Feature Shop: Little Owl's Nest

Happy June! You might remember Angie of Little Owl's Nest from our recent shop name contest. She shared the sweet story of how she named her shop and won! This week, meet Angie and find out more about her handmade business! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Angie

Where are you located?
Suburbs of Kansas City

Tell us a little about yourself.
Married to my husband Sean and mom to Callie (2). I have a BFA in Interior Design from KU and worked as a Corporate Interior Designer for 12 years.

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Custom crib sets and changing pad covers and nursing pillow covers in every color

Changing Pad Cover in Lemon Yellow

How/why did you get started?
I was laid off in 2009 due to economy. Architectural projects are the first thing to get canceled in a bad economy and last to come back. I knew it was going to be awhile before the jobs came back and decided to try Etsy while on unemployment.

How long have you been crafting? What got you started sewing?
My grandmother was a quilter and knitter so I guess I have the genes for it. Intro to Sewing was a required class in middle school, and I loved it. My first job was in fabric store and I worked at various places all through high school and college, so sewing has always been part of my life.

What is your favorite thing to make?
Halloween costumes for my daughter. So far she has been a Wookie (part of a family costume) and Dorothy from Wizard of Oz.

What is your favorite kind of fabric to work with?
Good quality quilting cottons -- the colors are bright and the patterns are usually pretty true to grain. I'm a ripper.

Nursing Pillow Cover - Citrus Orange

What inspires you to create?
All the fun fabrics available. New stuff is always coming out. I love putting together patterns for crib set ideas. True up is a favorite blog to read.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
My scissors. No matter how many pairs I have they always seem to be on the other side of the room.

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I try to involve my daughter while I work and let her "help" if I'm trying to get something done during the day like package or cut stuff out. Mostly I work during nap time and after she goes to bed. I have her in preschool one day a week, and Saturday morning is a work day for mommy. Friday evenings are a no-work zone so I can spend time with my husband.

Dino Baby Bedding 5 piece Crib Set

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
My husband and I decided instead of getting each other gifts for our wedding anniversary, we would buy art. We both wanted to buy original good quality pieces but that can be tricky to fit into a budget. Once a year we get to splurge. Etsy is a great source for artwork that's not out of reach for us.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Planning a garden or re-doing the house. Both are fixer-uppers. I'm weird, I enjoy yardwork and painting.

Sock Monkey Baby Bedding - Bumper, Skirt, Sheet

Where can we find you?
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/littleowlsnest
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LittleOwlsNest

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
www.etsy.com/shop/Twinwoodcarving -- He hand carves wood bowls -- and he's a stay at home dad!

Feature Shop: Wonky Wares

Good morning! Today, meet Jen of Wonky Wares! She is an active member of our blog team -- she makes sure the things we post are proofread and error free! -Cheers! Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Jen

Where are you located?
Wichita, KS, currently, but a native Floridian

Owl Earflap Hat

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm a SAHM to three precious little boys, and when I'm not chasing them around or crafting, I love to read.

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
In my shop, you will find crocheted hats for babies, children and grown-ups; handmade sweeper covers; greeting cards; and much more to come this spring, including baby sandals.

Brimmed Newsboy in Sage with Brown Flower

How/why did you get started?
Wonky Wares began out of my love for crocheting, especially girlie flowered hats and bright colors. Since I'm the only girl in the house, Wonky Wares lets me work with hot pink and lavender yarn and pass my creations on to others.

How long have you been crocheting? Papercrafting? How did you get started in these two crafts?
I've been crocheting for about five years. When I worked in the mental health field, one of our clients taught me a basic stitch, and I was "hooked" after that. I got some books, taught myself some more stitches and how to read patterns, and have enjoyed it ever since! I've been scrapbooking/papercrafting for about 12 years and love how this creative outlet also serves as a functional way to preserve our family's memories.

Reversible, Washable, Eco-Friendly Sweeper Sock

What is your favorite thing to make?
My favorite thing I've ever made was an open weave infant beanie with a big crocheted rosebud on the side. Something about the snowflake blue and winter white just went together perfectly, and the subtle fuzz of the yarn just felt like winter. It was elegant and feminine, and I loved it. I hope it's new owner loves it, too!

What inspires you to create?
I am inspired by bright colors and patterns; I love pairing different colors, and I especially love the spring and summer months when color is all around me!

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
When I'm crafting, I need to have an empty room. I'm easily distracted, especially having three boys under four running around me all day, so when I craft, I like to close the door, put on headphones and just be alone for a little while. Pandora is also a must; preferably set to my Ben Folds station.

Pink Earflap Hat with Tassels and Flower Accent

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Figuring out how to balance motherhood and an Etsy shop has definitely been a process. I'm fortunate enough to have little ones that still nap (most days!), so naptime is my dedicated craft/business time. I don't always get to spend as much time as I'd like listing new items, and my "work-in-progress" basket is overflowing currently, but my number one job is motherhood, so I have to take advantage of every minute I can, and learn to cut myself some slack if the day's to-do list doesn't get completed.

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Right now, my favorite thing to browse Etsy for is handmade lip balm/solid lotion. There are so many shops out there with some delicious-sounding flavors. I'm definitely in the market, if you have any recommendations!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
When I'm not crafting, I'm running after my boys, playing outside, catching up on sleep, or watching documentaries on Netflix with my hubby. Or reading, I love to read.

Cheerful Windmill "Happy Birthday" Card

Where can we find you?
You can find me at wonkywares.etsy.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/wonkywares

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
My favorite shop on Etsy has to be Boojiboo (boojiboo.etsy.com) I ADORE her aprons and wear the ones I have all the time. As an often too-casual, covered in crumbs/child goo mom, I love how wearing one of her retro inspired aprons makes me feel pretty, feminine, and dressy. They aren't just for the kitchen, sometimes I wear mine most of the day!