I would like to introduce to you, Jennie. Her shop on Etsy is called Sosorosey. I purchased this from her, and I'm still in awe with the workmanship on this piece: I have it in my family room and it's holding my pastel Easter eggs!
I asked Jennie some questions about her experience at Etsy.
How did you get started with your art or craft?I have been crocheting since I was 10, but began crocheting fabric within the last couple of years out of a realization that I had the ability to repurpose some of the vintage linens that I am in love with!
What do you find the most satisfying about your creations?Each one is different, and I never really know what it will look like when I begin.
What do you find the most difficult about selling your items? Parting with them :)
How about sharing one time-saving or eco-friendly tip with the readers?Would love to hear a time-saving tip!
Tell us a little about your personal life - married, children, pets, hobbies other than your art, favorite food, place, activities - whatever you want to share.Married for 6 years in June, turning the big 40 in June, one 2 yr old daughter Sophia, one cat Sinatra, love to travel, go thrifting, and read, favorite food- anything Italian, favorite place- the high red desert/Moab, Utah (travel there at least once a year)
Share a favorite quote or thought with us.Don't know who said it, but it got me through 15 years of teaching special ed. and works for my current job too "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always gotten"
Do you have a "day" job? Something other than your etsy store to pay the bills?Stay at home mom for the last 2 years
Show us your two favorite pieces, and tell us why they are your favorite (don't forget a link).Gosh, this is hard! My two favorites right now:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10108158This lone pillowcase had lived its original life to the fullest, but the colors remained vibrant even though the fabric was translucent in spots! I love this piece because it represents metamorphosis and memory.
http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=7657019This represents what can happen when you get a convo out of the blue from a total stranger!
What inspires you?All things vintage, my family, and all of the super supportive and amazingly talented people I have met through Etsy
How did you become involved with Etsy?Quite by accident- read an article about cool holiday gifts, went online to check out the items, and realized it wasn't just one seller's world. I was in love from day 1!!!
What is unique or special about your work?I think it is so special to be able to take items that have been loved - sometimes for decades -and transform them into fun, functional, and memory-laden objects of art.
What do you like most about your work? What is most challenging?I like that each and every item is unique- I love to watch my bowls grow and develop! Most challenging right now is finding the time to crochet as much as I would like. Also, I'm old school with cutting my fabric strips- I don't use tricky cutting techniques or tools that could speed it up, so my scissors and I have a very intimate relationship! I have the calluses on my knuckles to prove it :)
Jennie, thank you so much for sharing your Etsy experience with us!
