Featuring Mama's Little Monkeys (and a Giveaway)

I love, LOVE this handmade maven Amy, the owner of two wonderful shops called Mamas Little Monkeys. (Etsy and Artfire ) and Fleur De Ink. I am truly honored to be able to have interviewed her, and learn more about her amazing products that she creates.


Amy is the full time mama of two little boys ages 3 and 14 months, so you can imagine how she must have her hands full. I am baffled at how she is able to find time to run not one but two shops...and create amazing things...from bibs to flower pens....bodyscrubs and soaps...to crayon rolls...this chica does it ALL.

Here is a little of what Amy has to say.


PM: When did you start crafting and why?




A: I have always dabbled in some type of creativity, whether writing, small crafts, etc. But I really started last year when I began making cloth wipes for my son as I could not find any cute cloth wipes for him! (This was before I learned of all the great selling venues!



PM: What do you love most about your craft?


A: That as a busy mom of two, I can take something, be it fabric, soap or flowers, and make something new, creative and all mine. Even when you follow a pattern you are pulling together YOUR skills and creativity. Give ten women the same pattern and you'll get ten different versions, all unique! And I love the commradarie of the handmade community!



PM: What is your favorite item that you have available right now?


A: Oh wow. I'm still perfecting my soaps, but I dig my Saints inspired black and gold soap. It's not perfected yet but the gold coloring was SO much fun to work with!For sewn items it is definately my Michael Miller Green Minky Blanket. I love designer prints, as do many, but this bird print and green minky are perfect together. And I love all my flower pens, but this is my fave, the fuzzy flowers are just fun!:




PM: Do you have any exciting plans for your shop in the near future?


A: I am actually focusing more on my Artfire Shop as well as local wholesale ventures. Business is slow for everyone but I have confidence it will bounce back. I am also cautious with the CPSIA law and working on more items for adults. I basically just love to create and won't stop until they pry my sewing machine or soap from my cold dead hands! I am really enjoying the soap, and can't wait to get into Cold Process (CP) soap!



PM: You have two children...what do you find most exciting and rewarding about being a mom?


A: Phew! It's busy!! Personally, I just love to see them growing! They are very similar, being two boys, and yet so unique in their own ways even at their young ages of 3 and 14 mos! There is NOTHING better than a baby's giggle, I swear they should bottle it. Professionally, even if I never make a plum cent from my selling handmade I feel proud to show them that you can do something for you, something you enjoy, and if you play your cards right, you can make money off it! Best of all, I love making things for them!



A: What advice would you give to other moms who may be thinking of getting into crafting and perhaps wanting to sell online?


A: Take your time. Build a support system with other moms either through networking sites like http://www.cafemom.com/, www.byhand.me, or through the community sections of the venue you sell on. Also do not put your eggs in one basket. No venue is perfect, but they all have their various pros and cons. Pick the one(s) that fit you best! It can't hurt to try new things, but know your limit also! And always be prepared to take constructive criticism and GROW from it. Don't ask for a critique if you really don't want to hear the answers!!


Amy is so Fabulous....she has provided Something Special for one awesome GIVEAWAY. One lucky reader will win a scrumptous bar of her SLS Free Chai Tea Soap. It is so new...It's not even offered to the public yet. You will be the first to have....(makes ya feel like a celebrity doesn't it)





To Enter, Just go to Mamas Little Monkeys ,then come back here and tell me what your Favorite Item is. It is THAT easy!!!



Blog about this Giveaway, or Tweet about this Giveaway and get yourself 5 extra entries. (Please leave a comment with links)



Contest Runs from Friday April, 10 (12:00 AM EST) and ends Wednesday April, 15 (11:59 PM PST)


Winner has 48 hours to email me after being announced before new winner is chosen.