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

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 2014!
 

 

This blog is going to be about Peace. Yep, you heard me... Hippie or Not... we all want it!

 

Peace Baby!
 



Peace Mosaic Blue Glass Fork Art Pendant

 

I am not going to talk about Global Peace. Nope. I want to talk about Inner Peace.

 

I struggle with inner peace. I want it. I really do. I invite it in.. I even offer it a comfy chair. But, I must be a really bad hostess. Peace never decides to stay. I mean, we hang out for about 10 minutes and for some reason Peace thinks that is long enough!

 

What about you? Does Peace hang out at your place? 

 

I think, Peace must feel uncomfortable with the other characters that hang out with me. You know, the ones... Self Doubt, Worry and Guilt. Now, those 3 will hang out all day long!

 

 

Pin Back Button Badge

 

 

WORRY WART

 

 

Pack Your Bags We're Going On A Guilt Trip Magnet

 

(I just had to add the above items from Etsy! Click on the photos and the link will take you right to the shops! I personal love these items! They make me laugh!)

 

I am not much of a New Year Resolution Gal. But, I think this year I am going to provide a better environment for Peace to hang her hat. Now, my old 3 friends will still have their own chairs to sit in for their visits. But, I am thinking about changing the cushions and making it more difficult for them to get so comfy. 

 

There ya go! That's it! I have the stage set!

 

Mood music is playing.

 

Peace Love Music

 

I have my Yoga Socks on!

 

Hand Knit Yoga Socks

 

 

And my herbal tea!

 

Pampering Relaxing Herbal Tea Bag Natural

 

(Click on the photos! You know you want to!)

 

I am ready!

 

Watch me Now 2014!

 

I am going to be so calm, cool and collected... You might just think you are in the wrong mind!

 

Happy New Year All!!!

 

Make it want You Need and Want!  

 

Be Safe!

 

Kate