come meet Kim Bergeron

It is time to meet another Outstanding Etsy Owner!

 

 Her name is Kim Bergeron

 

 She owns Sid Kassidy

 

 

(click on the photos in this blog and they will take you right to her shop)

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SidKassidy

 

 

Let's find out all about her! Are you ready to be amazed at her talent? I surely was!!

 

Get your coffee and here we go!

 

 

What do you sell?

 

Silver Pewter Jewelry

 

Small Circle Necklace

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

I used to be an Etsy lover and avid treasurer for fun before I decided to open my shop. I was selling my work only off line when I started to see how it worked well for many sellers on Etsy. I decided to give it a try and I should have done it earlier!

 

 

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

 

I started making jewelry when I was a child as a past time with my sweet grand mother. Then I sold beaded necklaces when I was a teen in a store near my home. It worked well so I found more places to show my work to the world.

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

My inspiration comes from all the magnificent shapes of our world, geometry, architecture, nature but mostly form abstract feelings, moods and emotions I personally have. If this makes sense :)

 

Hammered Silver Bracelet

 

 

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

 

In 2000 I took a private jewelry course with well known jeweler Josée Desjadins and learned how to work with metals. I then developed my own technique and work only with silver-pewter.

 

 

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

 

I see it becoming one of the most successful shop or brand on Etsy and out of Etsy. Offering the most designs I can imagine of filling the need woman have for beauty, quality and awesome customer service, class, eye-catching Statements and also Delicate Edgy Casual Lovelies.

 

1 x 1 inch Spiral Sterling Silver Earrings

 

 

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

 

This is a hard question. I think all artists manage their time like they can and work almost all the time. Its part of my life, ideas running in my head constantly.. mixed with family, daily chores and a certain organization of business things to do.

 

 

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

 

The name comes mostly from a love for the feeling it gives. Also, Sid represents my lover who works with me and is an amazing artist. Sid also represents masculinity. Kassidy represents me and the beauty of femininity. They are also names that where heard individually before giving a certain familiarity to the sound of the name.

 

 

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

 

I mostly work on one piece at the time when it is purchased but yes I do have some inventory of new designs I make or some more popular pieces.

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

www.facebook.com/sidkassidy (monthly give aways)

www.pinterest.com/sidkassidy
www.twitter.com/sidkassidy

 

 

Statement Necklace

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

Oh yes!!! My family is filled with both visual artists and entrepreneurs. My parents had a huge equestrian business and my mother was a Canadian equestrian competition champion always fighting for her dreams to come true. I think its in my blood!

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

You can subscribe to my monthly give always on FB and stay tuned for upcoming collections.

 

Cuff Bracelet in Sterling Silver

 

 

Minimalist Earrings

 

I told you that you would be amazed at her talent! I love all her designs! Thank you so much Kim Bergeron for sharing your thoughts with us today!

 

Thank you readers for hanging out with me today!

 

Take care,

 

Kate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Come Meet Valerie!!

 

 

Happy Saturday! 

 

I am so happy it is Saturday, you have no idea! Saturday for me is like that old commercial jiggle "I am going to wash that grey right outta my hair"! Well, I am washing last week right outta my hair!   

 

Hmmm.. talking about grey... remember I said that I am featuring Etsy Shops that have owners of the ages of 45 years and up???

 

I think I figured out why. It is a completely selfish reason. I own a preschool and love it. Really, I love it. But, hanging out with 3, 4, and 5 year old people can really mess with you. Some days you feel like a 5 year old! It's Wonderful! Other days.. I feel like that commercial where the woman has fallen down... and she is struggling just to say "I have fallen and cant get up"!!!!! Plus, no one is going to stop me in mid sentence to tell me that they are wearing Batman Undies!

 

Ok! Here is the real reason why we are here........

 

Her name is Valerie!

 

Her Shop is Penguinetta Afghans!

penguinettaafghans.etsy.com

 

Star Baby Afghan

 

I just love Valerie's Shop! She has hand knit and crochet items - baby afghans, full size afghans, mittens, hats, scarves! Her work is lovely! And she has these Monkey Hats that make me smile!

Here they are!!

 

Sock Monkey Hat

 

Get settled in with your coffee people. Let's learn about Valerie!

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

I saw etsy on Good Morning America in 2009, I was looking for work while living in my camper at a campground in Kansas. I had always wanted to supplement my income by selling my "stuff" so I thought I would give it a try.

 

 

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

 

My mom taught me to knit when I was about 9 or 10 but it never went anywhere. The boy next door taught me to crochet when I was about 12.  Art was always my favorite class from kindergarten. I took every art class I could in jr. high and high school.

 

Crochet Valentine Red Scarf

 

Where does your inspiration come from?



  Inspiration comes from need of an item, things I see on the internet or out and about.

 

 

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

 

I learned the basic knit stitch from my mother, single and double crochet from the boy next door.  From there I have been mostly self taught. I have never been afraid to pick up a craft kit or a set of instructions and jump right in.

 

 

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

 

I would like my shop to be busier, I would like to expand into more areas of creativity but don't know what. I love to bake.....

 

 

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

 

When I first started my etsy shop I was laid off and looking for work so I would get up at 0500 each morning, get chores done and at 0900 start my job search. I would work on that until noon or there abouts depending on the job postings.  Have lunch and then the afternoons were for crafting.  Evenings have always been for crafting when I have been working - guess that's my reward for getting the supper dishes done and lunches made.

 

Tartan Plaid Afghan

 

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

 

 

My birth mom nick named me "Penguinetta" because I was always cold.  My nephew's wife who is an artist and high school art teacher drew Penguinetta with her afghan.

 

 

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

 

I started stocking baby afghans because that's what I had. I traveled during the winter when I would be laid off -- mostly going to my brother's place on the east coast (if we buy you an airplane ticket will you come stay with our kids?). I put a few full size afghans in my shop but they don't sell very quickly. Hat and mittens were requests so I made extra for my shop.

 

Be my Valentine Pink Mittens

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

penguinetta has a face book page

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

Yes

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

The afghans I make are made to be used -- they are a Hug when you need one. Please don't put them away "for good". 

 

Crochet Rose Color Baby Afghan

 

 

How do you think your age has helped you in your business?

 

 I am more open to trying something new. I do not have a family living with me so I can devote my time to my crafting -- sometimes I get so wrapped up in something that I don't want to go to bed.... age has given me the courage to try - also the ability not to listen to well meaning family members who can not see past the small town they live in and their small town beliefs (your afghans are nice and they make great gifts but no one would ever pay for one of them -- this one kept me from trying for years)

 

Valerie, I want to thank you for sharing your "stuff" with us!!! And, I want to thank you for not listening to "well meaning family" anymore!!!!! Your talent is something I envy!

 

Well, Folks... head on over to Valerie's Shop!!! Click on the photos of her "goodies" and it will take you right where you want to go!!!

 

Thank you All for stopping in and reading!!

 

Kate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Etsy's Bonnie Lease & Her Shop!

Hello all!

 

So, here is the thing.... I love Etsy! I think you all knew that, but I just wanted to say it again! I truly think that Etsy provides an outstanding display of goodies that you just can't find anywhere else! Just nod your head.. you know it is true. Also, I think there are a lot of shop owners over the age of 45 on Etsy. Hmmmmmm, I wonder why?

 

For a few posts or more....

I want to feature Shops that have Over 45 owners.

Why you ask??? Well, Why Not!

(Plus, I am over 45 and I need the company!)

 

Our Shop Owner of the Day! Drum roll please.....

 

 Bonnie Lease.

 

The owner of Fiber and Bead Boutique!

www.etsy.com/shop/FiberandBeadBoutique

 

Alpaca Scarf

 

Were you over the age of 45 when you started your shop?

 

  I was well over 45 when I started the shop.

 

 

How do you think your age has helped you in your business?

 

Has my age helped with this adventure? Maybe. Certainly the years I spent teaching beginning computers and beginning internet have helped. Also being retired gives me the time that is needed to devote to the shop. 

 

 

What do you sell?

 

  Fiber and Bead Boutique is a 3 generation shop. My husband Fred and I make the fiber accessories. Fred weaves beautiful scarves, shawls, tea towels and other items on an 8 harness loom. I weave scarves, belts, bookmarks and other items on Inkle looms and a rigid heddle loom. I also crochet, knit, spin and felt. Handspun yarns and felted items haven't yet made it to the shop, but some of the finished items are from my handspun yarns. My daughter Jen and my granddaughter Emma design and make beaded jewelry. Jen also makes her polymer clay beads. She will soon be adding fused glass to the mix. 

 

 

Crochet Cowl

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

We started on Etsy last November because we were looking for another venue from which to sell. We have a friend who had started a shop and was happy with it. I do the work on the shop.

 

 

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

 

  I have been a fiber junkie for as long as I can remember. I've been spinning for about 15 years. I took a beginning weaving class about 12 years ago, or so. I bought a Baby Wolf loom. Once I was on my own, the Wolf, that was much bigger than the loom I learned on overwhelmed me. Fred was tired of seeing it sit there unused because I was afraid of it. He offered to help me, and the rest is history. It is now his loom and he weaves amazing things. Although Jen grew up with the fiber and can crochet, knit and sew the art material that drew her were beads. She is self-taught and loves to work with beads. Emma has learned at her mother's knee. She is also learning to weave, but has nothing woven on the shop yet.

 

Knitted Fingerless Mitts

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

My inspiration comes from the fiber. I love the fiber before it is spun. I have some that may never be spun just so I can pet it sometimes. I love yarn and I love color. The fiber tells me what it wants to be. Fred is drawn to color, pattern, and texture, so I guess you can say that weave structure inspires him. Jen and Emma love color. Emma is drawn to stones.

 

Purple and Blue Polymer Clay Beaded Necklace

 

 

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

 

My grandmother starting teaching me to crochet and to sew about, heaven help me, 60 years ago. Friends taught me to knit and one in particular is my knitting mentor. Workshops through our local yarn shop and weaving and spinning guild offer classes and workshops that I take advantage of. Anything else, comes from books. I am a retired librarian. Fred is self-taught. Jen has taken a few workshops and is teaching Emma.

 

Tiger's Eye Bracelet

 

 

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

 

 I don't know where the shop will be in 5 years. I hope it will grow and be successful. By then I may turn over the management of it to Jen or to Emma.

 

 

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

 

  Time management, now there's a concept. I spend probably too much time on the computer, tweaking the shop, on the teams, and on Facebook groups. I don't go anywhere without a tote bag containing a project, and am generally working on something if I am sitting in conversation or watching TV. Since I am retired, I just juggle whatever has to be done.

 

 

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

 

We tossed around a lot of names. We wanted the shop name to represent what we make, at the same time keeping it general enough that we could expand or revise our products.

 

 

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

 

 Mostly we make what we love. There have been a few things that came from specific requests or custom orders. But if I didn't love it, I wouldn't make it. 

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

I'm on Facebook and Pinterest.

www.facebook.com/FiberAndBeadBoutique

                               www.pinterest.com/bonniecrochets/fiber-and-bead-boutique/

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

 I want to continue to create. I can only give so much away, so yes, to continue to create, I must have a venue for it.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

Other words, let me see. I've met some fun new friends while on Etsy. The community support whether it is on Etsy teams or Facebook groups is wonderful. The view of handicrafts has changed. Years ago Jen and I tried to sell our crocheted and hand sewn stuffed animals at craft shows. The response was underwhelming to say the least. People weren't willing to spend a reasonable amount on such things. That was one reason we decided to try the online route. Now, people go out to craft shows and they appreciate the fiber arts. It is a wonderful change.

 

I want to thank Bonnie for sharing her shop with us!

 

Come to think of it, here is the thing about Etsy... people don't really share their shops... they share their Passion! They don't just sell stuff.. they sell a bit of their time, love, and creative mind. Yep, can't get that anywhere else!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Shop HeavenSpunCreations

 

Today I am featuring the shop

Heaven Spun Creations!

www.etsy.com/shop/HeavenSpunCreations

 

 

Owner of Heaven Spun Creations:

Joanne Townsend

 

 

I know you will simply enjoy learning about Joanne! Her shop and talent is amazing! Here we go! This shop has beautiful items!!! Think Christmas people!!! Can't go wrong here!

 

Click on each photo and it will take you to Joanne's Shop!!!

 

 

 

What do you sell?

 

I sell hand carved crochet hooks, handspun yarn, baby hats, and felt fibre jewelry

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

I had a lot of scarves that I had made when I started spinning. I didn't want to stop creating, so I had to think of some way to minimize my growing pile of handspun accessories.

 

 

 

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

 

I have always loves crafts and fibre art. I began spinning my own yarn a few years ago. I just couldn't seem to find the colours that were dancing around in my head on the shelves of the yarn stores. 

    I LOVE the look of nature and natural products. I feel good about using reclaimed wood for my carved hooks. I just hated burning or throwing away all those lovely prunings from the trees in our yard. I'm so glad I found such a beautiful craft to make out of all those branches. 

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

My inspiration almost always comes from nature. I love to pull out the natural beauty of the earth.

 

 

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

 

My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was about 9 years old. However, I am a self taught carver. My first crochet hook was a big experiment, but was I ever glad that it came out so well because I have never looked back.

 

 

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

 

I plan on continuing to expand my line of handspun baby hats and crochet hooks. My felt bead necklaces have done well right from the start, so I'm sure I will find new and creative ideas for my felt jewelry. Right now I am working on some really nice rustic style wooden tree branch buttons. I expect those to be a great seller.

 

 

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

 

Well..... I just kind of let the house fall apart around me - lol. It is really hard. I could create ALL day long. However, I have a husband and 2 boys who need my attention. I also work at a primary school part time. So, I need to find balance. I really just let my creativity flow where it will. One day I work on hooks, the next it is felt jewelry....

 

 

How did you come up with the name of your shop?

 

Heaven Spun.... The name of my shop came from my handspun yarn. I really felt like the colours that came out were given to me as gifts from heaven. - corny.. but true.

 

 

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

 

I want to just stock items that I love. If it isn't fun making it, I don't see the point in putting my time into it. Life is just too short not to love what we do.

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

I have never been very good at blogging, but I have a facebook page were I post specials and will do a few giveaways in the new year.

www.facebook.com/pages/Heaven-Spun-Creations/443110042412063

                        www.pinterest.com/SpunCreations
                        www.heavenspun.webs.com

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

Yes, this is a long time dream of mine.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

I am excited an amazed at how fruitful my journey has become. I'm so glad I didn't give up in the beginning when things were painfully slow. Recently my line of hooks have been put into local yarn shops. I see a lot of grow potential in this area. Exciting things are ahead for Heaven Spun Creations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Featuring Cindy Richards BglorifiedBoutique

 

 

Happy Hello Everyone!

 

Today I am featuring

 

 Cindy Richards

 

 

Her Shop:

BglorifiedBoutique

 

You will fall in love with this shop! No time for chit chat folks... 
 Let's get to the good stuff!!!

 

What do you sell? 

 

Women’s Fashion Apparel & Accessories:
Heart back shirts/sweaters/dresses
Headbands in lace, fabric or knit/crochet
Scarves in fabric or knit/crochet
Patterns for headbands and scarves

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

  

In November 2011, my then 18 year old daughter, Dana, suggested I open up a shop with a close family friend, Deb, who is a 40+ year veteran of hand knit and crochet.  Dana had recent success with her Dana Ann Photography business and volunteered to be our photographer. We figured with her fashion sense and photography skills that we could actually make a go of this! We opened just before Christmas rush and sold a lot of owl gloves that Deb made and flower scarves that I made. We were happy with our start out of the gate. But, what really put us on the map was when Dana decided to sew herself a shirt for Valentine’s Day!! Like every teenager, she posted the photo on Facebook. Here is the original photo used that day on FB:

 

Well, so many people immediately commented on it - some wanted her to make it for them; I suggested she list it in our Etsy shop so if people truly wanted her to make one, they could buy one there. That launched our heart cut out apparel and we were making more shirts than we could keep up with!! We have sold hundreds since, especially after being on the front page of Wanelo for weeks. I wish THAT would happen again! 

 

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

 

I got interested as a young girl when my grandmother would take me to craft fairs. I specifically remember one where I sat at a table making decoupage all day – fond memories!!

 My daughter got interested in photography in high school.

Deb got interested in needle crafts with her sister when she was a little girl.

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

My inspiration comes from God’s creation. The natural earth tones are my favorite. I also have a passion to inspire girls to see the beauty in how God made them – each individually and especially that their beauty shines from the inside out. I recently wrote a blog (bglorifiedboutique.com/blog/) about it on my brand new web site (bglorifiedboutique.com) that will soon be launching its own store this month.

 

 

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

 

My friend Deb learned to knit and crochet on her own.

I learned to sew and other crafts from my grandma and mom.

My daughter always was doing something in the arts from acting, singing, figure skating, modeling and showed a good eye for fashion and design during her high school years. That is when she took up photography and her business has grown to the point where she rarely has time for an Etsy shoot for our shop!! For example, last weekend she had 3 weddings making her travel to 3 different states. She was just hired for a destination wedding in Costa Rica! At age 21, she has traveled a lot for her business including Texas, California, Colorado, New York, Washington, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and her home state of Illinois. Canada and Costa Rica are in the future as well as a wedding in a California vineyard that she is super excited about. Her work can be found in many publications as listed here: www.danaannphotography.com/wedding-portfolio/

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

I see BglorifiedBoutique continuing to focus on women’s clothing and accessories but developing into elements for the bride and for the home. This year we are focusing on more patterns for sale and Better Homes and Gardens will be featuring one of our items in their Fall Make It Yourself Issue.

 

 

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

 

Etsy sometimes takes over my life (especially at Christmas) but the joy is working with my daughter and friend each and every day. We balance it by scheduling missions trips together and daily coffee breaks.

 

 

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

 

This is a full time job for me and possibly soon for Deb as well.

Dana’s full time business is Dana Ann Photography located in Chicago, IL.

 

 

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

 

Our demographic is the young, hip high school, college through 30’s. Therefore, we make what my daughter suggests more than anything because history has proven that her style is right on target! My daughter will not suggest something she would not wear herself. Fortunately, I have always loved her style!!

 

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

bglorifiedboutique.com/

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

As a newly married, I had a couple other businesses having to do with kids toys and marketing. My daughter re-ignited the idea back in 2011. I give God the ultimate credit for where BglorifiedBoutique is today. He created each of us so very differently in skills and gifts and inspired us to become BglorifiedBoutique for our blessing and His glory.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

As Christ followers, we first and foremost want to glorify Christ in all we do. We strive to make each and every customer happy with their purchases and have a heart to let them know they are truly beautiful as God created them. We donate at least 10% to mission trips around the world. We have recently returned from a construction missions trip to Puerto Rico where I got to put my sewing skills to use sewing bed sheets for the bunk beds we were building for the Teen Challenge drug rehab facility there. What a joy to share the love of God around the world in this way!! We have been to El Salvador, Belgium, Philippines, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Scotland, Ireland and places in the USA serving in missions. Our next trip will be in November to Cambodia to assist in construction of a Teen Challenge there. 

 

 

Didn't I tell you, you would love this shop!!! Not only did I fall in love with the shop, but also with the ladies of the shop! They have huge hearts and love to spare!

 

Here are a few other beautiful creations

 

 

 

 

 

Please head over to this Etsy Shop! Beautiful items handcrafted with tons of  LOVE!

(Click on each photo and it will take you right to this Outstanding Shop!)

 

 

 

