Mada's Art Haven: Crafting Connections and Creative Escapes

Written By Melissa St. Clair

You never know what brings people together. We’ve been cousins our entire lives yet we just met last winter. Technically we’ve known each other through social media for about a little over decade but never in real life. Through Facebook I could always see what an artistic and over the top human she was. Over the top in the best possible way. She runs an adults only summer camp on her property each year which of course includes arts and crafts sessions. She has a little mermaid themed bar “Poor Unfortunate Souls” in her backyard. Amanda runs to her 3D printer “I get a weird idea in my head and I have to try and see if I can make it possible.” You see her craftiness everywhere. Her enthusiasm is contagious. She radiates welcoming vibes. 

Our dads were cousins. That’s what started all of this. My dad passed last winter and when I went through his belongings I had a lot of pictures of Amanda’s family I wanted her to have. We were finally connecting in the real world. She offered the woods on her property as a place to visit when traveling. My dads passing put me back on the road doing car life in Washington. Amanda’s property is calming and without judgement. I’ve spent my downtime there healing, grieving and resting. I get to be in my pajamas walking my cat around crying my eyes out and feel 1000% comfortable because of the environment she has created. 

Amanda is better known as Mada (May duh) to those around her. I’ve honestly never heard anyone come to her home and call her Amanda. She’s full humor, quirkiness and generosity. Inside her home she has multiple craft rooms and spaces. She runs an Etsy shop which has dabbled in a little bit of everything but specializes in fun and funky earrings. Everything from tarot cards to clitorises. Jane Austen books to Nintendo games. Machines are whirling away 24/7. Printing. Engraving. Her earrings are works of art. One of her favorite parts is making earring back cards to display them on. Taking every opportunity to showcase her artistic nature. 

Her earrings are also being sold at woman owned coffee stand, Rise and Shine in Port Orchard. Amanda is currently collabing on a coffee stopper for her out of PLA which is a product derived of corn and more easily broken down then traditional materials. Plus, they are just way cuter then plain ones! 

After a rough 2023 filled with personal loss and exhaustion she knows where her heart belongs. “One thing I’ve always felt in my soul is crafting….. 2023 was a shitty year. Without crafting I would have lost my mind.” 

As a crafter myself, her place is amazing! Being on the road I don’t have the ability to craft the way I used to. Amanda opens up her home for craft days with friends and has all the tools and gadgets one could dream of. Want to use paint pens? Got it. How about resin art? Of course! As a fellow ADHDer we understand the love of hopping from craft to craft. Always learning and trying new art. “ADHD is a blessing and a curse. I want to try all the things. Being able to connect all my skills and use them all together just tickles me so much. It’s what I look for most. Not just obtaining new skills.” Just one pair of earrings is jewelry making, printing or engraving, painting, making the cover art, etc.

As a lifelong crafter and community builder her goals are even bigger than earrings. When asked about what the future holds she shares this “I’ve always dreamed of a community crafting space/art store. A place where people can sell their crafts, space to rent for group or drop in craft sessions.” Amanda’s love of art and learning along with her having the kindest heart will always make her successful at whatever she chooses. Its not about the business. It’s about finding something you love so it doesn’t have to feel like work. Its about being a safe space for people and allowing them to feel comfortable showing up just as they are. Amanda closes with this “The horizon is littered with opportunities and I can’t wait to see where all this is taking me.” 

I hope everyone has a cousin Mada. 

Etsy: MadeByMadaShop 

Instagram: @mada.made.it

TikTok: @made.by.mada

Rise&Shine Coffee 

Instagram & TikTok: @rise_shinecoffee