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:

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

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