Meet the Maker: Thumbprint Designs

Around here my motto is "happiness is handmade" which can mean a lot of things depending on who you ask. I believe that happiness is about living intentionally. It's about making room for growth in your life, it's about following your passion, and it's about carefully making things for your home, yourself, and your loved ones.

There are handmade artisans and crafters out there who have inspired me with their drive, unique products, and love for their craft. So, I thought I'd take some time here on the blog to share the inspiration. Meet the makers...

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Meet Skye

Today's maker is Skye. She runs an indie business called Thumbprint Designs where she makes custom artwork and graphic notecards. This lady is quick to make friends, always laughing, and willing to help whenever she can.

1. Why did you start crafting?

I guess you could say that I have always been somewhat of a crafty individual. My mother was always, always, doing something - macrame, crocheting, painting, making jewelry, scrapbooking, etc. So from an early age I picked up on doing something crafty in my spare time for fun. Then, I became an adult and life got boring because I felt like I was too busy, too old, too mature, too cool... you see where I am going with this... to keep crafting. So I quit, until I started blogging. I was suddenly inundated in this world where crafting was queen and making something yourself instead of buying it was the "cool thing to do". ;) I still don't get crafty near as much as I once did, but now I relish it when I have time.

2. What does the statement “Happiness is handmade.” mean to you?

"Happiness is handmade," says to me that if something is handmade, it is made by someone who absolutely loves what they do, so much so that they don't mind selling it when they are done! It means that someone has put extra time, thought, and love into an item because it was made from the heart. It also reminds me that it doesn't have to be fancy, perfect, or an exact replica of what I saw in my head when I started to make someone else happy. :)

3. Where can I find your handmade treasures?

I run an indie biz through Etsy called Thumbprint Designs where I make upcycled custom artwork for your home and fun, graphic note cards to share with your friends. You can also find me in these places:

blog: http://www.neatheringourfest.com

twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rinderceiia

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/neatheringourfest

pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/skye_mclain

4. What is your favorite handmade object?

Nailing down ONE favorite thing is hard! I definitely love my Gussy Sews bag (I have a yellow woodgrain market tote - she doesn't make them anymore!) and of COURSE my custom lovely computer case from Aubrey at Aubrey Plays!

5. Who or what inspires you?

Lately, I have really been inspired while listening to music or audiobooks on my ipod while painting! I seem to have really great ideas while doing that! I also get really inspired by working with fellow handmade artists - talking, sharing ideas, chatting business - that always gets my wheels turning! :)

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Thanks for sharing Skye! We've loved meeting you and seeing the you're beautiful work.

Interested in more Meet the Maker posts? Click the "Meet the Maker" tag in the sidebar for a full listing of posts.

Are you a maker who would like to introduce yourself to Buttonwood Cottage readers? Email me Kasey [at] ButtonwoodCottage [dot] com. Be sure to put "Meet the Maker" in the subject line!