This proves how adorable flowers can be

Hi readers! Today I am delighted to introduce you to Katie! I don't even remember how I found her blog, Loves of Life, but I'm so glad I did! I watched her go through her pregnancy and the birth of her adorable daughter, and have always admired her artsy but still so real style. She recently opened up her Etsy shop, Eme*Kay Creative's, and I was so excited I emailed her about doing a feature as soon as I could! She was sweet enough to answer some questions below, but be warned, the amazing headbands you're about to see are going to make you want to buy one. Or twenty.

How did you get started with your Etsy shop?
Well, I started by making some headbands for my daughter. I am one of those moms who's obsessed with headbands on her little baby girl, but I'm pretty crafty, so I wanted experience with making them on my own. I did a little practicing at my kitchen table while Emeline was napping, and started coming up with lots of cute headbands. I just started putting a photo up here and there on facebook as I completed things and then people started requesting orders. Through twitter, facebook, and my blog, I sold a ton of headbands in a matter of a week. I got more serious about making some stock and getting myself on Etsy. I named my shop Eme*Kay Creatives after my little girl, since she was my inspiration after all.

You've already expanded into adult headbands and custom prints as well - do you see this as a fun hobby or are you hoping to make it a full-time business?
I'll be honest, it's a bit more than a hobby now. I work for about three hours everyday give or take. I work only while Emeline naps so I don't forsake anytime with her...afterall, that's why I'm a stay-at-home-mom (for this year, at least). But to stay afloat with some of the custom work I've been getting, I do need to put in a few hours a day. As for the full-time business thing? I would love to ensure staying home forever with my child(ren), so, if it takes off into more then just a little side-thing, so be it. I won't fight it, especially if I get to primarily be at stay-at-home mom. Who can argue that?

Some of the custom pieces Katie has created

 What inspires you to create pieces?
The fabric I find...the people they're for...which is why I love getting custom orders! I can make something which is specific to you and it just feels so much more special rather then making "stock" for the store (which I also do). But, I prefer the custom work. I'm also inspired by my new craft room, which keeps me calm and motivated versus the old kitchen-table routine. (Which only stressed me out by making my kitchen a mess!)

What's your favorite piece right now? Does that ever change?
It changes constantly. I'll make a headband and go, "Oh this is my favorite!" and then the next day...I have a new favorite. I guess it's like a mom and her children...she has no favorites.

Can you explain your process of making pieces?
Chaos turned chic? No? That's not good enough? Ha. Honestly, it all starts with having the mental image of what the fabric flower is going to look like, how many types of fabric I will use, which center embellishment, etc. Sometimes I have a few types of fabric laying out next to others to see if they "work," and often time I dump my button/bead jars out all over my desk to search for the perfect fit. Even though I hate cleaning up the mess, it's worth it to find what looks best. Then, I get to creating. Sometimes I just go with the flow, with no plan. However, sometimes I end up with something I don't like at all and I just throw it to the wayside. I'm not foreign to the artistic process (being an art-educator and all), so this isn't much different.

And last but not least, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be?
Wow, this is hard. I love food. I'll go with chips and guacamole.


Thanks for answering my questions Katie! What do you think readers? Aren't those headbands awesome? I ordered one for my niece and you better believe when my brother is visiting over Thanksgiving there will be lots of pictures taken of her wearing it! Stop by Katie's blog and say hi, or even better take a peek at her Etsy shop! 


Happy Friday!