Who knew crafting could become my career?!

I've loved crafts since I was a little girl. Colors especially fascinated me. On my birthday each year, my mom would let me mix food coloring into the frosting she had made for my cake so I could make my own hue of purple, pink, or whatever color I was into that year. The swirls of color were fabulous.

I had an aunt who fed my creative spirit by giving birthday and Christmas gifts of charcoal pencils, sketch pads, chalks and paints. Later my biggest craft interest was Li'l Missy Beaded Doll Kits (see a picture in my scrolling pictures below). I spent hours pinning beads and gluing fabric to make these gorgeous dolls.

I majored in English and German in college with the intent to teach. I loved art, but I couldn't see how that could become a way to earn a living.

It wasn't until I was in my twenties, visiting a friend one day, that I learned from her about making greeting cards. She showed me how she stamped images onto paper and colored them to make beautiful cards to send for special occasions. I was hooked! Not only was it fun to make something beautiful out of paper, but the item I created was also practical. Cards were always needed for birthdays and holidays. They wouldn't be just some knick knack to sit on a shelf.

In 2009, my son came home from school one day and told me about Etsy, an on-line art store that he had learned about from his art teacher. Just months before that, I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. During the days following chemo, when I wasn't in the mood to go out, I spent a lot of time making cards. I enjoyed making them especially during this time because I loved making something pretty when I, myself, was not feeling so pretty.

Since I was making time for card-making, I figured I might as well learn more about this Etsy shop that my son was so excited about. I soon discovered why he was so interested. I decided to try my hand at selling my items. And the rest is history.

Well, not exactly. Cards ended up not being so much my thing because they took so long to make. I discovered that party supplies out of paper, especially ones customized with specific party colors for my buyers, was far more satisfying. I'm a people pleaser, so I wanted to be making things that would make my customers feel like they had received something that was one-of-a-kind.

Custom orders are still my favorite. I love being in contact with my clients and hearing their wishes. When I can give them what they want, my heart is happy.

Who knew crafting could become my career?! I wouldn't have thought so long ago, but I'm glad I've found my niche here on Etsy!