Art Fire Artisan Spotlight: These Loving Hands

It's Friday-the 13th!!!! You know what that means. It's time for another artisan spotlight from the wonderful community of Art Fire. Before I get to the interview, I want to just tell you how I found this shop. One of the coolest features of Art Fire is each time you list a new item or product, it makes the front page! There are no treasuries to fight over or admin favoritism (okay, that was a cheap shot), but the point is, you get your 5 minutes of fame. This particular artist caught my eye because of this item. How freakin' cute is that??? Enough of my blabbering. Here is the interview:



1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Jenni and I’m a yarnaholic. I live with my very supportive husband and 2 wonderful boys just outside Hamilton, Ontario Canada. My boys are my inspiration for many of my creatures.


2. How did you discover your artistry?

My mom taught my 3 sisters and me crafting from a young age. I have tried many things, mostly needle crafts. I taught myself to crochet with a Reader’s Digest Needlework Encyclopedia. My youngest sister wanted to learn to crochet so she could make an amigurumi snail. I thought the little creatures in the pattern book were so cute, I started designing some of my own. I got requests for patterns for my creatures, so I started writing patterns too.

3. Do you craft full time or do you have another full time profession?



I would love to craft full time… maybe some day soon. Besides my hooking, I am a full time domestic goddess and part time school bus driver.


4. What brought you to Artfire?

I started off selling on Etsy. I belong to the Etsyhookers Team and we were talking about the different online venues available. A fellow hooker (valeriesgallery) recommended I check out Artfire. I liked what I saw and here I am.

5. What are some of your favorite materials or supplies to use?

I love acrylic yarns. The color possibilities are endless, they are washable, easy to work with, lots of textures available, and affordable. I have recently started working with some wool and natural fiber blends (bamboo, soy, Seacell), mostly because one of my sisters spins and dyes and always gives me samples to experiment with.


6. If you could learn to do any other craft or artistry, what would it be?

I think pottery would be neat to try (with a wheel).

7. Do you have a blog, website or other craft venue that you sell on?



I also have a store on Etsy under theselovinghands.etsy.com

8. What’s your overall impression of Artfire and would you recommend it to fellow artisans?

I love it. Very easy one page listing process, the low monthly fee with no commissions. My fellow artists are great. I’ve found quite a few familiar faces. Artfire staff seems quick to respond to questions/problems. I like the admin announcements on the My Artfire page, it’s an easy way to keep up with changes. I can’t wait to see what comes next.


9. Now, for the fun!!!

a. Coffee or tea? Coffee….double-double please
b. Cat or dog? I like both, own neither. Dog has a few more votes, but it has to be a big one.
c. NY or LA? Not sure…either would be a vacation for me.
d. Paper or plastic? - paper
e. Fame or fortune? Fortune….Enough to give my family whatever they need