I was recently asked about being featured in a blog for one of my Etsy Teams. This is very similar to my response. I might start featuring other artist on my blog as well.
Who are you?
Hi, My name is April Murray. I am the owner and creator of Twice As Loved www.twiceasloved.etsy.com. I live in Asheboro, NC. I up-cycle old things to create new, one of a kind, pieces such as Silverware & Tool Wind Chimes, Cheese Grater Earring Stands, Fork Ornaments, and Fork Business Card/Recipe Holders.
Where is your favorite place to visit?
My favorite place to visit is in the extended “triangle.” I love to visit the NC Zoological Park. We have a family membership and we love to take our daughter there to run around and explore. We go there often to check out any new animals or exhibits. I could sit all day and just watch the chimps if my daughter would let me.
How did you get started in your business / craft?
I started creating silverware wind chimes in September, 2011. I was looking for a creative item for my sister’s birthday. I saw something similar in a local craft store and thought “I can do that!” I had so much fun making the one for my sister that I just couldn’t stop thinking about how I could make different ones.
What is your most cherished handmade item?
My most cherished handmade item is probably the one that I made for a give-a-way that a friend in Pheonix, AZ won. It was around Valentine’s Day, so at the top is a heart shaped cookie cutter. Hanging from it are measuring spoons decorated with red beads. It was the smallest I had made but so special. My three year old was very fond of it and told me how beautiful it was.
What kind of items do you create?
I chose to up-cycle items to create new and unique items for couple reasons. I believe we all have so much “stuff” already on this earth. Stuff that we don’t use anymore. So, why not create something new out of it and give it a new “life” instead of just letting it sit around not being used or have it be laying in landfill somewhere.
Who or what inspires you most of all?
My aunt, Becky inspires me to be creative. She is the most creative person I know. Not only is she creative but she is a teacher just like I am. While I was growing up she was always teaching me something new whether it be about manners, history, math or a craft. Over the years I have spent much time in her kitchen where we have talked about cooking, baking, and even just about life in general. Therefore, making wind chimes and other unique gifts using items related to the kitchen remind me of her.
Where do you create?
I create in my kitchen, den, office, mudroom, outside, really wherever I can find a quite space sit and focus.
How did you choose your shop/business name?
I chose the name “Twice As Loved” because all the items I make have been loved once, and will be loved again (just in a different fashion). Therefore, they are getting twice as loved compared to other things that get thrown away when they are finished being used.
When you are creating what do you do?
I am a mom, wife, youth leader at my church, and teacher. When I am not creating (or teaching) I am playing with my three year old daughter. She keeps me on my toes and loves to be adventurous.
What are your goals in life and business?
My personal goal is to be successful enough in my business to not have to teach anymore. My goal in my business is to be able to open up a Craft Consignment Shop. In this shop I would rent out space to other vendors as well. All items would be created out of something that has already be loved once. My hope is to be able to open up a shop like this in the next couple years.
Where can we find your work?
My work can be found at:
www.twiceasloved.wordpress.com
My work can also be found at a local shop in my hometown
Vintage Cottage
118 Sunset Ave.
Asheboro, NC 27203
Twice As Loved: Wind Chimes and More 