The Beaded Pillow

The Beaded Pillow has the most amazing handmade/beaded items I've ever seen! Karen has ornaments, sachets, hangers and of course - Pillows! They are just beautiful!


How did you decide on your shop name?
I certainly was stressing out over a shop name and then realized it was such a simple thing. What is it I do? Bead pillows. Ta Da! The Beaded Pillow.

When did you start crafting?
Since I spent a good portion of my adult life as a broadcaster and writer, I guess you could say I have been crafting for a good portion of my adult life. I actually started beading pillows a couple of years ago when I looked around my craft room at all the beads I had left over from my jewelry-making days, which didn’t last all that long.

Where do you craft?
I converted one of the guest bedrooms in my house to my craft room. What does your space look like? It looks like a craft room/guest bedroom. I have a work table, sewing table, comfortable chair, uncomfortable chair, ironing board, cutting table….and a single bed with a nightstand. What would you love to add to it? I’d love to have more storage shelves in the closet.

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
Nothing at the moment; I enjoy coming up with new angles to sewing and beading my pillows.

What or who inspires you?
I think flowers inspire me; a pretty garden, the birds, nature….and of course, sometimes I see fabric that just screams, “Make me into a pillow with beads!”

Do you have a day job?
Yes, I am married.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I enjoyed making everything you see in my shop…but maybe I am partial to Princess Elephant because she turned out so darn cute.

Where are you from?
It is funny that, after so many years of moving around, I happen to live in the very same town where I was born; I currently reside in beautiful Minnesota.

Megs Bags

Meg's Bags has been on Etsy since last October. What an amazing shop!! Megan has the most wonderful bags, sandwich/snack bags, goodie bags, kitchen items and much more!! Megan is from Saint Leonard Maryland, its' in Calvert County. She also has a great BLOG that is updated on a regular basis. Please check out Megan's blog and shop!


How did you decide on your shop name?
Me and my mom decided on my shop's name. She wanted to bring my bags to her work to help me sell them and we needed a name. She came up with Megs Bags and it just stuck.

When did you start sewing?
I have been sewing ever since I was a little girl. My Nana taught me to sew when I was very little. While I must admit I wasn't allowed behind a machine until I was around 8 or 9. Most of my skill came from her or my mother... and other skills I just figured out as I went along.

Where do you craft?What would you love to add to your crafting space?
At the moment I have a studio set up in the upstairs of my parents garage. But that will soon have to be moved to my college apartment... I honestly don't know how well that is going to work... So the one thing I would add- Space.

What does your sewing space look like?
Its a mess... I like to have all my material out in front of me so I can see what I have... so it tends to be messy. It really gets on my moms nerves.

Why did you start your business?
I started my business just as a hobby. I just had a google site and sold them to friends and family. Then I realized it could be more. I opened and Etsy shop and created a blog, with higher hopes. I hope to earn money for college thru this. If not enough for tuition at least some for food and books :0)

What or who inspires you?
Anything inspires me. Sometimes I see someone walking around with a cute bag, then I'll go home and try to make my own version. Sometimes I just start making a bag and whatever happens happens.

Do you have a day job?
Nope, no day job... (I planned on getting a summer job but I was away to much and no one would hire me for the month i was home!) Although as soon as I get to school I have to get one.




What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I like making all my items. But if I had to pick one it would be my tooth fairy pillows. To me they are just adorable! And there fun to make because you can get really creative because they are for children.