Interview with a Maker: Erica Hardin

Erica Margaret Hardin of EricaSchmerica Studios makes the most incredible food jewelry!

Meet Your Maker: Describe what you make, how, and when you got your start:
Erica: I make all kinds of things, but the main thing I sell is miniature food jewelry! I hand sculpt all my pieces out of polymer clay, add a touch of paint and water based polyurethane, then turn them into various kinds of jewelry and accessories, including earrings, rings, pins, necklaces, hair barrettes, cuff links, magnets, and bracelets. I'm always trying to expand my variety!
Miniatures have been an obsession of mine since I was a little girl. When we'd do art projects in elementary school I'd always save my scraps and make a teeny version of whatever we were making. I also loved doll houses, especially making my own tiny stuff to fill them up. As I got older, I found that doll houses were not enough to satisfy my love for all things teeny-weenie, so I began making minis that could function in daily life- mainly earrings.
As my collection grew friends and family took notice and began buying the occasional piece from me. I started my Etsy shop in 2006, and have found somewhat limited success. My etsy shop basically pays for my supplies- but that's certainly nothing to thumb my nose at. Saturday Market and Holiday Market have been much better. I started in 2008 and have had a great time! Some of my stuff can be found at Imagine Gallery and Southtowne Lanes as well. This summer I hope to get my stuff into a couple more shops and go from there.

MYM: Is this your largest source of income or do you have another job?
E: Sadly, I'm not exactly rollin' in the benjamins from my crafting, so I do have another job at Southtowne Lanes. I babysit and do occasional freelance murals and signage too. I'm a full-time student at the U of O in the art program as well, so my financial aide helps me put food on the table and beer in my belly!

MYM: What are your favorite hobbies outside of the crafting that we see?
E: Outside of crafting, I love to paint, draw, watch movies, listen to music, dress up to go out to various wacky events (yes, I'm 25 and still have a costume box...), and hang out with my ever-so-awesome group of friends at Southtowne Lanes. I also love to hang out with my kitties, Kirby and Boots, and drink wine!

MYM: Any advice to someone about making the leap from hobby crafting to selling?
E: DO IT!!! Don't be afraid of the "what ifs." I was terrified of putting my stuff out there, but once I did the awesome feedback I received pushed me to keep going! Also- make a LOT of stuff. If you can make at least one thing a day you'll put yourself in the position to have a healthy stock when you are ready to get serious about selling. I try to make things in batches. One day, for instance, I'll make all ice cream items. Every color, every style. That way I can focus on consistency. Other days I just design new items in my notebook. I keep a notebook of things I have made, and notes about how to do it again in case I forget.

MYM: Have you had any big breaks? How did they happen?
E: Not exactly big breaks- but lots of tiny breaks! Last year I was approached by Imagine Gallery and asked to participate in their store. They sought ME out! It was so cool! I've also had many faithful return customers which always makes me feel good about what I'm doing.

MYM: What are your most effective marketing/promoting tips?
E: Get business cards. Cute ones. Ones that stand out! I order mine through Vista Print. They do a wonderful job, and it's a small investment that goes a long way. Last Christmas I had several people contact me for custom work- all because they had picked up my business card a year previously. I also give my friends jewelry in exchange for them handing out cards for me when people comment on their super-cute-pizza/sushi/doughnut earrings... =)

You can find more of Erica on her blog, on facebook, and hopefully at our December show!