When I became a preschool teacher, I wanted the kids to make crafts that the parents would want to keep. I believe in the motto every preschool teacher uses: “It’s the process, not the product”. But I also didn’t want them to make something the parents would cringe at and wait until their little dumpling was asleep before the project hit the trash can.
Amanda Williams-Richardson
1. I secretly wish I had black hair and blue eyes.
2. I'm obsessed with reading blogs.
3. I would love to throw parties every weekend.
4. I love each season that is about to come up. Right now, I crave spring. When spring rolls around, summer will be my new crush.
What got you started crafting?
I have always had a passion for making things. I would get burnt so many times when I was a kid by hot glue. Blisters on every finger. (Don't ask me why my mother kept letting me use it!)
When I became a preschool teacher, I wanted the kids to make crafts that the parents would want to keep. I believe in the motto every preschool teacher uses: "It's the process, not the product". But I also didn't want them to make something the parents would cringe at and wait until their little dumpling was asleep before the project hit the trash can.
Hence, when I started making invitations, I would always think: "These are going to hit the trash can (but hopefully, the recycle bin) as soon as this event is over." I wanted to start making invitations people would hold on to, or use, way after the event had ended.
I started with my daughters' birthday invitations. One had a woodland theme, so I made a polymer clay magnet that I am proud to say, decorates a lot of my friend's and family members refrigerator. The other one wanted a dog theme, so I made dog tags with all the guests names on them. I received so many compliments and was told by all the kid's mother's how their child adored them.
What is your source of inspiration?
I am inspired by anything and everything. If I see a cool toy or a fancy flower, I will think of a new invitation in a box. There is so much to be inspired by, it's hard to narrow it down.
What have you made recently?
My latest project included lollipops. I found so many colorful lollipops made by Hammond Candies that gave me tons of inspiration for new invitation ideas. I got so many different designs from one thing, I was thrilled. Fancy invitations for weddings, whimsical invitations for baby showers and fun invitations for birthdays. The list goes on and on and I keep adding to my collection of lollipop invitations.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I sell my invitations on etsy. I also have my own website.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Handmade items take a lot of work and dedication. It's something that you can be proud in giving and love getting.
What I love most about supporting the indie seller, is knowing that you are helping someone feed their passion. And, if you're like me, you have a passion that provides income for your family, but also keeps you staying home with your children, which is most important to me.
Find Me
LocationCincinnati Ohio
Email Address
Amanda Williams-Richardson
Personal Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/whenandwhereinvites
Store Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/whenandwhereinvites