I am sure some who have read this site in the past have wondered what has happened to us since this last post in April. Well, life happens and I have not had an opportunity to spend time on this site. We will be back in the Fall when things just naturally slow down, and there is time to do interviews and post articles. Please be patient and keep checking back. We are not lost and the site has not been abandoned. In September, we will be looking for new craft artists to feature, and perhaps we will focus on some of the members of our Etsy Team - Variety Shops of Etsy - and find out why so many have shops that sell a variety of craft.
See you again, SOON!
Monday, August 15, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
As a photographer, myself, I always appreciate the work of other photographers. Here is one that you have to meet.
Here is our interview with the photographer, Jessica -
Briefly describe your photography?
I am most drawn to extremes with light and color. I want to tell a story with my photography. I am always trying to capture a moment in my life that I want to remember, not just for the image that is taken but for where my life was at that time, what i was experiencing, how I was developing, and in which direction my life was headed.
What do you enjoy photographing the most?
I really like photograph architecture. I would say that I am most drawn to that because I like the lines. I am also very interested in Urban life right now. City scenes, spray paint...stuff like that.
How long have you been an artist?
Since I can remember. I always knew I was an artist. I really wanted to be a painter or a sketcher when I was little because that is what my grandma and dad are good at, but I am terrible. It wasn't until later that I discovered my eye for photography.
How did you get started?
The first time I ever thought about selling my photography was about 4 years ago while I was living in France. My husband and I were taking a day trip. We were in the car, driving through the french country side, right before a storm. The sky was this amazing mix of purple, grey, black and yellow and the silhouettes of the trees against the sky were beautiful. I really wanted to get a picture of it but my camera was dead. I somehow managed to get my camera to turn on for long enough to snap one picture. For some reason that picture is what made me want to share my work with other. It's funny because I don't think that is even the best photo I've ever taken just the most inspirational. (You can find that picture on my Etsy shop, titled "A Tree in the Storm")
Where does the name of your shop come from?
I lived in Paris for a couple of years. Le Metro Ligne 6 was the closest line to our apartment there. I have so many fond memories of my life there that I thought it would be appropriate to incorporate my shop name into that experience.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I really love what I do!
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Love what you do!
---------------------
You have to come and see this nice work. Visit this shop and then come back and leave a comment.
Here is our interview with the photographer, Jessica -
Briefly describe your photography?
I am most drawn to extremes with light and color. I want to tell a story with my photography. I am always trying to capture a moment in my life that I want to remember, not just for the image that is taken but for where my life was at that time, what i was experiencing, how I was developing, and in which direction my life was headed.
What do you enjoy photographing the most?
I really like photograph architecture. I would say that I am most drawn to that because I like the lines. I am also very interested in Urban life right now. City scenes, spray paint...stuff like that.
How long have you been an artist?
Since I can remember. I always knew I was an artist. I really wanted to be a painter or a sketcher when I was little because that is what my grandma and dad are good at, but I am terrible. It wasn't until later that I discovered my eye for photography.
How did you get started?
The first time I ever thought about selling my photography was about 4 years ago while I was living in France. My husband and I were taking a day trip. We were in the car, driving through the french country side, right before a storm. The sky was this amazing mix of purple, grey, black and yellow and the silhouettes of the trees against the sky were beautiful. I really wanted to get a picture of it but my camera was dead. I somehow managed to get my camera to turn on for long enough to snap one picture. For some reason that picture is what made me want to share my work with other. It's funny because I don't think that is even the best photo I've ever taken just the most inspirational. (You can find that picture on my Etsy shop, titled "A Tree in the Storm")
Where does the name of your shop come from?
I lived in Paris for a couple of years. Le Metro Ligne 6 was the closest line to our apartment there. I have so many fond memories of my life there that I thought it would be appropriate to incorporate my shop name into that experience.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I really love what I do!
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Love what you do!
---------------------
You have to come and see this nice work. Visit this shop and then come back and leave a comment.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
FEATURED ARTIST
We are featuring an artist who works in soap. Come and meet
Here is our interview with Rebecca -
Briefly describe what you make?
I create divinely scented handmade, shea butter soaps that contain skin loving ingredients like unrefined shea butter, rice bran, cocoa butter and olive oils. They create a wonderfully rich lather that you can both shave with or use as a shampoo bar. All of my soaps are made from scratch using the cold process soapmaking method and never a pre-existing base.
I also make shea butter and goat milk lotions that leave your skin feeling moisturized, soft, and silky smooth. They contain a combination of Goat’s Milk, Honey and Shea Butter in addition to aloe, sunflower, and soybean oils - all wonderful ingredients for hydrating your skin. My lush lotions are nice and thick so that such as with a cream, a little goes a long way.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I love working with shea butter. I include shea butter as an ingredient in everyone of my soaps and lotions without exception. I also love to experiment with different fragrances though I do carry two unscented soaps for those with allergies or skin sensitivities.
How long have you been creating craft?
I started Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen in February 2001 and have been going ever since. Before soapmaking I worked in a variety of other mediums including scrap booking, painting, screen printing, sculpture, pottery, drawing, photography, graphic design and writing. I was an art major in college so I studied a little of everything including a bit of art history. Soapmaking, however, came after college and was self taught.
How did you get started?
I started buying handmade soaps due to skin sensitivities and it was love at first use. Naturally, due to my creative background, I had to give it a try for myself. After a lot of studying and experimenting, I finally got the knack of soapmaking and came up with my own recipes for the soaps I now sell today. Once I got what I wanted, I decided I'd start up a business and that's exactly what I did. I didn't really get serious about selling though until some years later. I also started out on my own website, not etsy.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
The original idea behind my business was to sell soaps that smelled like delicious favorites from the kitchen I was all about food scents in the beginning. So I combined that idea with my name and Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen was the first idea to pop out of my head. It sounded good so I stuck with it. I've since expanded my line to include more than just food scents however. Lots of people appreciate the scent of lavender and honeysuckle.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
Basically that I really care about my product and I aim for customer satisfaction. If I notice something wasn't right with a product I sent out, I'm going to fix it. If you didn't like a scent, I'm not going to leave you stuck with it. Buying things with an aroma online is difficult and I want to make that experience as pleasant as possible. I also stand by the quality of my product, so if anything is ever not as it should be I want to know so I can make it right.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
You're only going to get as much out of your business as you're willing to put into it. If you aren't willing to invest full time hours into it, you're not going to get full time money back out of it. Running a business is hard work. It's not a hobby. It takes a lot of time and dedication. There's a reason so many first time businesses fail in the first three years. There's also a reason most businesses don't profit until after the first three years. Secondly, there is truth in the old adage you have to spend money to make money.
------------------------------
I can't resist saying that working in soap, Rebecca must be cleaning up! Bad joke! Come and see Rebecca's shop - you will like what you see!
Here is our interview with Rebecca -
Briefly describe what you make?
I create divinely scented handmade, shea butter soaps that contain skin loving ingredients like unrefined shea butter, rice bran, cocoa butter and olive oils. They create a wonderfully rich lather that you can both shave with or use as a shampoo bar. All of my soaps are made from scratch using the cold process soapmaking method and never a pre-existing base.
I also make shea butter and goat milk lotions that leave your skin feeling moisturized, soft, and silky smooth. They contain a combination of Goat’s Milk, Honey and Shea Butter in addition to aloe, sunflower, and soybean oils - all wonderful ingredients for hydrating your skin. My lush lotions are nice and thick so that such as with a cream, a little goes a long way.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I love working with shea butter. I include shea butter as an ingredient in everyone of my soaps and lotions without exception. I also love to experiment with different fragrances though I do carry two unscented soaps for those with allergies or skin sensitivities.
How long have you been creating craft?
I started Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen in February 2001 and have been going ever since. Before soapmaking I worked in a variety of other mediums including scrap booking, painting, screen printing, sculpture, pottery, drawing, photography, graphic design and writing. I was an art major in college so I studied a little of everything including a bit of art history. Soapmaking, however, came after college and was self taught.
How did you get started?
I started buying handmade soaps due to skin sensitivities and it was love at first use. Naturally, due to my creative background, I had to give it a try for myself. After a lot of studying and experimenting, I finally got the knack of soapmaking and came up with my own recipes for the soaps I now sell today. Once I got what I wanted, I decided I'd start up a business and that's exactly what I did. I didn't really get serious about selling though until some years later. I also started out on my own website, not etsy.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
The original idea behind my business was to sell soaps that smelled like delicious favorites from the kitchen I was all about food scents in the beginning. So I combined that idea with my name and Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen was the first idea to pop out of my head. It sounded good so I stuck with it. I've since expanded my line to include more than just food scents however. Lots of people appreciate the scent of lavender and honeysuckle.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
Basically that I really care about my product and I aim for customer satisfaction. If I notice something wasn't right with a product I sent out, I'm going to fix it. If you didn't like a scent, I'm not going to leave you stuck with it. Buying things with an aroma online is difficult and I want to make that experience as pleasant as possible. I also stand by the quality of my product, so if anything is ever not as it should be I want to know so I can make it right.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
You're only going to get as much out of your business as you're willing to put into it. If you aren't willing to invest full time hours into it, you're not going to get full time money back out of it. Running a business is hard work. It's not a hobby. It takes a lot of time and dedication. There's a reason so many first time businesses fail in the first three years. There's also a reason most businesses don't profit until after the first three years. Secondly, there is truth in the old adage you have to spend money to make money.
------------------------------
I can't resist saying that working in soap, Rebecca must be cleaning up! Bad joke! Come and see Rebecca's shop - you will like what you see!
Thursday, March 31, 2011
FEATURED ARTIST
Here is a fiber artist who is a felter and wait until you see what she felts -
Come and meet the artist, Alice -
Briefly describe what you make?
I create needle felted dogs. Needle felting is done by stabbing different types of fibers with a sharp, barbed needle to shape and sculpt it. Pieces take thousands of tiny stabs to finish. I use photographs provided by the client to make miniatures of their own dog using this needle stabbing method.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
Most times the type dog dictates what fiber I need to use. I love to work with alpaca fiber, because it is so luxurious. I also use merino roving top which is also a very lovely fiber. The core of the dog is made from less expensive wool over a wire frame, with the special fibers finishing the exterior. The wire frame allows the dog to be gently posed. Finally, I use glass eyes because they are 'shiny', more like real eyes, and polymer clay for the noses.
How long have you been creating craft?
I've been making these little dogs for about a year and a half. However, I've been crafting all my life. I love to do all types of needlework, very intricate scherenschnitte and I sew on occasion. I recently had a little fling with terrariums, making them for family and friends. My love of making things is very ingrained. My mother, my grandmother and family were always creating something artistic. My aunt was a well known artist in my small hometown at a time when that was a relatively unique career choice. I have all of them to thank for my artistic abilities.
How did you get started?
I started the little dogs after learning of needle felting on Etsy. I am so crazy about my own dogs and even the dogs of others, it just seemed to be the thing to do. There are some excellent needle felters on Etsy and they are very inspiring. I learned from different blogs: gourmetfelted is one, and on youtube with Kay Petal of Felt Alive. These are just two astonishingly great artists who are willing to share their knowledge with others.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
Actually, my name was made spur of the moment late at night for the purpose of buying something from Etsy (you have to have an account to purchase as well as to sell). I never really had considered having a shop myself. But as I said before, I am always making something and I love doing it, thus, makingstuffwithlove seemed to fit. I wasn't very specific because I am always trying new things. Luckily the name worked when I got ready to make my little dogs, because I certainly love making them, probably more than all the different things I've tried up until now.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
I'd want people to know how much love and caring go into each one. That to me they gain little spirits. I normally know the name of who I'm working on and they are very real to me through clients that tell me stories of their behaviors and personalities. I literally can't get enough of it, and it actually helps in creating the individual dog. I can relate to these owners so well as I read of their love for their dogs. I live fighting the urge to own every needy dog in the world, so this helps me to curb that appetite.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
First of all, I'm usually getting the advice, not giving it... I guess I'd have to say that to be happy with your art, you have to be doing something that you love. For me, to have been able to connect an art to dogs has been monumental. Of all the crafts I've done in the past, this is the one that fits just right. Customer service is of utmost importance to me. I work very closely with my clients and it is so rewarding, so I'm a big fan of custom work. I realize this doesn't happen in every niche, but if it fits you, I'd encourage others to try it. It makes art a living, breathing thing :)
------------------------
You have to go and see what Alice makes. Visit her shop now on Etsy!
Come and meet the artist, Alice -
Briefly describe what you make?
I create needle felted dogs. Needle felting is done by stabbing different types of fibers with a sharp, barbed needle to shape and sculpt it. Pieces take thousands of tiny stabs to finish. I use photographs provided by the client to make miniatures of their own dog using this needle stabbing method.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
Most times the type dog dictates what fiber I need to use. I love to work with alpaca fiber, because it is so luxurious. I also use merino roving top which is also a very lovely fiber. The core of the dog is made from less expensive wool over a wire frame, with the special fibers finishing the exterior. The wire frame allows the dog to be gently posed. Finally, I use glass eyes because they are 'shiny', more like real eyes, and polymer clay for the noses.
How long have you been creating craft?
I've been making these little dogs for about a year and a half. However, I've been crafting all my life. I love to do all types of needlework, very intricate scherenschnitte and I sew on occasion. I recently had a little fling with terrariums, making them for family and friends. My love of making things is very ingrained. My mother, my grandmother and family were always creating something artistic. My aunt was a well known artist in my small hometown at a time when that was a relatively unique career choice. I have all of them to thank for my artistic abilities.
How did you get started?
I started the little dogs after learning of needle felting on Etsy. I am so crazy about my own dogs and even the dogs of others, it just seemed to be the thing to do. There are some excellent needle felters on Etsy and they are very inspiring. I learned from different blogs: gourmetfelted is one, and on youtube with Kay Petal of Felt Alive. These are just two astonishingly great artists who are willing to share their knowledge with others.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
Actually, my name was made spur of the moment late at night for the purpose of buying something from Etsy (you have to have an account to purchase as well as to sell). I never really had considered having a shop myself. But as I said before, I am always making something and I love doing it, thus, makingstuffwithlove seemed to fit. I wasn't very specific because I am always trying new things. Luckily the name worked when I got ready to make my little dogs, because I certainly love making them, probably more than all the different things I've tried up until now.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
I'd want people to know how much love and caring go into each one. That to me they gain little spirits. I normally know the name of who I'm working on and they are very real to me through clients that tell me stories of their behaviors and personalities. I literally can't get enough of it, and it actually helps in creating the individual dog. I can relate to these owners so well as I read of their love for their dogs. I live fighting the urge to own every needy dog in the world, so this helps me to curb that appetite.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
First of all, I'm usually getting the advice, not giving it... I guess I'd have to say that to be happy with your art, you have to be doing something that you love. For me, to have been able to connect an art to dogs has been monumental. Of all the crafts I've done in the past, this is the one that fits just right. Customer service is of utmost importance to me. I work very closely with my clients and it is so rewarding, so I'm a big fan of custom work. I realize this doesn't happen in every niche, but if it fits you, I'd encourage others to try it. It makes art a living, breathing thing :)
------------------------
You have to go and see what Alice makes. Visit her shop now on Etsy!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
FEATURED ARTIST
Our features focus most often on craft - here we have a feature on art - a painter.
Here is our interview with the artist, Krishala.
Briefly describe what you make?
I am primarily a painter, and initially started by painting pop art works. Lately this has developed into a line of prints in my Etsy shop. Recently, i have picked up a camera and am enjoying photography. I have my 2 year old son all day with me so photography tends to be easier to do while looking after him. We go for wolks and I capture the landscapes. I will get back to painting in the fall, and will be creating larger pieces, still working with oils, and also experimenting with acrylics. I also have a clothing line, Jalousie, which is in my shop - this was created for the fun of designing a 'line' but my true passion is painting.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I used to only work with oils. Lately i have been experimenting with acrylics. one thing I don't like about acrylics is that you cannot manipulate your piece over and over again as you can with oils. I do intend to try watercolour in the near future, after seeing a wonderful local exhibition which inspired me which was entirely watercolour.
How long have you been creating craft?
Only sine 2008! Just after the birth of my son, Leon. I was at home all night and he just slept and slept. so I needed something creative to do! I enjoyed art classes in school, but really my passion for art started in the summer of 2008. When I was nineteen I was very into abstract photography. I lived in Santa Monica, California and the landscapes and greenery were amazing.
How did you get started?
My boyfriend who was a photographer kept pushing me and pushing me to try and do something creative. I think he wanted to live with a like minded artist! I tried one night with a small canvas panel on the kitchen table, and was very proud of what I created. Around the same time I discovered Etsy and as soon as i started gaining hearts on my first few items, I was hooked. (Literally, Etsy is addictive people!) I would paint at night at the kitchen until one night my boyfriend came home with a huge industrial easel.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
Acacias is where i used to live. It's a suburb of Geneva, Switzerland. I added gallery as I thought it would seem more professional. The region is named after the tree Acacias.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I am constant exploring and trying new things, and that I put my heart into my work! I don't have formal art training, but I have been thinking of finally taking some lessons to further develop my work. I would like people to think my work is edgy, some of it isn't and I go through phases of just painting 'pretty things' but then I always have the desire to be a bit more rough, and towards the style of pop or modernism. I like the idea and hope that some people are following what I do, and seeing me grow as an artist.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Something that I struggle with is that I don't have a distinct style. You don't yet see a piece of mine and instantly recognize it as mine. That is something i believe can really work for you, having a signature style. Also, take good photos of your work. My earliest works which have since sold, some of them I took slightly blurry photos of them. This means sadly that I can never sell them as prints. If you take crisp excellent photos of your work, your work can live on in pendants, prints, postcards, you name it!
Also have faith in what your producing. I am getter better at believing in my work. I used to be insecure as I hadn't gone to school for art, but now I realize what I am creating is unique and precious, even if it won't be to everyone's taste, someone out there will hopefully love it.
Lastly, as another artist on Etsy told me, don't forget to paint! Then paint some more! You can get so caught up in twitter, the forums etc that you forget to produce. Sure marketing is important but try to produce new work as often as you can.
-------------------------------
Krishala does very nice work. Come and see her shop!
Here is our interview with the artist, Krishala.
Briefly describe what you make?
I am primarily a painter, and initially started by painting pop art works. Lately this has developed into a line of prints in my Etsy shop. Recently, i have picked up a camera and am enjoying photography. I have my 2 year old son all day with me so photography tends to be easier to do while looking after him. We go for wolks and I capture the landscapes. I will get back to painting in the fall, and will be creating larger pieces, still working with oils, and also experimenting with acrylics. I also have a clothing line, Jalousie, which is in my shop - this was created for the fun of designing a 'line' but my true passion is painting.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I used to only work with oils. Lately i have been experimenting with acrylics. one thing I don't like about acrylics is that you cannot manipulate your piece over and over again as you can with oils. I do intend to try watercolour in the near future, after seeing a wonderful local exhibition which inspired me which was entirely watercolour.
How long have you been creating craft?
Only sine 2008! Just after the birth of my son, Leon. I was at home all night and he just slept and slept. so I needed something creative to do! I enjoyed art classes in school, but really my passion for art started in the summer of 2008. When I was nineteen I was very into abstract photography. I lived in Santa Monica, California and the landscapes and greenery were amazing.
How did you get started?
My boyfriend who was a photographer kept pushing me and pushing me to try and do something creative. I think he wanted to live with a like minded artist! I tried one night with a small canvas panel on the kitchen table, and was very proud of what I created. Around the same time I discovered Etsy and as soon as i started gaining hearts on my first few items, I was hooked. (Literally, Etsy is addictive people!) I would paint at night at the kitchen until one night my boyfriend came home with a huge industrial easel.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
Acacias is where i used to live. It's a suburb of Geneva, Switzerland. I added gallery as I thought it would seem more professional. The region is named after the tree Acacias.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I am constant exploring and trying new things, and that I put my heart into my work! I don't have formal art training, but I have been thinking of finally taking some lessons to further develop my work. I would like people to think my work is edgy, some of it isn't and I go through phases of just painting 'pretty things' but then I always have the desire to be a bit more rough, and towards the style of pop or modernism. I like the idea and hope that some people are following what I do, and seeing me grow as an artist.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Something that I struggle with is that I don't have a distinct style. You don't yet see a piece of mine and instantly recognize it as mine. That is something i believe can really work for you, having a signature style. Also, take good photos of your work. My earliest works which have since sold, some of them I took slightly blurry photos of them. This means sadly that I can never sell them as prints. If you take crisp excellent photos of your work, your work can live on in pendants, prints, postcards, you name it!
Also have faith in what your producing. I am getter better at believing in my work. I used to be insecure as I hadn't gone to school for art, but now I realize what I am creating is unique and precious, even if it won't be to everyone's taste, someone out there will hopefully love it.
Lastly, as another artist on Etsy told me, don't forget to paint! Then paint some more! You can get so caught up in twitter, the forums etc that you forget to produce. Sure marketing is important but try to produce new work as often as you can.
-------------------------------
Krishala does very nice work. Come and see her shop!
Friday, March 18, 2011
FEATURED ARTIST
We have a fiber artist to feature. Come and meet -
Here is our interview with the artist, Joyce -
Briefly describe what you make?
I am a crocheter. I make crochet items for babies, kids, teens, men, women, whomever! :) Right at the moment, my shop is filled with mainly baby and toddler hats, but I'm hoping to expand quite a bit on that and also offer patterns in the near future.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
Yarn! LOL. Lately my favorite has been cottons, probably just because it's been VERY warm here in New England this summer and anything heavier seems too much at the moment. I cannot wait for fall though, and add some of the warm, fuzzy, cuddly yarns to my creations!
How long have you been creating craft?
I have actually been crocheting off and on for almost 20 years!
How did you get started?
My grandmother taught me when I was younger, and I would obsessively crochet for a few months and then put it down again. This went on for a few years until I recently made a baby sweater and hat set as a baby shower gift. My two aunts own a craft store, and begged me to make more to sell at their store. So that went great, and I'm trying to keep up with keeping THAT store stocked. Then I posted a few photos on my facebook page and a bunch of people wanted to order some! That's when I decided to open my Etsy shop. It just kind of has taken off from there and I HATE to have a day go by without my hook and yarn in my hands.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
Well, the property we live at has a barn and I wanted to somehow work that into the name. My first choice was The Yarn Barn, but it appeared to be already taken. My next choice was The New England Hooker, but my husband was not crazy about that one! So "The Crochet Barn" was born.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
I guess I would want people to know how much time and effort I truly put into each creation. I have a MILLION ideas for new items swimming around in my head, and hoping to find the time to make them a reality once my little one starts school in the fall. I would want customers to realize that they are getting a true quality item that will last YEARS and probably receive quite a few compliments!
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
I think the best advice I ever got was to go with what you truly love and enjoy. In other words, don't just try to follow the "trends" of what seems to be popular and selling the best, because you will quickly get burned out. Do what you LOVE and it will show in your work.
------------------------
This is a nice shop. Come and take a look at Joyce's work and then come back here to leave a comment for her!
Here is our interview with the artist, Joyce -
Briefly describe what you make?
I am a crocheter. I make crochet items for babies, kids, teens, men, women, whomever! :) Right at the moment, my shop is filled with mainly baby and toddler hats, but I'm hoping to expand quite a bit on that and also offer patterns in the near future.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
Yarn! LOL. Lately my favorite has been cottons, probably just because it's been VERY warm here in New England this summer and anything heavier seems too much at the moment. I cannot wait for fall though, and add some of the warm, fuzzy, cuddly yarns to my creations!
How long have you been creating craft?
I have actually been crocheting off and on for almost 20 years!
How did you get started?
My grandmother taught me when I was younger, and I would obsessively crochet for a few months and then put it down again. This went on for a few years until I recently made a baby sweater and hat set as a baby shower gift. My two aunts own a craft store, and begged me to make more to sell at their store. So that went great, and I'm trying to keep up with keeping THAT store stocked. Then I posted a few photos on my facebook page and a bunch of people wanted to order some! That's when I decided to open my Etsy shop. It just kind of has taken off from there and I HATE to have a day go by without my hook and yarn in my hands.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
Well, the property we live at has a barn and I wanted to somehow work that into the name. My first choice was The Yarn Barn, but it appeared to be already taken. My next choice was The New England Hooker, but my husband was not crazy about that one! So "The Crochet Barn" was born.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
I guess I would want people to know how much time and effort I truly put into each creation. I have a MILLION ideas for new items swimming around in my head, and hoping to find the time to make them a reality once my little one starts school in the fall. I would want customers to realize that they are getting a true quality item that will last YEARS and probably receive quite a few compliments!
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
I think the best advice I ever got was to go with what you truly love and enjoy. In other words, don't just try to follow the "trends" of what seems to be popular and selling the best, because you will quickly get burned out. Do what you LOVE and it will show in your work.
------------------------
This is a nice shop. Come and take a look at Joyce's work and then come back here to leave a comment for her!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
