Interview Series: Week 9 – Heavenly Princess

Greetings everyone! I write this as I suffer through some Mystery Illness or Black Plague of sorts.  Or rather as I suffer the whining "Why isn't it Over?!" stage of said illness, where there is nothing left but some general tired and some irritating aches and fading other symptoms.
Enough about me.  Bottom line: I apologize for a lack of a post last Wednesday, I was busy swearing at nature and at general sickness and its irritations.

This week I bring you someone else who has their hands in more than just one thing, and someone who shares a little of the spotlight in their shop with a sibling.  This week I bring you the beautiful dresses, cards and headbands of Heavenly Princess on Zibbet.

Name:
Jordan Elizabeth
Craft:
Sewing and drawing
Favorite material (or medium, whatever you want to call it!):
I love wool fabric! It's so lovely to work with.
Most Popular Seller (whether it be online or at shows):
Probably my hand drawn cards. I'm not sure which style is most popular, since it's a newer product for me.

Floral notecards set of 3, Fuchsia Pink and Light Green
Beautiful hand-drawings, and inspirations to boot!

What got you into your craft?

 

I first began learning to sew when I was about 7 years old. My great aunt (grandma's sister) taught me the basics before her own granddaughters were old enough. She got me addicted to the best sewing machine on the market (Bernina)!
As for drawing, I have done that ever since I can remember. I taught myself my own form of cursive, and came up with "better" ways to form the letters when I was about 8.

How did you learn your craft?

 

After I felt like I had learned enough of the basics, I stopped taking sewing lessons from my aunt and struck out on my own. My parents are very supportive! My mom, who does not sew at all, found me an outrageous deal on a Bernina, and my dad lets me use part of his home office for my sewing space. I collect books and try to learn new and old techniques from them (one of my favorites is a dressmaking manual from the 40s).
Ever since that first "creative cursive alphabet", I have enjoyed designing my own fonts. My mom once thought that I had let my friends write in my journal because every page had different handwriting on it. I pore over books and websites about calligraphy and creative lettering too.

Empire dress with puffed sleeves (size 10)
Somehow I don't think this photo can do the dress itself justice! Where was this when I was young?

What about YOU? Who is the artist behind those wonderful items?




I am a Heavenly Princess, first of all. A daughter of the King AKA a Christian. My purpose in life is to glorify God. I am the oldest of 5 siblings, and we all were/are home schooled. The two youngest are adopted, but look exactly like my sisters. I am the odd one out - a redhead among blondes :)

 Cream and Dark Red Ribbon Tie Jumper or Sundress (size 1)
Another that a photo can't do justice to! This is absolutely adorable!

What is a typical "working" day for you? How does it usually start and end? How many hours do you spend crafting? How many hours do you spend on other things? What about distractions? I know we all have them! Do you usually accomplish all you wanted to?



Typical? No day is typical in a family like mine! The biggest distractions for me are typically the Internet and my little brothers. Often I will grab my iPad and supervise them instead of working on things for my shop. Sometimes I'm able to pop into my work area for a half hour at a time, but I prefer to be left alone for hours so that I can get in the creative zone and get a lot done. Goals and deadline help me get things accomplished.

What happens when you Oops? Everyone gets one sometime or another! Do you get frustrated and destroy/start over, or do you go with the flow and see what comes out in the end?



One giant oops with a zipper when I was 10 years old almost made me never sew again! I've always struggled with dealing with Oopses constructively. I'm a perfectionist, so the temptation is always to doom messed up projects to the "fail" box, but I'm learning to revisit those supposed failures to remake them. This is why I keep the "fail" box - it keeps me from throwing something away that could be fixed when I'm in a better mood.

 Corduroy & Lace Headband
Made by Jordan's younger sister – I couldn't not include one, all of the headbands are cute as a button, like this one!

What is your design process like? How many tries does it take to be happy with the final product?




I like to plan my projects to death, so usually I don't have many trials before producing the final project. This goes back to my perfectionism. Unfortunately, some designs literally are planned to death, and stay in my idea books. I don't like to jump into a design until I know how every step will go and have a guarantee in my mind that it will go well. On the other hand, some of my best designs have come from no planning at all! For example, my prize-winning scarf (http://heavenlyprincessblog.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/another-picture-from-the-make-it-with-wool-competition/) was created by draping an odd shaped bit of wool around my dressform's neck, then the embroidery was done flower by flower without a design sketch to go by. Sure, a scarf is simple, but it's a start!

 
Language of Flowers notecards set of 3
I learned something new reading the description of these, and these would be the perfect way to send a message to someone!

What is your greatest roadblock, be it government regulation or that little frustrating thing that just likes to sneak up and stop you in your tracks? Broken needle? Jump ring jumping out of your pliers? Thread knots? Cats? Dogs? The family hedgehog rolled about in your yarn basket?



A lack of focus tends to be my roadblock, whether it be working on a project in spite of distractions or deciding which pattern to draft next!

All important pricing... Do you have a formula? Do you wing it? Do you feel your work justifies your prices?




*sigh* pricing. I begin with an hourly rate, but also factor in other expenses. I consider supply and demand based on what else is available online. Mostly I try to be simple - no .95 added to the end of any of my prices ;) Round numbers are easier to work with.

 
"Little Women"
Meg March
Jo March
Beth March
Amy March
I had to save this one for last, simply because I love the book, love the movies, and I absolutely adore these dresses!

And of course, is there anything else you'd like to say to our "viewers at home"?




Please stop by my blog http://heavenlyprincessblog.wordpress.com! I love comments :)

 

 

Thank you, Jordan, for sharing your story, your beautiful work, and your inspirations with us all!

Make sure to visit Jordan (and her sister) at her Zibbet shop, Heavenly Princess.

Interview Series: Week 8 - luvncrafts

This week brings us a little bit of variety.  I mean I’ve had variety here before, but usually at one end of a spectrum.  This week I bring you someone with what I call “Craft ADD” – Instead of choosing a craft and flying with it, or a medium and flying with it, this artist pools several things, all at once.  Well… okay, one at a time, since I’m sure she doesn’t have octopus arms or something.  But still, this artist’s shop has a beautiful smorgasbord of stuff that it’s hard to know where to begin!!

So without further babble, let me introduce you to Luvincrafts of Zibbet.

 

Name:
Christie
Craft:
Crochet, making greeting cards, dabbling in sewing and beading
Favorite material (or medium, whatever you want to call it!):
cotton and wool yarns, soft yarns, pretty papers and stickers
Most Popular Seller (whether it be online or at shows):
my mini thank you cards for sellers to slip in with their orders, and my crocheted cell phone covers.

 Brown Mini Thank You Cards With Roses and Polka Dots Set of 18
I can see why. I think I may have to bookmark this section of your shop…

What got you into your craft?




I started making cards about 12 years ago. I went with my mother to a "Stamin' Up" party. I didn't really have a craft at the time. Thought the card making looked neat. Mom and I went in together on a set of stamps. Have been making cards since.

For Crochet....My Grandma on Mom's side crocheted. She use to wear sweaters all the time that she made for herself. When I was 11 I asked her to show me how. She taught me how to do a chaing and a single crochet. Grandma gave me some yarn, and a crochet hook. I made a few pot holders. But never did much with it after that.
I kept the hook tho, and about 10 years ago my Mother-in-law gave me a bunch of craft stuff she was destashing. There was a box of yarn in there. I got out the hook Grandma gave me and decided to try again. I got a few "how to" books, and was "hooked" on crochet.

I dabble in other crafts because I like to try new things. I do a LITTLE beading because my daughters are into that and wanted me to do that with them.

How did you learn your craft?

Mostly self taught, and through "how to" books and magazines.

 

Multi Hued Purple Crocheted Flower Appliqués
I could see so many uses for these! Adorable AND handmade!

What about YOU? Who is the artist behind those wonderful items?

I am a stay at home Mom to 6 wonderful Children. Wife for 15 years. Not much to say about me really. I love the simple life, and crafts are my way to relax and create something for someone else. I love to give to others. And there is a special joy is seeing someone else enjoy something I made with my own hands.

Besides crafts, I enjoy gardening and nature, and photography.

 Green Square Beads Mother of Pear Necklace Bracelet and Earring Set
You really do dabble in lots of crafts! This is lovely!

What is a typical "working" day for you? How does it usually start and end? How many hours do you spend crafting? How many hours do you spend on other things? What about distractions? I know we all have them! Do you usually accomplish all you wanted to?

My days are full with taking care of the children. My crafting is usually done in the evenings and on weekends. During the day I am working with and teaching the children. Sometimes we will have a craft day, and all do a craft together. I am constantly distracted....can't help that with 6 children. LOL But I don't mind. :) I never accomplish all I wanted to in a day. LOL But I always get my projects done on time. If there is a dead line. With projects I am doing for putting in my shop, or just because, I take a relaxed approach on those and don't rush myself.

What happens when you Oops? Everyone gets one sometime or another! Do you get frustrated and destroy/start over, or do you go with the flow and see what comes out in the end?

  LOL I oops a lot with crochet. I get and idea, and then set to work. I don't usually use patterns, but get ideas in my mind. Sometimes I will work on something, and it will want to be something entirely different from what I wanted it to be. Sometimes I will let the yarn decide. Other times I will start over. It's not very frustrating with crochet, because usually, it's easy to unravel and start over. With cards it's harder to undo mistakes. But if I make one, and really don't like the way it turned out, I just use it myself.

 Pink Camo Cell Phone Tote or Mini Purse

What is your design process like? How many tries does it take to be happy with the final product?

I usually get an idea in my head. With car making, I make, or get all the different parts for my idea. Then I start working. With cards, I usually stick with my first try. Unless it is a custom order. I want those to be JUST right, and even better than what the customer is expecting. So, I mught try two or three times to get it just right. With crochet, when I get a new idea, sometimes I try one time, then usually I can figure out what I need to change to get it right the second time. There are times when it just doesn't seem to turn out, and I have to try again several times.

 Light Violet Crocheted Cotton Wash Cloth and Soap Saver Set
I love soap savers.  I don't typically use wash cloths, but I love this set!

What is your greatest roadblock, be it government regulation or that little frustrating thing that just likes to sneak up and stop you in your tracks? Broken needle? Jump ring jumping out of your pliers? Thread knots? Cats? Dogs? The family hedgehog rolled about in your yarn basket?

LOL Really, I don't have many road blocks. I have no expectations other than doing my best, and creating something with love that someone else can enjoy. I have no time constraints unless it's a custom order. I work pretty fast, and give myself plenty of time on those. So, barring any natural disasters, or child disasters, my road is pretty clear. I guess the most annoying thing tho is when I am crocheting along at top speed and hit a knot in the yarn. I HATE (yes that strong LOL) pulling knots out of yarn. Thankfully, my husband likes that sort of thing.....so if I get an especially tough knot that is trying my patience, I will hand it over to him.

All important pricing... Do you have a formula? Do you wing it? Do you feel your work justifies your prices?

I think my work is good. My prices are lower than I could make them. I take a lot of things into account when prices. Pricing is the hardest things for me!! I want the prices to be competitive and not force other's prices down. However, I don't often pay full price for my supplies. Hubby works for a printer and is often able to bring me card stock paper home for my cards. He gets the end of jobs, or skids that would be trash. They let him bring a little home. Also, I am pretty easy to please. For Christmas and birthdays, if anyone asks what I want, I just tell them yarn or card stuff. And they listen. I get a lot of my supplies that way, and use any money I get for bdays and Christmas for supplies. Also shop sales, etc. So, Getting supplies lower, I can have lower prices. I don't always count my hours. I know there is a system of adding suppplies+ hours, etc, etc. On some things I take time into effect. But really, this isn't work to me. And I think of my time as a gift I am giving to God and others. I know I need to make a profit, but I am not out to be rich or famous. Being part of a big family, living mostly on one income, I know how difficult it is to afford quality, handmade items. I take that into consideration too. I want to create something beautiful that people like me can afford. I consider all those factors, and then come up with a price.

 Set of Two Crocheted Hair Combs with Pink and Purple Flowers
I adore these.  There are no other words! Perfect for a spring dress or any sunny occasion!

And of course, is there anything else you'd like to say to our "viewers at home"?

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I welcome custom orders. Handmade is best!!

Thank you, Christie, for sharing your beautiful and expansive world with us all.  Your work is truly a gift, and you were truly gifted with many talents with which to craft!  Your love of crafts is another thing to drive home just how different from machines we all are; so much love, so much variety in one place could never be any kind of machine!

Make sure to visit Christie at Luv'n Crafts on Zibbet!