Feature Shop: Exhausted Creativity Jewelry and EC Rosaries

Happy Wednesday! This week, I'd like you to meet Rachel of Exhausted Creativity Jewelry and EC Rosaries. A creative mom of two, she runs two Etsy shops in her quiet time. She's also an active member of our team -- thanks for your participation, Rachel! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Rachel Rode

Where are you located?
I live outside Chicago in the suburb of New Lenox.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm the SAHM of two kids -- Justin (almost 7) and Jenna (3) -- and married 11 years to Paul, the most awesome husband in the world! I've been creative since I was very young, dabblng in pencil and pastel drawing; painting with oils, watercolors, and acrylics; ceramics; clay/pottery; fiber arts; sewing ... I really should have majored in art in college, but I graduated with a degree in communications and a minor in music. I love to sing, and I play the piano. A few years ago, I took my first jewelry class, and I was hooked!

Autumn Color Pendant

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
I have two shops on Etsy: Exhausted Creativity Jewelry and EC Rosaries.

ECJ features classic and fashion jewelry primarily for women, and I also have accessories for men and teens. I like to try my hand at trendy pieces, such as dictionary illustration pendants, robin egg nest pendants and earrings, and wire-wrapped pendants and rings with crystals. But I also enjoy making more classically styled pieces: multistrand beaded necklaces, hand-knotted pearl and gemstone necklaces and bracelets, classic tie tacks, and elegant gemstone drop earrings just to name a few. I guess you could say I make everything from boho to bridal! If it isn't listed on my shop, just ask...I can probably make it!

My other shop, ECR, has Catholic and Anglican rosaries, rosary bracelets, chaplets, tenners and religious jewelry. There I primarily use gemstones, pewter, sterling, and bronze. I make beaded, hand-knotted, and both traditional and modern wire-wrapped pieces.

Christian Prayer Beads (Anglican Rosary)

How/why did you get started?
After I took a couple of jewelry classes at a local shop, I started making jewelry for every occasion I could think of. I gave it as gifts and made pieces for myself. People had such nice things to say about it, and some even encouraged me to sell it. So back in December 2010, I decided to take the plunge and open an Etsy shop. It's a desperately needed creative outlet, and my goal is to be successful enough to support the household with the income.

How long have you been crafting?
I've been making jewelry for the past 4 or 5 years since taking my first class. I spend a lot of time learning new techniques, and the quality of my jewelry has improved immensely, even since opening my shop.

What is your favorite thing to make?
It's hard to say what is my favorite thing to make. Every piece is important to me, and I so thoroughly enjoy the process each time. I like to make rosaries because there is a "formula" to follow, like a recipe. But I also enjoy the dynamic process of taking some gorgeous beads and allowing the creative process to dictate what they become. I make and remake pieces until I am happy with them. I don't sell it if I wouldn't wear it myself.

Octopus Pendant - Vintage Dictionary Illustration

What are your favorite materials to work with?
My favorite things to work with are sterling silver, bronze, and all manner of natural gemstones. I prefer gemstones for their earthy, organic quality. Each gemstone possesses a natural energy that can enhance the finished jewelry piece. I also use a lot of Swarovski crystals in my work because they add shine and "bling" to my work.

What inspires you to create?
I am inspired by nature, personal history, and circumstances when creating my pieces. Nature is the perfect color and texture palette, and nature provides the best resources and materials. By history and circumstances, I mean that I am moved by personal experiences and events around me, especially when creating my rosaries and chaplets. For example, I purchased a beautiful rosary center of Mary nursing baby Jesus, and I was so moved by the image to make a rosary bracelet intended for breastfeeding mothers. It reminded me of the beautiful bond between my children and I that was shared when I was nursing them. There is a lot of emotion in my work!

Aqua Blue Chunky Two Strand Necklace

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
One thing I have to have when I work is relative quietness. I prefer to work while completely alone (hard to do with kiddos!) but the one thing I ask is that everyone keeps the noise down. I think and pray while I work, and it is a personal time of reflection for me.

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I am still figuring out the balance of mothering and work! Let me know if anyone perfects it because I don't think it's possible. Mothering IS work, and I feel like mothering is my ultimate call. Any time my attention is away from my children, I feel guilty. I know my children are learning self-sufficiency during times that "mommy can't right now." But I try to keep those times to a minimum, and I work mostly at night ... that's why I called my shop Exhausted Creativity.

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
I browse Etsy for everything, but my favorite thing is to look for goodies for my kids! In fact, my daughter's birthday is this weekend, and I've been shopping for amigurimi dolls. I love it -- so much fun to browse and get ideas.

Genuine Amethyst, Sterling Silver and
Swarovski Crystal Dangle Earrings

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
When I am not crafting, I am usually doing household chores and doing things with the kids. When I'm not doing those things, I'm squeezing in time to list new items and shop for supplies.

Where can we find you?
I am found many places. My shops are:
www.exhaustedcreativity.etsy.com and www.ecrosaries.etsy.com
I have a facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Exhausted-Creativity-Jewelry/103651389718640
I have a twitter account: @JewelryEC
And I have a blog: www.exhaustedcreativityjewelry.com

My plan is to have pieces available at local businesses and craft shows as well, but that is still undetermined yet.

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
My favorite shop on Etsy? I can't pick just one! I love AmyPerrotti - she makes gorgeous prints of matryoshka dolls in all ethnicities. (I have six of them in my daughter's room!) StorybookStyles makes wonderful costumes and clothing for kids. And I just discovered EvesLittleEarthlings with her Waldorf-inspired creations. From a creative standpoint, I am very fond of Watchings, PureOXFaith, TaviaSanza, SunnySideUpStudio, TuckooandMooCow, PrayerBedes, KSickles, FlorLarios, and Skrynka.

Feature Shop: Dirty Deeds Soaps

For Heather and Justin of Dirty Deeds Soaps, running an Etsy shop is all about teamwork. Meet them below, and learn more about their soaps! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Justin and Heather

Where are you located?
Lubbock, TX

Tell us a little about yourself.
We enjoy being able to work from home and support our family. There is nothing like having your son's highchair two feet from your work desk. Even though I almost always have toys to step over and slobber to avoid, we wouldnt have it any other way.

We have a blended family of three kids, two teen girls and a toddler boy. We are getting married in October and are so excited. Justin proposed with a ring he actually bought on Etsy on Christmas Eve of this past year.

Bridal Shower Favors Handmade Soap

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Handmade soaps, bridal favors, shave accessories, and groomsmen ideas.

How/why did you get started?
I was working for a daycare company in which it cost me almost half of my income to keep my son there, and we knew we had to find a better way for me to contribute financially. Justin brought home some handmade soap, and there was such an immediate difference; we knew we had to find out more. We researched everything we could, made loads of soap and haven't looked back since.

Vintage Mug Shave Gift Set with Beer Soap

How long have you been crafting? What got you started in soapmaking?
We have been doing the business side of this for about year. I think I may have mistakenly answered this above, but its fun. Not that I get Justin to shave all that often...think lumberjack. :)

What are your favorite scents to work with? Why?
I like the fresh scents: grass, aloe, hints of floral like plumeria. Justin likes amber, sandalwood and patchouli. There are so many, it's hard to keep count.

What is your favorite thing to make?
Beer soaps

Wooden Men's Shave Set with Cigar Box

What inspires you to create?
I think our inspiration comes from the seasons, and right now, wedding planning.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Music

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
Sometimes its not always balanced. Most of the time if my house is clean, I'm behind in orders. If my orders are up, my kids need some quality time. But we all seem to support each other a lot, and our friends do as well. When they come over, its normal to see soaps curing, packaging material out, and toys on the floor.

Green Tweed Handmade Soap Shave or Bath Bar

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Wedding-related, and I'm already thinking Christmas for my kiddos.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Everything in the world it seems. lol

Where can we find you?
www.etsy.com/shop/DirtyDeedsSoaps
www.dirtydeedsoap.com
www.facebook.com/DirtyDeedsSoap

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
www.etsy.com/shop/bisongirl: I really love her unique footwear, and she is such a sweet seller.
www.etsy.com/shop/ReMainDesigns for her upcycled furniture and lighting

Part of Heather and Justin's workspace.
See more pictures of their process here!

Feature Shop: HoneyBee Holistics

Whether you're looking for soothing scents or an exciting fragrance to pick you up, you're sure to find it in Melissa Carr's wonderful shop, HoneyBee Holistics. Meet this busy mom and soapmaker below! -Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

What is your name?
Melissa Carr

Where are you located?
In the mountain valleys of the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a hard-working, out-spoken, first-time Mom who works hard everyday raising my little girl the best way I know how! I love to cook and make almost everything myself. I have strong beliefs in buying organic products and I LOVE chocolate!

Organic Chocolate Lotion

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
Organic herbal lotions, soaps, body sprays, household cleaners, and lip balm  -- plus I LOVE custom orders! If you have a special need, convo me and I will formulate something special for you!

How/why did you get started?
I started my business four years ago in anticipation for my dream of being a stay-at-home-mom. I wasn't pregnant at the time, but I knew my husband and I wanted to have children, and I wanted to stay at home with them and raise them. I didn't feel it was right to plan to have a child knowing that they would go off to someone else each day to raise them while I went off to work for someone else. Key word there is PLAN. I am a planner. I understand situations happen in life to others, so I don't judge. I just knew that I was going to plan my route to motherhood out as best as I could. So my business was born when I noticed I couldn't use the traditional soap any longer. I am a "do-it-yourself" kinda gal, so I researched how to make my own products. Then it came to me, I could make this a business at home to be with my baby!! Genius! That is when I made my decision, March 2004.

Organic Orange Vanilla Body Spray and Fabric Refresher

How long have you been crafting?
Ever since I was little. Building things out of sticks, making up goop in the forest and writing it down. I am a true artist. Its the way you express it that shows your talent.

How do you figure out which scents go well together?
They just come to me! Like I have a muse or something! I put a drop combination on a cotton ball to see if they go, and 99% of the time they do!

What is your favorite thing to make?
I love making my soap. It is tedious and long. I test my math skills and ability to imagine. It is therapeudic stirring the soap until it has set. Plus, the next day when you get to cut it.....So exciting! I love surprises!

Organic Lavender Gift Set

How many of your ingredients do you grow or produce yourself?
I wild harvest and grow about 80% of my herbs I use. The rest is organic and local, such as my oils and other rare herbs that I can't grow.

What inspires you to create?
My daughter Aria. I see her interest in what I do, and it gives me drive to keep going. I know that it is all for her benefit that I am able to be at home with her to teach her and be present as she grows. I work hard to make sure that my business is going well so we can afford to continue to have me at home!

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
My water bottle! It is purple and has been used sooo much! I get so thirsty and sometimes get so into what I'm doing that I forget to eat! But I always have my water with me.

Organic Wild Crafted Nettle Herbal Tea

How do you balance mothering and running a small business?
I take it day-to-day. Each day is different with a little one! I get a lot done when she is sleeping in the morning. I find it more refreshing to get up early to work rather than stay up late. Otherwise, she plays well at my feet while I do what I need to do. I make sure to take time out for her throughout the day to play. Plus we are still in diaper world, so there are always pauses for that!

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Anything I need at the time. Or possible gifts, planning for future birthdays etc. I love the wooden toys, hair accessories (I have really long hair), candles ... too many to list!

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Laundry, baking, cooking, being a Mom! I love it all!!

Organic Coconut Orange Vanilla Lotion

Where can we find you?
http://www.honeybeeholistics.etsy.com
http://www.honeybeeholistics.com
http://www.honeybeeholistics.artfire.com
http://www.honeybeeholistics.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/honeybeeholistics

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
http://www.etsy.com/shop/treehouse28
I love this seller's style! I want to get one of her wrap tops so bad!!

Feature Shop: Little Birdie Baby Shop

Each Wednesday here on the blog, we'll introduce you to a different member of the SAHM of Etsy Team. Today, I'd like you to meet Rachael, the woman behind the adorable Little Birdie Baby Shop and the gorgeous design of this blog! -Cheers! Cori of Peace, Baby! Batiks

Rachael and her husband

What is your name?
Rachael

Where are you located?
I am located in Texas, down in the Houston area

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am 29 (no, seriously... I'm not just saying that because I'm 35, haha!), married to the most wonderful man who also happens to be my best friend. We just had our first baby this summer, and she is growing so fast we can hardly keep up with her! I, of course, am a stay-at-home mom working on building my little business and keeping busy with anything crafty I can get my hands on!

What type of merchandise will shoppers find in your shop?
My shop is currently carrying batik-style tye dye onesies for both boys and girls. Each one is hand designed and drawn by me! In the next few weeks I will also be introducing designer burpies, bibs and gift sets!

Green Tye Dye Sea Turtle Onesie

How/why did you get started?
Before my daughter was born, I worked outside of the home, and was what some would call a "workaholic." Most of the time I enjoyed it, because I felt it had a purpose and a direction. Since Baby A came along, things have changed drastically for me. She is the center of the universe and my husband and I really felt it was important that she have as much one-on-one parent time as possible. However, for me, it was a difficult transition going from that much "work" to being at home. I had alot of creative energy I needed to burn through!! That, coupled with the fact that I really wanted an unconventional outfit option for baby clothes, spawned the idea of my onesie designs. Baby A is my biggest inspiration, and her abundance of cuteness keeps me creating every day! :)

How long have you been crafting?
I've been crafting for as long as I can remember. My parents have been picking paint, beads, glue gun goo, paper scraps and straight pins out of their carpet for years. And now my husband does it, haha!

Purple Batik Sunflower Tye Dye Onesie

What inspires you to create?
My daughter first, but I truly draw inspiration from everything around me. I have fallen in love with the Etsy and blogging world because there are always new ideas and inspiration to be found amongst all these amazing artists.

What is one thing you need to have with you while you craft?
Paper towels. No kidding! I am a mess, but I hate it when my work space is messy, so I'm a super nerd who cleans up constantly as I go. ;) That and sound ... sometimes it's baby playing, sometimes it's the news, but most of the time it's whatever music playlist I'm currently addicted to.

Grey and Pink Heart Flower Oneise

What is your favorite thing to browse Etsy for?
Baby stuff!! I don't know what it is about having a baby, but it's like I can't get enough of the baby stuff. Clothes, dress up, room decor, toys ... there are just so many amazing things for baby on Etsy.

When you're not crafting, what are you doing?
Spending time with my family. My hubby has his own business as well, so he's always busy like me. When we get time "off" we always spend it together. :)

Pink Cherry Blossom Tye Dyed Onesie

Where can we find you? (Etsy link, blog, Facebook, Twitter, stores, etc.)
On Etsy: www.littlebirdiebabyshop.etsy.com
On my blog: www.littlebirdiebaby.blogspot.com
On Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Birdie-Baby-Shop/102864613111139
At Stoopher & Boots in NYC: stoopher.bigcartel.com/about-stoopher
And several online boutiques. :)

What is your favorite shop (not yours) on Etsy currently?
I am really in love with WildMotherArts (www.etsy.com/shop/WildMotherArts). She has beautiful handmade jewelry for women in all walks of life. I have some friends struggling with conceiving, and WildMotherArts has the most beautiful fertility bracelets made from natural gemstones that are perfect for inspiring hope.

Celtic Cross Navy Tye Dye Onesie