2hands Week {vendor feature - 2hands studios}

Things have been a bit of a roller coaster around here lately, and I could use a break! So for today's feature, grab yourself a nice cup of hot coffee (or tea if you prefer), relax, and let the beautiful things available at 2hands Studios take your mind to a happy {nautical} place! 

Who are you?

2hands Studios is a collaboration between Jill, Ally & Carleen. We were friends first, each of us working on our own individual lines, which we still do. After many cups of coffee and lots of show and tell sessions, we decided to open a studio where we could combine our talents in sewing, felting and jewelry design and create a wedding accessories line. 

Where are you based?


Annapolis, Maryland 

{sentiment flag, ahoy, $5.75}

How did you get started with Etsy?

Etsy gives artists instant access to a demographic of shoppers who appreciate artist made. It's really a no-brainier to have an Etsy store and tap into their huge of community, not only for selling our work, but also for buying supplies and being customers ourselves. We're constantly drooling over other artist's work and getting inspiration from all the talent that Etsy showcases.   

{personalized wedding hanger, $20}

What would we be most surprised to learn about you?

Well I don't know if this is much of a surprise, but we also organize a craft market called 2hands Indie Craft Market. It's this Saturday, November 5th from 10 - 2, at Holy Grounds Youth Center in Severna Park. There are 30 crafters and musicians on tap and the caliber of craft can be described in one word - awesome! More info can be found at 2handsmarket.com.     

Is the studio your full-time job?

We are full time craftspeople. We also maintain our own individual lines which are also available through Etsy and at local boutiques and Whole Foods stores around the Mid-Atlantic.

{heirloom silk ruffled clutch, $45}

Of the items currently for sale, which is your favorite?

We are having so much fun cutting up used sails and up-cycling them into flower clips and flags. It feels so good to breathe new life and energy into something that was headed for the discard pile.

You can win one of their adorable flower clips here!

{recycled sail & ticking bouquet, $190}

And finally, where did you get the idea for your shop name?


It all started with the Ben Harper song, With My Own Two Hands. It's a beautiful song that speaks to how each person can change the world with small gestures. Our work is a catalyst for allowing us to donate to causes that are close to our heart. The name also reinforces that our products are handmade by us. Although, it seems we're up to six hands at this point.

Can't get enough of these adorable ladies? Like their facebook page and
follow them on Twitter and Pinterest!

Be sure to check out their shop and enter this week's giveaway!

handmade wednesday: Jane Joss

We've gotten a great response to this week's giveaway. Thanks to everyone who's entered,

and don't forget that it goes until tomorrow night (so there's still time to enter if you haven't already!). Today we get to know a little bit more about Jane Joss and the great ladies behind those beautiful leaves!

Who are you?

Jane Joss is a joint effort by Alyssa (Jane) & Joslyn Krismer.  We are sisters-in-laws, best friends,

and both mothers of two!

{pinstripe linen fabric flowers, $30}

Where are you based?

 Arlington, Texas.

How did you get started with Etsy?

Late in 2008, Joslyn was given a free sewing machine.  We taught ourselves how to sew and began brainstorming for something fun to create.  We found inspiration in a large artificial tree made of capiz shells for leaves.  After much trial and error, we produced something too cute to keep to ourselves!

We stumbled across Etsy and thought it would be the perfect place to sell our leaves.  Turns out we were right.  We got our first custom order request within 20 minutes!

{woodland owl fabric leaf branches, $21.50}

What would we be most surprised to learn about you?

People are always surprised to learn that Joslyn and I are married to twins.   

Is Jane Joss your full-time job? If not, what do you do?

I am a full-time mother of two young boys, and while  Jane Joss started off as a part-time job it has expanded into full-time for me.  Joslyn works in the graduate school at The University of Texas, Arlington.  

{zebra stripe potted plant, $20}

 Of the items currently for sale, which is your favorite?

I think our Zebra Stripe Potted Plant is my favorite right now.  
It is the perfect size and price for a gift (for someone else or yourself!).  

I am very proud of that one!

And finally, where did you get the idea for your shop name?

The name was Joslyn's idea and I love it!  

It represents both of us, is easy to remember, and looks great in print!

Thanks so much for stopping by, Alyssa! 

Be sure to check out their shop for more great fabric decorations! 




**Married Lane readers get 20% off at Jane Joss! Use code LML20 at checkout!** 

handmade wednesday: heyer designs

 Hey everyone! I'm very excited to share a new feature that will hopefully become a regular thing here at Married Lane: Handmade Wednesdays! Today I'm featuring....

Creations by Heyer Designs.

Brandon is a software developer by day who makes these awesome journals in his free time. He was kind enough to spare some time for an interview! Here's a little bit more about the guy behind the journals:

LML: Tell us a little bit about yourself!

B. Heyer: I'm a 25 year old living in Glen Burnie, Maryland (yep - he's local!) with my girlfriend Amanda, and our dog (Mae) and cat (Kessi). I graduated college two years ago with BS in Computer Science and a BA in Graphic Design and I'm interested in everything from photography to video games to reading.

What made you decide to open an Etsy store?

My Etsy started with a push from Amanda to put up some of my photographs. I was reluctant at first and when nothing really sold we decided my photos weren't a unique enough product. She then pushed me to start listing journals, a random skill I picked up somewhere along the way. While I love photography, I am glad I made the switch. I am not certain whether the photographs will stay or not, but there will certainly be more journals!

Is your shop your full time job? If not, what do you do for a living?

My shop isn't my full time job, but simply something for me to focus on and de-stress from life AND my actual full time job. I work as a software developer for a government contractor, and while I love what I do it is nice to have an ongoing creative project to come home to and to take my mind off things. I am also working on expanding my freelance design client base.

Of all the items you have for sale, which is your favorite?

My favorite journal would be this one that just sold. It was a lucky find in a bag of scrap leather I had purchased, and I managed to get just enough to make two covers out of the scrap. Sadly, the second cover has some gashes in it, so I'm not sure if I will be re-listing it or not. As for items currently for sale, my Rust Brown journal is probably one of my favorites.

 

 What would people be most surprised to learn about you?

I have the utmost fear of a blank canvas. If a project is too vague or too open I have a very difficult time starting it. Also, I can come off as a very messy individual (just looking at my desk at work or home would prove that), but if I start to invest enough time into a project, my OCD kicks in and things do a 180 and get hyper organized and structured.

 Thanks so much for stopping by! Anything else you'd like to add?

I've recently switched over to a stable supplier of leather and there are some great ones in the stacks of covers I recently cut, but they aren't listed yet. Be on the look out for A LOT of new journals soon! 

**Brandon is offering Married Lane readers 15% off their orders for the next week! Enter code LML15 at checkout to get your discount!**

ps. Don't forget about our giveaway! Entries will be accepted until 11:59pm tomorrow night!