Admirable Makers Part 2

Owning a business is a goal for a lot of people, myself included. It's a daunting endeavor but for the many who have started theirs and recount their stories of success and failure, only ignites courage -- that little push we need -- within us.    

This was the theme of Martha Stewart American Made, a recent fair in New York City, celebrating the maker, the handmade, and the local enterprise. Part of the event was an night of award giving to businesses that showcase quality and innovation. I featured some of the nominees yesterday. Here's the last of the batch:

Back to the Roots, urban mushroom farmers.  Founders Nikhil Arora and Alejandro Velez went into business instead of pursing a career in the corporate world. Their goal is to develop products that connect families to food. Their advice for those who wish to start their own business: "Get out there and demo and talk to customers! Share your idea –– don't get caught in the idea that "someone will steal this." A passion or idea is 1% of the challenge, executing is the other 99%. Sharing your passion with others –– customers, partners, friends –– and getting their feedback and thoughts will help you see where the opportunity exists. What about it gets them most excited? Just share and talk to as many people as possible. Get a booth at farmer's market, and don't leave till you talk to 200 people. You'll leave with a much better business plan than any online research will get you!"

Woodberry Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant. Founders Mike and Amy Gjerde's food for thought: "Do what matters to you, and only what matters to you."

Pinnell Custom Leather, maker of leather products. Founder Charles Pinnell has this advice: "Stay true to your work, stay true to yourself, and stay true to your customer. Say what you mean and mean what you say."

Archi's Acres describes themselves as "developers of sustainable, hydroponic, organic farming to create opportunities for our returning veterans." Everything about that statement is TADA! Founders Karen and Colin Archipley have this to say about turning one's passion into a business: "Be willing to dedicate 100% to making sure your dream is realized. Prepare, prepare, prepare....Know your product, who your customer is and know your competitors and be ready to devote your life to making it a success."

I hope you found their stories inspiring. See you tomorrow!

Admirable Makers Part 1

If you've ever read Martha Stewart Living Magazine, it spotlights a lot of small business owners from across the United States who make products with their hands and hearts.

It was only fitting that those featured in the magazine over the years come together in a craft market called Martha Stewart American Made held last month at the Vanderbilt Hall of Grand Central Station.

Part of the event was to take notice of these "Tastemakers", who are described as the next generation of great American makers who inspire us with their beautiful goods, quality craftsmanship, and innovative ideas. These creative entrepreneurs turned their passion into a thriving business. 

They were recognized in an awards ceremony. Below are the 2013 American Made Honorees. Maybe their stories can help us take that first step in creating a business that we can each call our own. 

Spoonflower, a website where you can design your own fabric, wallpaper, decals and giftwrap. Gart Davis and Stephen Fraser, founders, acknowledge collaboration as part of their success: "It's the character of crafters around the world, creating a friendly, encouraging atmosphere."

Shinola, makers of watches, bicycles and leather goods. Heath Carr, business owner, has this advice: "Make sure you stay true to your original vision, and don’t get dissuaded by those who will want to tell you why you can’t do this or that. Focus instead on why you should, and what story you want to tell the world."

Folk Fibers, championing natural dyes and quilting. Founder Maura Grace Ambrose has these wise words: "It's okay to wait until you're ready. I got a job in "my industry" right after college and burned out after a year. The following six years I spent following my interests to different jobs including portrait photography, preschools, and farming. Now that I have Folk Fibers I can see a very clear connection between all these disciplines and where I am now. I learned to be okay with my path and trusting that things would work out."

Portland Meat Collective, a travelling butchering school. Founder Camas Davis has this to say: "I started a business that would teach me what I wanted to do. I suspect one could start a Portland Cheese Collective or a Portland Carpentry Collective using the same basic model. If you can't find a class to teach you the thing you want to know, create a class yourself! Also, it's okay to start small. Test the market. Don't commit yourself to a 3,000 square foot space until you know you have the clientele you need. Lastly, people love a good story. If you are passionate about something and you want to start a business based on that passion, be sure to tell your own story about your own passion. It will connect people to you instantly."

Lindsey Adelman Studio, lighting designer and owner, offers this advice:  "Work for other people that you respect first. Then be true to yourself and –– practically-speaking –– meet regularly with a business coach to get it started. It helps you plan and helps turn what you love into profit so you can live off of your work. And honestly I believe everyone benefits when people follow what they love. The support will show up."

More honorees and their businesses tomorrow. Have a nice day!

American Made

Did you have a nice weekend my dears? Autumn is in full swing in my part of the world. That means the weather's chilly and the leaves are showing off fall's finest colors.

In mid-October, I went to a beautiful craft fair in New York's Grand Central Station. I found it so inspiring, I wanted to share the highlights with you.

The fair was called Martha Stewart American Made. It honors those who revive lost art forms and pioneer new industries. It celebrates small businesses and artisans, handpicked by the editors of Martha Stewart Living, who are turning well-designed goods into a way of life.

You know you're in for a treat when there are free sugar cookies!

Lots of free samples like baked goods, pickles, cold cuts, tea and spreads.

There were a handful of crafting tables so guests could try Martha Stewart's craft supplies. Employees of the company were on hand to demonstrate use and cheer on everyone willing to try. 

There was also a mini market showcasing handcrafted items from all over the US. Accessories and jewelry, food and drink, home goods and decor, paper goods and personal care products were well represented.

There were also a lot of DIY demos and book signing providing great audience interaction.

Tomorrow, we'll take a peek at the companies honored during the event. See you then!

Stamped and Flocked

I hope you guys had an exciting Halloween!

Today, another use for flocking powder but without the Halloween theme.

I'll use it to dress up some plain card stock -- my take on personalized stationery.
 

Traditionally, flocking powder is used for stamping projects. Aside from applying rubber stamps to ink pads, they can be applied to glue pads. The rubber stamp {now with a layer of glue} is pressed onto paper. The image is then showered with flocking powder, resulting in a velvety design.

I'm going to attempt to do this with the resources I have.

First, I decided on which part of the card stock I wanted the image. Then I marked the center with the help of a ruler and pencil.

Because I don't have a glue pad, I'm experimenting with tacky glue that I poured on a flat lid.

 

I set-up my work station by lining it with scrap paper {flocking powder will yield a mess}.

I gently immersed my rubber stamp into the shallow puddle of glue.

I cleaned up the excess glue from the edges of the rubber before stamping it on my card stock.

I piled on the flocking powder so that the entire design was covered.

I tapped out the excess flocking powder and here is the result. My technique doesn't quite capture the scalloped details of the border and the thin edges of the letter O.

I tried it again with this "love birds" rubber stamp.

A thick dusting of flocking powder.

Still the fine details do not come out.

But I still have a homespun greeting card just the same. TADA!

Happy Halloween!

Hello there! I'll be busy handing out candy and checking out fun costumes so we'll skip the crafting today. But here's something TADA! I have to share with you:

I spotted this at Whole Foods. It's a haunted house made out of recycled cardboard boxes!

I just love the shingle style exterior.

The details of the roof, walls and windows are exquisite.

I envy the ghost who lives here.

Have a spook-tacular Halloween, everyone!

Secret Identity

Do you dress up for Halloween? Do you think Halloween is blah or is it TADA!? Here's a low-commitment costume that doesn't cost much and hopefully, as you make it, will get you in the spirit of this special day. 

Today's blah: a white cardboard box. 

With a pair of scissors, it's instantly transformed into TADA!

Here's another version in a shape befitting a superhero. Or bandit. Depending on the look you're going for.

I'm embellishing it with some squiggles of tacky glue.

Then, on a surface covered with scrap paper, I'll cover the mask with flocking powder. Glitter or confetti are other alternatives.

The flocking powder should attach to the glue. When the excess powder is tapped out, we'll have these fun designs on the mask...TADA! 

The scrap paper keeps our craft table neat and it also catches all the excess powder. Form the paper into a cone and return the extra flocking powder into the jar {because wasting is blah}.

Add ribbons to secure the mask around the head...

 ...or rubber bands inserted into holes made with a craft punch.

Pair the mask with an all-black outfit and TADA!, Halloween party here we come!

Bats on a Bag

This week, we're playing around with flocking powder:

It's a crafting material that, when applied to an adhesive, produces a velvety surface. 

Let's see how we can dress up this blah paper bag to make it Halloween ready.

I've chosen a bat design. It can easily be drawn freehand, but since I have this cookie cutter, I'll use it as a stencil.

We'll outline the bat with flocking powder, beginning with all purpose glue placed over the pencil drawing.

Followed by a shower of flocking powder {don't be stingy since the excess can be returned to the container}. 

By the way, make sure your table is lined with scrap paper to catch any loose powder.

Tap out the excess powder and use a paintbrush to get rid of any stubborn flecks.

It's easy to use a marker, crayon or pen to draw these bats, but the flocking powder adds a felt-like finish. 

TADA! This bag is all suited up for Halloween candy!