Sarah Duede (Edwards)

Name: Sarah Duede (Edwards)

Age: 30

Location: Cape Coral, Florida

Profession: Full time Artist/Indie Crafter/Etsian

Craft(s) of Choice: Embroidery, Drawing, Sewing

Blog: www.facebook.com/sewZinski

I remember the first time I took my handmade goods around to local stores for consignment to see if people would be interested. I was so unprepared and clueless about the biz. Luckily, I ran into many helpful and supportive biz owners and crafters that have given me great advice and insight. The crafting community in Des Moines, IA is fantastic. Wish it could be replicated everywhere. (my home town)

Laura Bray

Name: Laura Bray

Age: 40

Location: Aliso Viejo, CA

Profession: Professional Designer

Craft(s) of Choice: Sewing, Embroidery, Paper Crafts

Blog: http://www.katydiddys.blogspot.com

I wanted to be a hairdresser and drive a Trans Am. That was my first childhood dream. After receiving a set of Fashion Plates ® for my tenth birthday, I changed my mind and wanted to be a fashion designer. That dream stuck with me until a very mean high school teacher informed me that I had no artistic talent. I ended up getting an MBA and owning a Human Resources firm instead.

In 2005, I had my daughter and my life completely changed. At 35, I was forced to take a hard look at what I was doing with my life and realized that I still wanted to do something artistic. I worked through the damage that was done by my wicked art teacher (and my own misconceptions about what I was capable of) and have been painting and crafting ever since.

Since embarking on my career as an artist, I’ve been published in several magazines, sell my artwork online and in retail stores, and have won awards for my artwork. My artwork is collected worldwide. Since I am an “artist with an MBA” I also publish a free, monthly electronic newsletter geared towards helping other artists make money from their work.

Eleanor Gona

Age: Your Age43

Location: PA

Profession: Stay at home Grandma

Craft(s) of Choice: Paper, paint, sewing

Like many people here I grew up with a two very crafty parents, my mom like sewing and macrame, my father like welding and working with wood. I really started paper crafting after going to a scrapbook store for the first time. I never thought about all the cool things you could make with paper. After I got bored with just paper I started adding paint, inks and fabrics to my art. I am alway looking for something new to try and often inspired by the artist I see here on Craft Corps. So thank you all for keeping me up to my elbows in color.

Cyndi Beane Henry

Name: Cyndi Beane Henry

Age: 50

Location: West Virginia

Profession: Genealogy Research Consultant

Craft(s) of Choice: Knitting, Crocheting, Sewing

Blog: texicanwife.blogspot.com

I have been knitting since I was 12 when my 6th grade teacher taught me. Crocheting since 18 when I taught myself with a book. I craft every single day of my life! I would be lost without either knitting needles or a crochet hook in my hands!

Maria Adamczak

Name: Maria Adamczak

Age: 55

Location: Adelaide, South Australia

Profession: Retired

Craft(s) of Choice: Knitting, Papercraft, Jewelry and Sewing

I have become a craft addict since retiring. I am finding so much joy in making things for others. Although only a beginner, there is no greater satisfaction than completing a project that is 100% from the heart – imperfections and all.

San

Name: San

Age: 53

Location: Cleveland, OH

Profession: Substitute Teacher, but was a FACS (Home Ec) Teacher

Craft(s) of Choice: Sewing

Blog: the4RsRamblings.blogspot.com

Crafting is the glue of my life. My mom influenced me in a big way. You can read about this on my blog, http://the4RsRamblings.blogspot.com
I paid tribute to her this past week for Mothers Day, and then I related my own search for Motherhood, that I am continuing next week. Come and visit, sign on as a follower, I would appreciate your comments!

Joanna Johnson

Age: 33

Location: Colorado Foothills

Profession: Writer, Indie Book Publisher, Knit Designer

Craft(s) of Choice: Knitting, Sewing

Blog: phoebeontheroad.blogspot.com

Knitting, sewing, quilting, you name it- I like to make it! I have made treasured gift items for family and friends, and have even given beautiful handknit baby clothes to people I hardly know! For years now I have made and designed garments for my daughter to wear, and sometimes have wondered if it is worth the time, the effort, and late nights, to finish that special doll for a Christmas gift or a custom-made dress for Easter… after all, you can buy such things at the store! But one day after a giving my daughter a new “something special” that I had made, she said to me, “Mom, the things that you make for me are the best. They are so much better than anything you can buy at the store.” I realized then that I things I make her can’t be found at any store, and that when I stay up late to finish a hem, or stitch on a little doll’s face, I am investing in her love for the handmade, just as my mother and grandmother did for me when I was a little girl. Yes, definitely worth it!

Suzanne Gutierrez

Name: Suzanne Gutierrez

Age: 32

Location: Denver, CO

Profession: Professional Crafter

Craft(s) of Choice: Jewelry making, knitting, sewing

Blog: http://siouxsiequeues.blogspot.com

You should have seen the look on my Father’s face when I told him I was giving up computer engineering to make chainmaille, for my job, in 2009. He’s come around, but I wish we’d had a camera that day.

Suzanne Gutierrez

Name: Suzanne Gutierrez

Age: 32

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Profession: Jewelry Artist

Craft(s) of Choice: chainmaille jewelry, knitting, sewing

Blog: http://siouxsiequeues.blogspot.com/

During the course of one of the worst economic situations our country has ever known I left my 9 to 5 job to make jewelry. Thankfully I have the support and encouragement of my friends and family, I couldn’t do it without them.

Tamara Stoddard

Name: Tamara Stoddard

Age: 29

Location: Brooklyn, NY

Profession: Graphic Designer

Craft(s) of Choice: Sewing, Needlework, Quilting

Blog: http://www.brooklyncraft.com

I did cross stitch and made friendship bracelets when I was a wee little girl. I have this awesome kit for my floss and little did I know I would be using it still after 20 years of my life for my craft. Making things with my hands is very important to me and its something that my Mother and Grandmother taught me when I was young. Sew on!