One blog I’m absolutely in love with right now is Not Ladylike by Lisa Kercher. Lisa is from Edmonton, Canada and always has so many fun crafts and other projects featured on her blog. She taught herself the basics of knitting and sewing and enjoys making things like headbands, home décor items, and paintings among others. I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Lisa about her crafting.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have always been interested in crafts, thanks to my Mom and Grannie. I guess you could say it's in my blood! I took a long hiatus from everything when I was in university and when I got married. When I finally had some time to myself, I renewed my interest in scrapbooking and things took off from there. Now that we own our own home, I find it very important and exciting to fill it with things that I love and things that I have made.
What career path did you choose to pursue? Do you strictly do more creative things or do you dabble in other areas as well?
Right now my "real job" is something I never thought I would be doing: bookkeeping! I work part-time at a periodontal office and part-time at a scrapbooking store. I really enjoy my time at the scrapbooking store, teaching classes and creating displays. Working part-time allows for me to spend a lot of time with my son, and pursue my artistic side-projects, including getting my crafty "business" up and running.
You do have a lovely shop! Tell us about your business.
Lime Door was created last winter in response to a lot of compliments I was getting on all the little crafts I make and wear on a daily basis. I usually have a fun headband or hair clip on, and I was getting many requests from people to make some for them. Christmas craft show season was coming up, and I thought I would give it a go for real! I sold things only to people I had invited to the show! But I did okay. I sell felt media pockets, headbands, hairclips, patchwork bags, paper crafting kits, and anything else that suits my fancy. Lime Door is all about bringing handmade into your home, supporting local artists, and doing things for yourself. I hope to branch out into workshops and other DIY projects this year.
What initiatives if any do you do to advocate for the handmade world?
I am a big fan of buying handmade, and I prefer supporting a local business or crafter. I love attending farmers markets and small craft shows in town and keeping my money close to home! Also, I think a lot of people have forgotten how to make things for themselves, and would rather save the time and effort and just buy something to fill a need (or a want). I really want Lime Door to bring arts and crafts to the people, and get folks interested in making things again! Using your hands and minds to create something is so much more fulfilling than buying something plastic at the store. This is the direction I want to take my business in the (near) future.
What advice do you have for anyone who wants to pursue a creative career?
Do what makes you happy! Start at the bottom if you have to, but always keep your eyes open for the next step. Keep in mind that you don't have to own an online shop to have a creative job! Find a local craft store, or art shop that you love and apply for a job there. If you can't afford to pursue your creative goals full-time, set aside as much time as you can in a week and do something creative, even if it's just for yourself. Find other people in your town or city that inspire you, and that might want to join you...there is something so strong and amazing about a creative community! If you want to take things to the next level, talk to these people, talk to your friends and family, and don't be afraid to try.
