We love all of the amazing independent designers out there and we wanted to find out more about what makes these creative types tick. If you do too, check out more of our Indie Designer Interviews.Sometimes creativity is a family affair, and that's certainly the case with today's featured artists, Krafty Krew, aka Rita, Frances, and Irene. This mother-daughter trio crafts designs from the heart, including some adorable plush toys for the little ones.
Tell us a little about yourselves and your work. This is a joint venture of myself, my sister and our mom. We wanted to make a little extra money since I am disabled and my mom is retired and my sister works for the US post office. We saw Etsy on a Martha Stewart show and we liked the idea. We have been crafting ever since I can remember. My mom used to be a pre-school teacher and she would always get patterns from magazines and enlarge them with the over head projector at work while the children were napping. We would make these great huge dolls that no one had seen before; my mom has made soft sculptured dolls for more than 30 years. My sister does beautiful knitting; she has been knitting since she was 9 years old and she makes her own patterns and develops a lot of embroidery programs. She does it all. I on the other hand do use patterns but I do redesign them to fit my needs and likes.
What inspires your work? It may be something simple that we have seen on the street or in the store and we think we can do something better. We can't get home fast enough to start on that particular project and we have so many different ideas, so we just take it from there. We get inspired with oh so many things but mainly it's just the joy of creating and have the feeling of accomplishment and seeing someone else enjoying your creation. That is a great feeling.Who are your favorite designers? Well I guess I couldn't say we actually know any. We have seen so many great designers on Etsy and so many other places that it's hard to choose a few favorites. Not knowing them by name, it's hard to say who is our favorite.
What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? Well, we are not much into high price items or clothes but we do like style and workmanship. You must have a good pair of jeans or comfy shorts and a t-shirt to work in - that's a must. But to go out, well... that is different. Maybe a nice pair of shoes. Who doesn't like shoes and beautiful jewelry? Our beauty must have is Signature Club A cosmetics. They are great and from the Home Shopping Network. We all use it here at home. It's great for those who are very sensitive like we are.
Where can people find your work? We are on Etsy, Project Wonderful, Crafters and we are looking into getting our own website soon but we'll let everyone know when it happens. Come to kraftykrew.etsy.com to take a look at our shop and feel free to browse and stay awhile. Let us know if there is anything we can help you with.