Girlfriendology

In my experience, crafty and creative women ‘get‘ girlfriends. They love hanging out together, sharing their creative skills and latest projects, and making gifts for their favorite female friends. Also, in the industry, they share contacts, business ideas, techniques and a whole lot of support.

Personally, I wouldn’t have made it without my girlfriends for the five years I worked in the craft industry. Jill, Katie, Lisa, Vicki, Tammy, Julie and so many other amazing women welcomed me and helped me acclimate to the industry with their suggestions, connections and support. Some of these women I’ve profiled below - they’re amazing women who inspire me, have blessed my life and I’m just humbled to have become their friend.

1. Jill MacKay - Amazing jewelry designer, Jill is an accomplished artist, imaginative designer and published author. She has created beading and accessory lines for major craft retailers. And, you can purchase her fabulous jewelry designs in stories and on her website. Listen in to this Girlfriendology podcast where Jill interviews about Girlfriendology and why my girlfriends inspire me.
2. Katie Hacker - A prolific author whose books have sold more than half a million copies, Katie provides beading advice as the presenter of Beading Lessons on the PBS series “Beads, Baubles & Jewels” and in her Ask Katie column for Simply Beads magazine. Hear about Katie’s inspiration on our podcast interview with her.
3. Margot Potter - Self-proclaimed ‘bead queen of the universe,’ Margot is a crafty designer, author (including the popular “Impatient Beader” series), blogger (yep, the “Impatient Blogger” and the new “Impatient Crafter“) and all around sparkly girl! Listen in to our podcast as we talk about creativity, she-roes and life as an impatient beader.
4. Crafty Chica - Kathy Cano-Murillo is living the ultimate crafty dream. Author, product designer, glitter advocate and all things crafty, this chica can inspire anyone to get crafty and creative! Look for her products in Michaels and Target, and listen in to our interview with her on crafting with your girlfriends.
5. Oh my so Cute - Sesame, from Singapore, shares this blog dedicated to featuring cute websites, delightfully cute indie goods from apparel, accessories, jewelries, babywear, popart, books, stationery, crafts, plushes, toys, papergoods to household items and much more.
6. ArtGirlz - Creativity reigns with Tracy and Allison (on the left) - sisters, designer and co-creators of ArtGirlz. Their products for embellishing artwork are fabulous - I have a stash on-hand for any creative project.
7. Claudine Hellmuth - “Hip art for playful hearts.” Author and designer, Claudine creates mixed media collages that incorporate paper, paint, fabric, pen and photocopies. She describes her work as whimsical and colorful with a dash of retro. Me - I think it’s fun and lovely!
8. Creative Home Arts - Creative magazine and club. Girlfriend Julie leads this creative community and did a podcast interview with Girlfriendology.
9. Debra Quartermain - ‘Stitch Chick’ Debra is an author, designer and our green girlfriend. JOYful blogs and inspiration - check out this girlfriend who interviewed with us for our Earth Day podcast!
10. Etsy Stores: We had to feature a few of our favorite Etsy stores, feel free to add yours in the comments! Casa DeLorenzo (designer pillows by girlfriend Tina), Capitola Girl (podcast guest Susan and her cool, upbeat, sassy, unique jewelry designs), and CatHeaven Crafts (crochet and other artwork- photo right).

What are YOUR favorite craft or creativity sites?

P.S. We couldn’t stop at ten - too many creative girlfriends! So, check out Vicki Schreiner (amazing designer and fun roommate at tradeshows!), Phyllis Dobbs (another great designer - look for fun Halloween crafts), Marie Browning (super best-selling craft author), Lucrecer Braxton (Candide Photography & her fabulous ArtSlam site), Jen Cushman (Get Real Scrapbooking), and  EC Stewart (Calligraphy art & design - love the CaligraphyPets!) and more. Whom else should we list?

Next week: Favorite Mommy Blogs. (Send us yours!)

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