Erik HOMEMADE

Who is......

Jeff, our production manager?

After all of the excitment and delay last week, we thought we should introduce you to our Production Manager, Jeff! Jeff posted his first messages directly to our readers during a very hectic week of reloading and updating!

For his work at Erik HOMEMADE(R), Jeff is always happy to help with a tech question, missing download, or new project announcement; it all passes over his desk.

 
(Jeff readies a bowl of yummies to be photographed for an upcoming post) 

Many of you have had contact with Jeff, especially when you have trouble. He oversees computer issues, technical support, certain emails, and phototography. That's a big (important) chunk of Erik HOMEMADE(R) and we all appreciate his work!

Jeff has his degree in computer programming, but really likes the photography work the website offers. Not really a crafter, Jeff does get to make things once in awhile. Awhile back, Jeff even shared his Dad's Easy Chili recipe! It seems to be a hit...thanks to numerous downloads!

                                             (Jeff in Omaha, Nebraska--his hometown!)

Jeff loves to travel, so going on location for certain photo shoots is a lot of fun for him! He is looking forward to going to Philadelphia, PA later this spring--and taking lots of photos for Erik HOMEMADE(R)! Seeing new places and meeting new people is part of the fun!

 
(Jeff attacks a bratwurst on a photo shoot last fall)

As you can see, Jeff is always ready to tackle the next technical concern with gusto!  
 

How do we organize so many projects?

The question comes up quite often...How do you organize so many projects? Not just craft projects, but also quilt and sewing projects, as well as a bevy of supplies. For Erik HOMEMADE(R) it really isn't hard to keep things in line. We simply use boxes. A lot of plain old cardboard boxes, clearly labeled, lined with acid-free tissue--or not, depending, clean, of course.

By far our most favorite is the simple brown pizza box! Each unwaxed box is labeled with the project title (as it appears on the webpost), the date of the post, and the contents of the box! Each box is then stacked away, in order of appearance and archived. Most boxes contain the sample we used for the photograph as well as any extra supplies specific to the project: a particular fabric, craft item, or embellishment. This way, we can keep everything together for future reference, or if we need to re-take a photograph.  projects that are too big for the pizza boxes are housed in an appropriate cardboard box elsewhere. The pizza boxes are light, easy to move, and stack well. In fact, we have moved some of the boxes into the project room because a 16-inch pizza box will hold a stack of finished quilt blocks, or a pile of 12x12 scrapbook paper, or even a collection of rubber stamps! A good idea, don't you think? You can find your own new pizza boxes sold in bulk, at restaurant supply stores...

Shooting Marshmallows, recent photo shoot

 

It is always an event at Erik Homemade (R) when we take photos for an upcoming post! Our chocolate covered marshmallows that we will be posting soon in the Treats Category is no exception! We had a wonderful time putting these little beauties in paper cups, candy boxes, and of course, in a mug of cocoa! Take a look behind the scenes...