Writers Spark: Brandi Hussey

by Emily Orpin on 5/07/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Typewriter stickers by craftyFOLK

Presenting the second in an ongoing series aimed at getting to know the Handmade Spark writers a little better.
Here Brandi Hussey – maker of gorgeous color-filled earrings, bracelets and necklaces – shares some of the lessons she’s learned in running her jewelry business, Catie’s Blue.

1. Tough ask but…give …

U of I Mom’s Day Craft Fair

by Susan Campanini on 4/22/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Last weekend was the time for the annual University of Illinois Mom’s Day Craft Fair in the Illini Union on the campus at Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Beaded Jewelry by Susan has been participating in this event for nearly twenty years. If you’ve read my prior Handmade Spark article called “The Big …

Writers Spark: Holly Dare

by Emily Orpin on 4/16/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Vintage typewriter postcards by moxie photo design
You’ve probably noticed that a whole bunch of different people contribute to the Handmade Spark blog – over 30 at last count!
Some of us have expertise in marketing, social media, blog writing, or a particular craft.  Some of us don’t think we have expertise …

I Heart Twitter (Part III): Twittiquette

by Emily Orpin on 3/26/10 | View Comments Comment(s)

Tweet acrylic necklace by Plastique
Yep, I’m back on the Twitter bandwagon again…
Etiquette is a strange beast.  I think for most of us, it’s simply about being nice and showing respect and it’s something we just try and do.  But kind of like when we’re in foreign lands, new technologies can …