We were just lucky enough to have a quick chat with Suzi, of Puddlefoot. Suzi’s store offers unique and adorable silk-screened t-shirts, and, if you’re lucky, amazingly crafted (and cute!) Waldorf dolls.

How and why did you start Puddlefoot?

The Tees:
I started Puddlefoot back in 2007 while at home with my two young boys.
Giving birth to my sons inspired a rebirth of my creativity.
I was inspired by their bright youthful souls and began filling sketchbook after sketchbook with all sorts of quirky little characters.
Some of my favorites were the funny veggies with their giant grins.
“I have to do something with these silly scribbles,” I said. “I need to share their smiles with the world.”
And so. . . became Puddlefoot; a medley of simple design, ultra-soft cotton, and the drive to make the world a happier place.

The Dolls:
I had made dolls and sold them on Ebay a while back, but only began making Waldorf inspired dolls a little over a year ago.
My sister had wanted me to make one for her daughter and I have been hooked ever since, learning and growing with each one.
So much love and time is involved in creating each doll and I get so much satisfaction seeing them adopted into their new homes.

What’s your favorite product / best seller and why?

I loved tie dying tees and printing my designs on them. I loved the uniqueness that each tee would have when complete.
I wish I had time to do this again, but am really focused on my dolls right now.
I just get so much joy out of the doll making process and people seem to have a real attachment to these little souls.
It really warms my heart.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you and Puddlefoot?

I just want to thank all my fans for their love and support over the years.
Without you there would be no Puddlefoot.
Without you I would not be able to stay home with my kiddos.
You have fueled my creativity and allowed me the time to stay connected with my family.
Thank you!

Don’t forget to keep your eye on Puddlefoot’s facebook page to find out when you can snag one of Suzi’s amazing dolls!

We just had a lovely chat with Joyce, of Hillcountry Dollmaker. Joyce’s store offers some wonderfully unique dolls, handcrafted with love!

How and why did you start Hillcountry Dollmaker?

I have been making Waldorf dolls since my first child was born and I started Hillcountry Dollmaker after friends telling me for years that I should sell my dolls. I started on eBay and was on there for a year or so until a customer recommended Hyena Cart and I opened a cart here.

Hyena Cart was life changing for me. Not only were my dolls warmly received but I made so many new friends and found kindred spirits who shared a lot of my parenting and lifestyle ideals. Something about Hyena Cart made selling online a personal experience I don’t think you get on other websites.

What’s your favorite product / best seller and why?

My favorite product is the custom doll.  People buy them and usually want the doll to resemble the child, which makes my doll making very personal. Often they email with pictures of the child with the doll and let me know how loved and appreciated my work is to a special small person. I have the best job in the world.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you and Hillcountry Dollmaker?

I am now a single mom and because of my wonderful customers I am able to stay home with my kids and home school them while I work.  I know that is a rare privilege and I am very thankful.

Don’t forget to visit Joyce’s store, Hillcountry Dollmaker next time you need a gift for a special little someone

Today we get to learn more about Christine from Knoodle Knits. Christine’s store offers a wide array of knit and crocheted items, many geared towards newborns and ideal as photo props.

How and why did you start Knoodle Knits?

After the birth of my son, my mother and I started knitting various items for him, including sweaters, hats and blankets. Our friends and family soon expressed an interest in what we were creating, and encouraged us to sell our products online.

We launched Knoodle Knits on Hyena Cart in the Fall of 2009 with a line of original and unique baby hats. We came up with the name ‘Knoodle Knits’ as a play on my last name (Knudsen), the term ‘noodle’ to represent a head, and the word ‘knit’.

In addition to our baby hats we also make longies, skirties, sweaters, scarves and gloves. Some are from our own patterns, while others we are licensed to make and sell through other vendors.

What’s your favorite product / best seller and why?
My favorite product is the Steinar Sweater. It’s a unisex cardigan with an intricate lace yoke and crocheted details. My mother developed this design in the late 70s when she was knitting for me as an infant. We recently adapted the design to be knit raglan style and in several sizes.

Our best sellers are the Pom Bomb Beanie, the Koala Hat, and the Striped Stocking Hat (all original designs).

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you and Knoodle Knits?

In addition to running Knoodle Knits, I teach Graphic Design and Advanced Placement Art History full time in a suburban NJ high school. It’s a challenge balancing a full time job, a part time business, and a family, but I love it. My mother was a Business Education teacher for 25 years, and now watches my son full time. She helps out tremendously with our workload too.

On April 26th I was invited to attend a taping of the Martha Stewart Show in NYC. I had the opportunity to share one of our hats with Martha and be featured on the show!

You can shop for these adorable items at the Knoodle Knits store on Hyena Cart. Knoodle Knits also has a Facebook page, a Twitter page, a Pinterest page, and a blog. Thanks Christine!

Today we were lucky enough to have a chat with Jenny from BBB Crochet. Jenny’s store features adorable hand-crocheted items, especially suited to use as props in your little one’s special photo shoot.

How and why did you start BBB Crochet?

My grandmother taught me how to crochet when we were younger but I had totally forgotten how. Last winter my mom broke her leg and my children and I went over almost everyday to help out. She taught me the basics again and I started making hats for my kids. I decided to try and sell them. Little did I know that crochet was so popular! A few months ago I decided I also wanted to do knitted hats so I taught myself how to do that.

What’s your favorite product / best seller and why?

My best seller is the Newborn Girl Gift Set. I think everyone likes the little ruffles. I don’t have a favorite product. I really love them all. Crocheting and knitting are such a great and relaxing hobby and I love watching the project come together.

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you and BBB Crochet?

I am a stay at home mom of 3. I was always looking for ways to help out and make some money. I had no idea that a craft that I could do in my spare time would be it. So if you are in the same situation, be creative!! You never know what someone might be willing to buy!

Don’t forget to check out all the lovely items (and gorgeous photography!) at Jenny’s shop, BBB Crochet.

We had a chance to chat really quickly with Rikki from Relax. Rikki’s store features handmade, all-natural body and home care products ranging from deodorants, to tinctures, to salves, soaps and creams.

How and why did you start Relax?

I started relax in 2011, after being a diaper, fabric, and soap seller as Daribums and RikRaks on Hyenacart since 2007, I decided it was time for change. My children have all outgrown diapers and became bored of sewing. I wanted to share my home recipes that I have found to be very beneficial to my own family and Relax was born!

What’s your favorite product / best seller and why?

My favorite product at Relax is, of course, my cream deodorant, it is my best seller and works great. I have actually been using it for 2 years now with excellent results, I will never use commercial deodorants again. There is nothing out there that will keep me stink free other than this stuff!

Is there anything else you’d like us to know about you and Relax?

I am a Stay at home Mother of 9 children. 2 are now adults. I continually strive to give great customer service, fast shipping, and quality products. I try to keep up with the demand of new and great products, and try to keep my prices fair. I believe that EXCELLENT communication with my customers & a great product is what keeps them coming back.

Don’t forget to check out Rikki’s yummy store, Relax. Thanks Rikki!