REVIEWSCommunity
Q + A with Amanda Phalen, Crafty Little Mama
Looking for that perfect gift not typically found in a big box store? Support local resident, Amanda, aka “Crafty Little Mama” who can create that perfect personalized item for you or that special someone!
Q. Hi Amanda, we see a lot of your personalized items on social media. Can you tell us about the products you make?
A. I customize everyday items such as glassware (wine glasses, beer mugs, coffee and tea mugs etc.) Name rounds for a child’s room, baby nursery. Customized doormats are also in my lineup! @craftylittlemama20 can also customize serving trays with a family monogram. I offer hoodies, t-shirts & onsies, and always have a collection of seasonal products of personalization.
Q. How did you come about starting this business? Were you always crafty?
A. This was definitely a fluke business that began with having more time during the pandemic. This was always “right under my nose”, it took me a little exploring and I found my exact niche!
I have always been crafty! When I was younger, my allowance ended up being called my “scrapbook allowance”.
Q. Do you have any helpers?
A. Right now @craftylittlemama20 is a one woman run business! I’m lucky my husband also has an artistic side so it’s helpful and fun to get a second opinion from him.
Q. Can you find any of your creations in a retail store or online for instant purchase or is each item custom made?
A. Each item I make is custom made, I sometimes make 6 of one item making it available for instant purchase. I can create items similar to big box stores if you’re missing some of your favourites such as “Rae Dunn” inspired items. But most of my products are customized making my business a little different then big box!
I specifically enjoy creating various styles of MAMA & MINI t-shirts and onsie sets. “Big bro(sis)/ Lil bro(sis)” t-shirts/hoodies, “Girl Mom/ Boy Mom” crewnecks, and “DAD” Hoodies. often ordered name signs & personalized holiday items online, because I couldn’t find them locally made AND at realistic price. It always ended up being from a different city incurring shipping fees ect. Opening up my business makes these items available to South Etobicoke for a realistic and affordable price. Currently, you can find me on Instagram and order directly through there.
Q. What is your most popular item?
A. During the holiday season my most popular item was my Santa Trays! I had two styles to choose from, always customized with a name (or up to 4 names!) I hope they will be used as annual tradition pieces.
Q. Do you deliver in the GTA?
A. Currently I offer delivery on Friday by-weekly. Pick up times throughout the week are very flexible.
Q. Any big projects you are excited about and can share?
A. I am excited to put out a new line of Circle Rounds. These rounds can be customized to include custom Family Monograms ie. “THE NIXONS”, Baby Names ie. “Harper Ava”, Child’s Name ie. “ASHTON” Welcome Signs ie. “Welcome to the Smith Home”. These rounds will cost between $25 -$35.
Q. When you are not working, what do you like to do?
A. When I’m not working, I’m busy being a mom to 3 girls who keep me very busy! Like many others right now I’m trying to come up with new creative ways to keep my family active, entertained and engaged.
Q. You live in South Etobicoke, what do you love most about living here?
A. I am born and raised in South Etobicoke and couldn’t be prouder to live here! We are so fortunate to live in such a tight knit community AND beside the lake.
Thank you for taking the time to check out my new business I look forward to creating more for South Etobicoke.
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us!
We look forward to seeing more of your designs in the future. For anyone looking to order their own personalized custom creation, you can contact Amanda here: a.s.phalen@gmail.com. You can see her work on Instagram @craftylittlemama20
