Getting Crafty This Summer!

by Sarah from Creative Sundries

Summer in Minnesota is a glorious thing. Green everywhere; gorgeous weather (sunny with evening thunderstorms is my favorite!) and "lightning bugs" are a few of my personal favorite things about summer in Minnesota. Another is inspiration to create! I talked with a few TeamMNers to find out what they're up to this summer, craft-wise!

XO Handworks

Tam Helmin of XO Handworks says that she'll be exploring metalworking techniques, "including etching, texturing, shaping and patinas -- especially during a weekend creative retreat at a friend's home outside of Duluth."

She also plans for organize her home business spaces: "As my business has grown, it's gradually taken over many areas throughout the house. It's time to step back, look at what space I need and get it organized. The first step was a new shelving unit in the garage to hold extra shipping supplies (and getting rid of the unused exercise equipment that had been abandoned in that space). This easy project made such a big difference, I'm energized to keep going :)." Tam says that she will also be building up her inventory! She explains, "All the items left from the spring shows have been or will be listed on Etsy this summer -- this fall's shows will have all new products!"

Etsy Buy Handmade XOHandworks

Kelly Newcomer

Kelly Newcomer's creations will be venturing out into Uptown on their own! She says, "I plan to hang some new paintings at the Dunn Brothers Coffee shop down the street from my house (Lake Street and Bryant Ave. in Mpls) this August. Also, I plan to start a regular routine where I make time at least once a week to do watercolor and drawing. Right now, I'm lucky if I get to it once a month!" Her little one keeps her busy, and is a budding artist himself! Kelly says, "Maybe I can find a way where I do painting and my son does painting at the same time!"

Etsy Buy Handmade kellynewcomer

Kellybot & PequenoPequeno

Kelly Barto of Kellybot and PequenoPequeno says, "My crafting plans for this summer include taking a painting class. I'm not very good, but I'm learning a lot about mixing colors, composition and painting techniques. I hope that this will help bring a more artistic flair to my crafts."

Etsy Buy Handmade kellybot

Etsy Buy Handmade PequenoPequeno

You Go Girl Soap

You Go Girl Soaps' Stacie Branson has had a huge sale this summer. She explains, "I am getting rid of a lot of products that I have made so that I can refocus on my main fragrance lines. I love to create new bath treats and put them on Etsy, it's so fun. However, I am realizing that I need to stick with what I am good at and what sells well. Look for my new bath and beauty products to debut in the Fall."

Etsy Buy Handmade yougogirlsoaps

Tweet