Meet Kelly
Everyone, meet Kelly McCaleb. Kelly, meet everyone.
Kelly leads a “happy little life” right here in Utah, and she’s one of our favorite crafty bloggers and Etsy divas. She calls herself a “crafty mama” by occupation, but we know she’s so much more: blogger, photographer-in-the-making, designer, seamstress and first-rate scrapbooker, to name a few. Oh yes, and she’s also a mom with degrees in psychology and health education from “the BY.”
Kelly is a designer for Poppy Ink, an artful memory-keeping company, and also does guest work for Li’l Davis. Her paper crafts have been featured in the spreads of such mags as Creating Keepsakes, Simple Scrapbooks, Scrapbook Trends, Cards and Paper Crafts. You can see a handful of her creations by following this link.
But like we said, paper isn’t the only thing that Kelly can give a healthy dose of makeover to. Her creating-and-crafting hobby is practically lifelong, as she hit up anyone and everyone she knew for lessons in their trade—including the ol’ ladies in her neighborhood. (Who better to learn needlework from?) She started sewing in high school because she wanted to make her own unique clothing, and kept up the hobby, becoming most involved when she became pregnant with her daughter. “I wanted to create unique and simple things for her that I couldn’t find in the stores … not for the right price, anyway,” she says.
We’re big fans of these things she’s crafted up along the way:
- This twee “Quiet Book”
- This handmade smock
- This bird-embellished bag
- These wool “Little Man” booties
Kelly started whipping up crib sets, quilts and dresses for her daughter, and soon enough, the requests started rolling in. As you can see, Kelly and Etsy were a natural fit. At her store, KM Craft, you can pick up notions like quilting kits, mini-album kits made from vintage books, retro dress patterns and trimmings, fabric stacks and more, with Kelly as your personal shopper and project instructor.
You can see more of what this Californian-turned-Utahn is up to at her blog, “My Happy Little Life.” Kelly aims to inspire other women to be creative. “I am an advocate for living simply, re-using and surrounding yourself in beauty,” she says. Here’s a little more from this new-age Martha:
Name: Kelly McCaleb
Occupation: Crafty Mama
When I grow up, I want to be:A homeowner!
The best thing about growing up in Utah was: I didn’t grow up here, but I’m happy to have a safe, family-friendly community to raise my children in.
If/When I have 24 hours in Utah, I always:
Eat at Cafe Rio
Lay in the wave pool at Seven Peaks
Hit the thrift stores
Utah has the best: Attitude about children and families.
Now I live in: Highland, Utah
Highland has the best: Garage sales!
If I could be anywhere right now, it would be:Paris! London! Tahiti! Thailand! Anywhere exciting!
Five hearts:
A clean house Fabric Dancing
A great book and sun bathe
Food, movies, mags, life!
Five hates:
Bad drivers (sorry Utah, you have a lot o them)
Anything/anyone artificial
Senator Palpatine/the “Dark Side” in general
Animal hair
Premenstrual syndrome
I can’t live without my: Magazine subscriptions (Martha Stewart Living, Domino, Blueprint, Everyday Food, to name a few).
The last party I went to was: My daughter’s 4th birthday!
And I wore: A skirt, as per usual.
Favorite product on your site: Most things I make are one-of-a-kind, so they come and go quickly. But I keep this Wall Hanging Kit around for people who want to make something fun on their own. (It comes with frames and pattern, unfinished.) I love it.
Favorite product on earth: Fabric designed by Denyse Schmidt. Also called “Free Spirit Fabrics.”
{Doorprize!} Kelly would like to gift one Your Heart Out reader with a $30 gift certificate to her Etsy store. We recommend her personalized Wall Hanging Kit or one of her vintage Mini Album Paper Crafting Kits, but you can see what else is in store right here. To win, leave just one comment on this post by 10 p.m. on Monday, September 24.
Thanks Kelly!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:13 am
wow, I’m first. I really love these crafts!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:25 am
Love Kelly’s stuff, count me in!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:27 am
Those “Little Man” booties are the cutest things ever!! Houndstooth on a baby? Be still my heart…
September 18th, 2007 at 9:28 am
I LOVE her stuff- can’t wait to get on Etsy and check it out. I am a felt fanantic and love things that look homeade, so I am stoked!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Love love love her stuff. Smart gal, hittin’ up the old ladies for tips and whatnot.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Oh how I love Kelly McCaleb. She truly is a crafting goddess.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:49 am
I have been reading Kelly’s blog for quite awhile but didn’t know some of those things about her–thanks for sharing!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:51 am
I love her stuff! Can’t wait to check it all out at Etsy- love that too!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:20 am
please pick me…I need cute vintage things on my walls!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:24 am
I figure I am going to by something anyway…might as well have a gift certificate!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I would love to win!
Thanks!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:56 am
I love the wall hanging kits! Very cool things.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:59 am
very cool stuff. i love old patterns. my mom sold all hers at a garage sale a few years ago :(
September 18th, 2007 at 11:17 am
Great stuff! I would love to buy everything she sells!
September 18th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Count me in!
September 18th, 2007 at 11:21 am
yes please!! isn’t etsy the best thing ever!
September 18th, 2007 at 11:25 am
oh enter me!
September 18th, 2007 at 11:32 am
what darling stuff! Can’t wait to buy some of the stuff for my house!
September 18th, 2007 at 11:47 am
If I could win anything, it would be this! She is my idol! I aspire to be her, we already have so much in common!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:02 pm
I have been a fan a kelly’s for a long time. I hope I win. Pick Me?!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:04 pm
I love her stuff! Count me in please!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:07 pm
I would love to win!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:09 pm
i absolutely love her stuff! she is a hip, sassy mama!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
i love that kelly darling
September 18th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
I love the vintage baby quilt. i also love to collect fabric and the fabric stacks would fit right in on my fabric shelf.
September 18th, 2007 at 1:12 pm
i love that kelly darling, she is such a beautiful person
September 18th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
I love her stuff and wish I could sew pretty things just like her!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Hi Kelly! I love your style and would be tickled to win something! You inspire me!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
So fun!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:37 pm
I feel like I’ve met kelly already..(even though I haven’t) Love her blog and store. My little daughter kylie (7years old) checks her store all the time and yells at me “kelly has something new mama!!!” we both love her.
September 18th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Hello Kelly! Love your style! Pick me!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:57 pm
So inspiring to be more crafty and cute! What a talented person!
September 18th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Testimonial: I bought the embroidery wall hanging kit. It changed my life. I am a better woman for it. …But seriously, it was so fun to make and turned out beautiful. Everyone should have one. :)
September 18th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
i love kelly. she is a talented inspiration. truly!
September 18th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Another Kelly fan here! She makes really lovely stuff!
September 18th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Kelly’s stuff is so fun! I just happened to come across her blog and now I’m hooked. She inspires me to be crafty:)
September 18th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
We love you Kelly! Thanks for sending us over here. Would love a gift certificate so we could buy something else from you. ;)
September 18th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
I adore Kelly, her blog, and her etsy shop. Thanks for highlighting her. I would *love* to win the gift certificate to her etsy shop…crossing my fingers. Thanks Kelly!
September 18th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Everything she does looks so vintage-y and pretty. Kudos to her for such creativity.
September 18th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
I’m inspired…. Pick me!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:07 pm
Love the vibes from Kelly! Am always inspired by her!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Kelly’s blog and etsy are def my fave’s. Thanks for lovin on her today!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
I love Kelly’s blog . She is so creative and fun. Hope I win!!!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
So Very Cute! I would love those photo albums!!!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
Yeah, a great new blog to add to my list!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:31 pm
As a Utahn turned Seattlite- Kelly makes me so proud to be from that state. (and sorry, but she’s right about the drivers :))
September 18th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Love Kelly’s style!! So inspiring!!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
love her blog.
love her craftiness!:)
xx
jill
September 18th, 2007 at 3:50 pm
congrats on the recognition Kelly. Great stuff!
September 18th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
I love her blog! She’s amazing!
September 18th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
She makes me want to be a craftier person! Wall Hanging kit here I come!
September 18th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
love her… she’s a craft godess, and a great gal.
September 18th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Hi! I love Kelly and her blogs in the one I check every day. I would love to wind the gift certificate to try and learn something new.
Love, Paola
September 18th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
I also love Kelly’s blog! What a creative talent!
September 18th, 2007 at 4:39 pm
I love Kelly, I love her stuff. And I would certainly love the g.c. to her etsy shop. Thanks for the giveaway (and the great write-up!).
September 18th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I love all things Kelly. Plus, how can you go wrong spotlighting a fan of the Force and all other things Star Wars. Hope I win so I can treat myself to some vintage goodies from the shop!
September 18th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Go Kelly! She certainly deserves to be highlighted here – what a talented gal!
September 18th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Luv Kelly’s work luckily get to enjoy it monthly at PI in addition to her blog….
September 18th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
I’ve been wanting one of her baby quilt kits!
September 18th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
I’ve been lurking at Kelly’s blog for months! I love her sweet bloghonesty.
September 18th, 2007 at 5:33 pm
omg i LOVE kelly!!
seriously, her work is like a breath of fresh air.
September 18th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Such great stuff. I hope I win.
September 18th, 2007 at 5:35 pm
Great to “meet” Kelly and learn more about her life. I love her etsy shop and read her blog regularly!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
I love Kelly’s creations and her website! I would love to win!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Oh no! Another new blog to add to my list!!! Love it!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
she inspired me to make my first quilt. . . i used the instructions from her website and now it’s almost finished!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:03 pm
I love Kelly’s work, count me in. :)
September 18th, 2007 at 6:07 pm
i love kelly’s style. i have been admiring her work for a while now and am so glad that she is from the great state of utah!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
I would love to get something from her shop!
September 18th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Kelly is so lovely!
She has a fabulous sense of SELF & STYLE!
*crossing my fingers for luck*
September 18th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Is it my lucky lucky day?
September 18th, 2007 at 6:50 pm
I love Kelly’s style!
September 18th, 2007 at 7:24 pm
Kelly is so talented. I’m so glad to have found her sites!
September 18th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
I love the quiet book, maybe another incarnation will come around someday and I can buy it!
September 18th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
I love Kelly’s etsy shop and would love to win the gift certificate!
September 18th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
her things are adorable. I love it.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:15 pm
I love my happy little life blog. It’s truly inspirational. I’m so glad she was spotlighted! thanks for the great interview.
September 18th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
I enjoy Kelly’s blog! Thanks!
September 18th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Awesome! I love Kelly’s work and her overall attitude/spunk. She’s the bee’s knees! *B
September 18th, 2007 at 10:23 pm
I’m glad you are featuring Kelly. I’ve loved her blog! She makes great things… let me buy one with the $30! :)
September 18th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
love the ‘Quiet Book’ beyond all others… so darling! and i’m quite keen on kelly in general too!
September 18th, 2007 at 10:59 pm
Could it be my lucky turn to be picked this time? I hope, I hope, I hope!
September 19th, 2007 at 12:10 am
YAY Kelly!
September 19th, 2007 at 12:13 am
LOVE LOVE LOVE HER QUILTS!! She HAS inspired me… and I WILL make one! She is one crafty mama.
September 19th, 2007 at 12:16 am
Oh I hope I win!!!
September 19th, 2007 at 12:20 am
WOO HOO, I just love Miss Kelly! She is a constant inspiration to me! So count me in the draw!
September 19th, 2007 at 1:03 am
I love Kelly’s stuff! And I read her blog religiously.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:31 am
I can’t wait to check out the website.
September 19th, 2007 at 6:42 am
I love Kelly’s Etsy shop, I have ordered several things from her in the past year, and enjoy the time she puts into packaging everything. I could probably buy one of everything she makes if I could, and I love knowing that when I order something from her I am helping out a stay at home mom!! :)
Rebecca
September 19th, 2007 at 7:21 am
Love your stuff…How do you get it all done?
September 19th, 2007 at 7:47 am
Love Kelly, her blog and her fabulous etsy shop.
She offers inspiration in a fresh and fun way but at the same time her classic, earthy vibe is comforting – takes me back to my childhood. Thanks for sharing Kelly!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:06 am
You girls are so cool!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:44 am
What a cool girl Kelly is! Thanks for introducing me to her because I absolutely love her stuff! I would love to buy some with a gift certificate!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:48 am
When YOUR HEART OUT had their survey, I put this (Kelly’s Etsy shop) as one of my favs. I wonder if I had any hand in this feature. If I did, I am so proud! I would love to win, but just reading her daily uplifting blogs is also winning!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:56 am
I love kelly and her work! Thanks for featuring her.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:08 am
love the booties!
September 19th, 2007 at 9:09 am
I am a fan of Kelly’s.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:31 am
A friend just had a baby boy this week and i’d love to give him those “little man” booties!
September 19th, 2007 at 9:39 am
her genuine blog entries always put a smile on my face. am glad YHO featured this lovely lady.
September 19th, 2007 at 9:59 am
Gotta winl, Gotta WIN….I’ve been looking at her Esty store for awhile now. Actually she’s on my sidebar as a favorite! Love her stuff~
September 19th, 2007 at 10:01 am
Hers has to be one of my fav blogs of ALL!
September 19th, 2007 at 10:23 am
I love Kelly’s stuff! She is so talented! I would love to do some shopping at her etsy site.
September 19th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
Kelly has a great blog, and I am one of the lucky one’s to have shopped her etsy shop.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:05 pm
yes, please!
September 19th, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Sweet! I would love something of hers – talk about talent!
September 19th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Love this girls’ style. So totally talented.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Kelly’s etsy shop is lovely. Thanks for sharing!
September 19th, 2007 at 3:04 pm
Oooh, please pick me!
September 19th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Sweet…just what I could use!
September 19th, 2007 at 4:02 pm
I have been reading Kelly’s blog for a while and she is always inspiring. Love those little man boots. Someone close to her once told me she is the MOST amazing person she knows! I’ll stick to that -nena
September 19th, 2007 at 4:14 pm
LOVE HER!!! So count me in! I would love some Kelly M. works of art! Count me in!
September 19th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
The *BEST* thing about Kelly is that she’s a Star Wars fan!!!!!!
September 19th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
My bare walls could definitely use one of her DIY wall-hangings.
September 19th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
I want to win a little somethin-somethin
September 19th, 2007 at 5:11 pm
Love her stuff!!
September 19th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
welcome kelly! made me hungry for cafe rio!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Love Kelly’s stuff! Oh so crafty cute, cool & creative.
September 19th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
kelly is an all around inspiration… very creative and her blog is always a good read!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
I would LOVE to win!!! and yay for Kelly’s awesome self. what an inspiration she is to so many! :)
September 19th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
Kelly, I started looking through your scrapbook pages and I couldn’t stop. Then I looked through your handmade “sewn” section, beautiful. You are an amazing artist, I LOVE your style.
September 19th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
Kelly inspires me constantly. She is amazing.
September 20th, 2007 at 1:02 am
I would LOVE to win. Love Kelly’s blog (and shop too).
September 20th, 2007 at 2:22 am
Very cute stuff in the store! I love it.
And I love the Hatched in the Hive interviews, I might add! It’s fun to get to know other great women, like Kelly, from around the state.
September 20th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Just wanted to give Kelly a big shout out! Awesome stuff, so talented and down to earth! – - love that about her and adore reading her blog! Great choice to feature!
Inspirational!
September 20th, 2007 at 9:00 am
Kelly, love your style. Your blog is so fun to read.
September 20th, 2007 at 9:10 am
Kelly is definately someone I look up to. She is always inspiring!
September 20th, 2007 at 10:36 am
that bird-embellished bag is tdf!
September 20th, 2007 at 11:16 am
Beautiful! Makes me wish that I were crafty.
September 20th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Cute stuff!
September 20th, 2007 at 1:22 pm
I love this stuff! Thanks so much for sharing it!
September 20th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
I a fan of Kelly! I love her blog, she has a great sense of humor and she’s real. Keep making beautiful things, we all love it!
September 20th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
oooh.. thanks for this interview! great new find for me.
September 20th, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Kelly rocks!
September 20th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
So impressed and inspired. Doing something you love is what everyone wants.
September 20th, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I have been reading Kellys blog for a while and am SO excited she was featured by you guys. Why am I suprised….you are so in the know!! Love your blog Ali, good to see you at Lane’s wedding!
September 20th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Wow! Those are some CUTE items! please count me in! :)
September 20th, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Cool, cool stuff. What an amazing woman!
September 20th, 2007 at 6:21 pm
Beautiful stuff she makes!
September 20th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
I love reading her blog!!
September 20th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Kelly is so awesome. She makes the most beautiful handmade items. I am a huge fan…obviously!
September 20th, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Wow!!! How awesome and creative! I think its about time that I do some winning:)
September 21st, 2007 at 1:51 am
such cute stuff! i hope i win!
September 21st, 2007 at 5:24 am
Cute! Cute! Cute! I can’t wait to try my hand at a few (or more!) of her projects.
September 21st, 2007 at 5:46 am
I enjoy Kelly’s blog and am always amazed at her talents.
September 21st, 2007 at 6:03 am
Since finding Kelly’s blog, I’ve been inspired to search through local op shop’s again, and have found great vintage fabric and patterns – thanks Kelly, you’ve encouraged me to get creating again, love Jo in Australia.
September 21st, 2007 at 8:33 am
Super cute stuff!! I am way impressed!
September 21st, 2007 at 9:06 am
I love her quilt kit. It’s on my wish list. I also like cruising her blog for inspiration. It’s full of great stuff.
September 21st, 2007 at 11:08 am
Wow, I’m so honored that I actually used to hang-out with Kelly. She is so amazing. I’ve always loved her personality. She is funny, witty, smart, laid back, and happy. I love her spunk and creativity. It is something most people would die for. She has learned things from other people over the years, sure, but much of it is just so natural for her. I can tell she just has floods of ideas running through her head all the time. Her work is darling, and unique. Sometimes I have to take breaks from looking at her blog because I know I’ll just wish I could snatch her talents from her. Kelly is the greatest!!!
September 21st, 2007 at 11:50 am
I LOVE Kelly! Please pick me!
September 21st, 2007 at 1:40 pm
I would love to win this cute stuff!
September 21st, 2007 at 4:30 pm
Love to win that for my wife. Thanks!
September 21st, 2007 at 4:35 pm
Count me in!! I love this stuff!
September 21st, 2007 at 6:32 pm
I would love to win! Please enter me!
September 21st, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Count me in too please.
September 22nd, 2007 at 7:19 am
I have a deep love for arts and crafts.
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:38 am
Yeah for Kelly and Yeah for Hatched in the Hive. I loved learning more about you, Kelly.
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:00 am
Way cool Kelly! :) Love all that you do!
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:33 am
So cool!
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:57 am
please enter me too, thanks!
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:59 am
pease enter me too, thanks!
September 22nd, 2007 at 4:10 pm
Interesting and fun ideas! I’d like to be entered into the give away. Thanks!
September 22nd, 2007 at 4:21 pm
Oh, what a fun giveaway! Thanks for offering :~)
September 22nd, 2007 at 6:04 pm
I wish I was more crafty
September 22nd, 2007 at 8:29 pm
count me in!
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:28 pm
I’ve really gathered a lot of inspiration from Kelly’s blog about how to be more creative with the vintage fabrics I already have… and also that I can do it while raising a little girl (due in December!). I’m looking forward to being a full-time mom and still doing the sewing I love… thanks Kelly for the inspiration!
September 23rd, 2007 at 2:10 pm
I am slowly becoming addicted to Etsy!
September 23rd, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Too cute! I love the quiet book.
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:44 pm
Hi Kelly! I would love to win a GC to your Etsy store!! That would be GRAND!
September 23rd, 2007 at 7:43 pm
Wow I’d come across her on etsy before but didn’t know all this other cool stuff she did.
September 23rd, 2007 at 8:55 pm
I’ve been drooling over Kelly’s quilt kits for AGES!
September 24th, 2007 at 10:37 am
Great stuff …pick me! pick me!
September 24th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Love that etsy store, cute stuff.
September 24th, 2007 at 2:31 pm
These are adorable. Just love ‘em!
September 24th, 2007 at 3:09 pm
I am in Texas and yet find myself always checking out what kelly is up to. She is so crafty and inspiring! I would love to be able to win this so that I can pick things out of her store!!! It would be such a hard decision. so much cute stuff!
September 24th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
What gorgeous crafts! I long to win this fabulous prize.
September 24th, 2007 at 6:02 pm
i miss being in ut and i think Kelly’s site is very inspires me to create…
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:00 pm
I love her stuff, her photography, her blog, everything! What a crafty girl! Count me in for the doorprize! I would love to be able to do a little shopping in her shop!
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:48 pm
She is SO talented! What a wonderful treat for someone to win this prize. . . hope it’s me!
November 3rd, 2007 at 9:53 pm
I have been following Kelly’s site for several months and love it! I love her creativity and the crafts that she sells.
November 5th, 2007 at 1:59 am
i love kelly’s blog, and her etsy shop is so fun :)