2013/05/21

Rastaquouere, New Member Feature !


Rastaquouere
Name (first only) and city/town you live in?

Marie-Michelle, Calgary (Alberta).

What you sell and why?

High end, one off, handcrafted children's garments made up in lush, unconventional and couture fabrics. I was fed up with mass produced, homogeneous and standardized retail offerings. I couldn't stand seeing clothing made entirely from synthetic fibers and knowing full well in what subpar conditions it might have been made on the other side of the world. I'm no revolutionary but I wasn't going to mimic systemic practices I don't believe in. It was important for me to be able to sell clothing that was different, unique and that I thought had soul, if only because it was loved and made by human hands.


When and how you got started?

Back when we were still living in France and my son turned three and started going to preschool, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands. I had always been fascinated by fashion and costume but couldn’t sew anything to save my life. I had been a French lit major with a minor in Drama but my costume skills were limited to the sketchpad. I managed to convince my mother-in-law to teach me the basics and she lovingly and very patiently taught me everything I needed to know about hand sewing and embroidery. She also sat me down in front of her old Singer and off I went! The experience was contagious as I’ve been sewing and designing ever since.



How did you decide on your shop name?

“Rastaquouère” is a 19th century French word with a pejorative connotation coined to describe exotic looking individuals, usually strangers, who shamelessly exhibited their wealth and loud clothing. Far be it from me that I should singlehandedly attempt to rehabilitate words with an objectionable past but the political incorrectness and the rich and satisfying phonetic soundscape of the word seemed a match for my practice of a marginal sort of luxury.


Is there an item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

Every item in my shop represents growth and a unique kind of journey. If I had to choose just one item though I think it would be the Neobarroco jacket. The making of those sleeves was quite a roller coaster ride!

What’s your favourite part of the selling experience?

I was surprised by the sheer exhilaration brought about by my first sale. It was a real confidence boost, which I needed, being new to the selling world and sometimes feeling that I’m groping blind. I really love packing an order. It has become quite ceremonial really… the choice of paper, the careful wrapping, the addition of a handmade and stamped card, the trip to the post office, the hope that the customer will be just as pleased with the purchase as by the fixings.


Do you have a day job?

I write short stories and freelance as a translator out of my home. I've also worked as a literary critic for a weekly and as an actor, a PR rep and translator for a local theatre company. I have the good fortune of having a husband with a "real" job as a university professor!

Are there other crafts you’d like to try?

I would love to be able to knit. My attempts so far have only resulted in Gordian tangles but I’m confident that with a little patience and time I’ll eventually be able to get my head into it!

Please provide 5 random facts about yourself to help the team get to know you better. Thank you!

Red is my all-time favourite colour.

I have a passion for pastry making and once debated if I shouldn’t become a pastry chef.

I have lived in Cyprus and France and miss Europe and the lifestyle dearly.

I am a fabric addict… at this point it’s probably a clinical condition.

I enjoy biting social satire, theatre, art in general and in particular, books, the absurd, prolepsis, Celine (the writer not the diva), Ducharme, Perec, Queneau, Jarmusch, Hendrix, Supergrass, the Pink Floyd and other geezers of rock, the molecular properties of cotton candy, cashmere sweaters, snapdragons and peonies, vintage pressure cooker gaskets, comic opera subterfuge, and lists...



ADDITIONAL INFO

Blog - rastacuero.blogspot.ca
Flickr - http://www.flickr.com/photos/48329342@N06/
Facebook - Rastaquouere

2013/05/16

Aubrey Loves Dolls, New Member Feature !

AubreyLovesDolls

Name (first only) and city/town you live in?

Andrea, Edmonton AB (We just moved here from Victoria BC in October J )


 What you sell and why?

 I sell mostly plushy dolls and teddy bears, I’m starting to venture out a bit with coasters. There are a lot of kids in my family and making cute dolls seems to be a good way to give as birthday presents.


When and how you got started?

I started about three years ago, my sister is an accomplished jewelry maker and sells at her local farmers market. I made a monster doll (it wasn't really a monster it look more like a funny looking puppy, but for some reason we just started calling in ‘monster doll’ ) and she fell in love and asked me to make some more so she can sell them with her jewelry  Then I fell in love with all the pretty patterns on etsy and everything took off from there. It’s been a great journey!


 How did you decide on your shop name?

The name of the shop comes from my first daughter, Aubrey. Every doll I made she had to give them cuddles and a kiss. Aubrey has been my biggest fan loving every single doll I make even when I don’t do the best job with matching fabrics.

Is there an item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

That would have to be the Pocket Pixie, a Gingermelon design. One of my popular dolls that sell out every time. I love this doll cause it’s such a versatile pattern.

What’s your favorite part of the selling experience?

Meeting people especially other SAHMs. I also love seeing children s faces when they see my dolls. The way they look and examine the doll, grin and then give their new doll a cuddle. It really is addicting.

Do you have a day job?

My main and most important job is raising my two girls, Aubrey 3 and Camilla 10 months.

Are there other crafts you’d like to try?

I've recently started spinning my own yarn with a drop spindle and I’m also trying out wet felting.

Please provide 5 random facts about yourself to help the team get to know you better.

Well, my husband and I just got married April 30th!! *big happy dance* It was beautiful, I made my own wedding dress!

I own a pet tarantula!

I’m a twin!

I love aquariums, especially saltwater reefs. I use to have one before becoming a mom and I hope some day to have another.

And I want to live on a hobby farm, have a garden and raise some fiber animals. We've always have lived in an apartment (we just upgraded to a duplex!), but I grew up with animals and having lots of space. I miss that and would love to have that for my girls.


on facebook ;  Aubrey.Loves.Dolls
http://pinterest.com/andreascheffer/boards/

2013/05/09

SmallFryBabys, New Member Feature !

SmallFryBabys

Name (first only) and city/town you live in?
Tracy -Medicine Hat but moving to Calgary next month :)

What you sell and why?
 Too much too list - 1st Birthday Cake Smash Outfits, Fabric Pennant Banners, Bibs, Ties, Hairclips, & lots more

When and how you got started?
 About 5 years ago needed a hobby after I had my first born :)

How did you decide on your shop name?
My friend helped me


Is there an item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
Fabric Banners are So fun to make!


What’s your favourite part of the selling experience?
I just enjoy it ! Gets me out of the house!


Do you have a day job?
Yup being a full time mother of 2 under 5 & running my business

Are there other crafts you’d like to try?
 Nope Im too busy as it is!

 Please provide 5 random facts about yourself to help the team get to know you better.
 LOVE to travel,
 Love being with my kids,
 Love Crafts could craft for days on end!
I love the Hobby Lobby could get a job there its too bad they don't have any in Canada :(
& I love working out!


On Facebook: Small-Fry-Baby-Toddler-Creations

2013/05/07

RozonsRags, New Member Feature!


RozonsRags
Name (first only) and city/town you live in?
Ashley Grande Prairie

What you sell and why?
Rag quilts, I love sewing and picking out all the fabrics for them


When and how you got started?
I started about a year ago just after my second son was born I made my first quilt and I really liked it

How did you decide on your shop name?
 I just used my last name


Is there an item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I like making rag quilts the most because I just love how they look when there all finished


What’s your favourite part of the selling experience?
It's really exciting when I get a sale and positive feedback about my items

Do you have a day job?
 No I'm a stay at home mom


Please provide 5 random facts about yourself to help the team get to know you better.
 I have two sons,
I have a dashound,
I love gardening,
I hate spicy food,
I love shopping

2013/05/05

Alberta Love: A Treasury by Denis


This gorgeous treasury by Denis Ginther, of Custom Cotton Etc., is truly full of Alberta Love. Denis is a stay at home father first and a fiber artist second. His shop is full of the most wonderfully colourful cotton threads. Click, comment and share his beautiful treasury and then go check out his store!



2013/04/30

Nandarach, New Member Feature !

Nandarach
Name and city/town you live in?
I'm Cat "Taeo", and just freshly moved to Calgary Alberta

What do you sell and why?
I make handcrafted jewelry and accessories from ethically harvested and cruelty free bird, insect, and animal pieces. I grew up in the forest, so working with Nature as my muse and medium seems to come easily. It also allows me to help reconnect others with things that they don't necessarily see and experience on a regular basis. (ie: taxidermy bird wings)


When and how you got started?
I started as a silver smith about 5 years ago after finishing school at Kootenay School of the Arts.

 How did you decide on your shop name?
Nan'Darach means "Of the Oak" in Scottish Gaelic. The oak is a strong tree and well balanced. It reflects what is above the earth in its branches in the same depth and spread of the roots. That is what we strive to be. Balanced.


Is there an item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
Anything with the bird skulls. I LOVE working with the bird skulls.


What’s your favourite part of the selling experience?
Travelling to festivals and shows and hearing the stories of what my jewelry inspires in them, or the experiences they helped to create.

Do you have a day job?
This is my day job. ^_^ i also have a daughter who helps to keep me motivated in the studio


Are there other crafts you’d like to try?
Leather! I would love to learn some leather skills

Please provide 5 random facts about yourself.
I speak Gaelic
I believe in (what some people call) "Mythical Creatures"
my feet are size 7 1/2
i spent 3 years blacksmithing
I have a mild zombie obsession



ADDITIONAL INFO
Facebook:  NanDarach-Designs