One of our favorite
Craftster testimonials...
"I have an addiction to craftster.org. It's a sickness. If
you can go to that site and not be inspired, then you may not be human
and you should start considering the fact that you could be an android
or alien hybrid." -- a fine fellow Craftster by the name
of "monster"
What is Craftster?
Craftster is an online community where people share hip, off-beat,
crafty diy (do it yourself) projects. The term "Craftster"
means "crafty hipster" and is also meant to be an homage
to the pioneer peer-to-peer sites Napster and Friendster.
Craftster was started in August 2003 and has since grown to a readership
of over 1,000,000 readers per month. It has been written up in numerous
publications including Time Magazine, the New York
Times and the London Guardian.
Craftster is the largest online community for what is now commonly
known as "indie crafts." ("Indie" stands for independent
as in indie music, indie art, indie film, etc.) Craftster is regarded
by many as one of the cornerstones of the recent renaissance in crafting
known as the "indie craft movement."
In April 2008, Craftster was acquired NameMedia,
Inc. NameMedia is an internet company with a division focused
on running "enthusiast websites" covering topics such as
crafts, photography, gardening, outdoor sports and more. NameMedia
provides Craftster with resources such as marketing, sales, programming,
design and more.
Who's responsible for this mayhem?
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Founder / Sr. Producer - Leah aka
the
craftster admin
Craftster was started in August 2003 by Leah Kramer
– a computer programmer and self-proclaimed craft junkie.
Leah has been crafting ever since she could hold a pair of safety
scissors. Somewhere along the lines she thinks she inhaled too
much glue because now she is attracted to crafts that are irreverent,
ironic, kitschy, or cleverly eco-friendly. She resides in Boston
where she was a founder of the "coolest store ever,"
Magpie, and for 7
years was an organizer of the not-your-grandma's craft fair
Bazaar Bizarre.
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Community Manager / Producer - Jean
aka sweets4ever
Jean was Craftster's first employee. A long time Craftster moderator
and member, Jean was hired by Leah to assist with the daily
operations of Craftster. As Community Manager / Producer she
helps maintain the site, and keep things running smoothly. Jean
is a lifelong crafter, with a deep love of hot glue, paint,
and melted beads. Some of her favorites include interior decorating,
repurposing common items, and special occasion crafting. Her
latest creation, a small boy named Camden, is her most complicated
project so far. Jean loves large dogs, motorcycles, high heels,
and is known for her sense of diplomacy. |
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Community Manager / Producer - Casey
aka jungrrl
Casey was a Craftster moderator for several years before coming
on as a Community Manager / Producer. She works on a wide variety
of projects that keep Craftster the well-oiled craft machine
that it is. She is also the Crafty Business Mod, and knows a
lot about starting and running indie businesses. In addition
to her duties here, Casey is an avid birder and volunteers weekly
in the bird department at the world-renowned Field Museum in
Chicago. Anything you want to know about birds, crafty businesses,
or making adorably grouchy kitty plush, Casey can probably answer.
Casey loves working for Craftster because of the people, the
inspiration, and because her boss doesn't mind colorful hair
in the slightest. |
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Editor - Lori aka batgirl
Lori is thrilled to be the newest member of the Craftster admin
team. As Editor, she is in charge of writing articles for the
blog and front page, as well as other writing projects, and
helping out with keeping the Craftster bullet train on track.
A former librarian, Lori always wanted to write for a living,
and loves combining her love of writing with her love of crafts
into one dream job. She enjoys embroidery, making jewelry, household
items, and repurposing found items. She considers herself a
crafty dabbler and loves to learn new things.She hopes to learn
to knit, cross stitch, and speak French one day! Her puppy,
Milou, is her work in progress. |
And last but certainly in no way least... The Craftster Mod Squad,
our fine team of volunteer moderators! Click
here to read more about 'em...
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