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in Cards, Featured Crafters, Handmade on

Handmade just can’t be beat. I walk into stores and most of the time am amazed that people buy all that stuff. Not only do I appreciate the unique aspect of handmade items, but I value that a person has breathed life into something and cared for each detail of its execution from start to finish.

molly schulman

Random Facts About You?

I was accidentally born on my couch at home and my dad had no other choice but to deliver me himself--you can read all about it in the November 1982 issue of Redbook Magazine (seriously)!

My favorite color is orange (but I do not like orange flavored candy).

I love flowers and picnics and wearing lots of sweaters.

I am addicted to lip gloss.



What got you started crafting?

After years of not being focused and drifting from one terrible job to the next, I finally turned an idea I'd merely toyed around with into reality. I have always been crafty and at holidays would opt to make my own cards, decorate my own packages or make cute items for my little nephews . But in 2008, I decided to do this to support myself. That's when 'Molly Shoelace' really started taking shape.

I went to school for art and so it comes very naturally for me to draw and design my products with confidence. It is the business side of things that is exceedingly difficult and a matter of trial and error. However, there are so many resources out there and other crafters who have been warm and forthcoming with information, that I have managed to stick with it and stay motivated. Also, since I moved to LA, I have joined forces with my boyfriend Sean. He is in charge of Marketing and PR, which is a huge help so that I can focus more on the design side.



What is your source of inspiration?

I nearly always have a notebook with me in my bag, so I can jot down ideas or inspirations while I'm out and about. I often go back to my notebooks and isolate certain ideas or drawings and then expand from there. I love to draw flowers and people and food. My friend gave me a truly amazing book about picnics. The book is so dated (from the 70s), and I love drawing from it for that reason. The outfits, hairstyles, and ridiculous picnic spreads are definitely inspiring.



What have you made recently?

Recently, I converted my basement into a screenprinting shop. I set up the darkroom for burning the screens and an area for printing. It is a tremendous amount of fun and surprisingly easy to do on a budget. For Renegade Craft Fair this past December, I screenprinted some designs on tote bags. Because I'm fairly new at the printing process, I chose simple line drawings as my design. I try to come up with designs I feel are accessible, but more importantly that I enjoy.

Since I draw all of my designs, everything has a similar sensibility and feels cohesive with my other merchandise. In the end, the tote is a just a way to get my imagery and illustrations out into the world. It is more or less wearable art. I like that practical side to crafting. I like when things have utility and beauty.





Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I sell my stuff online through etsy and I also do in person sales at various craft fairs, flea markets, festivals, etc. I also have select items in a few brick and mortar locations.



Why are handmade crafts important to you?

Handmade just can't be beat. I walk into stores and most of the time am amazed that people buy all that stuff. Not only do I appreciate the unique aspect of handmade items, but I value that a person has breathed life into something and cared for each detail of its execution from start to finish. When the manufacturer of an item cares so much about what they are making, that is inherently passed down to the consumer. Also, I prefer to support individual artists like myself if and when possible. And of course, handmade is generally better made!



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