http://cardsandmorebysheri.thecraftstar.com

My name is Sheri Whitfield. I live in Spring, Texas with my husband Michael, and a quartet of dogs: Ginger, Tippy, Jazz, and Brandy.

I’ve always been borderline crafty/artsy. My mother is an excellent oil painter. I can always remember her having me “critique” her paintings when she couldn’t get something just right. I know that’s how I developed an eye for color and composition.

Handmade Birthday Card

https://www.thecraftstar.com/product_details/130205/handmade-birthday-card/

I got into rubber stamping and paper crafting by accident. A friend had invited me to a “stamp party.” I thought they meant postage stamps and it would, without a doubt, be the most boring home party I’d ever been to! Turns out they meant rubber stamping, and as soon as I saw what you could do, I was hooked. I even became a demonstrator myself for a while. I think the reason I love it so much is that I’ve secretly never outgrown my love for coloring. Coloring books and crayons were always one of my favorite things as a kid.

Handmade Easter Card

https://www.thecraftstar.com/product_details/143541/handmade-easter-card/

I got into jewelry making just over a year ago. I was selling on an online auction platform and was really taken with all the beautiful beads and findings that my fellow sellers had. I finally succumbed, buying a few things and teaching myself how to make simple earrings.

Bohemian Bronze and Turquoise Dangle Earrings

https://www.thecraftstar.com/product_details/130311/bohemian-bronze-and-turquoise-dangle-earrings/

I continue to watch for trends and learn new techniques in an effort to offer new products to my customers. I would love for people to think of my store first when they need a handmade card and great little gift item.

Handmade Mini Scrapbook Album

https://www.thecraftstar.com/product_details/130214/handmade-mini-scrapbook-album/

I frequently participate in card making challenges sponsored by various blogs. I have been invited to be guest designer on a couple of different blogs, as well as being featured as having my card selected as best from those submitted for the weekly challenge.

Handmade Mother's Day Card

https://www.thecraftstar.com/product_details/143545/handmade-mothers-day-card/

Items I Couldn't Live Without:

Regarding paper crafting: Adhesives (especially my ATG gun), scissors/paper cutter, paper/card stock.

Regarding jewelry making: Jewelry pliers, head pins, earring wires

Marketing is extremely important. If I don’t do it, no one else will! I don’t do the best job of marketing. It’s a continual learning process. No one is going to do the hard work of promoting my business for me, although The CraftStar does an awesome job of promoting and educating on behalf of their sellers. I try to learn more and more about the social media outlets that I feel are best for me and that I’m most comfortable with. Google + looks to be the trend of the future, so I’m trying to learn more about it and become more active and engaged there. I don’t think I’ve had any better success one place or another at this point.

Most of my favorite jewelry designs feature Swarovski crystals. You just can’t beat their sparkle. I recently made a pair of earrings featuring gorgeous indicolite starfish. I just adore that color and all the sparkle that the cut of the starfish shows off.

Swarovski Starfish Earrings

https://www.thecraftstar.com/product_details/144232/swarovski-starfish-earrings/

There is one of my blank notecards that I just love. Watercoloring is one of my favorite techniques, and the focal panel on this card features that. I also love the die cut and embossed butterflies on this card as well. It’s very much my style.

Handmade Blank Note Card

https://www.thecraftstar.com/product_details/130208/handmade-blank-note-card/

What are your 2 of you favorite items from other shops on The CraftStar?

Oh, you have to try the pancake mixes from Amanda Rose Soaps. The coconut cream ones are the bomb!

https://www.thecraftstar.com/product_details/123335/gourmet-pancake-mix-choose-your-flavor/

Wire wrapped rings from Pinx & Lulas. I have several of her rings, and they are just so well done. The fact that she can custom make any size and color of wire is amazing. Her wire work is so great!