Etsy Shop of the Week! WhiteCrow's Nest

 

 

Happy hello all!

 

Today, I have something special to share with you. I found this shop when I was looking around Etsy and just knew I had to find out more about the artist! Sydney Rhudy (WhiteCrow) is an amazing artist!

 

Get your coffee and take a break from your day. Here we go!

 

Featured Shop of the Week

 

Yin & Yang Fairies

 

WhiteCrow's Nest

www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteCrowsNest

 

Artist and Owner

 

Sydney Rhudy

(WhiteCrow)

 

What do you sell?

 

My own art & illustrations, prints, buttons, crystals, jewelry, and curios.

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

It was quite a while ago that I had heard it was a really neat place to sell your arts and crafts. I fell immediately in love when I did my first official search through Etsy stores.

 

 

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

 

I've been drawing since I can remember. I've always enjoyed making crafts for about as long.

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

I like to tell people that my ideas come from the Universe. Sometimes I'm fortunate to have more depth or story to a creation. Then, I find there are times where I discover things with no reason other than a random thought. The latter is the most common, I find.

 

Iron Mouse Chibi

 

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

 

I was self taught until my senior year in high school. I've got a certificate for computer art and animation that is quite ancient.

 

 

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

 

I hope to find it more deeply set in Etsy communities, while also constantly growing and evolving.

 

 

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

 

My super secret: James! My partner in all things Etsy and more! I've had my Etsy store for a while, and never had quite what I needed to get it cracking. He has better vision than I when it comes to marketing. He silently took over the aspects that I myself had less time for, and has successfully been doing them since.

 

 

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

 

I was mailing a package and when doodling by my return address, I sketched a WhiteCrow and wrote "From WhiteCrow's Nest". It had a neat ring but I didn't think much more on it. My friend at the post office mentioned that it sounded like a great store name. That, was that!

 

 

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

 

Everything I make is something I love, hands down. However, I have so many ideas about how different people would like to have it done, or presented, that I feel both are very active motivators.

 

Wire-Wrapped Glass Fish Necklace Pendant

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

Oh my goodness. I'm on DeviantArt under the name Shidonii. Twitter is WhiteCrowsNest

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

Absolutely. That way, I only had myself to complain to if the boss was too harsh or the employee was too troublesome.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

Etsy, but most especially, the Etsy community, has been a complete blessing. I have met wonderful people, made great connections, and most of all, seen my shop bloom.

 

Namaste

 

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

 

I wasn't. Although now I am curious how old I was when I did.

(Kate: Sure rub that in! lol)

 

 

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

 

The difference between when I first started my Etsy store and now, are night and day. I've been getting good advice, and applying it. Then, of course, James has sent it skyrocketing into orbit!

 

Naruto Chibis!

 

 

Thank you Sydney for sharing your talent with us today!

 

People go check out Sydney's shop!!!

 

 

Thank you for reading!!

 

Take care!

 

Kate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Come meet Matt Staudenmaier and Grace Foley

Happy Snow Day! Wow, it is coming down like big white bees today!

Today we are going to celebrate the beauty of turning something old into something new! As most of you know... I love this idea! Not only does this type of work help our earth stay strong... but it also helps our minds and hearts stay strong too! I have the perfect shop to share this art of thought and creativity with you!

Grab your coffee or tea... here we go!!!

 Etsy Shop of the day: 

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

The owners of Conversation Glass:

 Matt Staudenmaier and Grace Foley

What do you sell?

We take bottles cast off and destined for our local landfills to create stunning, conversation-worthy glassware and home goods. 

How did you get started with Etsy?

We found Etsy while shopping (one of Grace's favorite hobbies!) She was looking for a unique, handmade gift for our friends stumbled upon Etsy. We've been hooked since!

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

A few years ago, we were drinking a bottle of red wine and realized the very bottle on our table would end up in a landfill sooner or later. That thought made us a bit sad, so we decided to make something cool from it...After about 100 bottles and broken glass, we learned how to get it right.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Our inspiration comes from wanting to combine form, function and purpose. Creating something useful from something discarded is fun and challenging, but the icing on the cake is making it impressive. We want people to get excited about re-purposing. I think we appeal to people who gravitate towards buying things that really mean something, who are looking for a bit more depth than the same old box store, mass-produced offerings. It feels good to know your purchase saved a bottle from a landfill where it would take thousands of years to break down.

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

We are actually self-taught! There's a ton of information on the Internet about cutting bottles but so much of it makes it sound easy. I can't tell you how many times we've been asked about tying strings set on fire around bottles! Not only are some of these "methods" dangerous, they aren't repeatable! I think people believe it looks easy, and that they can do it themselves. There's such a tremendous learning curve to cutting bottles, I'm shocked we didn't give up somewhere around bottle #98 of split and shattered glass. It takes a ton of patience and bottles to learn what works with each type and style of bottle. I won't divulge our secrets, like a restaurant doesn't hand out its recipes, but I can tell you it doesn't involve any flaming strings. 

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

We are excited about the growth we've seen thus far. With any luck, we will have grown 5-fold in 5 years. We sell almost entirely on Etsy, so we'd like to expand a bit from the Etsy platform. Right now, Conversation Glass is my (Matt) full-time job. We'd like for Grace to be able to work from home / studio as well in the next few years. To be self-reliant and sustainable is the long-term goal, whether that be in 5 years or more. 

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

Etsy can be all consuming some days. Working from home has some huge, awesome advantages - setting my own hours, wearing my PJ's if I feel lazy, getting to hang out with our dogs all day, being there for our daughter after school. On the other hand, work is always THERE. There's really no getting away from it if you are busy trying to ship out those last couple of orders for the day. Our home is our work space, so juggling the two can be interesting. There's a great deal of discipline involved in staying on task and knowing when to stop for the night (or early morning!). Grace works a full time job, often overtime hours, then comes home to work on making or promoting Conversation Glass.

 We really try to make family time even on the busiest days. There's nothing more important than being together, even if it does involve sanding glassware!

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

The name of our shop was easy - we were having a conversation over that bottle of red wine and came up with the idea of cutting bottles. It just seemed to fit. We hope people share the story of their glassware, or their tray, or their tea lights...We hope that everything we ship promotes conversations, connections. Connections to each other and connections to our planet - that's what it's all about!

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

We started making items from bottles we liked. There are so many available bottles to choose from out there, we had to narrow it down some. Over time, our store has been shaped by what our customers love. We have our favorite items aesthetically, and our preferences in making one style item over another. In the end, it's our customers who choose what they love and guide what we make. After all, ANY bottle cut and re-purposed is a bottle that doesn't make it to the landfill.

Where else can we find you online?

We have an Artfire site: www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/ConversationGlass

And we are here, too:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ConversationGlass

Twitter: twitter.com/ConvoGlass

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/convoglass

Rebelmouse: www.rebelmouse.com/ConversationGlass

Did you always want to have your own business?

 I never thought we'd end up with our own business. The concept always seemed too far out of reach. With online platforms like Etsy and Artfire, it became a real possibility. There came a day, not too long ago, where we looked at each other and said, "Well damn. We own our own business!" It snuck up on us, really. And then we had a few beers to toast ;)

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

We're just so thankful for our awesome customers! Who would have thought that they would support our small family business and grow it like it has?! There's really nothing quite like becoming self-reliant and determining your own future. To anyone out there fearful of jumping into Etsy with their own creative outlets, we say - Go for it!. And I say to those out there amazed at how many bottles we have - We really don't drink them all - honest!

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

What month is this...Nope - still just under 40!

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

We're young enough to be able to use the Internet well. That's really the key here. I sometimes wonder what we'd be doing if it weren't for the availability of online business. I don't think we'd have a brick and mortar store. Nobody wants to see me in my pajamas...except maybe Grace.

Thanks for reading all our many words! I hope your readers enjoy and please pass along a 20% off coupon to Conversation Glass with the coupon code: PIECESOFHOME

Thank you for sharing with us!!! 

Thank you Readers!!!

Kate

 

Meet Karalee Gross Christian Artist!

 

 

Happy Saturday!

 

Ok, I have one of my favorite shops to show you! This shop is inspiration! This shop has Love & Happiness written all over it! 

 

Get ready to meet Karalee Gross!!

 

Karalee's shop

 

 

ifrogcrafts

www.etsy.com/shop/ifrogcrafts

 

ifrog stands for "I fully rely on God" 

 

This shop is perfect for the Valentine Season!

 

Christian/Inspiratioanl Magnet

 

Here we go! Let's find out all about Karalee!

 

What do you sell?

 

I hand paint Christian home decor, magnets, signs, wall hangings, etc.

 

Beauty Tip, Christian/Inspirational

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

If I remember correctly, my best friend was researching some craft things & read about Etsy. She then sent me the link to the article. I did my own research & the rest, as they say, is history.

 

 

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

 

I come from a creative family. My great grandma taught me how to do stamped embroidery at a very young age. Later on in life, I taught myself counted cross-stitch. My mom sewed & knitted almost all the time. I did try my hand at sewing & did ok, but didn't really liked it. And I tried knitting, as well as crocheting - which her cousin did - be my hands would perspire & I couldn't keep the stitches even. Then one day, I decided to try painting. I figured it was like coloring, only with paint. I've definitely come a long way since then. lol.

 

Child of God Christian/Inspirational Shelf Sitter

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

 My inspiration does come from God. Once I realized how blessed I was to have a wonderful husband & getting to work towards my dream of owning my own business, I knew that I had to give God the glory. So I stick with mostly Christian items & have added Americana & Family.

 

 

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

 

 I am self taught. I've learned a lot from checking out techniques & finishes at craft shows from other, more experienced painters. And I'm still learning.

 

 

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

 

5 years from now, I'd like to see my shop known....and know for original, custom work. This year, I am taking my creating painting in a bit of a different direction. By this, I mean that I plan to do more one of a kind work. I will still be a Christian focused shop, that will never change. And items will still be done in a country style, but there will be more involved with each piece.

 

Everything beautiful...Christian Inspirational Wall Hanging

 

 

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

 

 Managing my time has been a big struggle to me. But recently, more time has opened up in my weeks, so I am hoping that I will have enough discipline to spend more time in the studio.

 

 

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

 

I was bouncing my ideas of names off my husband one night. He asked me what my email address was. He knew, but he wanted me to think about it. At the time, my email address was ifrog@.... The name ifrogcrafts was born.  ifrog stands for "I fully rely on God" 

 

 

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

 

Both. I do make what I love, but I also figure that if I like them, someone else will too. I do try to check color trends when I'm stuck for a color combo, but mostly, I ask God for guidance. How does He answer? He doesn't give us gut feeling for nothing!

 

ASAP - Christian, Inspirational Magnet

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

 

www.facebook.com/ifrogcrafts

www.twitter.com/ifrogcrafts

ifrogcrafts.blogspot.com/

www.pinterest.com/karaleeg

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

I think for the most part, that I have always wanted to have my own business. I spent many years working in retail stores. And the more time I spent doing that, the more that I realized that most retail corporate big wigs, lack a whole lot of common sense.

 

 

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

 

Yes I was over 45 when I started my business, about a year later, I opened my Etsy shop.

 

 

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

 

I think that my age & experience in retail stores, has helped me some in my shop. During my time working in stores, my jobs included pretty much everything from a cashier to a store management. It is a lot different selling on line, but you just need to brush up on the differences.

 

Key to my heart - Christian/Inspirational Magnet

 

Christian/Inspirational Wall Hanging/Sign

 

Wonderful Shop!

 

I added some of my favorite items to this post! I love the "Flip Flop" one!!

 

Don't forget if you just click on the photo of each item it will take you right to Karalee's shop!

 

Karalee, thank you so much for sharing with us today!

 

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Kate

 

 

 

 

 

Featured Artist Karen O'Lone-Hahn

 

 

Hello all! Tis' The Season to shop! I have a great shopping experience for you today!

 

 

Featured Artist

Karen O'Lone-Hahn

 

Her Shops

RisingStarArt

risingstarart.etsy.com

 

&

 

RisingStarPottery1

risingstarpottery1.etsy.com

 

 

Let's find out more about Karen and her wonderful shops! Remember if you click on the photos of Karen's art, it will take you right to her shop! OK..Get settled in! Here we go!

 

What do you sell?

 

Hand thrown cool functional and decorative pottery and original folk art paintings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

I heard about it when it was very young and put my prints of my paintings up on it.

 

 

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

 

I was born with a paint brush in my hands. I have been a painter for over 20 years and took up pottery 2 years ago. Now I am a clay junkie as well...

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

Seasons, nature, places I visit, people, other artists.

 

 

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

 

I am a primarily self taught painter. I am in 2 books about outsider and folk artists and have exhibited my work at some big shows like the Outsider Art Fair in NYC and the Atlanta Folk Festival.

 

 

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

 

Booming! I see my clay pieces in high demand as I marry more and more of my painting skills in my work and prices for my paintings rising due to demand. I see myself with at least 2 interns to do the niddly things for me so I can create :0)

 

 

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

 

As an artist, structure is an allusive thing. I can manage other people and events down to the last iota, but for myself it's hard sometimes to keep myself on track. I have had to commit myself to treating my studio time like any other job where I would have to go out the door to do it in the morning. Which means to be showered, dressed, have breakfast and get out to the studio for 8 hours without stopping to put laundry in, or pay bills, or sweep the kitchen floor.

 

 

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

 

IN a dream, during a very low part in my life, I was told to go to the "house of the falling star" (which was me) my life is so much better now, I see myself as the "rising star"

 

 

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

 

 

 

I can't make anything divorced from myself that I don't love. How can I expect others to love it if I don't?

 

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

At my website, www.karenolonehahn.com, blog- karenolonehahn.blogspot.com,

Facebook-www.facebook.com/risingstarart, Twitter- www.twitter.com/cowgirl1959,

Pinterest ~ www.pinterest.com/karenolonehahn

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

I just always wanted to make art.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

Whenever folks need something, a gift, a thingy for their kitchen, a new outfit, they should always look to handmade and small business first. Keeping your neighbors employed means keeping more money and resources all around you instead of going to some big corporation or foreign country. Thanks and God Bless you all :0)

 

 

Thank you Karen for Sharing your Talents!!!

 

To my readers... Thank you for stopping in and looking at Karen's outstanding shops!

 

 

 



Meet Laura an Etsy Shop Owner

 

Today, I want to introduce you to Laura

Laura is from Sicily Europe.

 

 

 

Her shop Pietralavica really caught my eye!!

www.etsy.com/it/shop/Pietralavica

 

 

I knew right away that EVERY person really needed to see her creativity!! I love items that are different! I love art that you can wear! I love one of a kind!!!!

 

Laura's shop is all that and more! I am so excited about her work!

 

  Here we go! Get your ice tea, find a comfy spot and get ready to be amazed!

 

What do you sell?

 

I sell items made with lava stone from Mount Etna, which is located in Sicily, Italy.
Lava stone coated ceramic.

 

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

Some time ago, I had heard of Etsy. But, I was selling into a different site. I always said, "I would open the account"
A few months ago a dear friend, told me: "you have to show your stuff to the whole world, sell it on Etsy!" and I said, "why not!"

 

 

When did you get interested in making Art/Craft?

 

The first work, were making meatballs, I have no memory of this, my mom, every time, remembers this.
I was a really little child!
The second work I remember.
I remember because it was not very welcome .. with some crayons, I drew on the long hallway of the house. I drew cars, flowers, the sea, the sun and flying fish..!

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

I believe that everything that enters into us, in the form of your feeling, emotion, feeling positive and negative, is deposited somewhere inside of us, and then sprouts.
Who paints will sprout a wild shade and shadow. A music writer will write the rhythm he wanted.
I am very passionate, alive if I have emotions, I find in music, in conversation, in a feeling, in nature, in everything that surrounds me even if negative, from this I draw inspiration.
It is necessary feel good about oneself.

 

 

 

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

 

I actually studied to do anything else.
I studied accounting and I also attended the university.
But we see that the ceramic and the lava stone had to be a protagonists in my life.
And so I began to document, in the first experiments.
I bought a ceramic furnace.
I tried and tried, failures and the bad success, they never
demolished me.
I knew that the making of ceramics was a difficult job.
The results then arrived.
Later, I attended a course, more than anything else to know about the various materials, techniques, and try to take as much as possible from those who had experience.

 

 

 

 

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

 

I see him grown up, in every sense.
I currently have for sale only jewelry. I realize and have plans to offer a great variety of objects.
As elements of home decor, paintings, wall clocks etc. ..
 I should also see how things go in the short term.

 

 

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

 

Do not do it!
Etsy really takes me so long, time, but I am who choose it.
I try to do well, and the possible.
During the day I try to do everything.
I do not have a perfect organization, something always remains to be done.
But that's okay

 

 

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

 

Is full-time job

 

 

 

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

 

I create the objects I love, but also to order.
I also made some tombstones!
 And even top bathroom sink and dishes for a restaurant.

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

I have a Facebook page www.facebook.com/gattoetna

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

Yes, absolutely. always, it's my life!

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

Yes, two word on etsy.
In my opinion, you should always be yourself, put in the things that you make, your own personality.
See who is good, but do it your way.
And fun, on etsy I met so many nice people, affectionate, kind and people looking for me just to tell me "how are you" as Kate, who chose me for his blog!

 

 

I told you she would not disappoint! Let's help Laura by getting the word out about her Talent!

 

Thank you all for stopping in and reading!!

 

Kate