Our Cozy Cottage: New Vendors!

Kel's Custom Designs was featured on the Our Cozy Cottage blog this week!  Great overview of what I do written by Belle.  Check it out by clicking the link below!

Our Cozy Cottage: New Vendors!: " Our Cozy Cottage has several new changes, one of which is a new vendor named Kelly. She is the creative force behind Kel's Custom Desi..."

Our Cozy Cottage

If you are looking for a place to showcase your handmade goods, look no further!  Our Cozy Cottage is a store where women can sell their creations for a low monthly fee.  There is no commission, and even an opportunity to lower your monthly fee by being a hostess in the store.  Vendors also have the opportunity to hold classes or events at the store at no charge!

Our Cozy Cottage is located at 3821-D S. Campbell in Springfield, MO.  Store hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 AM-6 PM.

Now, when I am asked "Do you have a store?", I can say, "Yes, I do!!".  Thanks to Our Cozy Cottage for welcoming me.  I look forward to building a relationship and a business together.

How I Got Here...

I have been making different types of jewelry for many, many years.  I started as a teenager with hemp weaving, then moved on to more intricate things using fine wire and seed beads.  Now, I create fun, unique and affordable earrings, bracelets, necklaces, wire-wrapped rings, cell phone charms and bookmarks.  

I began teaching myself to use the different materials and tools last July.  At first I was overwhelmed by everything that's available.  After a while, I found the process of making jewelry to be very relaxing and calming.  I got so consumed with it and lost in it, that I would sit and make 25-30 pairs of earrings a night (and I work a full-time job during the day)!  

I got a lot of feedback from family and friends, and with a lot of help and advice from my friend, Crystal (ArtByBelle), I decided to start offering my creations for sale at local craft fairs and my mom's flea market booth at Country Classics Antiques.  Then I thought, if I have the skills and patience to make earrings, why not try to make other things?  So I began making bracelets...bracelets turned into wire-wrapped rings...wire-wrapped rings turned into necklaces...necklaces turned into bookmarks...and bookmarks turned into cell phone charms!  

I do a lot of online research and check out library books to get ideas.  But mostly, I just make what I like.  Before the 2011 craft season begins, I will be taking a few classes to gain more hands-on skills and to do a little networking.  It never hurts to get your name out there and be in contact with others who share the same passions and skills.  Speaking of networking, in upcoming posts, I will talk about some folks I met at craft shows last year. 

 (This is the second pair of earrings I made.  I can definitely see how my skills have improved in the last six months!  Visit my website to see what else I've been working on!)