June 28th 2006:urbanmartinidesigns.com

1 At what age did you start crafting? I started crafting when I was about 14. I started making things with kids that I babysat for and then for myself, friends and family. The crafting bug runs in our family. My grandmother is really into scrapbooking and my mom has been doing cross-stitch since I can remember. Every year for Christmas, the women in my family have a Christmas luncheon where we exchange gifts that are handmade.

2 What are youre signature colors? I'd have to say my signature colors are black, olive green and aqua. Which, coincidentally, are the same colors as my website, www.urbanmartinidesigns.com

3 what does diy mean to you? To me, DIY is liberating. I think it means you are not dependant on the mass produced items, that you can make your own. I don't have to go to Walmart for a gift or for a new purse, I can make my own and it will be unique. I like DIY items because they are not perfect and identical. That's what DIY is about, resourcefulness and individuality.

4 Whats youre best seller? My best-seller is my hand-dyed 100% silk scarves. They can be tied in your hair, used around your neck or make a fun belt. Each one is totally different, because of color or pattern, and I think that is what people love.

5 What do you have planned for the coming year This coming year I hope to take part in a retail Co-op in Old Town Tustin to get my name out there and generate more publicity and sales. I'm still in the brand-new stages of business, so hopefully next year will be more rewarding and fun.

You can find urbanmartinidesigns .urbanmartinidesigns.com Item to check out .Scarves