Featured Artisan - Holden's Landing

Contest has ended - congratulations to Stuff Parents Need! 

The name Holden's Landing (owned and operated by Bonnie Vontz of Connecticut, USA since 2004) has become synonymous with fun, functional (and drop-dead-gorgeous) cloth diapers, knits, clothing and organic bedding.

Now it's time to meet the WAHM behind the business – and what better way to do that than by letting other WAHMS ask the questions!?!

You seem to get so much done. How do you organize your day, and what does a typical day's schedule look like?

I would love a few more hours in every day as time management is my biggest challenge. Currently I work from early morning to noon, then do schoolwork with the kids (we are homeschoolers), then back to work until late afternoon/early evening, then family time/dinner. I am always working on something though. If the kids are doing research on the computer, I'm next to them snapping diapers; if we're watching a movie or are out at the park, I'm knitting.

I keep several to do lists and am always jotting notes about what needs to be done next. It is very satisfying to cross things off my list every day! What doesn't get finished that day gets moved to the top of the next day's list.

What inspired you to start your business?

When I was pregnant with Holden, I was researching cloth diapers. I bought a few mass produced diapers (I didn't know about work at home moms back then!) and though I liked them, I didn't love them. So I started working on some designs of my own. Just before his birth I was introduced to the WAHM community - and a whole new world opened up. I adored making the diapers for Holden; it provided a creative outlet that I needed, and I soon realized that I was making far more diapers than one little boy could ever need. I started calling for testers and Holden's Landing was born.

Bonnie, so many of your diapers are works of art. What is your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from lots of places, but generally a customer will suggest a theme or a color and I will run with that; creating several new items based on that theme or color. I just had a customer send me a picture of a flower to try to replicate in dyed OBV. This image has spurred about 10 new colorways for spring!

What is your favorite medium to work with? Your crafts seem to span many mediums from print to knitting and all your sewn goodies in between.

My favorite has to be organic bamboo velour. The way it dyes up, the way it sews ... I love everything about it. Closely followed by wool interlock.

What is your favourite item to make?

DreamScapes.

They are also my most labor-intensive item, taking anywhere from 2 - 6 hours to complete. I love having a small canvas to put together a scene on - it's fun and a challenge because of the small space.

Now … here's a question for YOU.

Are you ready for the chance to win Bonnie's fabulous giveaway?

One custom rainbow stripe BedBug or fitted.

Retail value $29-$35.

Here's how to go about getting an entry:

* Visit Holden's Landing etsy shop - www.holdenslanding.etsy.com - and reply to this post about your favorite item.

Additional entries:

* Fan Holden's Landing on facebook and leave a comment on this blog that you have done so

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/CT-USA/Holdens-Landing/150011683600

* Fan Etsy Hyena Team on Facebook and leave a comment on this blog saying you did so

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Etsy-Hyena-Team/273228533065

* Blog or FB or Twitter about this giveaway and post the link on this blog.

* Follow Holden's Landing's blog and leave a comment saying you did so. If you are already a follower, just leave a comment saying you are!

www.holdenslanding.blogspot.com

* Make a purchase from Holden's Landing Etsy shop during the contest and receive 5 extra entries.

The winner will be announced on the blog on Monday, February 22nd, 2010.

Good Luck!!