Materials and Techniques: Skaapie

The creative world is full of talented people doing amazing crafts. Every fortnight I talk with another designer about how they make their creations. Today's guest is Cathryn, a South African living in Jersey in the Channel Islands. Cathryn has the handmade store Skaapie and she makes felted, beautiful toys, blankets and accessories. Cathryn is a fellow member of EtsyKids.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I'm Cathryn, a South African living in Jersey in the Channel Islands with my husband and 2 beautiful daughters. I started up Skaapie (which means little sheep in Afrikaans) 7 years ago in Cape Town after my first daughter was born. I taught women from underprivileged backgrounds to felt and sew, and designed a range of children's toys, blankets and accessories which I sold at markets and in boutique shops. This wholesale business is still running in Cape Town, while I now concentrate on coming up with new ideas and designs and selling online in the UK.

What materials and techniques do you like to use?

I use 100% wool tops, mainly merino to make felt using wet felting and nuno techniques. I experiment a little with needle felting too. I think it's safe to say, my favourite material has to be wool felt, it's versatility is endless! I also dye my own felt.

What challenges have you faced in the creative process?

My biggest challenge apart from trying to balance family life and house work with being creative and productive is probably the pricing and marketing. It's not easy trying to sell your own product, especially online, with millions of choices and about 800,000 sellers on Etsy alone. My products aren't cheap to make and many people don't realise the process involved in making one toy from raw wool to the finished product. Trying to compete with a higher than average retail price and no marketing budget can feel very daunting. Not sure what advice I can offer, but what's worked for me is having faith in my product and going ahead in trust and following where the creative process leads. Everyone's journey is different, so believe in yours rather than try follow someone else's.

What drives you to create?

It's hard to say where inspiration comes from, but when it's there, you know it and have to run with it. I am a very outdoor person and don't think anyone could not get inspired by nature! I'm inspired by my children, by my amazing creative friends and family, by island life, by children's books and pinterest and dreams. And of course Africa and my inspiring childhood.

 
What is coming up next?

 I'm hoping to start working on a children's book soon, something I've wanted to do for a long time, mixing my felt creations with illustration. Can't say too much about it yet, but am very excited. Am hoping this will take me in a new direction.

 

Skaapie

Skaapie Facebook (UK) Facebook (SA)

Skaapie Instagram

Skaapie Pinterest

If you enjoyed finding out all about how Cathryn makes her products, you can read more interviews in the archive. Do get in contact if you would like to share your handmade story.

Materials and Techniques: Wildflower Innocence

I am a big fan of handmade, so each fortnight I have a chat to another artist about how they go about making their products. Today I am talking to Suzanne, who makes dolls for her store Wildflower Innocence. Suzanne is a fellow EtsyKids team member and is based in Northern California in the US.

 
Please tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Suzanne, and I am the owner, designer, and creator behind Wildflower Innocence. We are located in the beautiful foothills of the Sierra Mountains in Northern California, USA.

For as long as I can remember, I have been surrounded by creativity. My father is a toy maker, and the owner of Elves and Angels and my mother was always creating some beautiful doll for myself or one of my many siblings. My parents both have an amazing gift for creativity, and toys were something that we always had a great abundance of... and not the Made in China garbage that you find at Walmart and Toys R Us... most of our toys were lovingly handmade by my parents or an older sibling.

I have always loved working with my hands and making toys and clothing for my own 3 daughters. Last year however, I decided to launch Wildflower Innocence. I was driven by my love of beautiful, simple toys. There is something different about a toy made by hand and a toy that is mass produced in some far away factory... it is like meeting the farmer who grows your food... or better yet, growing your own. Being able to have something of meaning to share with future children and grandchildren links the past and their future. In today's world of tech products and over the top toys, it is my hope to bring a little simplicity and innocence back to childhood.

What materials and techniques do you like to use?

I work with felt and cotton designer fabric the most. Cotton and wool yarn are also used a lot. There is something to be said for a toy that can truly be felt... the softness of the wool felt, or the different textures and colors make creating each doll a joy. Every little wing and cap, hand cut and hand stitched... and with each step you watch someones new little playmate come to life.

What challenges have you faced in the creative process?

I would say that for me, the biggest challenge would be marketing. I was never the most tech savvy person, so in the beginning it was all a bit overwhelming. This last year I have spent a lot of time researching and learning and I can honestly say it has paid off. I now have active Etsy, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Blog pages as well as my website. Things really seem to be coming together.

What drives you to create?

My daughters, my childhood... so many things... I rarely have a hard time coming up with ideas. Most often I have to get myself to stop coming up with new dolls so that I can continue producing inventory of the dolls I already have! I also do a lot of custom orders and have received some wonderful ideas from customers.

What is coming up next?

More dolls! I am hoping to continue growing my business and adding to my line of Storybook Dolls. I'm also planing on adding dolls of different ethnic background to my dollhouse family sets, and I am hoping to add fairy houses within the next year. To me, the possibilities are endless!

Wildflower Innocence

Wildflower Innocence Etsy

Wildflower Innocence Blog

Wildflower Innocence Facebook

Wildflower Innocence Google+

Wildflower Innocence Instagram

Wildflower Innocence Pinterest

Wildflower Innocence Twitter

Do you love reading about materials and techniques? Read more in the archive. If you'd like to share your story, just drop me a line.

Materials and Techniques - 'Minorca'

The materials and techniques series is a collection of interviews with other creators of handmade crafts. Every fortnight we talk about how each artist makes their creations. Today I am talking with Patricia and Isabel who make toys, puppets, jewellery and artwork. Their online store is Minorca ("little one" in Portuguese) and although they are currently based in Ireland, they are both Portuguese. Pat and Isa are fellow members of the EtsyKids team.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

Pat and Isa are a mum and daughter team of two artists from Portugal passionate about illustration and children toys. They currently live in Dublin and their shop took a little vacation while they were travelling the seas looking for inspiration and new adventures.

Pat is a Publishing grad, with a special interest in design, children books, educational and behavior development, and illustration. She's a book lover, a storyteller and a vegetarian.

Isa is a painter and an arts and crafts geek! She has a joyful personality and puts that energy in everything she creates. Her inner child is always ready to come out and play! She loves spring flowers, sparkly things and miniature softies to cuddle and play.

What materials and techniques do you like to use?

Mostly, we work with felt and fabrics (mostly cotton), wool and clay to mold our hand painted brooch pins, acrylics and watercolor, and foam for professional puppets. To make our soft miniature dolls and play sets we like to use the different textures but keep a natural feel and plush toy touch to the toy. We know sensory development is important in younger ages, so we are want to include even more eco-friendly materials and textures in our future designs.

What challenges have you faced in the creative process?

As toy makers, we are always thinking about the kids, what will they like to play with and how can we make it both fun and educational. Recently, we've been challenging ourselves to go beyond the fun and have in mind the creation of toys that have in mind children with special needs (e.g.: autism, muscular dystrophy). So that is our current personal challenge and our inspiration for future creations.

What drives you to create?

Our shop reflects our passion and values in every child friendly and educational toy we make. We believe it is important to surround children with positive influence, natural textures, colour and happiness during their development. We also believe that toys can be not only fun, but also a tool to develop imagination, social, communication and motor skills, so we work towards creating soft toys and professional puppets that will invoke that in all children, including those who have special educational needs.

We are always thinking back to our own experience as kids, from two different generations. Pat loved to play in the dirt, she was always connected to nature and animals (she used to have pet chickens!), so she always loved miniature softies. Isa loved to "play house" with her dolls. We believe it's important to create options to the constant flow of technological entertainment around kids, giving them a way to connect with nature and non-tech environments.

What is coming up next?

To keep growing, to make new toy designs, explore more materials, and give some focus to Isa's art in form of toys, not only wearable art jewellery.

Apart from that, we want to start a Blog and get more connected with people! We hope to achieve this last goal very soon.

As you can see, we love to chat!! So, by all means, visit our Facebook page and say "hi!", we will love to hear from you. You can also reach out to us on Pinterest (we love it!! it's like a waterfall of creativity and fun!!). And, of course, visit our shop and spread the love. :) We will be immensely grateful. :)

Use coupon code 5THANKS for 5% off.

All images provided by Pat and Isa of Minorca.

I'd love to hear about what you create. Have a browse through the archive of previous interviews and then share your story with us.

Materials and Techniques - 'Papoose Clothing'

I am not a sewer. I occasionally dabble, but I do admire people who can sew well. Today I am talking with Ashley, who is indeed one of those talented sewers. Ashley makes clothing for her store Papoose Clothing and today in the materials and techniques series she is telling us about her skills. She is a fellow EtsyKids member and is located out of Gulfport, MS in the United States.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Ashley, and I am the owner, designer, and creator behind Papoose Clothing. I started sewing from an early age when my mom taught me the basics, but it wasn’t until college when I took a few costume construction courses that I really honed my skills. After graduation I was still pursuing a career in acting when my sister told me to expect a little niece. To fill the time between gigs, I sewed up a few items for her as special keepsakes and fell in love with making children’s clothing.

What materials and techniques do you like to use?


I love the simplicity and timeless qualities of cotton so that’s my main fabric choice. I think it is so wearable and easy to clean and handle, especially for children’s clothes. I have so many machines and special gadgets to help me, it would be boring for me to list them all, but I strive for professional quality garments that are meant to be passed down to the next generation.

What challenges have you faced in the creative process?

Right now I am releasing two collections every year, and it takes a lot to go from a single idea to full collection. Then you have to take pictures and market your products. I struggle with the business aspect of things really, marketing, photography, taking time to do the more boring and tedious aspects compared to the creative side of production. I have to set a time every morning to finish things I push off doing, so time management and self-motivation is really necessary for small business owners.

What drives you to create?

Like every artistic person, I think creativity comes in waves. A person really needs that down time to just sit and soak in the world and things around you without always having the creative juices flowing. Anything around me can inspire a collection or a clothing piece, I try to keep something on me at all times to draw out an idea. I have a book I like to keep everything in that’s full of ideas and drawings that may or may not be used.

What is coming up next?

Right now I am in the beginning stages of my Fall/ Winter 2014 collection. I have selected my theme and am sketching out designs and looking for fabrics. It won’t be ready until summer, but I am excited about this collection. I think it is going to be a fun and dramatic line!

Papoose Clothing

Papoose Clothing Etsy store

Papoose Clothing Blog

Papoose Clothing Facebook

Papoose Clothing Instagram

Papoose Clothing Pinterest

All images provided by Ashley of Papoose Clothing.

Do you enjoy hearing about different crafts? Visit the archive of materials and techniques interviews. Or contribute. 

Materials and Techniques - 'Fiddle dee Dee'

So many crafts, so little time! I love finding out about what other people in the creative world are doing, so every second Friday I run a series of interviews about the materials and techniques that others use. Today I am talking with Deanna, who hand-stitches felt food and other toys for children. My three-year-old daughter, sitting on my lap as I type, says that we should get some of these, they look great. Deanna is based in Gainesville, Florida in the United States and her store is Fiddle dee Dee. She is a fellow EtsyKids team member.

 Please tell us a little about yourself. 

My husband and I have been married almost 31 years. We have two wonderful daughters (and two great sons-in-law). Our oldest daughter is expecting in early July – our first grandchild! We enjoy travelling, camping and home DIY. This year the DIY projects are taking most of our spare time – we’ve remodeled our kitchen and are now working on the first of two bathrooms. 

My daughters introduced me to Etsy. That’s when I found the felt food patterns and I knew I wanted to make some. Many of my patterns come from other Etsy sellers. I have modified a few of them, and I’ve also come up with some of my own. Now that our family is growing, I have another reason to continue making felt toys. It will be fun to have my own product testers!

What materials and techniques do you like to use? 

In my handmade shop, Fiddle dee Dee, I use a lot of felt. I discovered felt when I was looking for a project I could take with me on a long flight. I found out very quickly that wool blend is great to work with. It holds up better than the craft-store felt and comes in many more colours! I also use cotton for dolls and for the stamped bags I make for my packaging. Most of the felt food is hand-stitched while I watch TV in the evening. I always have several projects in progress, so I can pick which one I want to work on.

 
What challenges have you faced in the creative process? 

I have so many ideas for things I want to make, and not enough time to do it all; but my biggest challenge is the marketing. There are so many social media outlets! It’s been fun to get involved with some new people and shops on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Scheduling some of my promoting has also been a real timesaver. I’m also on several good Etsy teams – a great place to find help and support.

 
What is coming up next?

I recently started my own blog. It is a slow process, because of time constraints, and because the writing doesn’t come easy. I’ve also wanted to open a second shop for a while. I am happy to say that I opened my supply shop, Busy Little Bird, in late March, and I’m looking forward to expanding it over the next few months!

After my husband retires, we’re planning to take some longer trips. Many to visit the grandchildren, I’m sure! I’ll have plenty of time for sewing and working on my shops. No matter what, I know I’ll always be busy!

Fiddle dee Dee Etsy Store

Busy Little Bird Etsy Store 

Fiddle dee Dee Blog 

Fiddle dee Dee Twitter 

Fiddle dee Dee Instagram 

And some coupon codes for you!

At Fiddle dee Dee, use coupon code FELTFUN15 for 15% off any order.

At Busy Little Bird, use coupon code BUSYBIRD for 10% off any order.

All images provided by Deanna of Fiddle Dee Dee.

Did you enjoy this interview? Want to read some more? Check out the rest of the materials and techniques series. Or let me know if you would like to contribute.

Materials and Techniques - 'Hearts Desire'

Here on the kaetoo Blog, I run a series of interviews talking to other crafters about how they do what they do. Today I am talking to Karen, who is based in East Douglas, MA in the United States. Karen and her husband create a wide range of wooden products for their store Hearts Desire, including home decor, perpetual calendars and kitchen accessories, but since Karen is a fellow EtsyKids team member, today she is talking about the toy side of their business.

Please tell us a little about yourself. 

Hearts Desire is a husband and wife team that began many years ago. When my husband and I first met we discovered that our talents really complemented each other. He was fascinated by my talent in painting, which I did a great deal of then, and he began presenting me with pieces of his own design carefully handcrafted from wood. I didn’t know it then but I quickly learned that he was the fussiest, most determined and creative woodworker I’ve ever met. I remember I kept telling him that my paintbrushes had found a true friend indeed. His craftsmanship is impeccable! 

Going through life, children, jobs, etc we tried our hand at selling our creations, but back then it was difficult to find a market for them. Wow! Have things changed since the wonderful world of the Internet! We have truly found a home on Etsy.
 
It’s rather ironic though, we didn’t open our shop to sell children’s toys. It wasn’t until one of our customers who purchased our toaster tongs, contacted us and suggested that we sell them for children, since they made great tools for picking things up, going on nature walks and developing eye-hand coordination. It was suggested that we look into the wonderful world of Waldorf inspired toys.
And hence, our Grabbies were introduced! They weren’t any different than our toaster tongs, yet giving the idea that they were great for children started our venture in toy making. We, as parents of five (now grown) children, were always interested in the classics. We reached back into our memories and started writing down all the toys we enjoyed as kids, and the toys that we enjoyed giving to our children. We found the list to be endless. So, with all these great ideas in mind, and a lot of encouragement from our friends, family and customers, The Toy Store was born. We have truly found our passion and our niche.

What materials and techniques do you like to use?

Wood of all varieties is most definitely our material of choice. We have used all types of hardwood and softwood from pine, to poplar, to maple and many more. My husband chooses the best wood for its application, whether it be toys or keepsake boxes. I have a passion for paper as well and enjoy creating greeting cards, photo albums and the like. As much as I would like to pursue that part of me a little more, for the time being, I’m having too much fun creating for children! 

 
What challenges have you faced in the creative process?

The number one challenge we face, and like so many others I’m sure, is TIME! There never seem to be enough hours in the day, or perhaps it’s just that our imaginations never stop! It’s difficult to stay focused sometimes wanting to create new product and keeping up with inventory. It’s a learning process for sure, and we strive to do the best we possibly can, while still enjoying what we do! 

What drives you to create? 

Inspiration is everywhere! It just all depends on your view and how you see and interpret things. We are constantly brainstorming, searching the internet, reading parenting magazines, and researching fun and unusual games and toys. Our eyes and ears are always open and we happily accept suggestions from anyone, shop owners and customers alike. Doing custom work is one of our specialties, so we’re very in tuned to our customers and their needs and desires. We really hate saying “No”.

What is coming up next? 

More toys!!! We’d like to eventually start offering more games and craft projects for the older child from ages seven and up. We already have some things in the works, and as time allows we will begin offering them in our shop. Always feel free to stop by and see what’s happening. The other plan I have is to really vamp up our website and be more committed to writing a Blog. But, as I said, time is our biggest challenge! ;)

Hearts Desire

Hearts Desire Etsy Store

Hearts Desire Facebook

Hearts Desire Twitter

Hearts Desire Pinterest 

Hearts Desire Blog 

All images provided by Karen of Hearts Desire.

Want more materials and techniques interviews? Read the archive. Or leave a comment if you want to contribute.

Materials And Techniques - 'Babywear By Babs'

I see a common thread when I talk to other crafters about their art - everyone loves to explore different techniques and materials, experimenting with new crafts. In this series of interviews, I have a fortnightly chat with another artist about what they do and how they do it. Today I am talking to Barbara, another EtsyKids member in the US. Her craft is knitting. Barbara makes baby clothing, including oodles of booties, for her store Babywear By Babs.

 
Please tell us a little about yourself.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area of California but grew up in suburban Philadelphia, so I am a bi-coastal gal. I have been knitting all my life but picked it up again about five years ago and have been knitting and creating ever since. I love to design and knit baby and toddler sweaters because they look so cute when finished and I love to see babies wearing interesting clothing – don’t we all deserve to wear designer clothes? My booties are really fun to knit and have become so that popular I have less time to work on my sweater line, but I love designing booties too.

 
What materials and techniques do you like to use?

I love to use wool and acrylic yarn. People hear acrylic and they go “Yuck!” but acrylic has so many wonderful features: it is warm, easy care, and isn’t as scratchy as wool is on tender skin. I really do not like to knit with cotton. It has no elasticity and isn’t really all that comfortable to wear. The American Cotton Board has done an amazing job advertising the virtues of cotton but I really don’t think it makes a good yarn to knit with.

What challenges have you faced in the creative process?

Knitting takes time. I have so many ideas swirling around in my head that I would love to commit to a finished product, but it takes time to find the right colour combinations, work out the design, knit a sample gauge, and finally knit the finished product – usually with several tear-outs along the way. So time is my biggest challenge. There is no solution to time except creating a time machine.

What drives you to create?

I think my need to create comes from working in a very number-based profession. In my profession, there is little room for creating and I like to nurture that side of my brain. I have been creating all kinds of needle craft my entire life starting with sewing and knitting taught to me by my mother. I have also experimented with needlepoint, crewel embroidery, macramé, batik dying and quilting; I’m sure there are a few I have forgotten too. I started knitting again when the financial crisis hit and I couldn’t sleep very well so I would get up in the middle of the night and start knitting. It started with a few sweaters but it just expanded from there into socks, booties, mittens. There is no end in sight.

What is coming up next?

I would love to expand my product line in Babywear By Babs. I have started developing a mitten pattern that has a long cuff. Haven’t we all experienced snow or freezing wind in that gap between the mitten and the end of the jacket sleeve? I have a line of mittens that has a very long cuff to eliminate that problem. I also want to work on diaper soakers. There are so many mums using cloth diapers these days and knit wool soakers make a colourful cover to cloth diapers. I am still working at a full time job so I hope to keep my shop open and full until retirement when I can concentrate full time on my designer line.

Babywear By Babs Etsy shop

Babywear By Babs Facebook

All images provided by Barbara of Babywear By Babs.

Please post a comment below if you would like to share your craft with us. Read up on more crafts in previous materials and techniques interviews.

Materials and Techniques - 'Birthday Blocks' by 'Get Crafty Creations'

I like to find out what other people are doing in the crafty world, and how they are doing it. So each fortnight I talk to another artist about how they do what they do. Today I am talking to Megan. She makes decorated wooden blocks that are perfect as photo props for babies and children. Megan is as fellow EstyKids member, who operates as Birthday Blocks by Get Crafty Creations and she is based in Chicago, IL in the United States.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I am recently re-settled back in my native Chicago after five years living in Las Vegas with my husband and three year old son. We are also currently expecting our second child at the end of July. I created Birthday Blocks after my son was a little older, so I never got to use them for him. I love to read and watch movies, and as a former theater major, I love all things musical.

What materials and techniques do you like to use?

I spent over a year creating and refining my birthday blocks, so I tried all sorts of materials. I prefer using paint and vinyl, but I do incorporate acid-free paper from time to time, if the design is a good fit.

What challenges have you faced in the creative process?

It took me a long time to figure out how to make my blocks durable and still attractive. They are meant to last for years, after all. I didn't want to simply paint them and ship them out; paint could scratch or wear, and my vinyl/paper designs could easily stain or peel. I went through lots and lots of different "sealant" products to find the right mix. I was anxious to get my shop started, but waiting until I had the right process was essential. I recommend the old trial and error method, and just know that it is best to be patient until you can showcase your best product.

What drives you to create?

I have what I like to call "Crafty A.D.D." :) I am constantly being inspired to try new mediums and crafts, and inspiration comes from everywhere. I get ideas from movies, cartoons, books, songs, photographs, you name it. A lot of my block designs are custom designed based on requests to match a nursery theme, so that helps a lot.

What is coming up next?

I'm looking to branch out and add other fun photo props to my shop, which still keeping the general theme of the Birthday Blocks alive. I'm working on some alternatives to the blocks, such as stickers and signs, as well as props geared specifically for newborns and families. I love that there are so many avenues to pursue to keep my shop fresh!

Birthday Blocks

Birthday Blocks Etsy shop

Birthday Blocks Facebook

Get Crafty Creations Blog  

All images provided by Megan of Birthday Blocks.

Explore more materials and techniques interviews, and if you would like to contribute, please do leave a comment.

Materials and Techniques - 'Clayful Impressions'

Finding out about different ways to craft is interesting. Each fortnight I have a chat with another crafter about the materials and techniques that they use. Today's guest is Debbie, who works with ceramics in her store, Clayful Impressions. Debbie is another EtsyKids member and is based in Murrieta, CA, United States.

Please tell us a little about yourself.

I started out wanting to be home with my children and still be able to work. I have worked as an Early Childhood Educator for many years with my degree in Art and Education. I always had my hands in art with work in murals, glass and gourds. I now have a ceramic shop specialising in personalised handprints for families to keep and cherish forever. I wanted there to be away to hold on to memories and when I discovered hand and footprints in ceramic clay, I just had to share with everyone else.

What materials and techniques do you like to use?

I started with imprints and then played with techniques to be able to offer the imprints to others all over the world. I have now perfected my technique and I am able to send these precious keepsakes to anyone who would like without stepping into my studio. I send out a mould kit for parents to print hand and foot in mould. I believe the best results are the pop out hand and footprints where the prints are raised above the plaque. The print is easier that you think and when it dries the mould is sent back to me where I create the magic. I transfer it to ceramic in a way that allows it to keep its detail. After the initial kiln bisque firing, glaze of your choice is painted and the plaque is kiln fired again. There is some shrinkage. Customers need to know that this is a timely process and takes up to eight weeks to return the item. I have many customers wanting a piece of work done just weeks before a holiday! Much time is due to transferring, etching, detailing, drying, cleaning, kiln firing twice, glaze painting and finishing with writing baby information on back, adding sheer white ribbon and securely packaging up to be sent out.

What challenges have you faced in the creative process?

Challenges I face are the same all working mothers deal with. Trying to be all to everyone and everything that comes my way. Recently I began taking care of my aging mother and it has been a challenge to accommodate her needs, my family and work, but my mother is such a blessing and I will always be there for her

What drives you to create?

My children are my inspiration for Clayful Impressions.

What is coming up next?

What I love from working in my shop is all the new creative ways to promote, create new photo images, advertise. I also love finding in my every day environment new ideas and solutions to bring to my shop. I never want to limit myself. I always have new ideas to try out.

Clayful Impressions

Clayful Impressions Etsy shop

Clayful Impressions Blog

Clayful Impressions Facebook

All images provided by Debbie from Clayful Impressions.

More materials and techniques interviews are available for you to read. If you'd like to share your creative story, please let me know.