I Grew to Absolutely LOVE it!

Meet Cari and her quaint shop Designs by Cari http://www.etsy.com/shop/cari4jc1 where you will find wonderful "handmade crochet accessories like the popular mary jane slippers, headbands, mug cozies and more. These are fun, modern and up-to-date pieces that will add a little something special to your wardrobe and home."

by Designs by Cari
Hello! Allow me to introduce myself…my name is Cari. I’m an almost 27 year old wife and stay at home mother of 2 boys, Dakotah and Kaiden, who will be 5 and 2 in April.

If you would have told me a few years ago that I would have a crochet business I probably would have laughed. Both of my parents were crafty. My Dad had a pottery business and my Mom had a sewing business, but I had zero interest in crafts. I actually picked up crochet as a “pregnancy project” while pregnant with Kaiden. At the time I just wanted to make him a baby blanket, but then I ended up making him a hat and booties and somewhere along the line I just couldn’t stop. I grew to absolutely LOVE it! I guess my parents passed their craftiness onto me…it just kicked in a little late.

Aside from being with my family, my 2 favorite places to be are in the yarn store and sitting in “my spot” on the couch crafting my next crochet project. At night when I lay in bed trying to go to sleep I can’t help but think about what I’m going to make the next day. I’m constantly thinking of colors and color combinations and ways to make things better. I get so excited every time I make something new. I always think that it’s the cutest thing I’ve made so far, but of course I think the same thing after finishing my next project too.

My goal is to pass on a little happiness with each pair of slippers or headband or mug cozy I make. I hope that as the customer is using their new beauty that they are smiling.

Creative Outlet

People often ask me how I find the time to create with two little ones at home and a very busy full time job. Sometimes it is hard to find "me" time. When I do find time to create, usually when the girls are in bed or late at night...it is heaven. It is a way for me to unwind and do something I absolutely love. The best is when I get on a creative roll and the hours pass so quickly. I love to also spend the time with my girls creating, helping them to discover their own creative outlet. Erica's creative outlet is to create beautiful jewelry. She is a working mom too and loves the chance to do what she loves.

by EsThings

Visit Erica at http://www.esthings.etsy.com/

My name is Erica and I started EsThings on Etsy at the beginning of June so I am still green to the Etsy network. I am a mother to 3 beautiful children that range in age from 9 to 16. I am very busy running them all over when I am not at my full time day job. I spend several hours a week (usually at night after the kids have settled in) creating and what seems like even more time following up on the electronic portion of the shop and marketing. People often ask me with you busy life why are you trying to make a go of the jewelry thing? I answer this question each time like this; my full time day job is very analytical using a lot of brain power that is straight only and requires a specific answer. The jewelry I create is my creative outlet. It allows me to use brain power that is fun and to "color outside the lines" so to speak. It allows me to create things that I love. This shop has given me an opportunity to share these things with others in hopes they will love them the way I do.As for giving advice to others, I am not sure I have been around long enough to do so but, I will... If you love what you do and create others will love it too and the rest will come... at least that is my hope.

Here is Erica's blog http://esthingsatetsy.blogspot.com/. Have fun visiting her blog and shop!