Meet Candace- Crafty Mama Week #2 + Giveaway

1. Tell us a little bit about your family, business and hobbies.

My graphic designer husband & I live in Cleveland, Ohio with our two daughters, Sadie (4) & Claire (2). I opened my Sparkle Power etsy shop January of 2007 selling craft aprons & tote bags. Since then I have continued to sew products for the shop & about a year ago Dylan designed some posters which have been really popular.

2. How do you include your family in your crafting fun?
My family believes that I can sew anything. This gives me a major confidence boost. I recently started sewing clothing for my kids. My 4 year old really loves to pick out the fabrics she wants. I also like to do crafts with her. She asks to do a craft almost daily. When I need to get stuff done, it's easy for me to sit her down w/ some watercolor paints. And other times we make something more involved together. She likes to do embroidery too, which she calls "needling". My husband is super supportive of my work. He does anything I need done on the computer. Designs anything for my blog, my business cards, etc. He also will use the pinking shears to cut my flags for my garlands as well. He's my partner in all things. :)




3. How has being a "crafty mama" enhanced you and your families lives?
Well, first & foremost it's brought much needed money to our family. It's not easy living on one income & when you add student loans & other debts to it, it can be downright stressful. The success that we've had with the shop has been a huge blessing for us financially & we depend on it greatly.I also feel so strongly about handmade. I love filling our home with handmade items. I have very strong feelings about living more simply & consuming less & supporting other handmade artists & I feel it's easy to teach these same values to my children by being a crafty & resourceful mama myself.

4. What is your all-time favorite craft or project that you have made?
Seems like the project that I just finished is always my favorite, but I really love this quilt that I made from vintage pillowcases


Vintage pillowcase quilt

5. Do you have any tips for mama's who would like to get in on the creative fun but just can't seem to find the time or money?
I get most of my work done in small increments of time. 15-20 minutes here & there in between taking care of my house & the kids. It's hard to get used to if you like starting & project & working through it until it's finished, but I find it's the most effective. I try to plan out quiet work during my daughter's nap time like cutting or ironing & then have stuff ready for sewing once both kids go to bed at night. If you really want to do it, you can find the time. That goes for anything. Including exercise. I keep trying to remind myself of that right now. :) As far as money goes, it really doesn't have to cost a lot of money. You can find amazing supplies at thrift stores for super cheap & repurposing is great for the environment! Supplies don't always have to be bought brand new. Save some money by searching thrift stores, garage & estate sales, craigslist & ebay. We just have to think a little differently about how we're consuming & a lot of money can be saved!

6.What is your ultimate summer dessert?
Root beer floats

Yummy!!! Thank you Candace for this fun interview.
Be sure to check out Candace's blog and etsy shop!
Blog: http://candacetodd.blogspot.com/
Etsy Shop: www.sparklepower.etsy.com


And now for the giveaway. . .

GIVEAWAY #2

Homemade Laundry Detergent

Post a comment about Candace's crafty life and make sure to post your e-mail so I can contact you. The winner will be chosen via random.org on Sunday.