The Druid asks the Questions – Dani Vedsted

Ladies and Gents, it is my pleasure and my honor to put the questions to Miss Dani Vedsted.

Dani is the proprietress of the Etsy Shop, Fall’n Love Crafts and a blog of the same name. I ask your forgiveness in advance – I am about as familiar with crafts as A is with the use of a sword for anything beyond a prop (which is actually a good thing. Yours truly may not live to see the completion of his books if she were to learn). However, Dani is a most gracious guest and walked me through the process. I hope you enjoy her as much as I did.

Now, without further ado . . .

D: Tell us a little bit about your store, Fall’n Love Crafts.

DV: Fall’N Love Crafts started with a birthday present for my mother: a buffalo plate. She loved it and urged me to make more and sell them. Well, I did, and plates built up and my sister, Briana Vedsted, set up my Etsy shop for me. My shop name came to me as a little bit of encouragement to myself: you need to fall in love with your piece of art before you try selling it. No one can understand it or like it if you don’t have your own feeling for it.    

D: I hear you have a new line that debuts today – what is Fallen Angel all about?

DV: Fallen Angel is sort of like a fantasy for me. You see, being an angel is all about perfection; your hair is perfect, your heart is perfect, and so on and so forth. Being a Fallen Angel means the angel is flawed with human qualities such as emotions of anger and sorrow. Plus, to show the change from Perfection to Fallen, your angel might end up with a tear in her wing or a scar on her arm. Fallen Angel, I guess, describes the way I am feeling sometimes.         

D: Where does the inspiration for your crafts come from?

DV: Most of my inspiration comes from my surrounding or family. My Fallen Angel is completely emotional though.

D: We all have our favorite children (don’t shake your head at me, A – you only have one): What has been your favorite piece to make?

DV: That is a tough question; all of my plates have a special something to them. I think it would have to be my buffalo plate that I made for my mother’s birthday.

D: Well, she’s very lucky because it is beautiful. What about a least favorite piece – do you have one? What is it about it that made it less-than-loved?

DV: My least favorite plate was a wolf plate I made for a friend of mine. The problem was I liked the finished piece, but some of my family members thought it needed more. I put things on, took things off, and finally decided to leave it how it was.  

D: That sounds like a lesson many need to learn. Take us through the crafting process – how do you begin, and how do you know it’s ready?

DV: It is really easy; I get my plate and spray paint it the desired color, I then glue on the picture and all the ‘ornaments,’ wait for it to dry, and then I spray it with a sealant.    

D: So the reason A can’t craft isn’t because it’s difficult like she keeps telling me? Ha! Knew it. Is there a piece that you would love to make, but you don’t necessarily feel as though you’re ready to make it yet?

DV: Actually, my Fallen Angel Collection was the one I was afraid to do. I really don’t even know if it is good enough for me. I guess I will find out if it gets sold.

D: I think the idea of it is wonderful – and I hope your bravery is rewarded, Dani. Are there other creative areas you’d like to branch out into?

DV: I always wished I could be a famous artist or a musician, but I think I’m neck deep into a future of farming and ranching.

D: Never stop hoping. I had nothing but cattle in the highlands of Scotland and look at me now!

A: D. You’re a character in my head.

D: Yes, but I was somebody before that, A. Don’t ruin my message.

D: Now, Dani, do you have any advice for any other young, enterprising business people out there? What have you learned?

DV: My advice is never give up, keep praying, and keep your fingers crossed. I believe everyone has a chance at doing what they love; they just need to take that first step.

D: Alright, Dani – I’m not sure if you’re familiar with the magnificence that is me, but if you had to attribute one of your pieces to a time-traveling Pict Druid, which one would it be?

DV: The plate I think that would best be attributed to D’s magnificence is my wild horse plate that captures the very spirit of freedom and eternity.

D: I love it! Thank you, Dani, for spending time with me and answering my questions. You are a delight, and I wish only the best things for you and for your latest collection.

A: There you have it folks, the Fallen Angels line is available now – as is a lovely backstory/short story on Dani’s blog. Enjoy!

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