owntwohands' photostream  

I've been working with my hands since I was very young. I've always found that there is something extremely satisfying with watching a piece come together. I tend to alternate between "couch crafts" like embroidery, knitting, and hand-sewing, and working on larger pieces either at my sewing machine or in my workshop in the garage. Lately I've become interested in sword fighting (broadsword and katana) and armour-making. I like to change my mediums and techniques often because I'm a little ADD that way, but even so my personal sense of style tends to show through.

I started my Own Two Hands Etsy shop in the fall of 2006 as a first step towards turning my hobby into a business. Until then, almost everything I made ended up being a gift -- it's amazing how few of the things I've worked on have stayed in my home. My Own Two Hands Blog is dedicated to my crafting exploits and interests. I also have a Own Two Hands CaféPress shop that exhibits some of my graphic design.

My most recent enterprise is my Own Two Hands Supplies Etsy shop, where I sell my handmade supplies and destash my commercial supplies. Starting this shop wasn't so much a choice as a necessity -- craft supplies were starting to take over my home!

I've been asked what this whole "Crafter's Consortium" thing is, anyway... Actually, it is my legal business name. I chose it because when I started designing my online business I'd planned to act as a craft reseller as well as a seller. When I started to create an online presence, I found out much to my dismay that my business name was too long to fit on any of the sign-up forms! Hence "Own Two Hands" / owntwohands are the online part of my business. These days I focus pretty much on my own work rather than selling other peoples', but I do dream of owning my own little store filled with handmade goods some day.