When Sheryll Kidder started EZPZ Crafting, she merely wanted to make items to sell.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, she transitioned into teaching workshops via Zoom to those who want to make crafts at home.
“That’s done very well for me,” Sheryll says. “I do some pop-up events where I make personalized items on the spot. A lot of that is fundraising.
“It’s more about fundraising and doing workshops than making things to sell.”
Those fundraisers included one to aid the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firefighter’s Fund during its virtual vendor village fundraising and awareness booth at the Pasadena Humane Society’s Wiggle Waggle Walk. Those who donated $25 or more received an adorable, custom pawprint tote. Donors chose from a bone or heart design and were able to include their own pet’s actual paw print.
Following Her Creative Path
Sheryll has spent her life being creative. Straight out of high school, she worked for Revlon as a makeup artist and worked her way up in the industry.
“You’re like a therapist. You learn a lot about people when they’re sitting in the chair,” she said. “For me, it wasn’t about selling a ton of product. I was just about making sure they felt good when they left the chair.”
She also worked as a photographer’s assistant and in special education.
“It’s about giving back,” she said. “I haven’t really done it to be a successful businessperson. I really met some remarkable people along the way.”
She took a break from that to stay at home with her girls.
“When I was younger, I liked it because I was creative and I was able to meet people,” she said.
Giving Back Through Teaching
Sheryll said she helps individuals struggling with a Cricut smart cutting machine or any other projects through Zoom.
“I’m just about teaching and making things easy,” she said. “That’s really what it’s about.”
Sheryll has two assistants — her daughter, Jessica, and family friend Michelle Raba.
Her specialty is glass etching, and she partners with Sun City, Arizona’s Etchall and its CEO Barbee Bosler.
“She been a big supporter of mine,” Sheryll said. “I’m excited about everything I do.”
She took her crafts to independent living facilities before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. On Saturdays, she led crafting with a group of ladies.
“I’m hoping to get back to them,” Sheryll said. “They really look forward to us doing that. We really miss them a lot. Some of them had memory issues, but the stories they told us were so incredible. We just paid for the supplies. We don’t get paid to be there.
“I wish more people did that. There are other women around the country doing the same thing. This is perfect for my group. We do it because we care.”
You can find her on Instagram @PrettyLittleThingsbySheryll, she also has a store front on the West 10th app (Download app at apple store) and be sure to follow and like Sheryll’s EZ-PZ Crafting Facebook page
And let us know if you are interested in getting a custom paw print tote!
By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski
Learn more about opportunities to support our firefighter charity