Helen's Corner: Let's end November with a GIVEAWAY (sponsored by Mama Hoot Designs)!

I introduce to you...

Charity specializes in Quiet Books, Diaper Bags, Personalized blankets and banners. Charity contacted me back in June to let me know how much she loved my shop. She was so sweet. We've agreed to feature each other on our blogs, and... 6 months later, HERE SHE IS!
(Check out her blog to read her feature on ME)

We did a friendly swap and look what I was blessed to receive!!

I absolutely LOVE what she was able to create for me. Joshua needed some "cushion for his tushy", as well as a place to attach his sippy cup. So I picked the fabric and put Charity to work (THANKS, friend!). I absolutely love it (and so does Joshua)!

ALSO, another gift I got!

Fabric Alphabet

She creates these wonderful Alphabet Sets, perfect for different projects you might have in mind: a kiddie quilt, simple pillows, an ABC banner, or simply to have your little ones learn the Alphabet. I personally haven't decided what to do with my set, yet, BUT... I'm REALLY open for suggestions.

Anyway...

Charity and I also agreed to "interview" each other, so our readers could get to know us as well.

Our Question/Answer:

How do you describe yourself?

Christian, work-at-home wife and mom, Army veteran, knitter, cyclist,

How did you get started selling on Etsy?

It was actually a really slow decision, especially compared to how I normally do things. It was just this little idea that started back in 2008, before my daughter was born. The idea faded since we had enough going on at the time (baby, moving, changing jobs, college graduation, etc.). But then after she was born and things started falling into place in our new home, the idea started to grow a bit, so I mentioned it to my husband and we still decided to hold off. Then came Spring and my sewing machine died, when we looked at getting a new one the idea came back to us again, this time we decided to take the plunge and Mama Hoot Designs opened in May 2010!

How do you get the inspiration for your designs?

It varies widely - I am still searching for my niche. Sometimes I see something my daughter needs or would like and I make it then think, hmmm...other kids might like this. Other times it is something in nature or just the fabric itself.

What are your other hobbies?

I honestly don't have time for much else. I like blogging and love reading other crafter's blogs. I am addicted to Ravelry (a knitter's Facebook). I still love to knit but I find that I don't have as much patience for it as I used to.

What is your favorite thing that you've made recently?

A quiet book for a new baby, Karson. I wasn't sure about the main fabric at first and some of the designs were new but it was really fun to create the new animal designs. It was also the most interactive book that I've done - the kangaroo had a little pocket, the rabbit had big floppy ears, the owl had soft, flappy wings.

How do you find balance?

I don't - that's why I'm constantly polling others. I pray for balance daily. I tend to be an all-or-nothing kind of person so it has been a real learning process for me to just put down a project while I tend to a new priority. My husband helps me to schedule my day and determine when it's time to relax, but I still struggle every day to fit in all my "want-to"s and "to-do"s.

What is your favorite thing about the Christmastime?

I love almost everything about Christmas. We do a pretty good job in my family of not getting over run with the commercial aspects nor letting Santa steal focus so it is truly just a time to celebrate the birth of Christ!

Anything I should ask but didn't?

I am starting to add craft fairs into my schedule. I added a tab on my website and will be filling it soon for 2011. In the meantime, I will have Mama Hoot's Virtual Craft Fair starting just in time for Christmas. And don't forget to stop by for Black Friday-Cyber Monday sales!

HOW TO FIND CHARITY, A.K.A "Mama Hoot":

http://www.mamahootdesigns.com/

Blog: MamaHootDesigns.com

www.etsy.com/shops/MamaHootDesigns
http://www.artfire.com/users/mamahootdesigns
(Check out her shop, as she will be posting Black Friday - Cyber Monday sales on 11/25/10)

Some of Mama Hoot's creations: