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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 



Featured Shop HeavenSpunCreations

 

Today I am featuring the shop

Heaven Spun Creations!

www.etsy.com/shop/HeavenSpunCreations

 

 

Owner of Heaven Spun Creations:

Joanne Townsend

 

 

I know you will simply enjoy learning about Joanne! Her shop and talent is amazing! Here we go! This shop has beautiful items!!! Think Christmas people!!! Can't go wrong here!

 

Click on each photo and it will take you to Joanne's Shop!!!

 

 

 

What do you sell?

 

I sell hand carved crochet hooks, handspun yarn, baby hats, and felt fibre jewelry

 

 

How did you get started with Etsy?

 

I had a lot of scarves that I had made when I started spinning. I didn't want to stop creating, so I had to think of some way to minimize my growing pile of handspun accessories.

 

 

 

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

 

I have always loves crafts and fibre art. I began spinning my own yarn a few years ago. I just couldn't seem to find the colours that were dancing around in my head on the shelves of the yarn stores. 

    I LOVE the look of nature and natural products. I feel good about using reclaimed wood for my carved hooks. I just hated burning or throwing away all those lovely prunings from the trees in our yard. I'm so glad I found such a beautiful craft to make out of all those branches. 

 

 

Where does your inspiration come from?

 

My inspiration almost always comes from nature. I love to pull out the natural beauty of the earth.

 

 

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

 

My grandmother taught me how to crochet when I was about 9 years old. However, I am a self taught carver. My first crochet hook was a big experiment, but was I ever glad that it came out so well because I have never looked back.

 

 

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

 

I plan on continuing to expand my line of handspun baby hats and crochet hooks. My felt bead necklaces have done well right from the start, so I'm sure I will find new and creative ideas for my felt jewelry. Right now I am working on some really nice rustic style wooden tree branch buttons. I expect those to be a great seller.

 

 

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

 

Well..... I just kind of let the house fall apart around me - lol. It is really hard. I could create ALL day long. However, I have a husband and 2 boys who need my attention. I also work at a primary school part time. So, I need to find balance. I really just let my creativity flow where it will. One day I work on hooks, the next it is felt jewelry....

 

 

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

 

Heaven Spun.... The name of my shop came from my handspun yarn. I really felt like the colours that came out were given to me as gifts from heaven. - corny.. but true.

 

 

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

 

I want to just stock items that I love. If it isn't fun making it, I don't see the point in putting my time into it. Life is just too short not to love what we do.

 

 

Where else can we find you online?

 

I have never been very good at blogging, but I have a facebook page were I post specials and will do a few giveaways in the new year.

www.facebook.com/pages/Heaven-Spun-Creations/443110042412063

                        www.pinterest.com/SpunCreations
                        www.heavenspun.webs.com

 

Did you always want to have your own business?

 

Yes, this is a long time dream of mine.

 

 

Any other thoughts you want to share with us?

 

I am excited an amazed at how fruitful my journey has become. I'm so glad I didn't give up in the beginning when things were painfully slow. Recently my line of hooks have been put into local yarn shops. I see a lot of grow potential in this area. Exciting things are ahead for Heaven Spun Creations.