Let Me Introduce Myself...

So, I created this blog over a week (or 2?) ago and have been avoiding posting like the plague!! I've always been amazed at how other people keep up with these things and I guess I've just been intimidated by "taking the plunge". But in an effort to spread the word about my "side job" I suppose I should put this thing to use! So here goes...

My name is Kristin and I am the founder/creator/owner of Capricious Crafts. I grew up in NJ down by the shore, but have lived in upstate NY for 6 years. I am 28 years old and have been married for 3.5 years now. I do not have any children yet (much to my mother's disappointment I'm sure...I get calls every other week with news of former classmates who have birth announcements in the local paper back home...hinting are we?). I have been working full time as a physical therapist for over 5 years. I've always loved creating and crafting and was taught how to sew by my grandmother when I was 10 years old. I can't say that I have been sewing for that long though. Once I completed my first outfit with her (a lovely shirt and "skort" combo - you know, the shorts that were attached to the skirt...gotta love the '80's!), I don't think I sat behind the sewing machine again until about 3.5 years ago!! My husband and I bought a house about 2 weeks before we got married, and in an effort to save some cash, I decided I would try my hand at making some curtains and pillow covers with my mom's old sewing machine. Once I figured out how to thread the needle (thank God for google!) I was hooked on sewing again! The jewelry making is a more recent venture that was sparked by my mom showing me how to make "barefoot sandals" after a friend of her's taught her how to make them. I quickly became obsessed with collecting beads (again, as I had a prior obsession back in college, but the lack of "funds" made it nearly impossible to fulfill that obsession!!) ! I transitioned from barefoot sandals to other types of jewelry when a co-worker asked me if I made earrings (he wanted to buy a pair for his wife). I told him that I had never made a pair, but never one to pass up a challenge, I researched the subject and created a pair that she ended up loving! I was inspired to start my own business after watching an episode of Martha Stewart's tv show where an ETSY seller was featured. I had never heard of ETSY before, but soon after watching the show, I had a "store" name and was up and running! 

It's been just over a year now since that time and it's been quite an adventure! I officially registered Capricious Crafts as a business in October of 2008. I can't say it was great timing for starting a new business with the turmoil of the economy and consumers tightening their belts, however I am taking things one step at a time. Having a full time job (and a husband with a job!) has it's advantages in that I am not relying on this as a primary source of income (yet...), so there is less pressure to have steady sales. There are also obvious downsides to still having a full time job in that there is less time to create, market, and blog! The whole process has been quite a learning experience in regards to figuring out all the legal responsibilities of owning/running a small business and figuring out the whole tax thing (especially difficult being in NY state!!), however things are going smoothly so far...My ultimate goal now is to someday be able to run my business full time from home so I can be at home to raise a family (see mom, there is hope!!).

So there you have it...my very first blog post! I hope I did not bore you with too many details!! I plan to use this blog to document the growth and progress of my business and to give you a glimpse into the world of Capricious Crafts! So check back from time to time for updates, pictures, and whatever else pops into my mind to write about! Thanks for visiting!