We'll be back at the San Francisco Civic Commons' Center this Sunday! Shop Local and meet the makers and the SF Etsy team at the Civic Center Block Party! September features Etsy sellers showcasing jewelry, art, skin care and gifts for all ages. Our Etsy sponsored DIY station will let you become the maker when you learn the art of paper crafting. The Weekend Store will be on hand to teach you how to design and build your own paper beads for a truly personalized necklace. Find out more information on our Facebook event page See our participating vendors below: Free Artist Workshop Create a one of a kind locket, ring, or pair of earrings using paper ephemera, epoxy resin cabochons, scissors and a bit of elbow grease. Adjowah Keilman of The Weekend Store will teach you how to make something cool in no time at all - easy peasy! Join us on the 1st Sunday of every month July through November, from 11am to 3pm, for a block party on Fulton Street at Larkin. This FREE family-friendly event features recreational activities for all ages, a selection of bar drinks and street food curated by Off the Grid, music and promotional appearances by Bonneville San Francisco KMVQ 99.7 FM, an open-air bazaar with one-of-a-kind goods created by local artisans from SF Etsy: San Francisco Bay Area Etsy Team, and DIY arts and crafts activities. The September 2nd event highlights include street soccer, where everyone can play and compete for prizes; a book sale by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library; an opportunity to move with Alonzo King LINES Dance Center at 2pm; a LEGO build center with San Francisco Department of Children, Youth & Their Families and a chance to play your friends in family in a game of giant scrabble from 826 Valencia! We hope you’ll join us and spend your Sunday enjoying the event and other attractions in the Commons: grab fresh produce at the nearby Heart of the City Farmers' Market, play on the new Helen Diller Civic Center playgrounds, or check out the Asian Art Museum's FREE 1st Sundays. And don't forget to see the Common's newest attraction: a major public art installation in Civic Center Plaza by Zak Ové Artist brought to you by the San Francisco Arts Commission.
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Celebrate Pride Month and Wave your Rainbow Flag. The Pride Celebration in San Francisco helps to educate the world, celebrate freedom, commemorate LGBT heritage and gay culture. The San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest gathering of the LGBT community in the nation, bringing out hundreds of thousands of attendees. So get inspired and shop for Pride designs and products all year round from the SFetsy team! Show your Support for the LGBTQ+ Community! See You at the 46th Annual San Francisco Pride Celebration on June 23/24th!
SF Etsy Team Member , Brandi Chalker from Sunshine and Succulents, is a presenter this year at Craftcation 2017 and we couldn’t wait till Craftcation to hear more. Brandi is a busy maker! She creates succulent terrariums and teaches plant design. She recently launched an exciting new venture, TeamCraft, which offers team-building workshops for corporate clients, which include Facebook, Google, Instagram, and others. Before we head south to Craftcation this April, we caught up with this talented, creative mentor, and asked her some questions. - Tell us about yourself, Sunshine and Succulents, and your work. I founded Sunshine & Succulents in 2013 after leaving my partnership in Urban Bazaar, a gift shop that I co-owned for 2 1/2 years. While I was an owner at the shop, I started working more and more with succulents, and discovered that I had a passion for plant design and for teaching other people about succulents. It felt like a good time to transition away from retail and into the plant world, and I've been running the business ever since! The majority of my business is workshops: I teach public, private, and corporate plant design workshops, and really love getting other people excited about plants. It's so satisfying to run into a student months or years after they take my workshop, and to have them tell me that their plants are (much to their surprise) still thriving! - We are excited about Craftcation and planning to attend your workshop.. Can you tell us more about what you will be presenting? I'll be teaching two sessions of my popular Succulent Terrarium Workshop, and one session of a new Macrame Plant Hanger Workshop. - What was your favorite experience from a previous Craftcation Conference? I attended the first ever Craftcation, and still use some of the things I learned at that conference today in my business. My favorite part was the insane amount of inspiration I got from the conference as a whole. Being surrounded by other makers, hearing about other people's business struggles, learning fun new craft skills, and learning new strategies to implement in my business was so incredibly inspiring! I had been feeling overwhelmed and burnt out prior to the conference, but afterward I had a whole new level of excitement for my work. - What is your favorite thing about teaching and other speaking engagements? Seeing other people get excited about succulents is the most rewarding part of my work. Many of my students come into my class convinced they're going to kill their new succulents. Letting them know that I used to have a "black thumb" - and now I'm a crazy plant lady with a plant design business - combined with all of the plant care education in my workshops, is really fun. They go from being terrified of plants to being excited about taking plants home with them. I think everyone should fill their homes with plants, so feeling like I'm contributing to that in a small way is really satisfying. - What does Craftcation mean to you and why is it worth going to? It's a big investment for a lot of people, but if you're looking to grow your business, you have to invest in it. Why not invest in your business by having an absolute blast with other creatives for a weekend, picking up some new craft skills, and learning important business skills as well? The combination of knowledge and inspiration you'll come away with is worth every penny. - What's new at Sunshine and Succulents and TeamCraft? Are you working on any projects right now that you are really excited about? 2017 is going to be a big growth year for my businesses. I moved to Sonoma County just over a year ago, so I'm transitioning away from working mainly in San Francisco. I've started offering my workshops at a florist shop in Petaluma and at Cornerstone in Sonoma, where I'm partnering with Meadowcroft Wines to do Tasting & Terrarium events. I'm going to start selling succulents and related gift items at local farmers markets in the Spring. I'm also expanding my wedding services through Sunshine & Succulents. TeamCraft is still in its infancy, but I'm starting to market the business more to my corporate clients, and am looking for a few experienced instructors to offer unique DIY-focused workshops through TeamCraft. I'm also expanding my own workshop offerings, starting with a Sugar Scrub Workshop for the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. I fluctuate between being so excited I can hardly sleep and completely overwhelmed! It's a fun time in my business growth, and it feels like every day there's a new opportunity. - What ideas, goals or message do you convey through your work ? Most of my work is focused on getting people to find their inner creativity. I hear all the time from my students, "I'm just not creative." It's such a shame that people feel this way, because it's so very untrue! Everyone has an innately creative side. Maybe you can't paint or draw, or you have no desire to make your own clothing or to learn how to sculpt. But I guarantee there's a creative hobby that you'll be good at! In my terrarium workshops I discuss design, and I get people thinking about color, texture, and form. It's fun to see the "I'm not creative" people really listen and then create something beautiful! My message is that you just need to give yourself a chance to express your creative side. - What does being a maker mean to you? Being a maker means you are constantly curious. You see something in the world, and rather than wondering, "where can I buy that?", your first question is, "how can I make that?". And then you figure it out! - How has personal experience influenced your creativity? I grew up with a dad who was a talented doodler and a mom who always had a closet full of craft projects for me to work on. I was always pushed to be very focused on academics, but also to spend time on creative pursuits. So I've ended up with a good balance of the two, which I think has played a huge role in my ability to manage successful businesses based around my own handmade products - I love spreadsheets almost as much as I love making terrariums! I was also very poor growing up, so I think part of my entrepreneurial drive (I started my first business making jewelry when I was 16) stemmed from a desire to be financially independent. I've always loved working hard! - If you could choose a theme song for the rest of your life, what would it be? "I Feel Like Funkin' It Up" by Rebirth Brass Band. It gets me dancing every time I hear it, and is pretty much already my theme song. Plus, they're from New Orleans, which is my favorite place. - What tech tools do you use on a daily basis that you could not live without? I'm not tech-savvy at all. One of the reasons I am so excited for Craftcation this year is so that I can attend social media workshops, and try to get caught up with the rest of the modern world Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations? Website: http://www.sunshineandsucculents.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sunshineandsucculents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunshineandsucculents/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/terrariumbar/ Craftcation is a four-day business and makers conference featuring a plethora of workshops, lectures and panels on creative business by leading mentors and makers in the creative industry. Craftcation "ignites the entrepreneurial spirit, strengthens craft and business skills and builds relationships in the creative community." This year, Craftcation will be held April 27-30, 2017 in Ventura, California and for the first time SF Etsy will not only be there - we will be hosting an Etsy Meet Up. Join Us at Craftcation: Business + Makers Conference 2017 - Discounted tickets for #Craftcation2017 are still available. Exclusive team discount code is: etsycc17 use that code at checkout ---> http://dearhandmadelife.com/craftcation-conference/
Hope everyone has had a great summer so far. After a short break we are back with another Friday Feature. This week we are featuring the Etsy Shop Adorn By Anita. Owner, Anita Bora makes jewelry and ceramics. She started crafting a couple of years ago and is extremely drawn towards the whole handmade journey. When friends started to ask for some of her work, it was really encouraging and that's how the passion grew. It gives her immense satisfaction to see something she has made being used or worn by someone. . She has a part-time job and persues this on the side.
SFEtsy: How did you learn your craft?
Anita: I chanced upon a jewelry store around 3 years ago when traveling in New Jersey and I found the whole process of putting beads and findings together really interesting. I didn't take any formal classes, but I started learning via videos on YouTube - there are so many wonderful people who share their ideas and techniques. I also learn a lot about polymer clay and began playing around with this medium too. Around the same time, I did a beginners ceramics class in India. When I moved to the US in 2015, I had some time on my hands and decided to renew ceramics journey and I was able to learn a lot more since I was able to focus on fine-tuning and practicing various skills and techniques. I also enjoy making ceramic jewelry - seeing clay transform into a piece of wearable art by shaping and glazing/painting it just fascinating and extremely fulfilling. I continue to learn everyday and right now I try and find as many opportunities to continue this journey! SFEtsy: Tell us about your creative process, where do you begin and how does it evolve?: Anita: I have various sources of inspiration. One is just things I see around me. For example, I was sitting at the airport and suddenly noticed a very interesting pattern. I sketched it. Or sometimes, I'll see something on the wall, art on the street etc. and I keep documenting them, taking pictures. I later try and see how I can incorporate them either into my jewelry or clay in terms of patterns, shapes and textures. Secondly, I also use ideas I see online as an inspiration, but then I try and put my own touch or twist to it. So, it's more of creative inspiration and evolution! SFEtsy: What inspires your creations?: Anita: Nature, people, places, things and just random thoughts and ideas I have - like images in my head in the night before I go to sleep! SFEtsy: What's your work schedule / routine like? Anita: During the week, I usually spend around 2 days at least working on various aspect of my creative process - whether it's actually making things, doing photography, updating Facebook and the Etsy page. I also work on weekends when I have special orders or a project I'm working on. Tell us about your work space - where do you create? I have a small working area at home and I try and manage in that space. So I work on my jewelry pieces there. With clay, it's more challenging so I go to a studio where I can practice anytime I want to. I do all my bisque, glazing and final firing there. SFEtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and makes a huge difference in your day to day process?: Anita: Every tool plays a part and there are so many that are invaluable. I think for jewelry, it's almost impossible to do anything without the pliers and in clay, it's the needle tool! But I think the greatest tool is one's hand! SFEtsy: How did you get involved with Etsy? Anita: Etsy has been a kind of aspirational marketplace for me and I always thought I should perfect my art before starting a store. But then I realized, that the craft journey itself is unending and a process of constant evolving and learning. One never really gets to a stage where they can say, "this is it, I don't have anything else to learn". So I just decided to jump in and kickstart the journey! SFEtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? Anita: As a beginner, and a newly launched shop, the challenge is obviously to get people to visit the shop. And buy! It's like being a small fish in a very big ocean, trying to get noticed. It's a bit daunting and challenging and sometimes I wonder what I should do next, but I'm trying to read, learn and absorb as much as possible from other sellers via the groups and forums. SFEtsy: What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite? Anita: I did a whole series of mugs around dogs and cats, and I really enjoyed making them. They are all hand-painted and took me a lot of time, but creatively I really enjoyed the whole process. I sold quite a few of them offline, but I'm hoping it catches the interest of more animal lovers online. SFEtsy: What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business?: Anita: I've been trying to make sure I participate in the forums and groups. I've joined quite a few teams and I'm hoping that will help grow the business as I go along. I definitely would like to do a physical event with the SF Etsy team soon. SFEtsy: Share with us one lesson you have learned as an online seller. Anita: Be patient, learn, ask questions and don't give up hope! SFEtsy: What does buying and selling local handmade mean to you? Or Why should people support small business and handmade? Anita: I'm passionate about handmade because I feel that you're encouraging creativity, passion and talent. I had a conversation with a buyer recently, who asked why a mug was priced as it was. I explained the whole process to her - and how much a handmade artist makes and she immediately bought the mug! I read this sign (and I don't remember it verbatim) but it said how you buying handmade helps put food on an artist's table, support their kids and encourage an art form. Personally, I would rather buy one $40 mug from an artist and have the money go directly to him/her than four $10 mugs out of a machine made mold, with no character (and in which case I have no idea who my money's going to). I'm not proposing that we fill our homes with handmade (which is also not a bad option!), but I think that we can definitely do our bit by supporting handmade artists. SFEtsy: What skill or craft would you also like to become more proficient at and why? Anita: As makers we all suffer from creative blocks - what do you do to unblock to let your creativity flow?: One thing I've learnt is to walk away from something and come back to it later, when you have a creative block. And most of the time, it works. Do something else, tackle a different project. You'll find the diversion helps! SFEtsy: What are you working on right now? (optional): Anita: I'm working on a new batch of ceramic jewelry in May/June and I have some fresh ideas for it. Hopefully, I should be able to get some of them online on the Etsy store. SFEtsy: What does the future hold for your Etsy Shop and you personally as a maker or small business?: Anita: I wish I was a star gazer or a fortune teller! I would have loved to know where this journey will lead. Right now, my aim is just to keep making work that will appeal to people. I want buyers to start recognizing and wanting to possess my creations. I know that this will take time, but that's a place I would love to be. Even if it takes a few years, I'll keep working towards that goal.
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please fill out the form here.
Crafturday was started by Vanessa Aristide during her college days. Her favorite days were ones spent outside, on the lawn at UCSB, creating in the sun. Hours of endless creativity, which usually fell on Saturdays, were affectionately dubbed “Crafturdays” by her boyfriend. She was born in New York, grew up in Idaho, lived in a couple cities in Northern California (including San Francisco and currently Los Gatos), and studied abroad in Paris!
Years later, fringe, dyes and crystals have become her expressions and obsessions. Her hope is to bring beauty into your life, starting with your home.
SFEtsy: Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?
Vanessa: I started making fringe jewelry about 2 years ago. Besides being a classic bohemian staple, I love the way fringe swings back and forth while dancing. I started with armlets (dubbed "fringlets") after becoming obsessed with my mom's metal armlets from the 70s. I wanted to bring them back in a major way, this time with a brand new medium! There was a lot of interest (especially around festival season) and from there I transitioned into chokers, headpieces and anklets. From there fringe wall hangings and the list goes on...I guess you can say I'm fringe obsessed! My most recent collection involves quartz crystal as this stone has always been very meaningful (and beautiful) to me. I'm so excited to be branching into this new realm. SFEtsy: What inspires your creations? Vanessa: - bohemian culture - natural elements - the ocean
SFEtsy: What’s your work schedule/routine like?
Vanessa: Each day varies a bit for me. I’m trying my best to leave more space open to meet with other creatives and do collaborations (whether it be in design or photography). I’ve learned that a lot about selling your wares has to do with networking and referrals. That being said, I usually check emails briefly (I’ve found it’s detrimental to go down the rabbit hole of online), and either get to creating a new design, shipping out orders, or photographing. It’s usually some combination of the three. There’s a lot of running around but it’s fulfilling to see my work go out into the world. I make sure to take creative/artistic type photos for social media everyday. It helps me get better at photography and staging the shoots has been rather fun! SFEtsy: Tell us about your work space— where do you create? Vanessa: I have a hot pink studio downstairs with high ceilings, a large work table, computer desk, etc. It’s very open and big. I need this space because of all my materials and product.
SFEtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and make a huge difference in your day to day process.
Vanessa: Tools for creating designs usually involve crystals, clay, fringe, dye, chain, clasps, cords etc. Digital tools that make a huge difference are social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook to market my wares. Gmail and dropbox of course, too. SFEtsy: How did you get involved with etsy? Vanessa: I got involved with Etsy when it was gaining popularity back in 2012. My shop has evolved a lot since then. It started with mostly suede earrings! Then I transitioned into fringe festival jewelry, and eventually fringe decor where I found my niche (and love) for home decorations. SFEtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your etsy shop? Vanessa: At first I wanted to say marketing, but I think it’s all about photography to be honest. What’s the point of marketing your shop if your photos aren’t creating a strong and cohesive vision? People to a large extent are buying a feeling or mood, not the product itself. I guess my biggest challenge would be believing in my own photography abilities and realizing that I am my greatest asset. Only the artist knows how they want the viewer to see their products. I’ve wasted a lot of time leaving it up to someone else (i.e. a photographer) to present my work.
SFEtsy: What are your favorite tools or apps that help you with your business
Vanessa: App-wise I use my Etsy Seller App to keep track of orders on-the-go. I use Instagram and Facebook to market. I use my website (includes a Shopify ecommerce section and a Wordpress blog) to communicate directly with the customer. I also use Mextures and DeluxeFX— they’re photo editing apps that have allowed me to get creative with photography. It’s been really fun! SFEtsy: Share with us one lesson you have learned as an online seller. Vanessa: To take your own photos. Develop your own style. You have to start somewhere, and once you get a style (through much trial and error) your shop will start to look cohesive because only you can replicate that style and see it through your lens. You really have to be the full creative force behind your brand (in my experience). SFEtsy: What's next for you? Vanessa: I’m rolling out a couple new quartz designs (including jewelry and hair accessories) that I’m very excited about. Then I need to market my new collection, starting with a look book. This part is extremely fun for me though, as I’ve started experimenting with photography. I don't have any shows on my radar, but have been stopping by a lot of SF shows lately to meet local artisans. I guess a big next step for me is meeting Etsy sellers offline! There's nothing like connecting with sellers in person. It is magical.
You can we find out more about Crafturday at the following sites:
Blog: http://crafturday.com/blog <----- For bohemian fashion and outfit posts! Website: http://crafturday.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/crafturday Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/crafturday Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/crafturday
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please fill out the form here.
Spring into Summer as Etsy comes to life in this very special shopping experience. SF Etsy is the local, Bay Area, Etsy Street Team and we carefully curated and juried this summer's Indie Emporium to ensure the best mix of local makers and designers whose works are amazingly creative with craftsmanship and originality. Today's blog features the Home & Living vendors participating in this popup. To see a full list of all the home & living vendors, check out our Indie Emporium's Pinterest Board Come out and shop and support over 70 local artisans as the local San Francisco Etsy team showcases their work at All Good Pizza in the Bay View in San Francisco! 70+ Makers and Designers! MUSIC! PIZZA FREE ENTRY May 22, 2016 - 11-5PM - RSVP on our Facebook Event page here! o
Featured on Blog SF Etsy Makers: The Heated Tina Fossella Pottery SeaPony Couture For more information or to join the SFEtsy team check out our Etsy Page
Welcome to the very first issue of the Friday Feature in 2016. I hope everyone had a great Holiday Season. We are kicking off this years Friday Feature series with Retro Roadside Photography. Owner Stefanie Poteet is a self taught photographer who discovered her love for vintage neon signs on a cross country trip about 6 years ago. Stefanie researches and maps signs she would like to photograph, then travels to signs on location to take her own photographs. She has traveled more than 100,000 miles chasing neon to document these pieces of historic Americana. Keep reading to learn more about her and to get the special discount she has offered for the SFEtsy blog followers.
SFEtsy: What inspires your creations?
Stefanie Poteet: Vintage neon, mid century modern design, kitschy roadside attractions, and iconic Americana. If you've heard of Charles Phoenix, or Mod Betty's Retro Roadmap, you know exactly what I'm talking about. SFEtsy: What's your work schedule / routine like? Stefanie Poteet: My Etsy shop is just one part of how I support myself, so each day is more of a balancing act between priorities. One day it's shipping orders and responding to customer inquiries, the next is photo editing for my wedding photography business. Somewhere in there I fit in another part time job, and all the other work running your own businesses require. I encourage myself to be disciplined and productive each day, but don't stick to any sort of schedule. That being said, I know I spend more hours working for myself than I would if I had a full time job working for someone else. SFEtsy: Tell us about your work space - where do you create? Stefanie Poteet: Everywhere! My photographs have been captured all over the United States, and my editing workspace is wherever I can fit my computer. My future office is "under construction", but one day it will be a spot with awesome art on the walls where I can edit my photographs and package orders in an at least semi-efficient fashion. Until then I make use of the kitchen table, the coffee table, the pool table, or any large flat surface in the house.
SFEtsy: What tools do you use that are absolutely essential and makes a huge difference in your day to day process?
Stefanie Poteet: I recently upgraded my computer which has improved my editing process tremendously. It's rather difficult to stay focused when you spend large amounts of time staring at an hour glass on your computer screen. My new machine processes much quicker, meaning I can get more done in less time. It is also an essential part of running an online business. SFEtsy: How did you get involved with Etsy? Stefanie Poteet: Try as I might, I still don't remember how I discovered Etsy, but I know I debated for some time about opening a shop. SFEtsy: What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? Stefanie Poteet: My biggest challenge is keeping up with Etsy's changes to their SEO algorithm. Product creation and branding is fun, SEO, not so much.
SFEtsy: What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?
Stefanie Poteet: The photograph of the Supai Motel holds a special place because it's the neon sign that started it all. I took this photograph and fell in love. SFEtsy: What has been your biggest success and/or proudest moment since opening your Etsy shop? Stefanie Poteet: After having my shop open for a few years I was selling at an in person event when I was recognized by another photographer whose work inspires me. I couldn't believe she recognized me from my work. It was a great feeling. SFEtsy: What are your favorite tools that help you with your business? My camera, by far. Life is always good when I have my camera in hand and am out creating new images to be used on products for my business.
SFEtsy: Share with us one lesson you have learned as an online seller.
Stefanie Poteet: Etsy isn't a platform that everyone understands, so no matter how wacky or frustrating potential customer questions may be, kindness is always the best route to take. SFEtsy: What skill or craft would you also like to become more proficient at and why? Stefanie Poteet: Knitting, screen printing and letter press. Totally unrelated to my photography or to each other, but they each seem so cool. I would love to knit my own scarf, print whatever wacky shirt I have in mind, and make my own cards to gift to friends. SFEtsy: What's next for you? Stefanie Poteet: With the start of 2016 my goal is to capture the remaining signs in California I've not yet photographed before moving on to Nevada and Oregon. It's ambitious, but that's just the way I like it
Stefanie has offered a 10% discount to all the blog followers with code SFETSY. Thank you Stefanie and we hope you have a great year chasing neon across America. We look forward to seeing more retro images from you.
You can follow Stefanie Poteet and learn more about her and her work on the site listed below: http://retroroadsidephotography.com/blog/ https://twitter.com/PoteetPhoto https://instagram.com/poteetphoto/ https://www.facebook.com/PoteetPhoto/
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please contact her.
Happy Friday Everyone!!! This week we are featuring RoseKraft. Owner Rose Schubert is a self-employed bookkeeper with many wonderful clients, but when she absolutely need a break from numbers you can always find her spending time taking care of houseplants or trying to stay on top of garden chores.
Most of the items she creates are inspired in some way by her time in the garden or the lovely seasonal changes in Northern California.
1. What is your Shop Name and URL ?
www.rosekraft.etsy.com 2. To which Etsy Teams do you belong? Gardens of Etsy Home for Displaced Victorians Pacific Postcards Team Inspired by Nature and of course, SF Etsy are just a few..... Wish I had the time to be more active in all of them.
3. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?
I have always loved to garden and arrange flowers and started collecting old seed catalogs and packets at least 20 years ago. My interest in antique paper led me to 19th century Victorian scrap - with its saturated colors and incredible lithographic detail it was a perfect medium for floral imagery. Victorian scrap was originally intended to be stored and viewed in paper scrapbooks, but I thought there might be another way to preserve and enjoy them by framing them using archival materials. So I started highlighting individual pieces and promoting them like miniature paintings. This blending of vintage with new materials is a theme running throughout my shop, like the vintage candy tin overflowing with faux succulents. 4. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you. I've lived in the same house in San Francisco for the past 40 years - it was originally a commune. We have kept backyard chickens since the late 1970's, and at one point had a beehive. My husband and I love to garden, and we literally have over 2000 plants - most of them thriving!
5. What inspires your creations?
What's happening out in the garden, What's available at the farmers' market. What the sky looks like in the early evening. 6. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop? I think home decor is a tough category to sell in, as your success depends on other people connecting to your style and wanting to have it in their homes.
7. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?
https://www.etsy.com/transaction/132820205 Sold a few years ago, and I still miss it. Perfect blending of new and vintage components..... 8. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday? I bought a floor loom years ago, off of eBay if you can believe it, and I still haven't warped it. Would love to find a patient weaving instructor to help me get started! If you had a gift certificate to Etsy for any one item you wanted, what would you buy?
9. If money were no object for just one day, what would you do?
I would give it all to Doctors Without Borders. 10. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations? Glimpses of how I live are here - http://www.rosekraft.blogspot.com/ And my personal style here - https://www.pinterest.com/rosekraft/
Friday Features are run by Raji of Red Kerria Designs. To see your own shop featured, please fill out the form here.
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