For today’s interview, please welcome Linda Elbourne from A Crafting Journey.
1. Firstly, please introduce yourself and tell us a little about where you are based, for example in which country and part of that country?
My name is Linda Elbourne and I live in Cambridge in the UK.
2. Please tell us a little about the nature of your craft/crafts.
Basically I like to make stuff… from paper and rubber stamps … I make cards; mini books; alter Bean Tins; Up-cycle Beer Mats and I help other people to do the same thing!
3. What first interested you in your craft?
I have always crafted ever since I can remember … but I bought my first rubber stamp about 6 years ago and discovering inks and embossing powders just blew me away!
4. Did you have any formal training or have you learnt by yourself as you have gone along?
Up until very recently I had no formal training whatsoever… I learned online all that I could! Now I am very lucky to work with Lin Brown of L.B Crafts … who not only employs me but also mentors me. Last month I got the opportunity to go to Ranger U and learn from my hero … Lord Tim of Holtz … I also learned paint and canvas techniques with Claudine Hellmuth and made a fabulous project with Suze Weinberg.
5. How did the idea for your business/website come about?
When I first started sharing my work online I used a photobucket account and absolutely loved the feedback I got via forums etc. My Blog just progressed from that account really … a chance to share techniques and tips and meet like minded crafters; it has grown much bigger than my wildest dreams … I now have over 500 regular followers … I have met some truly talented and fabulous people too.
6. How long now have you been established?
I have had my blog since July 2007. At that time I used to work full time as a Customer Service Manager in a financial institution … I was made redundant after 25 years service 18 months ago … and since then I have managed to make my hobby my career … a dream for any crafter. My blog was vital in getting my work seen publicly and building on Design Team opportunities etc., from there!
7. How do you find inspiration and where do you locate your materials?
Most of my materials come from www.lbcrafts.com which is also a bricks and mortar store in Olney near Milton Keynes … it really is a Crafter’s paradise in there :0) The rest of my supplies come from various online suppliers like www.simonsaysstamp.com. My inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere … from the colours on a pair of curtains to magazines like Craft Stamper to work from the amazingly talented Wendy Vecchi.
8. Do you undertake your business/website on a full-time basis or are you also working whilst you get it up and running?
I treat my blog like “me time”. I do it for fun and as a result of that “fun” I manage to get paid work. I was working full-time when I first established it and it was never intended to be a part of my income … I guess I was truly lucky and it just worked out that way!
9. Tell us a little about your typical day and what is involved in running the business/website?
My typical day is making stuff and blogging it! I have classes to prep for; articles to write, classes to teach, Design Team samples to make … it is all non stop fun! I don’t have a clocking on and off time … I just play every minute … never a dull moment and extremely manic at times!
10. What advice would you give to others who are considering running a craft based business/website?
Go for it! Don’t underestimate the power of Blog land. Whatever type of craft you are into … start a blog too … and don’t get disheartened with a lack of interest at first … just stick with it!
11. How do you sell your wares – through craft fairs etc or through your own website and/or Etsy or other shops. Please let us have the links to these.
I don’t sell my wares perse … I donate my cards to charity for sale and the projects I make are sold as classes so … I really sell my time and my knowledge. My workshops are available at L.B Crafts and to book you can telephone 01234 714848.
12. Finally, if people want to learn more about your business/website do you have a Facebook page or Twitter profile where they can learn more?
If anyone out there is crazy enough to want to see more of me … then just pop into www.acraftingjourney.blogspot.com … trust me … you get to see more than enough of me on there :0)
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
loved reading all about Linda…she is one truly talented crafter…bet you didn’t know she can cook sew and craft all at the same time….sorry Linda couldn’t resist letting everyone know that you are one fab multi-tasker…hugs kath xxx
fantastic read and just love Lindas artwork and her blogs amazing, one very talented lady x
Enjoy reading the blog.
Thanks for your comments all, and Linda thank you for sharing your amazing craftwork with us.
The post about rubber stamps has a great content. I found this on Google search and I really have fun reading this.
Many thanks for the post. Happy 2011!
hi, great blog post. will come back later.