Friday Feature - Crocheted Little Things

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It's Friday and that means I bring you another wonderful, talented artist to meet.  Want to know how you can get this spot some Friday?  If you are a blogger or artist, just become a Google "friend/follower" of this "Mid-Life Greater Expectations" (right hand column) and I'll contact you with the information.

Right now, please meet Luisa Patterson - call her "Lu," of Crocheted Little Things.  Personally, I've fallen in love with her crocheted cupcakes - and think my granddaughter would think they are pretty neat, too!

Explain the story behind your store or trade name.

My business name is Crocheted Little things. It was really a no-brainer as when I started crocheting everybody kept telling me how they liked my 'little things'.

Explain how and why, if applicable, your work has changed in the last 5 years.

I started by selling jewelry and it was a really slow sale, so I tried something new like the cupcakes at first. From there I developed a whole line of fake food items that range from sweets and treats to cute animals to fake plants (my latest addition). My photographic skills improved as well. While there is always room for improvement, I think my pictures went from dark and fuzzy to finally acceptable!

What and/or who influences your work?  What and/or who motivates you in your work?  How do you find your muse?

My inspiration comes from the daily, little things: a need for a wash cloth for the dishes, a warm garment for the Winter or the want to embellish the house.  My kids and their spirited natures are also a huge source of inspiration-They are the cause of how my cupcake obsession came about in the first place!

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I like the thrill of a sale like any other seller, but I think the most warm and fuzzy feeling comes from the feedback from my customers, seeing and hearing from them that they are using, gifting, loving and smiling at my pieces.

What is your favorite piece in your shop right now?  Why?

I think if I had to pick ONE piece that would be the frog pincushion as it's cute, funny and useful.

You can find more of Lu's fun work at her Artfire studio, Crocheted Little Things and her two Etsy shops, Crocheted Little Thing and CLT Vintage.

Find out more about Lu and follow her on her blog, Crocheted Little Things, her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Next week?  We'll see - follow this blog!

Friday Feature - "Craft-o-licious"

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Every so often, I would like to highlight an artisan or blogger here, so you have a chance to find out more about the person behind the work, maybe find a new creative source to follow, and perhaps even jog your muse once in a while, who knows!

Today, I'd like to introduce you to my partner for the 7th Annual Bead Soup Blog Party, Mandi E. of Craft-o-licious.  Now, you've already seen the luscious ingredients Mandi has sent me for cooking up my soup creation for this year's mix.  Our big "reveal" date is April 6th, when we will both be posting, along with many other participants, our final "dishes" on our own blogs.  Until then, I've given Mandi the opportunity to share a little bit more about herself with you.

What's the story behind your blog?

I chose Craft-o-licious for my blog because I enjoy crafting.  I knit, sew and make jewelry.  I started my blog so I could participate in the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party.  Lately, I have focused on jewelry, but I still enjoy my other talents.

How and why has your work changed in the last 5 years? 

Over the last year I started blogging and joined the Bead Soup Cafe on Facebook.  I am blown away by the beading community and the wealth of knowledge and talent that is out there.  I have been exposed to a plethora of new techniques and styles.  The blog hops alone are a wonderful source of inspiration. All of this new exposure has influenced me as I find my style.  I make note of things I like and try to incorporate parts into my pieces.  Sometimes it is a color palette and other times it is the way the beads are strung or the wire working techniques.  For a while, I was trying something new each week to help expand my knowledge base.  Unfortunately, life got in the way and I took a break from that challenge.  Although my style is still evolving, I have a much better idea of what I can do. 

What and/or who influences your work?   How do you find your muse? 

A  few of my biggest influences are Cilla of Tell Your Girlfriends and Amy of Copper Diem  I love their work and blogs.  Amy's philanthropic activities are inspiring and her earrings are fun and spunky.  Cilla's pieces seem calming and natural to me.  They are beautiful but not over the top.  Both ladies produce pieces that are polished and high quality.  As I get more comfortable in my work, I look to these ladies and many others for inspiration and support.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love beading and trying new techniques.  I try to blend my knitting and jewelry making skills to create pieces of mixed media.

What is your favorite piece in your shop right now? 

 

Keep up on Mandi's latest creations and activities by subscribing to her blog, Craft-o-licious, and be sure to check in there and here for updates on our soups!

Want to be a featured artist or blogger?  Just become an  "official follower" of Mid-Life Greater Expectations ("Join this Site," right-hand column) and I'll email you the questions.  Easy-peasey.