Hapa Collective's Artist Spotlight: Wine Country Crafters

{Hapa Collective's Artist Spotlight}: 

Wine Country Crafters 

1. How did Wine Country Crafters come about?

"We have always considered ourselves wine enthusiasts. We were saving our wine

corks and decided to do something creative by recycling them into something

people would enjoy. Our first cork creation was our wreaths and we added various

items from there. Wine Country Crafters will always be a work in progress and we

are constantly looking for creative ways to grow."

 2. How long has the company been around?

"Wine Country Crafters began in 2009. We started by selling our pieces at local

craft shows and now have shipped orders to almost every state, along with Canada

and Europe. We really enjoy getting the chance to meet new people both locally

and from around the world."

3. What is the process for the making the cork pieces?

"The process varies from piece to piece. Some items require the corks be cut,

like the coasters and memo board. Some items use the corks whole, like the

wreaths and some are very detailed such as our ornaments. During each step of

the process, we take pride in each piece being uniquely hand crafted."

4. Where do the pieces get made?

 "All the products are hand crafted at our workshop located in Torrance, CA."

 5. Favorite pieces you make?

"Our favorite piece to make is the reindeer Christmas ornament. With the

different colors and designs on the corks, each reindeer ornament is truly

unique. When the face and antlers are assembled, the reindeer seem to come to

life. Our reindeer ornament continues to be one of our most popular items."

6. Goals for the company?

"We are always looking to grow the company but maintain our unique hand crafted

style. We will continue to sell at local craft shows and expand our on-line

business through our storefront on Esty. In addition to Hapa Collective, our

items are available at several retail locations throughout the United States.

The goal is and always will be maintaining the integrity of our unique products."

7. Things you would like customers to know about your products that makes them

unique?

"All the items we make at WCC are made by hand. With each piece we make, we

take great care to maintain the integrity of the corks. The corks are always the

focal point of our items. No two items we have created are the same. We also

offer our customers the option to customize an item with their corks or design

which has become very popular."

 8.Where do all the corks come from?

"We started by recycling our own wine corks, but our inventory quickly ran out.

We now purchase used wine corks in bulk. We also greatly appreciate the

donations of our friends and family who save their wine corks for us to recycle.

We always reassure our family and friends that all donation amounts will be held

in strict confidence."

9. Upcoming new cork items?  

 " We are always thinking of creative new ways to recycle our wine corks. Last

year it was our pet themed ornaments and candle rings that were a very popular

new addition to our product line. Most importantly all new products and ideas

would have to maintain the quality and integrity of our current products. We

enjoy being a part of Hapa Collective and look forward to an exciting next year."

Thank you Wine Country Crafters for letting us interview you guys!

Come into Hapa Collective and  see all the amazing Wine Country Crafters cork items!