Kara from Enchanted Vines
Step into the vibrant world of Enchanted Vines, where creativity blooms and every wreath tells a story. With Surebonder products as her trusted tools and a flair for design, Kara transforms ordinary floral materials into extraordinary works of art, adorning homes with warmth and charm.
Not only does Kara craft stunning wreaths that are for sale, but she also shares her passion through engaging classes, empowering others to unleash their own creativity. With patience and expertise, she guides her students, imparting valuable skills and igniting a love for wreath-making in each one. Kara says she feels blessed to be able to do what she truly loves, bringing joy to others through her artistry, spreading beauty and happiness one wreath at a time.
Join us in celebrating Kara's journey of creativity and community, where passion meets purpose and every wreath is a testament to the beauty of handmade craftsmanship.
Now it's time for a little Q&A, let's go!
1. How long have you been creating and how did you get started?
I have loved designing wreaths since I was a teen. I would gift them to friends and family for fun. In 2018, I posted some wreaths on facebook and a friend commented that I should sell on etsy. That was the start of my business, Enchanted Vines. I would run my etsy as a side hustle and worked full time as an HR rep. In 2021 I was so busy running wreath workshops and filling orders that I made the leap to pursue my passion full time. I left a 20 year career that I loved but discovered that I loved this even more. I am grateful that I get to do something I truly love as well as teaching the art of wreath making to others. Often people arrive to workshops with the attitude that they won't be able to make a beautiful wreath. With some guidance and humor I ensure that everyone has fun and leaves with a wreath they truly are proud of. If someone in class is struggling, I "zhuzh" up their design to ensure they are happy with it. Attendees love a little zhuzing!
2. What is/are your favorite Surebonder product(s):
My favorite Surebonder products are the Cordless/Corded Full Size Glue Gun, the Electric Hot Glue Skillet With Adjustable Temperature and the Glue Skillet Pellets. I actually just ordered the pink version of the skillet and am excited to have that vibrant pop of color on my work bench. I frequently do lives on TikTok and YouTube and get lots of questions about these products. I happily dive into how much easier it is to create a wreath "handsfree" since there are no cords to slow you down.
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| SHOP CORDLESS GLUE GUNS | SHOP GLUE SKILLETS |
3. What inspires you to create? What do you love most and what is the hardest part about the creative process?:
I find inspiration everywhere! With custom orders I may be inspired by the customer's home or personality. In general things found in nature insprie me. I was fortunate to travel to Coppenhagen twice this year and my favorite place was their Botanical Garden. I like my wreaths to look lifelike so I use a varity of techniques and textures to create natural looking wreaths. I don't really have a "hard part" when designing. I love it and feel like I was given a gift. Even after a day of working I may unwind by designing something for my own home. That's how much I enjoy what I do.
Julie Siomacco from Southern Charm Wreaths is my favorite designer. I am a part of her Success Circle which is a coaching group she leads. Her work is stunning and the mechanics she uses ensure a high level of quality. I have been learning from her for years on YouTube. She is the reason why I provide free tutorials. I want to give back like she does since she provided me with so much through her online trainings.
5. How do you manage and overcome creative burnout?:
If I should find a design challenging, I would just step away for a while, reset and go back with a fresh set of eyes. I may find parts of running a small busienss daunting but not the design piece.
6. Have you experienced a fail? How did you work through it and what did you learn?:
As a small business owner I've had lots of fails but I think of them more as lessons. I like to write down ways to improve so I can be successful moving forward.
7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to get started?:
For someone getting started, I would recommend finding a great coaching group. When it comes to the technical side of etsy, Julie is always on top of changes and she does a great job relaying that information to others so they can make sales. I would also tell new makers that success doesn't happen overnight and that's ok. Don't give up on your passion, you were given a wonderful gift and should use it!
8. What’s next for you? (a new project? a new technique? a new venture?):
I am currently working on expanding my presence with in person workshops (which I take my Surebonder glue guns to). I have several new venues in the NH/MA area and I'm excited to tap in to a new demographic and share my love of wreath making with them. I am always looking to grow with my designing and with my business. I started the New Year with some full designs that I'm very proud of so I'm looking forward to branching out more with a variety of styles.
Check out more from Kara:
Instagram: @enchantedvines
Facebook: @enchantedvines
TikTok: @enchantedvinesshop
YouTube: @enchantedvines8811
Etsy: @enchantedvines
Website: EnchantedVines.com
