Louise @ Elsie May and Bertha

I've called this Louise @ Elsie May and Bertha as people sometimes that I'm called Elsie May or Bertha. In fact, these were my two grandmothers, Elsie May Hancock and Bertha Hodson. The name  popped into my head one day when I was trying to think of a name to call my 'shop', I'd gone through lots of names, many of which were already taken. So Elsie May and Bertha (EM&B) it was.

I've been making things for as long as I can remember using a mixture of sewing and knitting. I've now added paper crafting to those two, and attempting crochet, but I don't have enough time for that really (a poor excuse I know).

I've been selling my wares under the EM&B banner since October 2010 after I'd taken voluntary redundancy from work (I have chronic fatigue so I went before I was made too). I sell via my website, Folksy and vintage/craft fairs. The latter are really good for meeting like-minded people and puts names to faces that I follow on Twitter and Facebook.

I really enjoy being able to spend my days (when I can) creating lovely things. I'm especially keen on reusing things and a lot of my stash has come from charity shops and I love coming up with new ways to use something that someone else didn't want.

I've not been able to make any kind of living from my making, as yet (where are all those sale?), so have had a considerable drop in lifestyle, but I do get to make things every day! Some thing are worth more than money (but don't tell the bank manager that!).

I don't really have one style, as I tend to make either for someone specific or to use a specific item from my stash, so the style can depend on that.

I have started to branch out into more arty things, creating collages out of fabrics and/or paper and I participated in my first art exhibition this may. I'm looking forward to doing more of this kind of work.

I really enjoy being a member of the Monthly Challenge design team, I like the discipline of having a deadline to work to. I have quite a few things waiting to be completed in my work basket! I am also looking forward to seeing the things that people make for the different challenges. The ones we've judged so far have been really difficult because of the standard of the entries.

TTFN 
Louise

Who is Maelotti

Many people have asked where the name comes from and I can tell you it is not Italian it is actually the names of my two grandmas, May and Lotti. In 2011 I set up a website to display my creations and showcase my husbands art, which in 2012 had a shop added as requests were coming in.
Recently I have had some of the artwork converted into cross stitch patterns which are now available on my website.

So, about the person behind it all. My name is Claire and I cant remember a time when I didn't do some form of craft. From a young age my grandma, May, used to spend time with me teaching me to knit, crochet and make pompoms, lol.

About 20 years ago I started making the occasional card and it spiraled from there. Know i cross stitch, make bobbin lace, glass paint and have recently began to draw under my husbands tuition (he is a teacher of fine art) I have a passion for anything that sparkles so jewellery seemed the next best thing for me to make. Silver Angel started after I had made a necklace for a gift and then was asked if i could make another.

I now live on the Suffolk coast with my wonderful husband, Phil who puts up with all of my crafting stash. Our two beautiful children Keianna and Reggie, our dog Angus and new addition of Misti the kitten. 

I am pleased to be on the design team and am looking forward to seeing all of your creations.I am still fairly new blogging, but I hope you enjoy my creations, some of which may not be quite as planned. 

Claire
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Who is Nikki K?

Who am I?  Now there's a question.

I'm Nikki K, passionate about mixed media, stamping, resin jewellery and polymer clay.  Owner of Fairy Elephant Design, where my jewellery started.  The name came from my mum, she used to shout it at me as I ran up the stairs at home when I was young. 

I've recently decided to expand and show my other loves, and let people see 'me', - stop hiding behind the elephant if you like!  So here I am, Nikki K.

The painting above sums me up really, nothing but a dreamer!

I live in the Midlands with my husband, dog Luna, and cat Magic.  I'm an IT Technician four days a week, and get to run my business mainly on Monday's, weekends and evenings. 

I'm pleased to join the Get Crafty team here on the new blog, and to be a contributor.  I hope to bring you randomness, humour, and lot's of tutorials, and look forward to hearing what you would like to learn from us here.

Best Wishes,

Nikki K.
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