Featured Artisan: Gladraggz

Etsy shop: gladraggz.etsy.com
Blog: carpetbaggercreations.blogspot.com

Handmade cotton batik purse

Who are you and what do you do? For how long time?
Since quitting my day job years ago, I've been a housewife. I live with my husband and 2 retired racing Greyhounds - my own Penny, and any other Greyhound who we may be fostering at any given time.
It's interesting that I live a very traditional lifestyle, but the inner me is anything but conventional. Anyone who truly knows me would describe me as "different" (but not in a bad way). I'm a simple and complex person at the same time, but I've found a way to put it all into place.

Why?
I've always loved crafting, but until recently only gave things away as gifts. In the last few years, my interests and abilities started to expand, and I realized that some people considerd my creations good enough to pay for! It's been a great confidence builder!

Oriental purse

Who?
So far, all of my items are for women - it's what I've almost always done the most of. But, I've also made clothing for men, and have worked on many home dec projects through the years. I see myself putting home-dec items in my on-line shops, eventually.

Where?
Having lived all my life in the Great Lakes/Western New York region, I moved to Florida 5 years ago. Here, my tastes and styles changed a bit, and I now use my skills to produce a more updated product. I'm not sure if it's due to the different culture, or because the light is different here, but for whatever reason, my current style is an old look using new materials and techniques. This is especially evident in my crochet handbags and hats. Crochet is an old craft form, and I love crocheting with the new yarns that are so colorful and sparkly. Then I increase the dazzle meter even more by embellishing my purses with ribbons and vintage jewelry studded with lots of rhinestones and texture. I haven't really seen any handbags quite like mine - they are truly unique, and each is one-of-a-kind!

What did you do 10 years ago on this day?
I was probably saying goodbye and good riddance to the last of winter's snow and cold.

What do you think about global whining?
If you are referring to global warming, I think we need to be more aware of our excesses and the waste we create as a society, and strive to live more responsibly.

What do you like?
So many things - too many to mention. Basically I love finding time to create and making the most of each and every day.

What do you don't like?
Although I love a clean house, at the same time I consider housework a necessary evil because it tends to interfere with my crafting ventures. I also dislike lies, which undermines trust and keeps people at arm's length.

Where do babies come from?
Don't you know by now?!

If you could hold one charity event, for what would it be?
Something to help animals, such as my ongoing work with retired racing Greyhounds.

Pants or a skirt?
Both.

Tell us about your creative process.
The inspiration comes suddenly and in a flash, such as in a store looking at a fabric or yarn, opening a magazine or seeing something in print. From there, I let the project guide me. It has to be one-of-a-kind - something that no one else has done. And, I strive to put my best into even the most simple of designs, so that the quality is evident!

Where do you find your ideas and inspiration?
As above - usually any visual suggestion will do it for me. Sometimes it comes through with meditation or in the middle of the night. I've gotten my best inspirations in the middle of the night!

Dogs or cats?
Dogs.

What is what you haven't done yet but would like to do?
Again, a lot! Among other things, I'd love to travel to India, Africa, Europe, the UK, Orient, and more!

How do you gain courage when something needs to be dealt with?
I really think the most harmful emotion is fear. When I'm facing a challenge, I have an inner dialogue, and ask myself what the worst possible outcome would be, and then just do it because usually the situation is rarely as bad as it seems. I've done a lot of difficult things, and each challenge becomes easier and I actually have begun to welcome them.

What is your advice to a seller, shop keeper or blogger?
I'm new andstill learning, so am not the best one to give advice about that. From what I've learned so far, I'd say "keep on keeping on! And, do it with grace and style."

Quote to live by?
The essence of a person's soul is *motivation*. Our true character comes not from what we do but WHY we do it.

Your idol(s)?
This may sound strange, but although there are many people I admire, I have no idols. And, anyone who is emotionally healthy doesn't want to be idolized anyway. I think people need to look within for satisfaction and strength.
What would you never do?
Sell my soul.

What is "in" at the moment?
Socially, I see people striving for more practicality in their lives. Fashion-wise, I'm seeing a lot of styles that I wore in High School.

Handmade ribbon embroidery handbag

If you were to start a trend what would it be?
Integrity.

Would you like to add something?
Only that I really appreciate the opportunity to be featured here - thank you so much!!! Your blog has great substance, and one that I'm going to enjoy following!!