/artisans just starting out?
Don't give up! It takes a few years to get established online and to build a customer base. If you want to see sales, you need to promote your business. Facebook is the best outlet I have found for promoting but Pinterest is gaining popularity. Plan on spending at least 2 hours a day online just promoting, especially in the beginning. Don't rely on giveaways to bring in new customers, they will gain you fans but you won't always see sales from them. Most important, you have to love what you are doing. If you don't love it, it won't succeed, so be true to yourself.

♥ Where do you see your business in 5 years?
I see Dollipop Cosmetics growing so much that I need to hire on more help. It is my hopes that I can support my family 100% from the income we make from DPC, lofty I know, but my Grams always said to aim your sights high so that is my end goal.

♥ Lastly, would you like to offer our readers a special or coupon code for your Craft Cafe shop?
Yes! :) You can save 15% in my  Craft Cafe Shop from now until the end of October with the code CAFELOVE.

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We would like to send out a big THANK YOU to Jennifer for all her love and support.

Be sure to visit Dollipop Cosmetics soon ♥ ♥ Craft Cafe Shop / Facebook / Blog / Pinterest

Designsoffaithandjoy - Craft Cafe

Designsoffaithandjoy - Craft Cafe

$10

This set of natural stone tile coasters has been decoupaged with images of the map of the world made out of coffee beans and cups of hot coffee saying I Love Coffee. The images have been sealed with a decoupage coating and further protected with an acrylic sealer. They do not absorb water due to the sealer. The natural stone gives a substantial feel to them and a rustic appearance.

This is a made to order set. Please allow 5 days to make and dry the set.

They measure 4 x 4 and have cork in the back on the four corners for protection of your tables.

These would make a great hostess or handmade housewarming gift for a coffee lover. They also could be displayed on an easel in your kitchen.

MountainOwlSoap - Craft Cafe

MountainOwlSoap - Craft Cafe

$5.50

- Cappuccino Hazelnut Coffee Soap- 

This soap is for all you coffee lovers like me. It has a strong expresso scent mixed with steamed milk and hints of hazelnut. 
I have added ground Durango Coffee Co. Coffee for a great exfoliation.

This soap will definitely wake you up. 

Made with all natural moisturizing glycerin and shea butter soap.


Bar size:3"by2"by1"

Weight:5oz