Featured Etsy artist Emariecreations (April 6th, 2010)

Where are you from? 
I live in Central IL.


When did you start to craft? 
I started working with polymer clay around the age of 12 or 13, but didn't become serious about it until several years later. I am now 16 and run my Etsy shop along with my older sister who also sells headbands on our shop.


How did you hear about Etsy and when did you join? 
My older sister introduced my to Etsy earlier this year when she bought some fabric from a seller. I was amazed at the wide variety of unique and lovely items that were sold here!
We joined in April, but didn't start selling until late August.


What kind of market is your work geared towards? 
My work is geared mostly towards girls and ladies, ages 6 - 30, but I do have some items that would interest older ladies as well.


What types of crafts/artwork do you do? 
Many of the creations I make are turned into push pins sets, Christmas ornaments, pendants, and more. I also love making custom orders and have work with several great customers in the past few months.


What kinds of materials do you like to work with? 
I mostly work with polymer clay, a durable and easy to work with clay. Everything I make is done by hand, no molds are used.


What are your inspirations? 
I love making miniatures, so a lot of my items are inspired by doll house foods or larger scale items that I think would be cute made into a miniatures.


What is some advice you could share with other crafters? 
If you are looking for a fun new hobby, I suggest getting into polymer clay. There is such a wide variety of books out there with so many ideas, from cute animals to elaborate flower arrangments that you can never get bored!
Polymer clay is great for young crafters as well because it is non toxic and lead free. Children will also find it pretty easy to work with as well.


Where else can we find you? 
I sell all my items at my Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/Emariecreations
There you will find novelty push pins, Christmas ornaments, pendants and more, plus cute yet stylish headbands made by my sister.