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!
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
