Mainly, I am inspired by Tim, my husband, but the other part of the equation is I like to buy secondhand materials, such as jars, jewelry, soapdishes, and other vintage items and see what useful and creative things I can make with them. Additionally, I like buying wax, molds, and other supplies from crafters who have extra or are quitting the business. Somehow the idea of keeping things out of the landfill and having fun dreaming up uses for these materials is really entertaining.
Clare Corcoran
Random Facts About You?I was in the US Army and served in Afghanistan.
My husband died of cancer and Regretsy donated a handmade turtle urn for him.
I have always dreamed of going to Mongolia.
I am scared of driving.
What got you started crafting?
I started trying to make candles from crayons in the 3rd grade and then I bought a candle making kit from a church rummage sale in 6th or 7th grade. This lead me into wanting to make soap. When my mom got a job at a publishing company that was printing soapmaking books, she brought some home to show me. This was before the internet was common. Once I saw the suppliers and where to buy all the wonderful things to craft with, I was addicted. I have now been doing candles of all types and soaps for 10 years. In 2010, my husband passed and I needed an activity to relax while candles and soaps were in the molds, so I took up beading and jewelry making.
What is your source of inspiration?
Mainly, I am inspired by Tim, my husband, but the other part of the equation is I like to buy secondhand materials, such as jars, jewelry, soapdishes, and other vintage items and see what useful and creative things I can make with them. Additionally, I like buying wax, molds, and other supplies from crafters who have extra or are quitting the business. Somehow the idea of keeping things out of the landfill and having fun dreaming up uses for these materials is really entertaining.
What have you made recently?
The most recent item I made was a 3 layered soy candle in a vintage mason canning jar. The scent is blackberry sage and it is poured in purple, green, and blue. I got the jars at a thrift store for a steal and spent a week trying different wick sizes and fragrances to work with these jars. I found what works well , so I then visualized a color theme of green and purple, since I had been thinking about violets. Finally, I looked over the fragrances I have to match the scent with the colors. This candle stands out because I added a wax component to help the layers set up really fast, giving it a rustic texture and interesting visual appeal. My items tend to be done in bold colors with a very tactile element.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I opened an etsy shop in Nov. 2010, but before that, I mainly bartered locally for homegrown veggies or other crafts and supplies. My dream is to be able to sell things locally and help get attention for community businesses.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I love the sense of accomplishment when someone asks me about something I am wearing or part of my home decor and I get to say, "I made that". Giving handmade is best because you can personalize the gift instead of trying to go to a store and find the thing the receiver would hate the least.
Find Me
LocationMurfreesboro, TN
Email Address
Clare Corcoran
Personal Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Mylana
beloved
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1261464405
