Simple, Fun, and Always Versatile

Random Facts About You?

1. I'm a of Japanese descent, but born in Peru - my first language is Spanish - always throws people off ( :

2. I am deathly afraid of birds - sorry you'll never see me use feathers for any hair accesories.

3. I am a Pilates and Xtend Barre instructor - I'm totally addicted to both!!

4. I'm a sucker for beagles - I love my Milly!

What got you started crafting?

My mom always had a sewing machine and growing up she would hem our pants, make us throw pillows, or sheets and since I didn't inherit her cooking skills - I ended up with her crafting skills ( : I also wanted to learn a hobby I can share with my own kids.

My husband bought me my sewing machine for Christmas three years ago afte begging for one. I finally got it and it sat in my closet for months! I was so afraid to use it. After watching me read the manual, talk to my mom about it, looking at a million You Tube videos - he just said "Just do it!" and I did and haven't stopped since.

What is your source of inspiration?

Versatility. I like making things that have more than one use. My clutches are versatile enough in the fabrics I use that they can be taken from daytime to night time. I also have moms used it to store a diaper or two and can also use the clutch for a girls night out!

My hair clips are also great to clip on a jacket or on a headband. I also have some hair ties that are super comfy to wear, but the best part is that they can also be used as colorful bracelets!

For fabrics, I like bold, bright colors. I love floral prints that are loud - anything that can give an every day outfit a splash of color.

What have you made recently?

My Diaper Clutches. I've seen a few products out there for diaper cases, but thought - what do mom do with these after the babies are done with diapers? If these pouches were more like clutches - they could use them after to go out. So I started with my current clutch size and made them a bit longer to accommodate a diaper and travel wipe case. I also put an ID pocket so that moms can carry credit cards or ID with them.

Besides interfacing I like to add premium felt to add some more strength to the clutch. I love top stitching anywhere I can. I just feel it really finishes the bags.

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I mainly sell my crafts through my Etsy shop (www.lemonandbees.etsy.com). I just started doing some craft shows around town. Word of mouth through friends has also helped sell my stuff.

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

Because the pieces are never exactly the same and it makes me feel like someone made this especially for me! That's how I like to make my products. Every time I make something I think of it as a gift - making it as perfect as I can, but also knowing that the best thing about handmade if the purity of the product - of the time spent cutting each piece, folding each piece, and adding those special finishing touches that makes handmade items so special.

Find Me

Location
Florida

Email Address
Melissa Moran

Personal Website
http://www.lemonandbees.etsy.com

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/lemonandbees2