About me…the long version
Hi I’m Pam Hall. I’m the owner of The Crafty Chipmunk. Thanks for being curious about what I offer.
The Crafty Chipmunk is my home-based business, started here in Chatham-Kent in late 2022. In my little home studio, I create & design unique artificial succulent and floral designs. Unkillable plants are the kind I can handle. And since starting this business, I’ve welcomed many members to my “plant-killers anonymous” vibe. I love all the variety of colour and texture that nature provides and that guides me as I replicate that beauty.
My designs help you brighten up those spaces where a touch of nature is needed without the maintenance. Simple beauty that lasts.
The Crafty Chipmunk arrangements are available through markets I attend as well as in my online shop on a platform called LUVLOCAL.
I also take custom design requests and have created designs in everything from a shadowbox, to a large conch shell to a cool molded glass bowl.
When one of my pieces connects with you & makes you happy, my design is complete and my tank is filled.
The designs I create are long-lasting, one-of-a-kind and made with love. I have always enjoyed thrifting & re-purposing, and now get to use those passions in designing. My arrangements are in upcycled cans, on thrifted or vintage items, on driftwood or any other funky thing I find.
There’s always a story, sometimes a fun name given to an arrangement, or a cute little touch of whimsy tucked in with the plants. My biggest customer complaint is that I make it hard to choose. It’s my biggest compliment. That, and having people question if the plants are real or not. ;)
Alongside the design work I do, I love to share & promote the benefits of having creative pursuits in our lives. That work can be found in-person workshops and through my blog and social media posts. Or, a random chat with anyone that will listen. ;)
I’ve had times in my life when enjoying any kind of hobby or past time was really difficult due to illness and some thick, thick brain fog. I got some help and I figured out a way through that, and back to enjoying my creativity again. It took work, time and focus. If you’d like to know more, please feel free to ask.
Now, I’m happy to encourage anyone that might also find themselves in a fog. With some starter strategies, I’ve helped others unlock their creativity. Gently, one step at a time. Recognizing and reminding ourselves of those things that add to our overall well-being.
And who doesn’t want more well-being?? And fun.
And building my own business has been so much fun!
Even though I’m a “solo entrepreneur”, I am not alone. I value collaborations. I have tremendous support and input from my family that I am endlessly grateful for.
The LUVLOCAL team and the other artists & business owners I’ve met since joining, continue to inspire and motivate me.
I have valued friends and colleagues that understand how being a new-ish business owner is both HARD and exciting. Good cheerleaders are important.
Dear reader, if you are a new business owner, newly into a creative project or just experiencing a “why am I doing this” moment, give me a shout. I’m always here to listen and cheer you on. With or without a community around you, being a creative business owner can be lonely.
And about the business name… Where did The Crafty Chipmunk come from? My whole life I have vacationed ever summer in the Bruce Peninsula. My whole life I have loved the cottage chipmunks. Then, a few years ago…a chipmunk moved into our SW Ontario backyard. I was beyond excited. Of course, I bought peanuts. Of course, I trained them to come up on the deck to get peanuts from the tiny Muskoka chair I bought them.
(This picture was taken in June 2022.)
So, one day, while sitting on the deck after eye surgery, I was trying to think of a name for this business idea I was developing. Trying to incorporate my name or something catchy with “Crafty”. And the chipmunks were there. And the rest, they say, is history.
(Partially detached retina…do not recommend.)
Since that day on the deck, I’ve learned so many things, grown in so many ways, and created a business that I love.
And having you join me brings me such joy. Stay curious & creative, friend.