Featured Artist - Bunga Brand

I usually put up photos of the artisan's work but for whatever reason artfire isn't letting me look at individual artisan items. I will try again later.

- What’s your name and where are you from?
My name is Elizabeth and I currently reside in Ohio.

-What is your shop name and what does it mean to you?
My shop name is Bunga Brand. It has a special meaning to me as my youngest son, Micah, inspired it. As a baby he would say "Bunga Bunga" all the time and it always brought a smile to my face. I wanted a shop name that would reflect who I am as well as be memorable to others.

- What websites do you sell on how did you decide on which ones?
Currently I sell the majority of my items on Artfire. I have a smaller shop on Etsy.

- How long have you been crafting?
I have been crafting for as long as I can remember, my mother was a talented woman who I grew up watching and emulating.

-Tell me any interesting things about you that you would like to share.
My Christianity and family are the most important thing to me. I get all my strength and encouragement from them. My sons love to ask me what I am making and even help me on some items. We are a close knit family and always lean on each other. We have 2 German Shepherds that we adore and that are part of our family. I love to garden as well and always try to reflect who I am in pieces.

-What do you sell in your shop?
A variety of things, all mostly hand made by me. I sell Reversible Purses that come in some fun and unique prints, Regular and Eco Friendly Laundry Products, of which the ECO side I am using my own recipe that has been tweaked and tested for years and is more then proven in it's track record. I will not use a recipe I have not myself made and I work until the best possible outcome is achieved for all my laundry products. and I think that is what sets me apart from others. I also make unique and fun Pin Cushions that range from Micro to Decorative. I also sell some supplies like envelopes of all sizes and business card sheet paper and other paper products in that general area. You can also find, at times, some heirloom seeds as well as seeds from my very own rare and unique plants.

- Tell us about your crafting space.
My crafting space is a small room with a few tables set up and a work desk. I have my sewing machine section, laundry products section and a misc section and general work space.

-Do you belong to any guilds, teams or other indie craft organizations?
Not as of yet, but I am hoping to become verified on Artfire soon and will be joining many guilds. (Author note: Elizabeth is now a verified/pro artisan on Artfire)

-Where do you find inspiration?
From a little bit of everything. My children have inspired several of my items and the prints I use (Rice bags and Laundry Products). I want to give them the best. My husband inspires me because he is 100% supportive in all of my ventures and will do everything and anything to make sure I have the supplies and means to see my ideas come to life. I also get inspiration from nature and try to have many floral patterns as I think it makes the soul feel good.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process.
Sometimes it just comes to me. I see something and BOOM I know what I need to do to make something work or start a new project (Like my Glass Based Pin Cushions) When I try to force creativity, I fail, so I work in sprints and when I can perform at my best, to ensure everything I do is of high quality.

- Where have you learned to do what you do?
I am mostly self taught, but do remember a few things from my Mom and my childhood. Everything I make is something I have taught myself to do or have been doing for quite some time now.

-What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
I love the Glass Based Pin Cushions, as they are just the right weight to not move when I am placing or removing pins....and right up there are my dryer sheets which I have been making for years and have developed my own unique and proven recipe for. I am not the type to see a recipe on the Internet or hear about something and try it and sell it right away. I want to make sure anything and everything I sell is at it's best and always make sure I try everything out many times before I list it.

-Why is it your favorite?
Pin Cushion http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=643444
Dryer Sheet http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=629014

- What is your favorite part of your craft?
When the final product is ready to be photographed. I love when I have accomplished what it is I set out to do.

- What is your least favorite part?
Some parts of what I do are very time consuming..which sometimes bugs me, but in the long run worth it.

-How did you get started with your craft?
Dove right into it one day. I watched my Mom as a child and when I became of the age to begin learning, I did :)

-If you sell on more than one site which is your favorite and why?
I sell on Artfire and Etsy. Artfire is by FAR my favorite because of the difference in sales, the wonderful staff here and the close knit friends I have made.

-What makes your shop unique?
My creativity and low prices. I think my shop is unique and is something most people will like. It is a fun and happy shop that welcomes everyone. I also love to trade for items I am wanting or need.

-What advice do you have for other independent crafters just starting out?
Do what you know. Practice and keep your eyes ahead and always believe in yourself.

-Where else can we find you on the web?
http://bungabrand.blogspot.com/