Have you ever wanted to find some incredibly creative ideas but didn’t know where to look? If you’re a military wife like me, you love to add cute decorations to the theme of your home, especially unique and useful creations. Purchasing mass-produced items has always seemed a little dull to me. When I purchase handcrafted items such as photo-frames, decorative wreaths, or custom-made NFL countdown blocks, I’m kind of picky about the quality I receive. Erin Jamison of A Girl and Her Craftbox Designs has committed to bringing quality custom-designs to her customers. What I specifically love is that she’s a military wife like me and I love to support you gals whenever I can!
Recently, I found her service and fell in love with it. I decided to ask her a few questions to spread the word about her rapidly-growing products. Here’s what she said!
How did you first come about making wreaths?
I started making wreaths because I was about to experience my first deployment and I wanted to make something for our door to show my support. I had seen some wreaths that were made in this style before, but not made out of cammies, so I decided to take one of my husbands old cammies and create the wreath.
When did you start making frames?
I started making frames back in 2005 for my new apartment, and when my family and friends would come over to visit they would always ask where I got those and if I could make them one.
At what point did you decide to open a business?
I started my business in 2006 on Etsy, under the name Frame by Frame, just selling my frames. I sold mostly to family and friends and occasionally I would get an order through my Etsy. I have always been super crafty and creative, and my house was starting to look like a crafty hoarders house lol, so I started up my blog A Girl and Her Craftbox Designs (www.agirlandhercraftboxdesigns.com) so I could justify crafting more lol. After I moved to Hawaii, and I made my first wreath I posted a link to the post I made about it, on my facebook (www.facebook.com/agirlandhercraftboxdesigns) and I had a bunch of girls ask me if I would make one for them for money. In one month I made more wreath sales then I made frames ever, so I decided to start offering those in my shop as well, and then moved my shop to a new Etsy store, and a Storenvy store, both under the new name of A Girl and Her Craftbox Designs. If you would like to visit my shops here is a link to them! 
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/agirlandhercraftbox
Storenvy: http://agirlandhercraftbox.storenvy.com/
Where do you draw inspiration from?
Most of my inspiration for my wreaths are from our lifestyle here, and about the traditions, like colors, the uniforms. Most of my inspiration for my frames usually comes from the idea or the theme of the frame, but sometimes I make them just for fun to put in my shop, like my woodland creatures line, which was inspired by all those cute owls and deer you see popping up everywhere. It made me think of home, since I am from Indiana.
Where do you see your business going in the future?
I really love what I do, and I love the excitement that my customers get when they order from me. I get the most cutest emails from girls about ordering wreaths. So I really want to expand it more and think more outside of the box and not just only focus on military wreaths but also babies, holidays, events, sports, schools. I’m setting some high goals for my shop in the next 6 months, and I really want to achieve them and more if I can. Its a lot of hard work running your small business and you will not get rich over night, but if you keep at it, you can achieve your goals.
How did you meet your husband?
This is a super funny story! My brothers girl friend at the time, and I, along with some friends decided to go out to dinner and get drinks. We ended up at a local bar, and while dancing my brother’s girlfriend, Debby, was trying to tell me something, but I couldn’t hear over the music. Consequently, he was trying to tell me something in my ear and I screamed in his face, which then caused him to scream back at me. We both looked at each other and ran the other way. But he came back around and we have been together every day ever since,(with the exception of the year he joined the Marines and then got stationed here) for 7 years!
What can readers expect to find in your blog?
They can find info about my life, my shop, where I find my inspirations, DIY craftiness, tutorials, and just things I care about and want to share about the craft world.
Where do you find the best deals for your crafts?
Well living in Hawaii makes this a bit hard, the supplies are much more expensive here then on the mainland, and I miss my Michaels, Hobby Lobby, and Joann’s quite a bit. But I usually can get most of it through the internet, ask my mom and Aunt if they will send it to me or if I need something fast I can also usually find it at Ben Franklin’s.
Any challenges you personally have faced as a military spouse?
As I am sure every military spouses faces at sometime, I faced my first deployment this last year. Being separated from your spouse so much is also is very hard. But I had a good support group within my husbands shop, and I spent a lot of time working super hard on my shop and wreaths to grow my business. If a military spouse ever asked me how I got through this deployment and have it feel like it flew by, I would tell them to find a good group of friends and of course lean on your family to get yourself a great support system, as well as find an activity and get busy!
What is your most popular item?
My most popular item is by far my USMC Desert Wreath With Nametapes, but as I am growing I am seeing more and more sales in the other branches as well.
Erin has made a wonderful business that focuses on crafting very cute, custom-made products! She’s also informed me that to honor military appreciation week, beginning next week she will offer 15% on a different item each day! If you are looking for creative gift ideas or just want something fresh and decorative around the house, I recommend supporting A Girl and Her Craftbox Designs! Also, if you are interested in crafting your own items, she has some great tutorials available!
Until next time,
Ashley
Do they take custom order requests?
Amanda, I do take custom requests! You can stop by my facebook (www.facebook.com/agirlandhercraftboxdesigns) or email me at [email protected] if your still interested!
Erin