Lou Pennisi

Name: Lou Pennisi

Age: 36

Location: Yarraville, Victoria, Australia

Profession: struggling Artist/Designer (also work in retail 2 days a week!)

Craft of choice: quilting,Sewing,painting,card design,photography,drawing,mosaics…the list goes on..

Blog: www.queenloube.blogspot.com

When i was a child I was always fascinated by my grandmothers sewing machine.I liked the noises it made and the things it created. I loved the time she would spend with me,so patiently untangling my cottons and explaining where i had gone wrong.I loved her fabrics and each time I arrived at her house i would sneak into her sewing room to see if there were any new ones.She filled me with pride when i finished my very first handkerchief,telling me what a fine job i had done.From there,I never looked back.Although I never studied art at school, i was always being creative.Always making,always designing.My mother instilled in me the importance and beauty of a handmade gift.I have always made most of my presents…still do.

I now have three children of my own and the biggest task that I set myself as a mother of three (close in age) youngins was to give them the creative gift that my mother and grandmother gave me.Before they all started school, we would create in some way, every single day. Even on those days when I really couldnt be bothered.Our craft cupboard is ALWAYS open for business. We would paint,collage,sew,draw,make presents,christmas decorations,even mosaic together. I never held back on what they did creatively and let them use the “good” textas and the “good” paintbrushes whenever they felt the desire. There was no cheap paper for my children – no.They have always painted on canvas.They are now all confident in their approach to art and have developed a love for craft that really makes me smile. I am so pleased that each of them have a love for creativity….my oldest (age 10) now designs shoes,my middle child draws great cartoon characters and my baby is still creating all sorts of miraculous items.

Noelle Corcoran

Name: Noelle Corcoran

Age: 33

Location: Austin, TX

Profession: Office Manager for some Commercial Mortgage Bankers

Craft(s) of Choice: Sewing, screen-printing, stenciling, mosaic, painting

Blog: http://www.luckykitty.typepad.com

Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been into crafting. I used to make birthday and Christmas cards for my dad using items we had around the house – those intended for such crafts – markers, crayons, paper – and other items as well – sponges, bits of sandpaper, nuts, bolts, etc.

It wasn’t until high school that I learned how to sew. I took a sewing class – just to fill an elective – and am so glad I did. We learned all the basics and how to read patterns. I didn’t sew much after that until I had my own apartment and needed curtains and placemats and napkins and couldn’t find any in stores that I liked. Same with clothing – I could never find cute skirts in cute fabrics that fit me just right… so, I started making my own!

Year and years went by of me making skirts, tablecloths, pillows, cushion covers, etc. for myself as well as friends when I finally decided that I should open my own Etsy store – which I did in October of 2006.

I was and still am blown away by the love and support for handmade goods that exists on Etsy and in Austin. I am so thankful to be a part of such a great community (online and off) of crafty types and people that support crafty types!

Even though I’m taking a little break this year to have my first baby, I know that when I’m ready to make my return I will be welcomed once again into the fold!