Friday Feature :: Jasmine Malstrom

Meet Jasmine, of Jia Girl's Best Friend. She's a jewelry designer and maker, a mom, a blogger, and *full* of creativity and tips on getting organized. So full, in fact, that she has a blog all about getting organized (how awesome is that?!). I'm so excited to have Jasmine as my first featured seller!

jaykayknits: Tell us a little about yourself.

jasmine malstrom: I'm a total nerd, more than a little quirky (what can you do?), and a tad OCD. I love reading mysteries, crossword puzzles, and crafting (of course). I'm a huge fan of birthdays and love to give presents! I'm a stay at home mom with 3 kids and have been selling jewelry (off line) for 4 years. I love my customers, and wanted to make it a little easier for them to see my jewelry. Now, I'm trying to see if I can also add an online customer base.

jkk: How did you get started making jewelry?

jm: One day I called my best friend (and neighbor) and asked her what she was doing. She said she was making jewelry and invited me to come over. I came over with my plastic beads and stretchy cord, only to discover that she meant "real" jewelry. She had picked up some "how-to" pamphlets at the craft store along with every tool/finding we could want or need. We spent the next three months learning new techniques, beading constantly, trying new styles, and making more jewelry than the two of us (plus my 4 sisters, her 2 sisters, and the 4 daughters we had between us) could wear in a lifetime. Since we had way too much jewelry, and still wanted to make more; and since we were steadily draining our bank accounts buying beads, we decided to start selling. She sold with me for 6 months, but she had a full time job, so now it's just me.

jkk: You have a blog about organizing, which is something we could probably all use a little help with! How did you get into organizing? And what are some tips you could share with the readers?

jm: I've always been an organizer. As a child I would sort my 64 box of crayons into perfect rainbow order. When I was asked to clean the den, I would only organize the bookshelves and leave the rest a mess. I even asked for a filing cabinet from Santa when I was 16.

Some of my biggest tips are: 1. take the time (it will take a long time so don't plan on it being done in one hour) 2. No side trips when sorting. This is always the biggest distraction. 3. Don't buy containers until AFTER you know what you have. 4. Start small!! Organizing is like any other skill. It takes practice. Start with your junk drawer, then pantry, then closet. I adore questions about organizing and would love to answer anything.

jkk: What inspires you?

jm: I'm inspired by the beads themselves. When I see a gorgeous bead, I can't help imagining what I would do with it. I'm also big on patterns. No matter what I try, random is not in my repertoire. :)

jkk: What is your most prized possession (handmade or otherwise)?

jm: Being an organizer, I don't put much stock in possessions, but I guess my most prized would be a green glass vase that I received when my great-grandmother died because it is just so pretty. But since I have tried my hand at hand-quilting. I also really prize the one and only quilt my mother ever made.

jkk: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

jm: I have no idea. I've only ever lived in Texas and then in Utah. Wherever my husband and kids are, there is home. (cheesy but true)

jkk: Finally, if you could have any super power, which one would you choose?

jm: I've always wanted to fly.

Thank you, Jasmine, for your wonderful answers to all my questions, and everyone be sure to stop by Jasmine's shop and blog and show her some love!