My Worlds Have Officially Collided

I write. I make things. This is the first time I’ve written about making things.

My worlds have officially collided! For the first time ever, I’ve combined my love of writing with my addiction to all things handmade. Once Again Sam, my indie craft business, is where most of my time and creativity are invested. I enjoy working with my hands from sun up to sundown, all the while letting my mind dream up my next novel. Though I may be lost in the clouds thinking up new stories to write about later on, I’ve got a story right in front of me, in my hands. Each piece of jewelry I make has a story behind it, but I’ve never shared that until now.

My very first article was published in GreenCraft Magazine recently, and it tells the story of how I turn thrift store clothing into funky suede cuffs. In the article, you’ll get a little glimpse into how I started making jewelry with repurposed materials, as well as a step-by-step tutorial.

Now, for the story behind the story:

I never dreamed of writing for a magazine. Pitching my article to an editor and getting this kind of national press for my small business seemed way out of my league. It was a lot more daunting than when I first started shopping my novel around to literary agents and publishers. Fortunately, with just the right mix of information and motivation, it all came together beautifully.  

Last February I attended The Makers Summit here in Greenville, SC and heard all kinds of amazing advice from a wide range of industry experts. One speaker in particular, Amy Flurry, author of Recipe for Press, really stuck with me. She had so much to share about her experience in the magazine world, and what editors are looking for in a pitch. I purchased her book, read it 3 times through, and took a step I never thought I could take. I crafted my first magazine pitch, submitted that, along with a step-by-step how-to for making a suede cuff out of thrift store clothing, and sent it off to GreenCraft Magazine. I never expected to hear back from them. This week, I held the winter issue of GreenCraft Magazine and slowly read through my 4 page spread. I cannot express how amazing that felt!