CGW veteran mom & daughter team Sherri and Heather Waldman of We Are Something Else will make their second appearance this year. We’re ready to see some of their new comfy accessories - warm enough for fall and winter, and stylish enough to last from year to year. Take a look below to get a peak inside their crafty biz.
Etsy
Website: www.wearesomethingelse.com
What kind of handmade items do you make for your business?
Sherri: I make crocheted items —- scarves, neckwarmers, mobiuses, hats, pot holders, dish cloths, cup cozies, coasters, etc.
Heather: I crochet as well, (the same items as Sherri) and I also make yarn/grapevine wreaths. I’ve also just started another business, Melusina’s Apothecary, where I make handmade soaps, lip balms, body butters, whipped body scrubs and sugar scrubs.
What sorts of art, crafts or otherwise creative projects do you do in your spare time?
Sherri: All of the above.
Heather: Oh dear! It seems like I don’t have much “spare time” these days, as autumn is a busy time for craft shows so that keeps me pretty busy, I’m always crocheting after work to keep stock up for shows. Although, I will be volunteering with Grant Medical Center as an Art Advocate. I will be crocheting/crafting with cancer patients at the hospital. I’m very excited to start!
Share a tip or trick from your trade, that you wish you knew when you started.
Sherri: Never give up! No matter how complicated something seems, there is always a solution.
Heather: I wouldn’t change anything about learning to crochet, that was a fun adventure but as far as selling it (on Etsy), I wish I would have known just how important photography was. I look back at the photos I listed and they were *horrible*, we’re slowly getting better photography in our shop thanks to some talented friends.
Other than that, I’m with Sherri, when you’re out at craft shows (or selling online), not everyone will love your items and that’s okay! but it’s hard not to take it personally sometimes. Keep your chin up and stay confident in what you create, if it makes you happy and you take the time to make a quality product, your customers will come.
What makes your business unique?
Sherri: I work with one of my best friends —- my daughter, Heather.
Heather: I was going to say the same thing as Sherri! Part of what makes our business unique is that we are mother and daughter and truly great friends. We work full time and conduct our craft business in our spare time. We try to make items that are affordable because we have always been huge supporters of handmade items and we personally operate budgets so we know what it’s like to want something beautiful but not be able to afford it.
What was your first crafty project (that you can remember)?
Sherri: My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 9. The big thing then was roses, crocheted with thread, that were added to pillowcases, towels, etc. This was the first thing she taught me to make.
Heather: I remember creating a drawing using pastels in elementary art class, I think I was 7 years old. I had recently seen Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting so my clouds somewhat resembled his style but in a bright red, orange, yellow sky overlooking a corn field. I must say, I was pretty darn proud of that one.
What is your go-to crafty blog or website for inspiration?
Heather: I am absolutely in love with Maybe Matilda! Rachel is funny, honest, a crochet/sewing fashionista and just down right fun to read. I also enjoy pinterest, that site can get down right addicting.
www.maybematilda.com
What decade or style inspires you?
Sherri: I love almost any style!
Heather: I am drawn to the 1920’s – 1950’s and unfortunately I’m just now getting ideas for crocheted items that fit those styles. But I truly believe I was born in the wrong decade.
What is your favorite handmade object?
Sherri: I have a cowl that Heather made for me that is one of my favorite things —-
EVER!!
Heather: Anything and everything my mom (Sherri) makes me. Seriously. She can make *anything* I ask her to so I have scarves, neckwarmers, mobiuses, Christmas centerpieces and wreaths, crocheted earrings and more. She puts so much time and love into what she makes so they are my personal little treasures that no one else could ever make half as well as she can, in my humble, completely unbiased opinion. ;)
Aww, we love a good mom & daughter biz. The quality truly comes out when you craft with love. <3
