Featured Artists - SugarLumpsDesign and Quiltmaker2006

As November nears an end, we find ourselves in an emerging holiday season that seems to keep all of us on our toes. But before the man in the red suit can come down the chimney, we find ourselves reflecting on all that we are thankful in our lives. These are two members of the Homefront Team, that we are thankful to have enriching our community.

First up is Davida Chatman from Sugar Lumps Designs, which features an eclectic mix of jewelry and home décor treasures.


Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Davida Chatman and I reside in Round Rock, Texas. I have a home based business that I provide virtual services from and I am an avid crafter and photographer. I have two children, my daughter Sydnie is 12 years old and attends an International Baccalaureate middle school in Austin, Texas. She is an artist like myself and loves to make t-shirts, jewelry and also enjoys cake decorating. My son Sheldon is 16 years old and is quite reserved, he is the calmer of the two and is an avid reader, musically inclined and adores the game of poker. He is a self taught juggler, pianist and is intrigued by magnets. My Husband is a disabled Navy Vet and a self proclaimed geek in his own right. He collects action figures and comic books. I am happy to say that we will be attending Comic-Con for the first time this year. We have been connected to the navy for over 15 years and love the community. We all watch after our own because we all know the sacrifice that is involved, and how precious our lives are and the lives we protect.

I am artistically inclined and it is so hard to contain - all mediums intrigue and it is so hard to contain me so I do dabble, but I currently make jewelry, and home décor items …like mosaic frames and painted glassware. I have some accessories like iphone cases that I will be adding. I sell stock photography, so I will also be branching off in that area as well.

Why did you open up a shop on Etsy?

I opened up my Etsy store, because I wanted to have an avenue to share my art with others who enjoy homemade items and the love that goes into each piece.

What is something you can’t live without?

I can’t live without sweets. I truly have a sweet tooth and I guess that had something to do with the name of my store Sugar Lumps Design. I can’t do without sweets and sweet designs for me to wear and for my home.

When you’re not busy with your store or family stuff, what do you like to do?

I love to get out and photograph the world around me, beauty just pops up in the most unsuspecting places and just throws you for a loop. I love the quote “Your whole life can change at a moment’s notice…and the moments you notice can change your whole life.”

How do you balance being an Etsy store owner, taking care of your family and any other important things in your life?

I think that balancing home life and store is a lot easier, due to the fact that I also work from home virtually. I t also doesn’t hurt that my family is behind me in everything and they will dive in and help if I need them.

How has being a part of the military influenced your craft and your store?

I think that being a military family has influenced my craft by allowing me to be more open minded and accepting of not only my art but others as well.

How has being a member of the Homefront Team helped you as an Etsy store owner?

I enjoy seeing the trials and tribulations of the homefront team through email. I love the safety net you feel when you have an issue or a question or just need to comment. It helps with sanity and knowing that you’re not alone.

Our last November Featured Artist is Michelle from Quiltmaker 2006 who offers unique quilts, stylish bags, and a myriad of baby items.

Tell us a little about yourself:

My name is Michelle Ronicker and I am currently stationed with my family at Offut Air Force Base in Nebraska. I have 2 boys – a 4 year old and an 18 month old who love to play together and are the reason I started making a lot of my items. I was a military brat for 16 years, and then joined the Ohio ANG for 6 years, and now my husband is serving in the Air Force.

What is your favorite item in your store and why?

My favorite item is the birthday cake quilt because every one turns out different and is one of a kind. They take about 24 hours from start to finish to make.

What is something you can’t live without?

My faith and my family.

When you’re not busy with your store or family stuff, what do you like to do?

I love to be outside, now that my kids are getting older I look forward to taking them hiking and camping.

How do you balance being an Etsy store owner, taking care of your family and any other important things in your life?

I have a very supportive husband and he loves to take the boys out to do “man things” so I can have a break to sew.

How has being a part of the military influenced your craft and your store?

I love anything Red, White, and Blue.

How has being a member of the Homefront Team helped you as an Etsy store owner?

I can get feedback on what others think I can do differently to help with sales.

Be sure to check out next month for our new Featured Artists.

If you are a member of the Homefront Team and would like to be featured artist in the future, be sure to have somewhere in your announcement or profile that you’re a member of the Homefront Team!