I get an indescribable joy out of making things with my hands. I love coming up with projects for myself, just so I can see a completed “something” at the end, after starting with a bunch of different pieces that seemed to be unrelated. It’s the process of taking things are different & organizing them in a way that makes them cohesive.
Anna Skates
Random Facts About You?* I love the feeling you get when you find an incredible treasure in a pile of junk at the thrift store.
* I am currently in school getting my Masters in Library and Information Science to become a Children's Librarian.
* I am EXTREMELY indecisive about MOST things.
* I have shelves & shelves of beautiful old books that I've never read (but definitely will some day!)
What got you started crafting?
I'm not entirely sure. However, I've heard stories of my daycare days, when my teacher would discover "treasures" I had found in the dirt on the playground...I was convinced I could make something incredible out of those bottle tops and twigs!
Also, growing up, I went to "scrapbook nights" with my mom and loved, loved, loved scrapbooking in high school. Through the years, I started making cards for people and realized that it's a pretty special thing to give others a gift that was crafted JUST FOR THEM. So I thought I'd try to get something started so others could experience that same joy.
What is your source of inspiration?
Lately, wedding blogs. I just got engaged a couple of months ago and have been constantly searching wedding blogs and have ended making a lot of cards in the process. The colors are so fresh and sweet!
What have you made recently?
My recent obsession has been stamping! Nearly everything I've made recently has had some sort of design created with a stamp. Just last night, I got to thinking about Christmas cards (it's come up in conversation recently....already that time?!). So, after a trip to Michael's and $42 later, I had a stockpile of incredible stamps, including some Christmas-themed goodies! I made several designs (one of which I attached to this entry) that are pretty exciting. I thought that people may not want to do the typical "red-and-green" color combo, so I made a 5"x7" flat card featuring a rustic brown "Noel" in the bottom right-hand corner and then, balancing that - in the top left-hand corner I stamped a pretty turquoise dove carrying an olive-branch (sign of peace). You can never go wrong with a brown/blue combination!
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I have an Etsy.com store that has a good bit of my items posted. However, I also have taken several orders through Facebook messages/email. Since most things I do are custom orders, it's best to have individual conversations with my customers about what they'd like. (Although, I can always duplicate something on the website/store if someone wishes to get a previous design.)
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I get an indescribable joy out of making things with my hands. I love coming up with projects for myself, just so I can see a completed "something" at the end, after starting with a bunch of different pieces that seemed to be unrelated. It's the process of taking things are different & organizing them in a way that makes them cohesive.
Find Me
LocationMy Kitchen Studio :)
Email Address
Anna Skates
Personal Website
http://www.annamichellecards.com
Store Website
http://etsy.com/shop/AnnaSkates
http://www.facebook.com/anna.michelleCards
