New Member Introductions!

[lovahandmade]

Hey Crafty Friends! Post a little something about yourself and your favorite new item in your shop!

[Former_Member]

Hello!

I'm so excited to be working on FredMADE with Jodie! We are both really thrilled to find other indie artisans in our community and getting to know one another.

As for me, I love to make things (don't we all?) but especially love to create new things from once loved vintage pieces. I live in Fredericksburg with my sweet husband and our puggle, Sheldon. I work full time but hope someday, I can Simply March full time. Until then, my off work time is filled with the creative and I'm just fine with that.

Can't wait to meet you all!

Here's my most favorite new piece!
https://www.etsy.com/listing/100707473/orange-blossom-vintage-cluster-necklace

[Former_Member]

Hi all!

I started my Etsy shop last August and have made about 12 sales so far, and I'm very excited about those few! I'm a stay at home wife and I just really enjoy sewing!!

My favorite item in my shop is, Alphonse! He's soo cute! :D

https://www.etsy.com/listing/86538346/alphonse-orange-and-white-striped

[StickinWithMe]

Hi everyone!
So great to see such talent in our own backyard :)
My name is Paula, and we've been here in VA just shy of one year. Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and growing my business.
I (sadly) haven't had a chance to work on anything new in several weeks, but my all time favorite piece is a pendant made with Japanese washi paper. It reminds me just how much I miss being in Japan, and all the fun I had shopping for beautiful, colorful, unique paper, like this one.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/85524694/cherry-blossom-pendant

[lovahandmade]

Hi Everyone!

I'm Jodie, I'll be organizing this team along with Meghan. We're conspiring to do lots of cool and crafty things and I'm hoping we'll all be able to get together and connect locally to form a fun crafty community.

I'm from Fredericksburg (born & raised!) and run my crafty biz Lova Revolutionary full time from my home studio and recently wrote my first craft book! I adore all things artsy & craftsy. Aside from making tons of felt goodies, I also love drawing, painting, a little bit of knitting, and battling it out with my sewing machine.

This is one of my favorite items from my shop - I absolutely adore making these:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/84289636/fox-dreamcatcher-wall-hanging-plush-eco

[Former_Member]

Hello everyone,

I live in Ladysmith, in Lake land or. I have had my shop on etsy since Feb. 2006. My etsy store has all my hand spun yarns and some rovings from my small herd of llamas and shetland sheep. At the moment it is sort of bare as I am putting new inventory on. I also have a shop at artfire.com. There I sell my hand dyed yarns. My biggest seller is a store that is located at Meadows of Dan, VA. At GreenBerry House a knitting store, there the owner has a lot of my hand dyed yarns.
I am "retired" and work from home. I knit, crochet, spin, learning weaving, hand dye yarns, and sew., so I keep pretty busy. Been doing all this fiber stuff for over 20 years. It will be fun talking to other crafters in the area.

[Former_Member]

Hi. I've been in the Fredericksburg area for just over two years now. I love to sew, and I am fortunate to be able to teach sewing classes to all ages. I also enjoy knitting, and I'm always dabbling with other crafts. I look foward to getting to know all of you. Here is one of my favorite onsies I paint up.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/89483440/little-sheep-hand-painted-bodysuit

[Former_Member]

**Hello to my fellow lovers of handmade creations!!! Thank you for inviting me to be part of your group! **

I am Melissa Marie and I am relatively new to Etsy! I just opened my shop a few months ago and have accomplished a few sales. I have to say I am absolutely LOVING the opportunity to share my handmade creations with others.

I work as an Interior Designer during the day at a large firm near DC, and fight traffic home to jump into a felted crafting frenzy. I am a proud ARMY wife and hope to someday craft full time!! I have to say that I just recently created one of my favorite items! I almost decided to keep it for myself! Enjoy!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/100707537/felt-cuff-bracelet-with-poppies-in-red

[cuddlebugkids]

Hello local peeps! Thanks for inviting me to join you! I'm all about sharing, and learning from one another and love hanging out with other crafters! My family moved to Charlottesville about a year ago but I lived in F'burg for 17 years prior to that.

I'm a pattern designer who focuses on crochet and sewing patterns for kids with sensory integration, autism, and ADHD. I've been on Etsy a few years now and love it! I'm trying to grow my business so that when my pre-schooler hits school age I can do my business full time! I LOVE using my creativity to find ways to help kids with special needs and their families!

Here's one of my favorite sensory kids products - a visual schedule tutorial to help kids understand their day and to help parents communicate the plan:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/56595252/visual-schedule-planner-for-home

Here's my newest crochet pattern (last week):
https://www.etsy.com/listing/100493167/cell-phone-toy-pdf-crochet-pattern

[Former_Member]

Well Hello!

Thanks for the invite. I'm new to Etsy and am really excited about the possibilities! I've been sewing for as long as I can remember, but found a passion for making things for little ones after the birth of my very own tiny person. I'm really enjoying my work so far and will be continuing to expand my shop offerings over the next couple of months.

It's awesome to have a forum for chatting with other artisans - especially local folks! As a mother of a young child, it just seems there is never enough time to make connections with other big people - so I'm thrilled that Etsy can help us do that too!

Ok - a favorite listing - A new modern (but kind of girly) quilt. I've never been a ruffle sort of gal - but even I get a kick out of this little quilt.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/100703804/baby-quilt-with-ruffles-custom-designed

[Former_Member]

Hey all, thanks for the invite. I have another lil group for all of VA that was started a few weeks ago, feel free to check it out and post.

I am Ashleigh, owner of a vintage and jewelry shop, along with The Burbs Handmade Toys, llc. I recreate jewelry and accessories out of vintage pieces i find and i make funky cloth toys, blankets and collectibles. I am in the process of self-publishing a kids book series with my husband. Check out the stores when you get a minute!
I am also active with a big group of crafters/artists in the Hampton Roads area of VA.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/298438843564992/

I currently have stock in 3 boutiques, (va, ct, and RI) and have sold all over the world, yay! lol. I enjoy making something every day. I have 3 crazy kids and a hard working husband. I am fortunate to stay home and run the house and shops.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/77058304/herkimer-diamond-cluster-ring

[Former_Member]

Posting from my toy shop too! <3


https://www.etsy.com/listing/99665821/fluffy-jack

https://www.etsy.com/listing/98871073/burbie-dolls?ref=v1_other_2

[Former_Member]

Hello all!
I'm moved to Charlottesville with my wife last August while she attends law school. So far, loving this place more than any other I've been to. My designs are 4 panel paintings and prints with animal silhouettes. Here's one of my latest:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/96946708/elephant-art-painting-blue-brown-white
Take care,
Ricky

[lovahandmade]

Thanks for all these great introductions! It's so nice to get to know everyone! Keep 'em coming!

[Former_Member]

Hey, I'm Erika and my mom Brenda and I are just starting our Etsy store. (Hopefully having a 'Grand Opening' on the 1st of June) Any tips you have would be welcomed!

We have live in the Lake Anna area, and have been in the area for about 5 years. Between us we do just about everything crafty, and have finally decided to test out selling our wares. : - )

[Former_Member]

I was so ecstatic to get this invite!!! I'm so excited to meet everyone too. I've lived in the 'Burg for my entire life, born & raised here & here is where I'll stay. I love this town so much & my hubby who is originally from Ohio has grown to love this area also. We live in Spotsy county in a tiny rental with our pet parrot & lots of friends & family nearby. I opened my Etsy shop in August of 2010 & focus mainly on crochet accessories & gifts (I've been crocheting for 16 plus years now) and a few custom jewelry pieces. I also teach crochet classes from beginners to advanced/experienced at the local Hobby Lobby & Germanna Community College. Here's my latest listing...
https://www.etsy.com/listing/97577478/jewel-tone-crochet-rosette-headband

[Former_Member]

Hi Group, thanks so much for the invite to this team--- I am in the midst of working on new pieces and projects at the moment. Be on the lookout. I look forward to hearing and chatting with other local artisans. I am also on facebook so be sure to stop by and show your love and support and i'll return the gesture as well!!!
Here is one of my bracelets in my shop, I am currently working on a line of holistic and natural remedy bracelets, made with semi-precious stones and crystals. I am even looking into letting fans choose the design and have me make it for them.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/99727475/jasper-says-relax-harmony-strength-and

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!

My name is Allison Long Hardy and I'm so excited to be a new member of this group! I'm an adjunct professor at Mary Washington in their art department. I teach a variety of courses relating to design, printmaking, painting, and drawing. I've been on Etsy for over a year, but actually 'trying' to sell work since February.

I love in Woodbridge with my husband and two dogs, Rufus and Rosie. I find inspiration in everyday life, particularly with conversations. I interpret those conversations through line and repetition in my works.

To see more of my works go to: www.allisonlonghardy.com

Here is the link to one of my more recent works from my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/listing/97872624/squares-original-small-75-x-8-abstract

Best,
Allison

[Former_Member]

Hi all I've been on Etsy for over a year and I think this will be a fun team! I live in Colonial Beach Va with a house full of fur babies. I work full time in a very boring office job with the slowest computer ever made of course I dream of crafting full time but here I still am plucking away at this job.
I do a lot of craft fairs starting up in Sept YEAH!
Has anyone been to the Colonial Forge High School show in late October? I was told it was really good but can't find info on it yet.

[Former_Member]

http://www.etsy.com/listing/94600652/cat-pillow-tangerine

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!! I'm so excited to be invited to join your team. There is so much I want to learn from all of you about online marketing.
I spent about fourteen years living in a motorhome and traveling the country doing juried art shows with the silver and gold jewelry my husband and I made together, but have no idea how to market online. We do have some of our jewelry and gourd baskets in a shop down in Old Town, but my etsy shop is about babies. I got startyed helping my daughter, who is a photographer in Spotsy, making baby hats and wraps for photo props. When I was laid off my job last year I had to start my business to pay the mortgage.

I live in Lake Land'or in Ladysmith, (how exciting for me as a knitter to find a yarn weaver and dyer here in Ladysmith. How 'bout car pooling to the Meet and Greet?)

I just spent a couple hours visiting all of your shops and am so excited to get to be a part of a group of such talented artists.

[MeredithRStoddard]

Wow! There seem to be a few Caroline Co crafters on here.

I'm Meredith. I live in Belmont in Caroline. I'm a knitter, crocheter, spinner, felter, dyer and writer as well as a stay-at-home mom. I used to be a corporate trainer and instructional designer for Intuit, but now I'm at home with my two little ones and crafting and writing fiction.

The biggest sellers in my shop are my Dozen Roses Lariats which I have in several colors. I also do a good business in shawls and crocheted lace.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/67346792/dozen-roses-lariat-light-pink

I'm really excited about the group. It'll be good to share info with other crafters in the area.

[LizzysFancy]

Hello, new member here! I'm new to Virginia too, just moved here from Michigan. I've been selling jewelry and drawstring bags on etsy for a few years, and was getting ready to go into craft show selling when my husband got his job transferred to the Pentagon.

I love making jewelry and sewing costumes and other pretty things, I'm a bit of a craftaholic and have tried my hand at a lot of different things, but jewelry and sewing are my passions.

One of the fun new things in my shop is this purple bracelet, I made it on the drive from the midwest to the east coast!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123522418/purple-hearts-and-flowers-bracelet

Can't wait to get to know you all as I get to know the area around here - we live in Stafford and I hope to find a good beading store not far from home soon =) And maybe take the plunge at a craft show!

[Former_Member]

Hello team! I'm excited to be here.
I'm Cathy from Orange Octopus Studio. I've had my shop since mid-January. Can't wait to learn from you all and help each other grow our businesses!

I live in Mechanicsville, VA just outside of Richmond but frequent the Fredericksburg area since 1) my daughter is a student at UMW and 2) I love the Old Town area and shops and 3) WEGMAN'S!!!

I hope you'll take a look around my shop.

Thanks for having me.

Cathy

[Former_Member]

Hi team! Thanks so much for having me--I'm looking forward to meeting people and sharing ideas! I'm originally from Dearborn, Michigan but I've lived in Fredericksburg for 7 years and I love it. My husband and I both teach in Stafford, and when I'm not grading papers or running after my twin 4-year-old girls, I'm making jewelry and hairbows! I started out making hairbows for the girls and then it just got out of hand. :)
We are all about the princesses at our house, and here's one of my favorite princess sets. :)
https://www.etsy.com/listing/119355638/disney-princess-hairbow-and-necklace?