CraftSanity #115 5.25.10

On this episode of CraftSanity you’ll hear from Kristen Rask, owner of Schmancy, a Seattle shop featuring fun and quirky handmade toys. Just a few minutes into the interview you’ll probably begin to wonder when Kristen finds time to sleep because operating a cool shop is only one of her many creative projects. Kristen is also the creator of the wildly successful Plush You! show that features over a hundred plush artists from around the globe, planner of Urban Craft Uprising (Seattle’s largest indie craft show) and the upcoming Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs. She’s a committee member for the Grassroots Business Association and just curated the Lost at Sea Show in New York City, too. In her spare time, Kristen has also written three books: “Plush You! Loveable Misfits to sew and stuff” (based on the annual Plush You! show she has at her store), “Creature Crochet” and “Button and Stitch.” If you’re looking for some motivation to get cracking on some of your own projects, something tells me that hearing from Kristen will give you a helpful kick in the Schmancy pants to get out there and take a crafty risk or two. If you want a chance to meet Kristen and soak up some crafty business tips, head out to the Conference of Creative Entrepreneurs, Aug. 13-15 in Seattle. Register by June 1 and save money. I’m heading to the conference to be on a panel about podcasting and do a live recording of my show and I’d love to see you there. (Email me if you’re interested in a CraftSanity meet-up.)