White Window Creations, LLC

Happy Hello All!

 

It is time to get back into action with a great shop! Today, we are checking out White Window Creations, LLC! The owner of this wonderful Etsy shop is Jessica Herold! If you have a little bundle of fun in your life... this is the shop for you!

(click on all photos and it will take you were you want to go!)

 

What do you sell?

 

Baby goods and items to make life easier or just more fun for busy moms (and dads!).

 

Newsboy Hats for Children

(OMG! Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen!!!!)

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

Slowly. ha. My adventure on Etsy has been very "learn as you go" because I am sort of a dive in and learn to swim later type of person. Not always a good thing, but in this case it has been awesome. I have learned so much and can't wait to see what I learn next.

 

 

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

 

My shop started with the Cuddle and Kick Blanket. My son would be sleeping in his swing, kick off his blanket and wake up..over and over and over and you get the point. So I literally sewed a patch of satin to the back of his blanket and he stopped kicking it off - SCORE!! My friends loved it and wanted them for their own kids, and I fell in love with sewing and creating new things the way I wanted them.

 

Cuddle & Kick Blanket

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

Most of the time I see something I like but I want it just a little different or in my own color choices. I am also a self-proclaimed cheap person so I want a good deal and if I can't get one - I'll just do it myself. lol

 

 

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

 

I just sit at my (free hand-me-down) machine and make things, messing up along the way. Happy accidents. I confess that I do not know what many of the machine settings are or what their intended purpose is, but I seem to figure things out pretty quickly. You can make a LOT of cool things with a straight line. LOL When things get hairy I call my mother. She used to make clothes for herself and her sisters. She is an amazing talent and a huge inspiration for my creativity.

 

 

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

 

I hope to still be going and expanding. At present, I am a stay at home mom first, a Sign Language Interpreter second, and a business-owner third. Many would say that business must come first to succeed but I disagree. There are many levels of success and nothing, I mean NOTHING, comes before my family. That said, when they are both in school all day, I do hope to be expanding my business and potentially selling in boutiques and more craft fairs. Stay tuned! :-)

 

Custom Quilted Duffel Bag

 

 

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

 

Patience. Some days I sew 10 things. Some weeks I sew nothing. Sometimes I sew 15 minutes at a time. I won't put my kids on hold to make a bag. That's just my rule.

 

 

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

 

Oh, it is sort of a long explanation. I am a daydreamer. I can sit and stare out a window for hours. I love what a window represents - protection, division between where I am and where I could go, vision, etc. White is a symbol of purity and what is more pure than a baby? And I create, so from all of that you get White Window Creations. Deep. ;-)

 

 

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

 

Items I love for sure. I usually make something for myself and then offer it up as an example of what I can make for someone else - in their chosen design or color.

 

 Cloth Diaper Boutique Style Burp Rag

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

www.facebook.com/whitewindowcreations

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

I have always wanted to work for myself, not necessarily for monetary gain. I love volunteering. This is just where I am right now.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

Do something that makes you smile every day. Do something that makes someone else smile every day. You'll be amazed at how the two feed off of each other.

 

Newsboy Hat Costume

 

Thank you so much Jessica for sharing your shop and talent with us today!

 

If you have a bundle of joy coming your way... you need to shop White Window Creations, LLC

 

A big Thank You to my readers!

 

Take care everyone,

Kate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Angela Frazier of AV Custom Designs and More

 

 

Are you planning a wedding? Today, I have a fabulous shop to share with you!

 

 

AV Custom Designs and More

www.etsy.com/shop/AVCustomDesigns

 

Red Bridal Sash

 

The Owner of AV Custom Designs and More is Angela Frazier

 

Do you all remember falling in love? I do! I have been married 25 years and would do it all again! (Now, who knows if he would!) I remember trying to find the perfect veil, perfect garter and the perfect bouquet. I needed my wedding to be as perfect as the marriage was going to be. Plus, this was my second one and I was going to get this right!

 

I have also married off all my kids. And to be honest, being the Mother of the Bride and a Mother of the Groom is no picnic! This shop will help you in ways you haven't even dreamed of yet if you are marrying off a crazy bride! (... if my children happen to read this... I do love all of you. But, you all were crazy!)

 

Let's get this Party Started! I can't wait to show you many of Angela's Wedding Goodies!!!

 

What wedding goodies do you sell?

 

 I create custom wedding designs but I like to say that I create everything for the bride except the dress. Although I do create designs for all occasions like Quinceaneras, Prom's, Homecoming and any other parties or events.

 

Ring Bearers Pillow

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

My sister is an avid Etsy shopper so she told me about it.

 

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

 

 I have always worked in clothing stores so there was always fashion in my life but it was about 2 years ago when I started creating my designs to sell.

 

Bracelet

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

Knowing that something I create will make someone happy.

 

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

 

I don't have any type of training for what I create. I guess it just comes natural.

 

Bouquets

 

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

 

 I would like to create custom wedding dresses and possibly items for the groom.

 

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

 

 I am very fortunate, my office and shop are in my home so if I need to run errands or take care of other business then I can leave to do it at anytime.

 

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

 

The A is for my name Angela and the V is for Vickie which is my sisters name. We were going to do a partnership but after I filed papers for the name AV Custom Designs and More my sister decided that it wasn't the best time for her to commit to a partnership. I loved the name of my shop, it was PERFECT so I kept the V.

 

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

 

I really just create things as they pop into my head. I never know if it will fly off of the shelves or just sit there. I tell my husband that there is one person in the world that is looking for something that I have created - they just need to find me.

 

Wedding Veils

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

FB: www.facebook.com/pages/AV-Custom-Designs-and-More/392140854152667

Pintrest: www.pinterest.com/afrazier362/

LinkedIn: Search- Angela Frazier, Beaumont Texas

Twitter: twitter.com/AngelaFrazier11

WaNeLo: wanelo.com/avcustomdesignsandmore

SETXweddings.com: www.setxweddings.com/av-custom-designs/

SETXweddingdirectory:http://setxweddingdirectory.com/professionals/dress-apparel/av-custom-designs-and-more/

Etsyology.net: www.etsyology.net/shop-finder/?name=avcustomdesignsandmo

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

I used to dream of owning my own business I just never thought I would ever get to.

 

 

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

 

Yes, I was 47 yrs old

 

 

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

 

 I was a store manager for some large retail stores for about 25 years so I brought that knowledge into running my own business.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

I send out a monthly email- in the emails I give sneak peeks of new collections and any upcoming events that I have planned. Usually Bridal Shows or Charity events.

 

 

Thank you Angela for sharing your shop!

 

Thank you Readers!

 

Take care,

 

Kate

 

 

 

A little plug: If you are looking for wedding gifts come visit:

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