My name is Kayte Kelly, and my business is called dorklandia. I sell plush toys and accessories out of a customized ice cream cart.

What inspired you to go into the craft business, do you still have a day job? Crafting has been a part of my family for generations. My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was quite young, and I remember sitting behind my mom’s table at craft shows. A friend of mine asked me to make a chicken hat a few years ago, and from that point, I just kept making more silly things. I made over 150 hats for favors for my wedding!

I got the idea for the cart while watching the real ice cream vendors in Dolores Park; I thought it would be funny to sell plush ice cream that way. The first cart I made was for the Maker Faire in 2009, and it’s been evolving since then.

What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst? The best part of having the cart is that I get to meet and see so many people! I love being able to wander around at shows. The hardest part is that sometimes people mistake me for a food vendor, and they get disappointed when I tell them I don’t have anything to eat!
Anything else you would like to tell us about your business?

I run a monthly contest on my facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/dorklandia where you can enter to win a tiny octopus!

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/dorklandia

The look, feel, smell, and of course content of books has been a constant in my life. It led me to become a librarian. Part of the job was discarding books that were out of date or damaged. Some were just too special to trash. I started experimenting with hard cover bindings, illustrations and text. Combining them with recycled cigar boxes and treasures found at garage sales, I make purses, table top boxes, blank paper notebooks and light switch covers that reflect what I treasure in the content of a book, and my own quirky sense of humor.

I’m no longer working as a librarian, but my recycled book creations make it possible for me to share with others the beauty of the printed book. I started selling my creations on Etsy after getting enthusiastic responses to the purses I carried.

I select books at garage sales and library used book sales based on the cover design, illustrations and subject matter. I buy cigar boxes at cigar stores, or receive them as gifts from cigar smoking friends. I match book and box based on size, then dissect the book and select the text and illustrations that most complement the cover and content. I spend a lot of time preparing and finishing the paper.

The best thing about making purses, boxes, notebooks and light switch covers is that I keep improving what I make, and coming up with new ideas and techniques. The worst thing is parting with the pieces I like best.

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PurseLibrary

Born and raised in the Sacramento area, I like to say I’ve been drawing since I could hold a crayon. In 2009 I graduated from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco with a degree in Fine Art Illustration, and achieved my first solo show shortly after graduation. I’ve since had my work shown in San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury, as well as numerous art events in the Northern California. Heavily influenced by fashion illustration, anime, and the female form, I strive to blend my passions in unique ways. Within the last year I founded Art NuVogue which encompasses my product line featuring my original artwork and also my video blog show in which I demonstrate my creation process and share my artistic inspirations. You can find my video blog at http://www.ArtNuVogue.com

What inspired you to go into the craft business, do you still have a day job? In 2010 I received an invitation through my Etsy shop to participate in Kat Von D’s Pink Parlour Festival in Los Angeles, CA. The entire show was to feature only female artists and crafters- primarily with an edgy or indie flair. I was excited by the idea and decided to give it a try. I took the little merchandise I had and borrowed a couple of tables and headed down there. I ended up selling nearly everything I had- including an original painting. I fell in love with meeting my cliental face to face and getting real feedback from the public on my work. For me being a vendor is not just about selling my product- but perhaps more importantly about marketing myself, meeting new people and building real relationships with my customers and collectors. I left my office/desk job in early 2011 and have been a full time business owner and freelance illustrator ever since.

Describe your creative process when designing/making your product line: All my paintings begin a little differently and the inspiration comes from a variety of places. I often begin by gathering photo references, then proceed to a sketching/brainstorming phase. After that I begin tighter more refined drawings before beginning the painting process. Once a piece is finished I produce it on my other products; prints, jewelry, buttons, magnets, keychains, mirrors, and cards. I recently began a blog on Tumblr where I share all things that inspire my artwork. It’s a great place to share ideas and see what inspires my followers as well. My inspiration blog can be found at: http://leilanijoy.tumblr.com/

What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst? The best part of what I do is seeing someone’s face light up when they fall in love with one of my paintings. It’s incredibly satisfying when someone really connects to a piece I’ve created. Art is so personal, and a piece of my self is in everything I create. When someone gets excited about my work and walks away smiling with a piece of my art work I couldn’t be happier. The worst part of the business is having to be 20 people at once- artist, bookkeeper, web designer, package designer, sales person, promotor, blogger, agent, etc. I often feel like there just aren’t enough hours in a day to get all my tasks done. But for me- the rewards out weigh the hardships of being an entrepreneur.

To see my full product line, original paintings and giclee prints for sale please visit me at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LeilaniJoyArt. Please use the code, “VIPBUYER” to get 15% off your first purchase! You can also find me around the web at the following links –
Website: http://www.LeilaniJoy.com
Blog: http://www.ArtNuVogue.com
On YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/MissLeilaniJoy
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/leilanijoy
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MissLeilaniJoy

My name is emily. I love baking, “adventuring,” biking, climbing rocks, sewing and cutting paper and I am the artist behind bird mafia, a company I  started (with my super side-kick and husband, Scott) as a way of sharing my  love for the boldness and beauty of cut paper by hand-making crafts  hand-printed with cut paper designs, as well as constructing cut paper art  pieces. We make every effort to always use the most eco-friendly materials  we can get our hands on and, as vegans, we never use any animal derived  materials.

What inspired you to go into the craft business, do you still have a day job?  I love “making” more than just about everything (with the exception of some special people). Whether it’s baking vegan goodies, making handmade candy,  sewing a stuffie or cutting paper… a day is not complete without making  something and happily, bird mafia is my full time job.

Describe your creative process when designing/making your product line.  I call what I do “cut paper design,” because that’s exactly what I do.  Every one of my original designs begins as a single sheet of hand cut  paper. I draw out the design –> cut the design by hand with an xacto knife –> burn that design on to a screen –> screen-print the design by hand –>  and then finally, get to the sewing machine! This way each of my designs looks like cut paper… because it is! I also create fine cut paper art,  like my cut paper shadow boxes.

What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?  Best thing is, of course, doing what I love. The worst, bookkeeping (hands  down.)

Use promo code “RESPECTTHEBIRDS” at http://birdmafia.etsy.com to receive 10% off your purchase this holiday season!
Website: http://birdmafia.com
Shop: http://birdmafia.etsy.com

My Name is Géraldine Adams. I’m from Brittany in France. I’ve lived in Paris and in Brussels, Belgium. Since March, I’ve lived in San Francisco. I’m an artist & illustrator. I create handmade archival art prints and stationary, mostly about French kitchen art like illustrated recipes, food, vegetables, meat & wine, but also some unique designs inspired by traditional French folk art.

What inspired you to go into the craft business, do you still have a day job? Becoming an illustrator has been a long path! To make the story short, I always wanted to become an illustrator, but I ended up studying languages and information technology. Then I worked as a software designer… I would design complicated process diagrams describing interacting programs. I was also pursuing a photographer activity on the side, taking portraits and shooting events.
But finally I quit my job and went back to school and learned to do graphic design work, photo retouching, and designs for websites. Finally, when I moved to San Francisco, I opened the GeraldineAdams shop on Etsy. http://www.etsy.com/shop/geraldineadams

My inspiration comes from my daily life – the food I cook, the people I meet, all the places I see, and my experience being French yet becoming an American. For example, illustrating recipes was the best way to entice my sister to cook French, easy, simple and gourmet recipes. Oh! Did I mention that my father is a French chef? My passion for food comes from them for sure! I started the cooking unit conversion prints because the first time I read an American recipe asking for a cup of flour – I actually wondered which cup from the cupboard I should use.

Regarding my creative process, I always sketch my ideas first. Then I finalize a drawing and I scan it. I rearrange it on the computer, adding colors and text. I make my original art prints at my house in San Francisco. I use archival acid-free paper, manufactured with wind power.

What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst? I love to be able to express myself & develop my art & finally creating something amazing that someone else will adore! I really like the freedom of the handmade production and being able to choose the quality of the materials: local and sustainable. The worst is probably the huge amount of work that I didn’t expect!

I recently released cute handmade greeting cards for the Holidays with red silhouettes of a snowflake, a heart and animals like an owl, a bird and a reindeer. I hand drew them, inspired by traditional French embroidery, vintage lace and doilies from France. The design features multiple delicate woodland motifs from nature like flowers, branches, leaves and birds while incorporating abstract and geometrical shapes like hearts.

These cards are a perfect way to send your special messages during the holidays. Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, for the New Year! Your loved ones will appreciate these beautiful patterns inspired by nature and France. They can even frame the cards. What a great gift!

http://www.facebook.com/geraldineadamsart Like me on Facebook!
http://www.geraldineadams.etsy.com/ GeraldineAdams on Etsy
http://twitter.com/Geraldine_Adams Geraldine_Adams
http://www.sheisinsf.geraldineadams.com/ She is in SF: a daily illustrated project

I am Jennifer Fisher the founder of JFish Designs, a ceramic tableware and gardenware company. I love working with clay and creating objects that people can connect with emotionally. That means making pieces that are beautiful, touchable, and make people want to interact with them. I started JFish Designs about 3 years ago in New York but have expanded enormously since moving out the the Bay Area.

I was inspired to get into the craft business because I love making things. I have always worked in the design world, but never felt totally satisfied designing products for other people. Having my own business allows me to design and produce things I love and to have a hand in everything. I do pick up freelance Industrial Design work here and there when I have to, but my primary occupation is running my ceramic tableware company and I love it!

My process begins with a sketch and series of sketch models that evolve into a final design. I find inspiration in nature and the world around me and am always thinking about ways to turn a cool shape into a usable product. I go through numerous iterations of a design, sculpting different forms and evaluating each one, before I settle in on a shape and purpose. And then from there I start working with plaster and clay! I make molds of my sculptures and then cast those pieces in clay. Those clay pieces turn into my final products.

The best thing about what I do is that I get to make things with my hands every day. The worst thing is that I have very dry hands! And that the handmade ceramics market is totally unpredictable and keeps me constantly on my toes wondering what is going to happen next…

I’ve been running JFish Designs as my primary job for the past year and it’s been a roller coaster but it seems to be working out! But the only way to keep it going is with customer support! I hope lots of people will check out my booth at San Francisco Bazaar and online at www.jfishdesigns.com

Lisa Spinella, is the face behind Tickle and Smash. New England born but a long time transplant to the Bay Area – I opened up a shop on Etsy and happily joined a world of handmade, DIY, crafters with vision and voice.

From a family of seamstresses and designers in a textile driven community, I grew up surrounded by design and sewing. It wasn’t till years later after exploring acrylic painting and a fine art discipline that sewing and the fiber arts became a staple in my life again.

After having spent years working and volunteering within the Bay Area art community, I began in 2011 my new business as Tickle and Smash.

Originally an artist and large scale figurative painter; I reveled in my newly unexplored venue of texture, fabric and line. Self trained – I studied couture sewing technique, silk screening practices and pattern design. I then fell in love with the possibilities that only ribbon and string could give me.

I allow my materials to dictate how the fabrics, patterns and colors work together. The reveal and wonder of a completed project is the reward I seek. Its difficult learning the skills and practices necessary to start a business but becoming more involved in the arts community in San Francisco has been a gift. The support and encouragement of the artists and craftsmen whom have shared their experiences and personal growth with me, continue to inspire.

etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TickleandSmash

My name Tomoko Maruyama and I am a San Francisco based artist. I have a design line that is focused on San Francisco but my line also include New York and Hawaii. These product lines range from greeting cards, art prints, calendars to t-shirts.

What inspired you to go into the craft business, do you still have a day job? I was always attracted to the craft business since I was a small kid. I always liked creating things with my hands with my dad who also loved crafts. So that is where my love for the craft arts came. Each season, I create new products every year depending on the source of inspiration at the time. I have a day job as an independent designer. I like to have a job where I can start the day thinking about my new design and end my day working on my craft business. I am happy to have my job as an artist and designer.

Describe your creative process when designing/making your product line. I use a palette of natural colors and shades that reflect my daily experience in San Francisco. I get inspiration from my daily walks in the streets and the array of events San Francisco has to offer. It is a great city! After that, I create several sketches to reflect my ideas on paper. I then select my preferred ones and start working on the final art using the palette of colors I mentioned earlier.

What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst? I like spending time with my friends with good wine and foods. My favorite food is oysters. Sometimes, I tend to work until late and my eyes get so tired. Even though I love design, sometimes I become so focused that I tend to forget the balance between work and leisure.

Sometimes I have art exhibitions in different venues around the bay area and I would like to invite everyone to come. For events information, please visit www.tomokomaruyama.com. You can also find me in Facebook and become my fan. I am also open to new design opportunities; please feel free to contact me.

My name is Amy Wing and my business is Amy Wing Designs. I’ve been making jewelry since I was a little girl but in 2006 having just moved to Portland, OR and feeling a bit lost about what I wanted to DO for a living led me to take a variety of classes based on creative occupations. The first meeting of my metalsmithing class was so engaging and I was hooked.

I decided that this art and process that I loved so much could be a business and I delved into making it happen. I had a day job at that point and juggled working at a paper store with starting my own business. After my business started taking off, doing both got to be too much and I decided to focus solely on my own work.

My creative process is a fluid one. I am inspired by nature, by travels, by fashion. I am not much of a skilled 2D artist so frequently I will sit down to create with my hands something in metal that has just popped into my head as an idea. But other times the things I see will sit with me for a time slowly being refined. My latest work, the Venetian Shadow Collection, is based on the iron work of Venice. Along the canals and passeggiatas of Venice one can find beautiful examples of decorative iron work gates, grates, doors and windows. I was inspired by these centuries old designs while I was there a year ago, and these beautiful shapes stood out for me but it was over the course of a year that I played with what forms I wanted to use, how I would make them, and what the color palette would be. I’m so glad I took that time because I absolutely love how they came out.

I love so much about what I do. I love creating with my hands, I love interacting with customers at shows, I love putting together photo shoots and look books, I love coming up with concepts for new lines. I even love trade shows, although I would love to find a rep to work with so I could expand the number of stores that carry my work. I think the only thing that is hard is that there is just so much to do as a small business owner and not so much time to do it in!

www.amywing.com

Becoming a full-time crafter and artist was the last thing I ever thought  possible, but after returning to the U.S. from Amsterdam in 2008 – necessity was a great inspiration. While looking for a job and making a jewelry collection for my wedding party, I began to get more requests for necklaces and earring sets. I studied environmental science and politics, but after working a decade in environmental non-profits, public relations  and a few years abroad in the Netherlands, I have just followed the passion and the requests. I truly love the combination of skills that make this work possible.

What  kind of artist are you? And what first drew you to that particular  medium? I’ve been making stained glass and jewelry for the last ten years with vintage and found treasures. My tendency both for collecting as well as reassembling has been a lifelong project. I took apart my first stereo at age seven and disassembled my first broken pocket watch at nine. In both cases, my goal was to repair the items, but upon realizing the parts were so beautiful, I began constructing art. After almost a decade of work in non-profits and then some marketing, I’ve taken the plunge to become a full time crafter maker metal alchemist.  I also weave, mostly Navajo style, but this is a much more personal art form. I learned to weave while herding sheep in Arizona in 1999, and experience great parallels in working with glass, metal, and wool – all textiles of a sort, with their own behaviors, inclinations and tendencies.

Apart  from creating things, what do you do? When I’m not making jewelry, I am working on founding a small beer company with my husband. Keeping as much of the work in-house for both companies takes most of my time and covers most of what I love. In addition to the making of real things, I get to stay up on web design to social  media to marketing and bookkeeping.

Who  is your greatest creative influence? My dad, who showed me that unexpectedly marvelous possibilities are worth pursuit. After being a dentist for 20 years, he followed his skill and passion – and invented swim fins as well as an exercise wheel for small rodents. Both sell internationally. He showed me it is possible to make your own life way.

I love what I do. From scouring antique fairs and flea markets, to web design and soldering and art shows, I adore working hard and making things. Especially at a time when watch makers rarely repair mechanical watches, I feel great purpose in giving a new life to these precious items from the junk pile.

What  handmade possession do you most cherish? My Dutch grandmother, who died when I was 8, made me a crocheted lace table cloth. It reminds me of the world of textiles and skills and stories that connect us all, and the world of fiber and home-based arts that only recently left the bounds of the kitchen, pantry and courtyard.

Website: www.compassrosedesignjewelry.com