It's a Small World

It really is amazing how blogging brings together people from all over the world.  I have met some amazing people thanks to my blog and the kindness of strangers continues to surprise me. 

I think almost everyone in our blogging community knows about the artist Anne Harwell.  She is one kind lady.  A long time ago she painted my gilt chair in my lounge room which she calls Anna Spiro's Chair. She sells prints of it in her etsy store.  Last year I received a package in the mail from Anne and inside was the original painting of my chair which she sent to me as a gift.  That little painting now hangs on my cluster wall in our sitting room at home {as above} and I look at it all the time and remember her kindness. 

Another artist we all know and love is Patricia van Essche who I had the pleasure of meeting in person in New York earlier this year.  She too has painted a few of my vignettes in the past.  I am yet to frame the original of the Staffordshire dogs she painted of mine which she sent me a while ago.  I am planning on framing it soon and hanging it in my office at work.  I will post pictures once I have hung it as it is beautiful.

I really think these ladies are so kind and so generous and I would like to thank them for their paintings which I love so much.  You must check out their etsy stores here and here if you haven't already done so.  I'm sure you won't leave empty handed!

Etsy Love: Fashionably Vintage

Hello.  I curated a new list of vintage at Etsy today.  If you like vintage style clothing and if you have time, check out these sellers.  And don't forget to join the Shabby Apple giveaway (click here) and this surprise giveaway (click here) from out Shop of the Week, Kachina.

via: Etsy

Shop of the Week: Kachina and a Giveaway

Our Shop of the Week interview features s new Etsy seller. She will soon fill her shop with more of  her creations but she has finished some goodies like the ones you see in this post.  I love interviewing new entrepreneurs because their stories and courage can be very inspiring for others who want to start a home business.

Kachina is also offering a gift to one of our readers. It will be a surprise!  All you have to do is  check out Kachina leave a comment on this post, telling us what you like from her shop.  The winner will be picked via random on March 14th.  Please check back by that date to see if you won or leave your email address so I can contact you. 

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?

Well it is self titled only because I have played around with so many names and nothing really suited me, except for my name! And since I have such a wild girl name any way, why not! haha

How old is your shop?

Well you should never ask a women her age! hahah well actually I have had the shop for a few years now, but really never put a whole lot of effort into it, but I did a lot with craft shows and trying to get noticed a little! So recently I started to actually post new things I have been trying and different things other than just jewelry which is what I started out with. I feel now days there is just so much talent I find myself looking at other peoples things and saying "oh why didn't I come up with that". But it really is amazing the things that people come up with!

What inspired you to start your own home business?

Well actually there is a few different things that goes into what I do only because I do so many different things! My new favorite thing is sewing! Ahhhh I love it, love it, love it!!! But I am very lucky to have a spare bed room which is, of course, my craft room.

I have so many things going on from paper crafting, jewelry, sewing, clay, screen printing, cake decorating, I just really love EVERYTHING!!! except knitting and crocheting! I teach a crochet class at my job (and I work at a craft store), but just don't really like to do it as a project of my own!

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

Hmmm...well I would have to say making a sale online. It is actually a very difficult process to do, which I have found to be very similar to the craft show world! It actually took me a few years to actually have a great table and be really proud of the display.

My ideal goal was to have people (even if they didn't buy anything) at least stop by and either just look (more than before) or have some sort of a compliment! And I spent a lot of time researching what it is that attracts people and just the concept and taking the time to do that really helped I think, but the biggest challenge I am faced with so far is applying all of what I know in the real world and applying that to my page in the cyber world!

How did you get over it?

Well, I am still trying to work on that, although I am getting into the grove of things a lot more and really trying to make my site something people want to see! And I love feedback, even if it is critical! But I feel like things are looking positive and I am getting a little better of a feel for things!

Please Name:

the things you do when you're not busy in your shop:

Well anything I can do to craft! I love it! I spend hours reading blogs and looking at new craft ideas coming up with ways to make it my own! My head is bursting at the seams with all the ideas that I have and I love to create anything!

My new favorite day is Thursday, I actually go to my coworker Susan's house and we spend all day sewing! And I love it! She is a seasoned sewer, and amazing at everything, but I'm hoping with a little more practice I will get there! And then besides working I spend my time with my beautiful mom, or my awesome boyfriend! They are both a really great inspiration, and I really appreciate everything they do, and how much they support me!

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without:

Camera! Phone? (I really could live with out it) Wallet! And a note book that I right things down all day so I don't forget any little handy ideas I may have!!

your top 3 favorite picks from your shop:

Well I would have to say the first one is the high waist skirt! Although it is a small and wont fit me, I lovvve it! The print that is on it is from one of my favorite designers, Heidi Grace! She makes the cutest anything!

The second would be my 'Andrea' necklace from my by the sea  collection, which is inspired by one of my old best friends, its kinda wild but really pretty! The necklace really is sooo beautiful and I want to keep it so bad but would love to see someone else in it!

The last thing that I love is probably my giraffe clutch! It is such a cool bag, and it is on a khaki corduroy, and just poppin with the little hot pink giraffe! And I love this screen so much because I drew it and it took me forever! And when I finally printed with it, it looked SWEET!!!

  

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

Jumping into the craft world can deffinatly be scary but soooo worth it! The things people come up with and what different ideas that one person may have and another person may perceive really is how it all works! So don't be afraid!

And like they say "Don't be afraid to reach for the moon, and if you fall you will catch a star!" I mean if you follow that motto there should be no room for disscouragement! And always ALWAYS be POSITIVE! Been a bad day? Just really remember, and try to keep it locked there in your mind, to keep a good attitude, its all about the law of attraction, you are setting yourself up for a bad day, or a bad sales if you have the attitude of being negative! So always be positive and remember it doesn't come over night so keep your head up!

~*~*~*~

Thank you so much Kachina for being part of theshopbug!

Ella's Nest Open for Business!

My mom and I have opened an Etsy shop! Our shop will be combination of vintage finds and crafts. It will be a mix, something for everyone. I've begun to stock it this weekend and instead of doing a big Grand Opening, I'm giving a discount to my lovely blog readers. Enter the code GRANDOPENING and receive 15% off your order before shipping.

I'm excited for this new venture, especially because I'll be sharing it with my mom.

Come check us out! :)

Ella's Nest

Ella's Nest Open for Business!

My mom and I have opened an Etsy shop! Our shop will be combination of vintage finds and crafts. It will be a mix, something for everyone. I've begun to stock it this weekend and instead of doing a big Grand Opening, I'm giving a discount to my lovely blog readers. Enter the code GRANDOPENING and receive 15% off your order before shipping.

I'm excited for this new venture, especially because I'll be sharing it with my mom.

Come check us out! :)

Ella's Nest

Etsy Love: Fabulous New Year Sale Finds

Here are great finds from Etsy sellers that offer discounts and/or free shipping to start the year 2011!

Please click here to see details of each item and be directed to each seller.

Vera scarves, never out of style.

Here I am standing before a large crowd, seated forming a circle. I stand up to speak, encouraged by the team leader, swearing profusely where I proclaim "I have an addiction".

My addition is my proclivity to purchase and collect vintage Vera (Neumann) scarves. Thanks to Ebay and its immediate access to auctioning I have been able to acquire quite a few. I am also feverishly known to dive into a dilapidated dusty box in a shadowy vintage store or flea market, dare I find a corner of hand-hemmed silk peeking through. No, I will not say how many I have but surely a small shop or Vera outpost is possible in the future.

I blame my mother. She collected Vera scarves as well. Oooh, If I could only get my hands on those lost or donated to the Salvation Army many years ago.

All the Hollywood starlets who were wore Veras... Grace Kelly, Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, even Jayne Mansfield (no she was not wearing a Vera at the time of her fatal accident). Quite a few starlets who almost were, wore them too. They were often worn anchored to a handbag, just as frequently as securing a finger curl at the nape of the neck. What's sexier than tying a scarf about your head before jumping into that vintage racer green Jaguar.

Many of Veras scarves can be found on Etsy. The key is like most things, to care for them and they can be handed down to the little girls in your life as well.

Thanks mom!

Corn Husk Wreaths...

I have found a new Fall interest this year.

Corn Husk Wreaths

I don't think I have ever seen these before, but while browsing Etsy I stumbled upon these from

The Keepers' House

I think they are beautiful...

She added the tassels from the stalks on this one...

So pretty!

And priced between just $15 and $25, they look well worth the money!



But...me being me, I started thinking...

Could I just make one myself?

Then good ole' Google led me to Suzanne...

A full post, complete with a How-To!

You have got to check out her tips on making your own. She gives clear step-by-step instructions and tells you exactly where to buy husks this time of year.

Thank you, Suzanne!



Martha has a tutorial for her version of a Harvest Wreath...

I like hers too!


But I gotta' say, I think I like the untamed version from The Keepers' House better...

So when it comes to seasonal wreaths, where do you stand?

Easier to buy pre-made? Or worth the effort of DIY?

Shop of the Week:Junghwa

Our shop of the week, Junghwa, is owned by Amy Stewart, who some of you may know through her blog. I happen to love the pieces of accessories in her shop- the rope bracelets, being my favorites so it is truly a great joy to have her be part of this segment. Amy and her husband, Sean are expecting their first baby, so congratulations and best wishes to them both!  

 

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name?

My middle name and my Korean name is Junghwa. For as long as I can remember I've always wanted to name my future brand Junghwa. It has a special meaning to me because my grandparents were the only ones to ever call me by that name but they passed away several years ago. I think of them when I think of the name.

How old is your shop?

I opened my shop in February of this year. So, not very old. But I've been a member of Etsy for a few years now.

What inspired you to start your own home business?

My sister definitely gave me the push to start it up. She has a successful business called Twigs & Honey and I've always thought it would be fun to have my own.

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft?

I think of things that I would like to wear or have and modify it into something I think others would enjoy. My first items sold were embellished clothing, so I've really changed the product line. But I'm sure I'll come back to that one of these days.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

I think the toughest part about having any kind of business is getting over the ups and downs. It's easy to take it personally if you're not having good sales one week. Then when you get slammed with large orders, it can be hard to not feel overwhelmed. It's been a challenge trying to find that balance, but I think I'm getting a lot better at it with time.

How did you get over it?

I just try not to let it get to me. A lot of times I'll talk to my sister about it because she gives really good business advice. But mostly I just try not to forget why I started the business in the first place.

Please Name:

the things you do when you're not busy in your shop

I love spending time with my husband. We try to be outdoors as much as possible and he keeps me balanced. I also love watching movies and shopping. Very girly but I've always been like that.

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without
My blackberry, Korres lip butter in jasmine, Clean & Clear blotting sheets, and a pen and pad.

Amy & Sean

your favorite shops

I'm all over the place when it comes to clothing stores. Depends on my mood and what I need to buy. The one store I spend the most time at is Sephora. They have the best beauty products. I love that store!

your top 3 favorite picks from your shop

I really like my custom linen drawstring pouches. People buy them for their weddings and/or shops. I also like my knotted rope bracelet with love charm and the twisted rope bracelet. Very sweet for summer.

 

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you?

Do what you enjoy. Don't make it a "job". And always remember that all shops have ups and downs. Be patient, be inspired, and be original.

Any message to your customers and the people who support you?

Thank you everyone for your continued support. I truly appreciate it. You've helped make my dreams come true.

~*~*~*~

Thank you so much Amy! 

Shop of the Week: Diffraction Fiber

Diffraction Fiber is our Shop of the Week, a shop based in Chicago which sells handmade pillows , coasters,  mousepads, hats, and fiber art. The pillows are made from eco-felt, which are made from recycled plastic bottles. Read on the interview as Beth shares her personal experiences in starting an online business.

What's the inspiration behind your shop's name? 

Well, I started with a jewelry shop named Diffraction, and I wanted something that connected the two. Ironically, after Diffraction Fiber started taking off I put the original shop on hold entirely.

How old is your shop?

A year and a half young

What inspired you to start your own home business?

I was bored to death working in a cubicle. I didn't want to spend my life working at a job I hated. I had all these things I loved to do,... create, sew, embroider. I figured I had to find a way to make a living off of love. And so I did!

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft?

Most ideas come at random moments, while taking a shower, while having an everyday conversation, something will pop in my head that I NEED to make. That's why I write it all down and keep track, or I'd forget them all. 

From there I tend to plan a lot before i jump in. Figuring out in my head the best way to construct Peanut Butter and Jelly Pillows before I actually start cutting. I can't stand wasting materials so I usually have a really solid game plan going before the first piece is cut.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far?

Self doubt, for sure. Like any retail situation there are really good months and not so good months.

How did you get over it?

It's remembering in those not so good months that its not you, that its just the natural cycle of things. It's so hard to go from the frenetic pace of the holidays to the dry months of January/February. But now I just use those months for creating new products, catching up on things, getting wholesale orders, etc.

Please Name:
the things you do when you're not busy in your shop--

playing with my puppy, cooking for friends, board games, we also see a lot of theater and improv. But really, when am I not busy in my shop? I work myself way too hard sometimes. I've always said I'm my own toughest boss.

stuff inside your bag you can't leave home without--

sketchbook and pencil!

your favorite shops--

I have so many! So I'll just tell you my last three purchases... from LittleRetreats I got a set of mustaches for an upcoming dinner party, from cartoonmonster I got an adorable hand crank boat and from KreatedbyKatrina, a glut of handmade soaps!

your top 3 favorite picks from your shop-- 

Made for Each Other Pillows, Ampersand in Blue, and the embroidered portraits.

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you? 

Make something you love and that your passionate about. People can see that in your work. The biggest mistake people make is looking at a successful shop and trying to copy their products. Be original, be yourself, with all your quirks and weirdness, because that's what's beautiful.

Any message to your customers and the people who support you?

Thank you, thank you, I kiss your feet with thank you's! You enable me to do what I love each and everyday and for that I will be forever grateful!

~*~*~*~

Thank you so much Beth for this great interview!

*if you want to be featured as Shop of the Week,
please send me an email at

theshopbug@yahoo.com 

Shop of the Week: Joom

Our Shop of the Week giveaway winner is none other than Hannah. Thank you so much Joom for the great interview and giveaway & Congratulations Hannah!