HandCraftedByKaren is AWESOMEEEEEEE!

Chatters, I would like to introduce you to HandCraftedByKaren!!

1. Who is HandCraftedByKaren?

My name is Karen St. Dennis. I am Married and have 3 kids a dog and a hamster. I live in Upstate NY. (North of Albany). I am 39 and have been crafting for probably about 30 yrs or more. I work during the school year as a cashier in the cafeteria of the Jr/Sr High school (I steal kids lunch money).

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

Mostly I 'loom knit' I have been loom knitting for about a year now. I started this hobby when my friend was doing it and I thought that I could do that too. It gave me something to do when I was waiting for my kids to finish swim lessons. I have also done seed bead jewelry (Native American style barrettes and earrings) as well as a lot of other different kinds of crafting.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

A lot of my inspiration comes from fellow Etsyians. There is so much talent out there and a lot of things I would never have even thought of. Also from the Internet and different craft sites and patterns available.

4. What is your favorite medium?

Different kinds of fun and interesting and colorful yarn.

5. Is Etsy your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?

Etsy started out being a side project, but during the summer I don't get a paycheck from a regular job so it's kind of my 'summer job'


6. How did you find Etsy?

My friend found Etsy in the back of a magazine that her kindergarten son brought home from school. "Parent and Child' she thinks. She thought that maybe we could try it.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

Before I even listed anything in my "shop" I went into a few chat rooms to 'get the feel of things, ask questions and learn before I got too involved. Some of the Etsyians were very harsh and not wanting to offer any information or help, kept directing me to the forums (didn't know where to even find them)and such. Then I found the 'room' that I normally go in where I found some really friendly and helpful people. Some how I just can't stay away. lol

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

Wow, isn't that like asking which child is your favorite? hmmmm My favorite piece I've done is? either the plushies or the Easter eggs. They were pretty fun to make.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?

Talk about a difficult question. There are so many wonderful shops out there. I honestly don't think I can pick a favorite shop, not even a favorite medium? Just way too many talented people out here in Etsyland.

10.Tips for other Artists?

I think the best think I could tell someone is 'make what you love'. If you don't LOVE your craft, pick something else. You want this to be fun less like 'work' and I think if you Love what you do, it will show in your work.



11.Tell me a Secret about yourself.

I'm not Susie Homemaker or Betty Crocker.

12. Any parting words of wisdom

Be yourself. Everyone has their own speed, their own niche, an their own style. Don't be part of the cookie cutter mold.


HandCraftedByKaren is Giving away a 10$ Credit to be used towards any purchase in her shop, to one lucky winner..
Winner will be chosen by random.org on July 17!

How do you enter? Simple:

1 entry: go to www.HandCraftedByKaren.etsy.com and pick your fav item. Come back here and leave a comment on what it is!! (required)

1 entry: TWEET this giveaway and post a link to the tweet here.

1 entry: Blog this giveaway and post a link in your comment here

1 entry: follow the blog, and comment here.

2 entries: buy an item from handcraftedbykaren.etsy.com and leave a comment here with a link to the transaction (TWICE)

(SIX Entries possible!!)