Category Archives: Business

Handmade Shop Introduction – Junie’s Trinkets by Junie Duncan

Posted on July 22, 2011 | 1 Comment

I would like you to meet Junie Duncan.  She is the owner and designer of  Junie’s Trinkets.  Today Junie is going to tell us a little about her shop, what inspires her to create, and some about her creative process.


Hi Junie, can you please tell us what you make and sell, how long have you been doing this, and what made you decide to open a shop?

I am a widowed mother of 2 boys- also disabled. In March, I decided to make jewelry to pass the time, possibly as gifts for family & friends. I shared a couple photos, & had a friend order from me! After talking to some other long time friends & shop owners I decided to try it out. Now, I do this full time. My page has grown to over 1150 fans in less than 4 months… I think of that as a sign I am doing what I SHOULD be. I keep my prices low, I know what it is like to see something I want, but it be out of my reach financially. I firmly believe EVERYONE has the right to have something special made, just for them. If I can do that for them, that makes me happy.

I am very pleased to say my work is now in 4 countries, & I also won a wire wrapping contest recently @ http://www.facebook.com/SuperiorAgates   It was my 4th wire wrapped cabochon, so I was extremely surprised & thrilled to win! :)

Tell us a little more about you.  What other interests do you have?

I love FB, lol I spend most of my time there. I also enjoy reading, movies, spending time with my kids. I also teach Sunday school.

And here is where you can find Junie:

http://juniestrinkets.weebly.com/

Please stop by and check out Junie’s shop on facebook and give her a ‘like’! Make sure that you also check out her new website!

And just a reminder:

I have added a new page called ‘Handmade Shops’ where you will be able to access this information easily. Please visit these people and their shops and show them your support for handmade!  Thank you!

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Handmade Shop Introduction – Kypress Designs by Amber Hirschfelt

Posted on July 14, 2011 | 2 Comments

I would like you to meet Amber Hirschfelt.  She is the owner/designer of the handmade shop – Kypress Designs.   Today Amber will tell us a little about her shop, what inspires her to create, and give us some  insight to her creative process.


Hi Amber, can you please tell us what you make and sell, how long have you been doing this, and what made you decide to open a shop?

I make jewelry and crochet baby items, hats, scarves, blankets, and occasionally purses.  I have been crocheting for 15 years. When I would take items with me to school, people asking me to make some for them made me decide to start selling.  I took a jewelry class in high school and have been in love with the craft ever since.  Again, people would see me making things for me or as gifts and place orders.  At the moment, business isn’t enough for me to not work, but I would like to one day be able to stay home with my daughter again and work from home full time.

Tell us a little more about you.  What other interests do you have?

I am 23, mom to a very beautiful three year old who likes to be my model, and wife to a wonderful gamer who has a book addiction as big as mine.  I also like to write fantasy novels and poetry–and I’ve been published! (However, the book was the wrong manuscript, so I wouldn’t buy that one… So many problems and a frustrating story that I’m not going to bog you down with.)  “Kypress” was a character that I rp’ed back in school; my friends and I would work out worlds and background stories.  Then to keep ourselves occupied, we’d rp them until we got bored and made a new world.  I’m actually working on writing a book about Kypress’ world right now.

And here is where you can find Amber:

My Blog: http://www.kypressdesigns.blogspot.com

My Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/kypressdesigns

My Shop:  http://www.freewebstore.org/kypressdesigns

My Twitter:  http://twitter.com/kypressdesigns

E-Mail:  kypressdesigns@gmail.com

Please stop by and check out Amber’s shop, ‘like’ her facebook page, follow her on twitter, and visit her blog! Also, contact her if you have any questions about her creations!

And just a reminder:

I have added a new page called ‘Handmade Shops’ where you will be able to access this information easily. Please visit these people and their shops and show them your support!  Thank you!

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Posted in Artfire Shop, Blogging, Business, Shop Handmade

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Handmade Shop Introduction – Patchwork Trails by Terri Wilhelm

Posted on July 7, 2011 | 1 Comment

Today I would like to introduce you to Terri Wilhelm and her Etsy shop Patchwork Trails.  I have known Terri for a few years through our blogs.  I have seen Terri grow, both in her sewing and now designing abilities.  I am so glad that she has agreed to let us know a little more about her upcoming plans and where she is taking her shop.

Hi Terri.  Please tell us a little about your shop.  What do you make and sell, how long have you been doing this, and what made you decide to open a shop?

Messenger Bag

I make what I call youthful and modern gear for every day in your life, whether you’re on a hiking trail or galavanting around the city. What that means is I make handbags, tote bags, purses, clutches, makeup bags, stuff sacks, laptop bags, and wallets. My newer products include small pouches to keep headphones so they don’t get tangled inside your larger bag, and sketchbook covers and zipper pouches to hold your drawing tools.

Sketchbook Set

I try to combine patchwork and quilting techniques into a variety of styles that are whimsical and artsy while being functional and versatile. My latest style is to make bags from suiting fabric on the outside for a professional, polished look with a bit of flair and dazzle embellishing the outside, along with a colorful or wild print for the inside.

Headphone Pouches

I opened my shop on Etsy in July 2009, and started selling handmade goods in September 2009. I love to sew and make things, and decided to share my perspective with others by opening this shop. I would really love to exhibit at a few craft fairs throughout the year and get a few of my products into a boutique too.
I know that you are doing some new things and will be putting some new items into your shop.  Do you want to tell us a little about that?
My new endeavor is to sell PDF-to-print patterns of my bags and gear. I have three written so far, so stay tuned for news on the release of Patchwork Trails patterns. (will be announced on my blog).

Navy Handbag

Tell me a little about your background.

I spent the past 18 years working as a paralegal in the insurance and financial services industries. I decided to make a career change last summer and now I’m a design and illustration student. It’s been a lot of fun learning how to draw and illustrate, and how to apply those techniques into designing new products for my shop. My dreams are to design my own fabrics (which I’m working on right now) and to offer some of my illustrations for sale.

What other interests do you have?

I love to spend time in my garden, hike bike and ski, listen to music, cook and bake, go to farmers markets, watch movies, get lost in a good book, and make art.
I love to spend Saturday nights making art cards, which are a fun way to illustrate what took place over the past week.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/terriaw/sets/72157625711362353/
I’m also enjoying a summer of creative challenges to keep my skills fresh until design school starts again in fall.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/terriaw/sets/72157626754096300/
If you would like to learn more about Terri and Patchwork Trails you can find her here as well:

Blog:  Terri’s Notebook at http://terrisnotebook.wordpress.com

Shop:  Patchwork Trails at http://www.etsy.com/shop/PatchworkTrails

Twitter:  Terriaw at http://twitter.com/#!/Terriaw

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1005246351

Flickr:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/terriaw/sets

Thanks for sharing your shop and your future plans Terri.  I wish you all the best, and I can’t wait to see your new patterns!

Please remember you can also access Terri’s information and a link to this interview on my Handmade Shops page as well as other shops that have shared their information with us.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheryl

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