Spotlight on Fiber Artist MomnMiaQuilts

Fabric Easter Basket/Creative Kids Art Bucket
Originally uploaded by MomNMiaQuilts

Today, we look at another one of our QuiltHeirloom team members, MomnMiaQuilts. She is also a member of the EtsyKids, EtsyBABY, EtsyWMI teams. The picture of her work I selected for today's post, shows a lovely little art bucket or Easter basket. With her love of making items for children, I thought it the perfect example.

Residing in Michigan, with her Etsy shop and two children, one boy and one girl, MomnMiaQuilts is one busy lady. In spite of that, she manages to place wonderful items in her shop, often inspired by her children. Part of that dedication to both children and her craft may be the reason her quilts and baby items can be found in boutiques from Maine to South Carolina and even Malaysia! She does accept custom and wholesale orders so if you don't see what you are looking for, send her a message. She just may be able to match your needs.


I interviewed MomnMiaQuilts yesterday, and I'd like to share it with you.

1. In the range of over 50/under 50, where would you place yourself?

As my husband manages to remind me at least once a week, I'll be 30 in December, so that'd put me in the under 50.

2. How long have you been a member of the Quilts and Heirloom team and what made you decide to join this group?

I joined about 3 months ago. I love having a team who shares my passion for quilts and fabric/fiber creations to share and chat with!

3. What do you consider your fiber art passion?

Definitely quilting. And I have a major fabric obsession...I love pretty fabric!

4. Where or when did you learn this art?

I am pretty much a self-taught quilter. My mom taught me to hand and machine sew at a pretty young age, but over the past 12 years I've really gotten into quilting and quilt design. I have never actually taken a quilting or quilt making class, and I hate patterns. If I see something I like I might use the pattern as reference, but I like to do things my own way and with my own touch! Most of what I do is one of a kind or custom designed. I love designing quilts and doing the piecing work - whether by machine or hand. My mom and I usually tag-team on the long arm quilting machine depending on what the project is and who has time to do it. And there is just something really really fulfilling about hand-stitching the binding that gives that wonderful finishing touch to a quilt!

5. Do you have any encouraging suggestions for someone new to your skill?

Don't be afraid to try doing things your own way! Have fun with color & designs.

6. Do you enjoy any other creative endeavors? And if so, could you tell us a little about them?

I really enjoy sewing in general. I love making baby items like my bibs, blankets, and fun creations like my new Creative Kids Art Bucket, which has been a big hit for the Easter season. I also enjoy scrapbooking, but rarely find the time to dedicate to it.

7. I know about your shop MomNMiaQuilts on Etsy. Do you have other shops or venues for your art?

I have only been selling on Etsy since March of 2008. I've been making custom quilts and baby items for over 10 years through my business Mom N Mia Quilts. I sell my wares at a select few arts & crafts fairs, but mostly through wholesale venues with fine children's boutiques across the country and world. As of this month, my items can be found in 8 states and 4 other countries! As far as online venues, I have had shops on lollishops and 1000Markets, but find Etsy.com to be my favorite and most successful venue.

8. As you look in your shop, what would be your favorite item in the bunch? The one you almost hate to part with?

In honesty, I hate to part with all of them, but the quilts are what I love the most. It's a great joy to send one on to someone I know will enjoy it, but I'd love to keep them all too!

9. Do you have any suggestions or advice for someone just starting out on etsy?

Don't give up! It's hard starting out in any business, and online is no different. Get your name out there - my best advertising is word of mouth. Provide a superior, high quality product, and your customers will want to come back again and again!

Never a dull moment

Sports Wall Pocket
Originally uploaded by starryhomecrafts

The picture I've included with today's post, is a wall pocket by StarryHomeCrafts. I chose this because it shows the variations handmade can bring to our lives. Whether you sew, quilt, crochet, knit, tatt or embroider, the possibilities are endless.

Items we create can be both functional and beautiful. There is creating simply for the artistic side and there is art meets function, where our skill can be used to create items we use daily.

Particularly today, many individuals don't have the money for books or a lot of equipment. Don't let that stop you from trying out various crafts. Your local library is still free and is a resource we can all use. The web is also a great resource for crafts. Below you'll find a few I came across on a quick browse this morning.

Crochet:
http://www.crochetcabana.com/crochet_dictionary.htm
Collecting and Caring for Vintage Heirlooms:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2148140_clean-heirloom-vintage-linens.html
Quilting:
http://quilting.about.com/od/stepbystepquilting/How_to_Make_a_Quilt.htm
Embroidery:
http://www.sublimestitching.com/howto.html
Knitting:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/shows_dkng/0,2044,DIY_18180,00.html
Sewing:
http://www.whatthecraft.com/index.php
Tatting
http://www.wikihow.com/Begin-Tatting

Let your creative side flourish and like us, you'll never have a dull moment again.