My name is Missy, owner of Tempting Sweets. I grew up in the Cleveland area and have lived here most of my life. I love city life and being so close to shopping and work. I currently work as a legal assistant at a small law firm in downtown Cleveland. I love old movies, classic rock and roll, and collecting salt and pepper shakers. The 30s and 40s are my favorite period for movies and the art deco period into the 50s and 60s are my favorite times for shakers. I guess I'm just an old spirit :)
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I work full-time and try to spend as much time with family and friends as possible.
Where do you get your creativity from?I would have to say real life - I enjoy discovering the versatility and functionality of chocolate and using it to create mini, edible versions of real life. I'm starting to get into 3D creations such as buildings and other structures. I've made my first wishing well and will be working on a carousel soon.
What got you into the craft hobby?
Several years ago, I helped a friend make chocolate candy as part of her Christmas presents. I learned a lot from her about technique and decorating. Last year, I decided to pick it up again when I spotted molds that I really liked. From there, it just sort of mushroomed. I ended up making many of my own Christmas presents and realizing how much I enjoyed working with chocolate.
How would you describe your creative process?
I look at the mold and think about what colors would work for whatever theme I'm working on. I often go in with one vision in mind and as I begin to paint and decorate, something completely different emerges which is better than my original vision. That sort of improvisation is a lot of fun.
What is your most favorite item that you have ever produced?
So far, it's a tie between the candy dish with purple and silver accents and the antique Ford. The candy dish was one of those times where I thought I knew what I was going to do and ended up doing something completely different. I wasn't sure what to expect from the Ford but was pleasantly surprised at how well it came out.
How did you get your business off the ground?
I'm still getting it off the ground! This started as a hobby about a year ago and I realized I enjoyed it and was actually good at it. I started working with friends and people at work to get the word out about what I was doing. I got some wonderful and positive responses, which gave me the courage to try branching out even more.
What are your goals with your business?
Right now, my goal is to continue enjoying what I do and continue improving in order to put out a better product.
What do you do in your free time?
I watch a lot of movies and try to read as much as I can. My TV is pretty much set continually on TCM and I enjoy books on a wide array of topics, from biographies to novels and history.
What's the message behind your work?
I don't know that I have a specific message. I just hope my work is pretty enough to get people's attention and delicious enough to keep them coming back.
Have a taste of Tempting Sweets this fall at the Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show. This eclectic show will feature 67 of the areas most talented artisans and crafters. A portion of the show's proceeds will be donated to the North East Ohio Make-a-Wish Foundation.
Avant-Garde Fall Art & Craft Show
Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:00am-5:00pm
Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Church
5500 West 54th St.
Parma, OH 44129.
For more information, contact Becki Cooper, at info@avantgardeshows.com.
