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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

My New Shop! Fancy That Fusion!

Happy Hello All!

 

Well, I did it! I opened up a new shop! Call me crazy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

My new shop is

 

Fancy That Fusion 

 www.etsy.com/shop/FancyThatFusion

 

Copper Cuff

 

 

I love my Shop

 Pieces of Home Mosaics

 www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofhomeMosaics

 

 

Flatware Stained Glass Art Ring

 

I love making mosaics! I love working with tile, broken pottery, and glass to make my one of a kind items. But, I also found out that fusing glass is so much fun! I have been fusing my brains out! I'm melting bottles, mason jars and fusing colored glass into jewelry pendants, bracelet cuffs, home décor items and magnets! Oh, I am having a hoot! My shop Pieces of Home Mosaics was filling up with fused glass items.  And I thought Hmmmmmmmm...................

 

Long story short. I decided to open a shop with just fused glass items! Why not, right!?! Well, let me tell you... two shops on etsy is hard work! So, if you are reading this pretty please with sugar on top Help me get the word out.

 

If you see something you love in my shops I have coupon codes just for you!

Yes!!! Savings....wooohoooooo baby!!

 

 

Fancy that Fusion

www.etsy.com/shop/FancyThatFusion

Coupon Code:  HOHOHO30

Spend $10.00 Save 30%   

 



Green and Red Glass Pendant

 

 

Fused Glass Pendant

 

Pieces of Home Mosaics

www.etsy.com/shop/PiecesofhomeMosaics

Coupon Code: Xmassale40

 Spend $10.00 and Save 40%

Mosaic decor holiday sled

Cameo Mosaic Pill Box

 

 

I love to make items that are One of Kind! Each soul you meet is a One of a Kind! Why shouldn't the items you own or give be just that! I love it when people walk into a room and say, "Wow, I have never seen anything like this!" That is what I strive for!  

 

I love funky and I love different! In both of my shops you will find items that no other shop sells! My style reflects my personality. Yes, I am funky and different!

 

 I put thought, care and love into each piece I make!

 

Don't forget the coupon codes. Those codes will save you money on your Christmas Giving. If you are like me... you are on a budget! I know, giving can be hard on the pocket book!

 

Also, if you know me... I can't just plug my shops! Nope! I need to tell you about a shop that did my Etsy Shop Banners.

 

Here are my banners

 

 

 

The gal who made my banners, drum roll please...... is Lucinda Myer.

 

 

Her Shop is

 

Luci Makes Cards

www.etsy.com/shop/LuciMakesCards

 

Here are a few of her works!

 

Butterfly greeting card

 

Buddha greeting card

 

Lucinda creates stunning cards and outstanding Etsy shop banners!

I tell you, if you are in need of these... this is your lucky day!!!!

 

Don't you just love Etsy! So many wonderful things to see and buy!

 

Thank you all for stopping in!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

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!

 

 

 



Featuring Cindy Richards BglorifiedBoutique

 

 

Happy Hello Everyone!

 

Today I am featuring

 

 Cindy Richards

 

 

Her Shop:

BglorifiedBoutique

 

You will fall in love with this shop! No time for chit chat folks... 
 Let's get to the good stuff!!!

 

What do you sell? 

 

Women’s Fashion Apparel & Accessories:
Heart back shirts/sweaters/dresses
Headbands in lace, fabric or knit/crochet
Scarves in fabric or knit/crochet
Patterns for headbands and scarves

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

  

In November 2011, my then 18 year old daughter, Dana, suggested I open up a shop with a close family friend, Deb, who is a 40+ year veteran of hand knit and crochet.  Dana had recent success with her Dana Ann Photography business and volunteered to be our photographer. We figured with her fashion sense and photography skills that we could actually make a go of this! We opened just before Christmas rush and sold a lot of owl gloves that Deb made and flower scarves that I made. We were happy with our start out of the gate. But, what really put us on the map was when Dana decided to sew herself a shirt for Valentine’s Day!! Like every teenager, she posted the photo on Facebook. Here is the original photo used that day on FB:

 

Well, so many people immediately commented on it - some wanted her to make it for them; I suggested she list it in our Etsy shop so if people truly wanted her to make one, they could buy one there. That launched our heart cut out apparel and we were making more shirts than we could keep up with!! We have sold hundreds since, especially after being on the front page of Wanelo for weeks. I wish THAT would happen again! 

 

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

 

I got interested as a young girl when my grandmother would take me to craft fairs. I specifically remember one where I sat at a table making decoupage all day – fond memories!!

 My daughter got interested in photography in high school.

Deb got interested in needle crafts with her sister when she was a little girl.

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

My inspiration comes from God’s creation. The natural earth tones are my favorite. I also have a passion to inspire girls to see the beauty in how God made them – each individually and especially that their beauty shines from the inside out. I recently wrote a blog (bglorifiedboutique.com/blog/) about it on my brand new web site (bglorifiedboutique.com) that will soon be launching its own store this month.

 

 

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

 

My friend Deb learned to knit and crochet on her own.

I learned to sew and other crafts from my grandma and mom.

My daughter always was doing something in the arts from acting, singing, figure skating, modeling and showed a good eye for fashion and design during her high school years. That is when she took up photography and her business has grown to the point where she rarely has time for an Etsy shoot for our shop!! For example, last weekend she had 3 weddings making her travel to 3 different states. She was just hired for a destination wedding in Costa Rica! At age 21, she has traveled a lot for her business including Texas, California, Colorado, New York, Washington, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana and her home state of Illinois. Canada and Costa Rica are in the future as well as a wedding in a California vineyard that she is super excited about. Her work can be found in many publications as listed here: www.danaannphotography.com/wedding-portfolio/

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

I see BglorifiedBoutique continuing to focus on women’s clothing and accessories but developing into elements for the bride and for the home. This year we are focusing on more patterns for sale and Better Homes and Gardens will be featuring one of our items in their Fall Make It Yourself Issue.

 

 

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

 

Etsy sometimes takes over my life (especially at Christmas) but the joy is working with my daughter and friend each and every day. We balance it by scheduling missions trips together and daily coffee breaks.

 

 

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

 

This is a full time job for me and possibly soon for Deb as well.

Dana’s full time business is Dana Ann Photography located in Chicago, IL.

 

 

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

 

Our demographic is the young, hip high school, college through 30’s. Therefore, we make what my daughter suggests more than anything because history has proven that her style is right on target! My daughter will not suggest something she would not wear herself. Fortunately, I have always loved her style!!

 

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

bglorifiedboutique.com/

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

As a newly married, I had a couple other businesses having to do with kids toys and marketing. My daughter re-ignited the idea back in 2011. I give God the ultimate credit for where BglorifiedBoutique is today. He created each of us so very differently in skills and gifts and inspired us to become BglorifiedBoutique for our blessing and His glory.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

As Christ followers, we first and foremost want to glorify Christ in all we do. We strive to make each and every customer happy with their purchases and have a heart to let them know they are truly beautiful as God created them. We donate at least 10% to mission trips around the world. We have recently returned from a construction missions trip to Puerto Rico where I got to put my sewing skills to use sewing bed sheets for the bunk beds we were building for the Teen Challenge drug rehab facility there. What a joy to share the love of God around the world in this way!! We have been to El Salvador, Belgium, Philippines, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Scotland, Ireland and places in the USA serving in missions. Our next trip will be in November to Cambodia to assist in construction of a Teen Challenge there. 

 

 

Didn't I tell you, you would love this shop!!! Not only did I fall in love with the shop, but also with the ladies of the shop! They have huge hearts and love to spare!

 

Here are a few other beautiful creations

 

 

 

 

 

Please head over to this Etsy Shop! Beautiful items handcrafted with tons of  LOVE!

(Click on each photo and it will take you right to this Outstanding Shop!)

 

 

 



 

 

 

 



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

 

 

 

 

 

featured artist Barbra Alan

 

 

Happy Hello All!

 

Today's Featured Shop is:

 

bjswearableart    

www.etsy.com/shop/bjswearableart?

 

This outstanding shop is owned by:

 

 Barbra Alan

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/123974009/bead-embroidered-collar-peace?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

I asked Barbra to be a featured shop. I just knew her talent needed to be seen by everyone! Her wearable art just took my breath away! Her designs are stunning!

 

If you are planning a Wedding or having a big Event... you NEED one of her pieces! Her statement pieces will make you the Bell of the Ball!

 

Get ready and here we go!

 

What do you sell?

 

Hand embroidered bead necklaces, collars or bibs, bracelets

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/125978880/bead-embroidered-pendant-necklace?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

 

 How did you get started with Etsy?

 

When I started making my jewelry, my son was so excited with what I was doing, he set me up on Etsy. He had heard about it through friends. I didn’t know what to do with it, so of course no sales. In January of this year, I decided to get serious about it and joined some teams and began picking brains. My exposure is growing day by day.

 

When did you get interested in making your Art?

 

About 5 years ago I was in a bead store and the lady said “you have got to take a look at this book.” out of the blue. It was Sherry Serafini’s and Heidi Kumli’s book on the "Art of Bead Embroidery” I was still working then so I didn't have time to pursue it but I did buy the book “for my retirement”. I just continued collecting beads and brought them all with me. When I moved to St. Louis to retire, I pulled the book out, took a deep breath, and started making my pieces. It amazed me and my family what came out of me. I do believe the universe directs us if we only listen.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120477207/bead-embroidered-wedding-collar-opalite?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?


 

I pick out a cabochon that speaks to me, then invade my stash to find beads to go with it. Or I may be in the mood for a certain color and go from there. I guess it’s mostly intuition. I don’t know if I can do custom orders unless the customer is present to pick out what they want.

 

 

 How did you learn your art form?


 

I am self taught from Sherry and Heidi’s book. Also from Jaimie Cloud Eakin's book. I belong to the Etsy Bead Embroiders Guild and I have learned a lot from them. I plan to take classes to learn more Bead weaving at our local bead store and I have ordered a book to learn Soutache.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120120364/bead-embroidered-cuff-botswana-agate?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

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

 

I hope successful of course. I plan on having a wide diversity of styles because I get bored easily. I hope to do some competitions and I would like to be a mentor for new people to Etsy.

 

 

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


 

Well-l-l-l! Right now I am on the computer all day to bring my numbers up. I do keep my house clean, feed myself and walk the dog. I have a friend that comes over to bead with me every Wednesday so I take off then. I am trying to work out a schedule that allows me to fulfill my commitments to my teams and do my beading. And Spring is coming which means the Battle of the Weeds.

 

 

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


 

A full time job

 

 

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


 

Definitely what I love. I figure if I love it, someone else will.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120301054/fabulous-bead-embroidered-wedding?ref=shop_home_active

 

 

 

Where else can we find you online?


 

I have a Facebook page – Artistic Beads and Baubles
I am going to plunge into a Blog Page soon.

 

 

Did you always want to have your own business?


 

Yes, but I didn't know what it looked like. Now I am retired and can experiment. Right now, Etsy feels very good. It's exciting to see it growing daily in my views, favorites and followers My first sale was so exciting, I didn’t come off the ceiling for a week. I feel the next customer out there is close, circling like an angel.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

I am so grateful for all the help I have received from the people I have met on Etsy. Everyone has made me feel an instant member of the family and are eager to do whatever they can to help a newbie, sometimes spending a lot of their time to make sure I understand what I want to know because I can be dense sometimes. If I get nothing else, I will value the friendships I am developing.

 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/105480862/mother-of-the-bride-hand-beaded-clutch?ref=shop_home_active

 

I told you that her Wearable Art would take your breath away! 

 

A huge thank you to Barbra Alan for sharing!!!