Pieces of Home Mosaics: Featured Shop JJ Ladell's Wood Carving

It is Spring Break here in Eastern Oregon. This means I have more TIME to tell you about another Shop!

I am so excited about introducing you to Brent and Holly Gerdes!

The name of their shop is

JJ Ladell's Wood Carving!

www.etsy.com/shop/JJLadellsWoodcarving?ref=si_shop

https://www.etsy.com/listing/121305190/carved-rooster-and-flower-0183?ref=shop_home_active

Brent's work is unique and I just love sharing unique handmade shops! Brent is the artist and I have a feeling Holly is the brains of the outfit! Holly is the business side of the shop! She is answering the interview questions! You know what they say "Behind every Good Man is an Outstanding Women!"

Artist

Brent has the talent to turn a piece of wood into an amazing work of art! Here we go people! Sit back and enjoy today's post!

What do you sell?

Carved chickens, whimsical characters, pine trees, dogs and fish

How did you get started with Etsy?

Lori Scott was visiting her mother, our neighbor and we just started talking and she was nice enough to come over and get us started. Lori owns Abishessentials here on etsy

When did you get interested in making your Art/Craft?

Brent had been carving for 3 years. He just started with whittling and read some books and continued whittling and carving for friends and family.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/121185578/carved-shoe-0176?ref=shop_home_active

Where does your inspiration come from?

The rooster/chickens come from Brent's childhood when they raised chickens and he's always liked them. He takes the whimsical characters from children books. But a lot of the things come from his own imagination - which is very vivid. The pine trees are from the mountains of Idaho where we are lucky enough to live.

Who taught you or how did you learn your art form?

Brent is self taught but has bought books and magazines about carving, which he still continues to buy to learn and keep up on the techniques.

Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?

We would love to see our shop eventually grow and become a full-time job for Brent. Brent loves sharing his carvings with others who enjoy them as much as we do.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/119595554/whimsical-card-holder-0129?ref=shop_home_active

How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?

Since we are relatively new to Etsy and are still trying to build our followers and circles and sales its hard. Usually an early morning before we go to work and then a few hours after work. We have reserved the weekends for family time and don't participate on Etsy during the weekends. Right now, we have a blessing in disguise as Brent is manning the computers right now, which is a full-time job, as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?

Its mostly a hobby - but right now full-time/part-time trying to get established, (please tell us it gets easier and less time consuming.)

Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?

Our stock is pretty much what you see in our shop. Brent is always carving, except now - but he can't wait to get back to it, so the stock and items are continually changing.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123555708/five-whittled-trees-0200?ref=shop_home_active

Where else can we find you online?

We also have a Facebook page
www.facebook.com/JJLadells

Did you always want to have your own business?

Yes, Brent has always wanted his own business and has tried different things but the chickens seem to be the best so far, and he is having the most fun with the carvings also.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123143512/hand-carved-roosters-0220?ref=shop_home_active

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

Etsy has been a great place to be part of. We like how the website works in general and of course the people we are meeting on Etsy are amazing and great to work with. We hope to be here for a very, very long time!!!!