Heather Lins Home: 2014 American Made Honoree

Madison, Wisconsin

http://heatherlinshome.com

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.

I started my business with home textiles (pillows and napkins) but have really been enjoying creating craft kits. I love that I can share the creative process with other people. It is so satisfying to make a something by hand and, with craft kits, I can share that satisfaction with others. My process often begins with word association. For example, I was casting about for a calendar subject, thought of the zodiac and then the phrase "stitch the stars." That phrase was a turning point for my business. A few sketches evolved into a calendar kit with glow-in-the-dark printing and embroidery floss. Even kids can connect the dots and make the constellations.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORKSPACE, SHOP, OR STUDIO.

I work in an upstairs home studio. I hear my kids playing, the sounds of the neighborhood and the rumble of the dryer. A cup of tea is never far away.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

I have been very inspired by how these kits can bring people together. For example, I've had grandmothers buy these kits as a way to introduce embroidery to their grandchildren. My kids also inspire me. I'd love to create kits that my five-year-olds can do.

WHAT MAKES YOUR BUSINESS STAND OUT?

I think I take a modern approach to designing my craft kits. For example, my Year in Stitches Calendar Kit is a modern interpretation of the cross stitch sampler. It blends my love of typography with an age-old craft. Also, I recently created the Gemstone Geometry Calendar Kit. It's geology meets geometry as each month highlights a different birthstone.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE AN ASPIRING CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR?

My advice is to stick to it! We get better with practice and I think many entrepreneurs give up too soon.

WHAT DOES AMERICAN MADE MEAN TO YOU?

To me, American Made means hard work, grit, optimism and tenacity.

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