It's Sunday again and time to meet another fabulous artisan of the week. This week's is April of Bijoux Designs for You. As you will see later April doesn't work alone, but I'll let her tell you about that. They run shops on Artfire and Etsy and they also have supply shops on both Artfire and Etsy too. Take a look through all the shops, you're sure to find something that takes your fancy.
1. Could you please introduce us to who you are and what you do?
My name is April and together with my mom, Glenda we are Bijoux Designs For You. Our love for beads also spawned a second shop for supplies Rouge River Beads.
2. What led you to take up your craft?
My mother has been creating something my entire life. She initially learned how to sew as a teen so she could make her own clothes. Over the years we have been involved in the craft show circuit and our products have grown and changed. Almost a year ago we thought we joined the online community! We both have the crafting “fever” and its great to be able to share in this journey together.
3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
I love coming up with ideas and then seeing them as a finished product. When someone, in turn, purchases that product it gives me great enjoyment to share it with them. I also love to do craft shows and home parties. It’s so much fun to chat with other artists and customers who share the love of handmade goodies.
4. Which part do you find hardest?
Time! There never seems to be enough of it. Just creating is one thing but then also finding the time (and energy) to take pictures, write descriptions, work on craft show displays and promote your business is something else entirely! It can be difficult to stay focused, especially when the weather is nice!
5. Where do you hope to be in 1 year’s time?
We hope to see our business continue to grow, both our jewelry and gift items and our supplies shops. We are also hoping within the next year or two to have a space where we can offer classes and beaded birthday parties and perhaps have visits from other types of artisans to share their crafts.
6. What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. That’s actually a saying I think but nevertheless a very important one. We all get so busy in our daily lives, especially when trying to get a business up and running, that we sometimes forget to enjoy the little things in life.
7. Could you name artisans sites/shops would you recommend are worth a visit?
There are so many talented artisans out there that it is hard to pick my favorites, although I do have a fairly extensive wish list! Of course I am partial myself to Etsy and Artfire so I would absolutely recommend visiting there.
8. What is your favourite sandwich filling?
Egg salad! It’s so smelly so sooooo yummy!
Thank you April for joining in with our blog. I think your plans for running classes is a great idea. There are lots of very artistic people out there that just need a few lessons to point them on a new direction with their creativity. I wish you luck in setting them up. There are such a wide variety of goods and style in April and her mums shop that they are all worth a visit. Have fun surfing through all the listings.
4 months ago
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