Tell us a little about yourself.My life has had many twists and turns and I feel like I've finally landed where I belong. Right now I'm mothering two little girls and my son is off at college. I spend my days creating. During the summer months I spend a fair amount of time working in our gardens and helping to create life there. During the winter months you'll find me spending more time indoors and creating art there. My life is very seasonal and at any given moment you'll see it governed by natural seasons as well as the seasons of life.
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| Gnome and Toadstool Needlefelted Playscape |
How did you begin working in your craft and how did it develop into a business?I've always created - ever since I was a child, really. One of my first projects was hand sewing an outfit for my little sister's favorite stuffed rabbit. Our dog had chewed the rabbit's dress and I sewed a replacement to cheer up my sister.
As for how I developed it into a business, it's really simple. One day I decided that I was done creating just for myself and my children and opened the etsy shop.
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| Autumn Acorn Wool Felted Waldorf Crown |
What is one of your favorite homeschool memories thus far?
I'm really not keen on picking favorites of anything, but I can say that I am absolutely thrilled when I see the look of joy on my children's faces when they grasp a concept or discover something new. My goal is to help them always retain that love of learning.
What advise would you give to other homeschool families who are also trying to run a home business?
Practice balance. If you must, instill rules or schedules to ensure that the business doesn't take over your life.
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| Set of Five Counting Manipulatives |
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?Literature, nature, my children. Honestly, a better question might be, "Where DON'T you find inspiration?"
What is your favorite item in your shop right now? Seriously, I don't think I could pick a favorite. Some items I really enjoyed creating and others were part of a much more challenging creative process. I don't know if all artists are like me, but I don't know that I'm ever satisfied with my work.
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| Life's Triad Maiden Mother and Crone Goddess |
Do you have specific goals for your business or for your homeschooling? Would you share some of those with us?
My goal for my business is to always love the work. If it ever stops being a joy then I know it's time for me to stop. While I enjoy the bit of extra income it brings in, I really began the business as a creative outlet. There just weren't enough shelves in our home to house my creations. As for our homeschooling, my only goal is to help my children learn to love learning. To help them retain that passion for learning is what drives us.
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| Custom Wee Mouse in Altoids Tin |
Do you have any other websites that you would like to share? ie, Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Shop...
You can find me on Twitter at twitter.com/MooMamaKari
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/Moo-Said-the-Mamas-Urban-Homestead/188640327836258
, and my blog can be found at moosaidthemama.blogspot.com/ .
I do spend probably more time than I ought to on Pinterest and folks can find me there at pinterest.com/karimoomama/ .
4 comments:
Nice to meet you! Your shop is filled with cute and whimsical items. I checked out your pinterest, too. Wow, what a lot of boards! :)
Hi, cute cute! I just liked your facebook page. :)
What adorable items! Enjoyed reading the interview and seeing the variety of items that you create.
Lovely to meet you! I do so love your needle felted creations.
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