About

Our History

Hi, my name is Heidi. To the right is a picture of me and my husband, Aaron. I’m the owner, chief cook and bottle washer of Crazy Useful. I started Crazy Useful because I’m a madman when it comes to cottage industry, I’m a fanatic for books, and I therefore wanted to publish books that inspire and enable people to bring cottage industry into their homes and their communities.

What is cottage industry? Well, I’m glad you asked. Cottage industry is skilled craftsmen and artisans, working in small shops using tools and materials that are available to the average person. Less than 150 years ago, cottage industry made nearly everything that a home and a community wanted and needed. I believe that cottage industry makes the world better.

Because I believe in it so strongly, I also founded the Alliance for Cottage Arts and Industry. I encourage you to visit the site, and learn more about cottage industry as a whole, and about the incredible artists and craftsmen who make the world work, so beautifully.

I hope you enjoy what Crazy Useful has to offer, that you’ll find inspiration and joy in the good works of people and nature that are everywhere to be found, in this crazy useful world.

With love, and hope for the future.

Heidi