Laksaware - Featured Etsy Artist of the Week

Our featured artist this week from the ACE team on Etsy is Bernie from Laksaware http://laksaware.etsy.com/. Bernie makes handmade kitchen wares, dining wares, and paperwares, and other cool things. A big congrats to Bernie for her scrubbies (bottom right photo) featured in the New York Times!! Get busy crocheting, Bernie!!!

Is there a story behind your shop name?

Laksaware was inspired by a bowl of curry laksa while we were in Malaysia. While the husband was busy devouring his bowl of laksa and getting dots of curry splashed on his white shirt, we came up with the idea of having a "Laksa T-Shirt". Hence, the name Laksaware. We haven't ventured into selling our own T-shirts here yet.

What made you decide to open your own shop?

We have been itching to do so for a very long time. I love making crafts and keeping my hands busy, so I thought, why not sell them instead of just cluttering up my closet.

What is your favorite material to use?

Right now, it's yarn. But I paint and I love fabric, and I am always trying out something new because there's always something to learn. You might say I have a short attention span.

Talk briefly about your favorite item:

It'll have to be the Laksaware scrubbies right now. I love using them at home and my mom-in-law uses them for most everything. My neighbors also tell me that they love them.

Are you a crafter full time or part time?

Part-time. But I wish I could do this full-time. I need more time really. I multi-task mostly. You'll see me crocheting in front of the TV most nights or before going to bed, or when I am waiting for the water to boil.

Who encourages you to create?

My mom and mom-in-law. And my wonderful husband (even though he refuses to learn how to crochet :)

Do you have any advice for other shop owners?

I am still pretty new at this but I believe that you need to create pieces that you love because crafting should be enjoyable.