Today’s Featured Creative Mom is Kelly of Macaroni & Glue Handmade – home of Freshly Crafted Paper Goods and Retrocrafted Paper Goods.

H: How long have you been doing what you do?

K: I created Macaroni & Glue in 2007 as a means to establish some much-needed balance between my inner artist and outer homemaker.  With a long history in the performing arts, I was feeling a bit lost after two years of being at home and started looking in all directions for ways to express myself creatively.  I totally embraced my inner Martha Stewart – learned to cook, tried all sorts of crafting techniques, made handcrafted toys for my daughter, etc.  Paper crafts and stationery ultimately became a passion.  I opened shop on Etsy in February 2008 and my work is now available internationally to boutiques and specialty shops.

H: What do you like to create?

K: As the designer for Retrocrafted Paper Goods, I digitally restore vintage art to create uniquely nostalgic stationery.  My blank notes and personalized stationery are crafted from luxe recycled card stocks, printed in small batches, and lovingly cut and scored by hand in my small Texas studio.  For my Freshly Crafted line, I combine graphic design with paper craft techniques to create modern, fresh and truly special invitations, announcements and greeting cards.  In addition to my Freshly Crafted and Retrocrafted lines, I also offer custom design services for individual and corporate clients who desire a one-of-a kind look.  I’m also a freelance copywriter and editor.

H: How did you get started?  Are you finding success?

K: I’m very proud of the fact that my first year in business was a profitable one.  I’ve always treated my handmade business as I would any other business—I take every decision seriously, buy supplies in bulk via wholesale outlets, do my best to ensure that my product is relevant and marketable, and map out a detailed operating plan every six months or so.

H: Were you creative before you had children?

K: Definitely.  I have been a singer and actress since I could talk and have a degree in theatre & drama.  I’ve always had a passion for great design, but the visual arts were not something I’d pursued until after my daughter was born.  At that point, I figured my performing days were behind me for a while.

H: Have your methods changed?

K: My methods have changed drastically since I started working with paper.  I no longer lean so heavily on patterned papers and rubber stamps.  Rather, I enjoy creating my own backgrounds, playing with fonts, and sourcing truly unique and beautiful vintage art from which to create my cards.  Transitioning into digital design is something I’m very proud of.

H: How do you find time to stay creative?

K: Having a creative outlet makes me a better mom, so I simply make time for it.  I find that I’m at my creative best very early in the morning, so I set an alarm for 5:00 every day, seven days a week.  That gives me at least two hours every morning, over my breakfast and my coffee, to explore and play and create.  It’s the best possible way for me to start the day.

H: Do your kids show any creative spirit?

K: My 3-yr-old daughter is possibly the most creative person I’ve ever met.  She can literally create an entire fantasy world out of a few piece of paper, some string, and a pen.

H: What have you learned after having your kids (in relation to your art)

K: My daughter is such a source of inspiration—she teaches me to look at the world in unique and quirky ways, and reminds me to celebrate my femininity in that wonderful way little girls do.

Thanks so much for joining me here at Maternal Spark Kelly!  Please go take a look at her work which can be found at:

Retrocrafted Paper Goods: http://retrocrafted.com

Freshly Crafted Paper Goods: http://freshlycrafted.com

Macaroni & Glue (her blog): http://macaroniandglue.com

Related posts:

1. Featured Mom – Louise Felice
2. Featured Mom – Katy of Sweetgrass Prints
3. Featured Creative Mom – Heather Garcia