Hi, My Name is Nichole!!
I've been crafting most of my life but professionally creating for over 15 years. I believe that there is beauty in creativity and the simplicity of handmade items has a large impact on people. Anyone can print photos and put words on paper but not everyone can take a moment and immortalize it on paper. We at a Coachman Crafts don't just love to create, we live it.
There is an opportunity to create in everything you do and there is such a sense of accomplishment when you have an idea and you can take it out of your head and place it into someone's hands. Memories are fleeting so I love to take the most precious and important moments in our lives and make creations that allow families to revisit and relive those moments in exciting and vivid detail.
You have moments you need to be preserved so let us take care of those moments that are most dear to you; Let us create something memorable for you, today!
When did it all begin?
When I was young. As a kid, I used to check out books from the library about making things, from paper crafts to papier-mâché dolls. It wasn't always a success since materials weren't always available but that never stopped me. I always wanted things like rock tumblers, pottery wheels and tool kits. There was actually a time where I wanted to make Barbie doll clothes when I grew up!
In my college years I continued to discover new crafts such as cross stitching, beading and making hemp bracelets. I used to ride my ten speed bike to Joann Fabrics to see what they had and buy new supplies. I made a lot of things for myself but I also gave a lot of my creations and gifts to my college friends.
I started scrapbooking when my daughter was born and it was such a joy to discover a new creative outlet. I took the advice that was offered when I was told "you should start a business! People would pay for these!" I did just that and I regretted it tremendously. It took all the joy out of it for me, at that age, and I told myself I would never do that again when it came to something that I loved.
What is it like now?
Fortunately, I have learned to find balance. I have been successfully making for others for years and have not lost my passion for any of the crafts I currently love. To be perfectly honest, I have kept it classified as a hobby to keep it safe which has allowed me to avoid making a full commitment. Crafting sustains me; it is a very large part of my life, my quiet time and it keeps me centered. I can't imagine my life without having so many creative outlets so I wasn't willing to let anything taint them.
I began to realize that there are so many people around me who want personalized items and I seem to have a gift for bringing their ideas to life. The moment I give someone their product and I get to see the happiness they feel being able to have an item that is not just close to what they wanted but is exactly what they were imagining brings me such joy. It was this revelation that sparked Coachman Crafts and that continued truth stoked that spark into a flame.
