Auction for Larry Hamm

Larry Hamm is an artisan, an announcer on Blockhead Radio, and a disabled diabetic. His health insurance has recently run out, but his disability benefits haven't been approved yet. He also needs gastric bypass surgery, and his doctors are giving him 18 months to live if he doesn't get it ASAP.

In order to raise funds for his medication and surgery Blockhead Radio is holding an auction for him. They're inviting artisans to donate items for the auction. I've signed up, and will be donating a pair of earrings.

The Heroes of Handmade--Tiffany Martin of Second Hand News Handmade (SHN)

You may recall that Tiffany Martin was the first artist I featured when I started this series. At that time she was running Organidog. Her interview for OD is here. Tiffany has since closed Organidog, and started Second Hand News Handmade. She is now selling sewn accessories, such as ponytail holders, clutches, and coffee cup cozies. She's still selling dog collars as well. The designs on the fabrics she uses range from bold and colorful, to whimsical, to subdued and understated. You're sure to find something you like among her offerings.

Tiffany sent me sent me the answers to a different set of questions for this interview. I'm glad she did, because I didn't realize when I asked her if she wanted to be featured again that she would be answering the same questions had she used my interview questions. LOL

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is Tiffany Martin, and I'm the woman behind Second Hand News Handmade. I live in the mountains of Northern Virginia, and enjoy good Mexican food, NY style pizza, watching King of The Hill, and good music.

2. What is your earliest or fondest crafting memory?

When I was a child, I spent many an evening at the kitchen table stringing beads with my late grandmother.

3. Do you work from your home, or do you have a separate workspace?

Right now, I’m in between places so my “studio” is actually my spare bedroom. I have fabric from wall to wall, a cutting table, storage bins, and a sewing machine.

4. How many hours a day do you work at your business? What are your most productive times?

I spend at least an hour a day working at my business. I’m most productive in the evenings and the weekends.

5. If you could have lunch with and pick the brain of any artist living or dead, whom would you choose and why?

Stevie Nicks. Besides having that unique husky voice, she radiates such a peaceful aura. She seems like someone you can shoot the shit with for hours while drinking good coffee. I’ve always been a big fan of her music, both solo and with Fleetwood Mac.

6. What do you like most about being your own boss?

Being able to work in my jammies.

7. What is the hardest part of being your own boss?

Keeping myself disciplined and motivated.

8. Where can your products be found, both online and offline?

Currently, you can find me online at Artfire, and I’m in the process of opening up my standalone website. I also sell my goods around Northern Virginia at various craft shows and markets.

9. How do you finance your business?

I’m a full-circle operation. Every cent that comes in goes back out in the form of supplies or marketing goods. If I’m not selling I’m not replenishing.

10. What do you do when you get a creative block?

I walk away and focus on something other than piecing together fabric.

11. What do you do outside of your craft (career, hobbies or both)?

I teach part time at a local college and am a columnist for the Green Wise department of handmadenews.org.

12. What advice would you give to a crafter wanting to turn his or her hobby into a business?

Start small, do your research, and don’t skimp on the important stuff.

13. What’s your supply addiction? Is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?

I have a weak spot for Alexander Henry fabrics.

14. What is your favorite tool and why?

My Viking sewing machine, because I can do almost everything I need to with it.

15. What is your favorite type of handmade item to buy for yourself?

I love vegan soaps.

The items pictured below are from Tiffany's ArtFire shop. Her website is here, and her blog is here.

French Fries Ponytail Holders



Snappy Wallet Biz Card Holder Maui



Coffee Cup Cozy Green Sleeve Madagascar



Coin Purse Morello



Reusable Eco Friendly Fabric Lunch Bag London

I'm a Chosen One

I've just discovered that one of my necklaces is an editor's pick at Winkelf:



This comes as a very nice surprise.

I Hate When This Happens

I just finished tying off the awesome bracelet pictured below:





Unfortunately, when I draped it over my wrist to check out the fit I noticed the jewelry wire was showing in a few places (click to enlarge):



I freakin' hate when that happens, because it means I have to start over and figure out how to make sure the wire doesn't show anymore.

New in the Shop

Here we have a pair of earrings made with royal blue cloisonne beads, and pink and blue glass beads. The lovely model is Isis, the ancient Egyptian goddess of motherhood, fertility, and magic.

I've Won the One Lovely Blog Award Again

It looks like I'm on a winning streak these days, because I've been awarded the One Lovely Blog Award again. This time the gracious bestower is Tina Holden. Tina is a polymer clay artist who makes fabulous beads and pendants of sea creatures, and sells them in her Etsy and Artfire shops. She sells other kinds of jewelry, and various tutorials as well. You can check out her blog to see pics of more of her creations. I've just become one of her followers.

Once again, I won't be participating in passing the award along because of everything that's going on in my life right now. But I wish to thank Tina for thinking enough of my blog to include me on her list of awardees.

My Messy Studio

This is what my studio area looks like right now. I didn't tidy up a darned thing before I snapped these pics. LOL