Craft Riot Vendor: AmeliaBeth

Amelia Mahlstadt

AmeliaBeth

AmeliaBeth on Twitter

AmeliaBeth on Facebook

ameliahandmade@gmail.com

Give a brief product description.

I make upcycled Scrabble tile pendants, rings, cuff links, hair pins, wine charms and earrings. Each piece is made from an official Scrabble tile with the letter showing on the back and a colorful graphic on the front.

How did you get started?

I have always enjoyed projects and making things. Once I graduated college and started teaching, I had summers off and had lots of time for crafting. That's when I began my Etsy shop. I started making "all-in-one" cards which are greeting cards made from colorful paper that fold into themselves, eliminating the need for an envelope. I was keeping myself busy with projects that summer and my husband found a tutorial on how to make Scrabble tile pendants. I began the process of learning just the right way to make those pendants and took it from there! I now make pendants, earrings, cuff links, rings, hair pins and wine charms upcycled from Scrabble tiles.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I don't think I could pinpoint one thing that inspires me. I would have to say just the world around me. Depending on what I see or experience shapes my ideas.

Describe your workspace/workroom.

My workspace is in a spare bedroom of our house. My husband used to call it "the office" and it is where his computer was and where he would go when working from home, experimenting with digital art projects, or to find new music to listen to. Slowly, but surely, it is now "the craft room" and I have officially taken over! We've decorated it with inspiring art that coordinates with the bright yellow walls and modern, yet functional furniture and storage cabinets to help me stay organized.

What has been your favorite winter holiday gift to make or receive?

I love making my Scrabble wine charms to give along with a good bottle of wine! I really enjoy being able to give these because I can personalize them by choosing certain Scrabble tile letters as well as designs for each person to make it special. I am also going to try my hand at making colorful fabric wine bags this season since I am getting more comfortable with my sewing machine.