Happy Hello All!
Today's Featured Shop is:
This outstanding shop is owned by:
Barbra Alan
I asked Barbra to be a featured shop. I just knew her talent needed to be seen by everyone! Her wearable art just took my breath away! Her designs are stunning!
If you are planning a Wedding or having a big Event... you NEED one of her pieces! Her statement pieces will make you the Bell of the Ball!
Get ready and here we go!
What do you sell?
Hand embroidered bead necklaces, collars or bibs, bracelets
How did you get started with Etsy?
When I started making my jewelry, my son was so excited with what I was doing, he set me up on Etsy. He had heard about it through friends. I didn’t know what to do with it, so of course no sales. In January of this year, I decided to get serious about it and joined some teams and began picking brains. My exposure is growing day by day.
When did you get interested in making your Art?
About 5 years ago I was in a bead store and the lady said “you have got to take a look at this book.” out of the blue. It was Sherry Serafini’s and Heidi Kumli’s book on the "Art of Bead Embroidery” I was still working then so I didn't have time to pursue it but I did buy the book “for my retirement”. I just continued collecting beads and brought them all with me. When I moved to St. Louis to retire, I pulled the book out, took a deep breath, and started making my pieces. It amazed me and my family what came out of me. I do believe the universe directs us if we only listen.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I pick out a cabochon that speaks to me, then invade my stash to find beads to go with it. Or I may be in the mood for a certain color and go from there. I guess it’s mostly intuition. I don’t know if I can do custom orders unless the customer is present to pick out what they want.
How did you learn your art form?
I am self taught from Sherry and Heidi’s book. Also from Jaimie Cloud Eakin's book. I belong to the Etsy Bead Embroiders Guild and I have learned a lot from them. I plan to take classes to learn more Bead weaving at our local bead store and I have ordered a book to learn Soutache.
Where do you see your Shop in 5 years from now?
I hope successful of course. I plan on having a wide diversity of styles because I get bored easily. I hope to do some competitions and I would like to be a mentor for new people to Etsy.
How do you manage your time between Etsy and the rest of your life?
Well-l-l-l! Right now I am on the computer all day to bring my numbers up. I do keep my house clean, feed myself and walk the dog. I have a friend that comes over to bead with me every Wednesday so I take off then. I am trying to work out a schedule that allows me to fulfill my commitments to my teams and do my beading. And Spring is coming which means the Battle of the Weeds.
Is this a hobby, part-time job, or full-time job?
A full time job
Do you make or stock items you love, or what will sell?
Definitely what I love. I figure if I love it, someone else will.
Where else can we find you online?
I have a Facebook page – Artistic Beads and Baubles
I am going to plunge into a Blog Page soon.
I am going to plunge into a Blog Page soon.
Did you always want to have your own business?
Yes, but I didn't know what it looked like. Now I am retired and can experiment. Right now, Etsy feels very good. It's exciting to see it growing daily in my views, favorites and followers My first sale was so exciting, I didn’t come off the ceiling for a week. I feel the next customer out there is close, circling like an angel.
Any other thoughts you want to share with us?
I am so grateful for all the help I have received from the people I have met on Etsy. Everyone has made me feel an instant member of the family and are eager to do whatever they can to help a newbie, sometimes spending a lot of their time to make sure I understand what I want to know because I can be dense sometimes. If I get nothing else, I will value the friendships I am developing.
I told you that her Wearable Art would take your breath away!
A huge thank you to Barbra Alan for sharing!!!
that is seriously impressive work!
ReplyDeletebeautiful shop and great article. Thank you Kate for helping us to put a face and heart with the beautiful beading that Barbara does. Thank you Barbara for all your help on the teams. I pray your shop will grow exponentially beyond your wildest dreams.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of Barbra's talent. Thanks so much for sharing her story!
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of Barbras's pieces and they are truly amazing. You will be in the spotlight when you wear them as they are truly stunning and incredible works of art.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Work, I too hope Barbara does very well
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