Ashley Johnston runs the previously private, now gone public, “log of projects” at http://makeitandloveit.blogspot.com, and she sells her stylish handcrafted designs in her Etsy store (http://makeitandloveit.etsy.com). Ashley has a knack for creating unique and useful projects from inexpensive or even recycled materials, for example she recently shared a project on how to turn old advertising magnets into gorgeous fabric covered ones you’d be proud to display on your refrigerator.
Ashley has two young children and had sewn as a hobby since her mom taught her how when she was about ten years old. Eventually she started to sell her handiwork as a way to pay for her hobby, and now it has turned into a part-time business that she’s able to work on while her kids are napping or after they’ve gone to bed at night.
Most of the items Ashley makes are baby related – beautiful baby booties, colorful ties and whimsical onesies with appliqued ties. Recently she has branched into also selling purse patterns as well as finished purses. She also finds the time somehow to update her blog almost daily with tips and free tutorials on how to make useful household and gift type items.
Ashley plans to expand her pattern selection and is looking forward to taking some classes that will further refine her skills. It is obvious that Ashley thoroughly enjoys teaching others new skills and says that receiving feedback from people who’ve tried out her projects “puts the biggest smile on my face. There’s nothing like it!” Visit Ashley’s Make It and Love It blog for some project ideas today, you’ll be really glad you did.
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