Friday Feature--A Window Into Whimsy!

I know I'm a tad early, but I want to make sure that it's up early in the morning on Friday. :) I hope to continue to feature Etsy sellers each week, and I hope you enjoy meeting new shops. If you'd like to be featured, please email or convo me and let me know.

Meet Karin:

-What is your shop name and URL?

A Window Into Whimsy http://www.awindowintowhimsy.etsy.com/

-Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. (Hobbies, achievements, favorite something-or-other, family situation, jobs, etc)

I was never very "crafty" or "artsy" growing up. Most of the people that have an etsy shop will tell you that they knew they started crafting when they were very young. I was always AMAZED by artists, and longed to be "one of them", but never thought I had a knack for it. When I met my now husband of almost 11 years, he encouraged me, showed me a few 'tricks' and I was amazed by how creative I could be. Now I am called an 'artisan' at local markets, and it always makes me smile.

-What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Handcrafted purses, key fobs, and mixed media art

-To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong (if any)?

Etsy West Michigan (search etsywmi for great handmade items from the mitten!)

-What inspires your creations?

Color. I love color. It always amazes me how color can set a mood. It can soothe, excite, or frustrate. That amazes me.

-Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I am self taught at everything I make. I love to fiddle with new projects, and truly enjoy the creative process. I don't tend to like sewing patterns...I would rather figure it out myself. Usually, when I would like to try something new, I sit with my good friend Kerri, and she throws ideas out to me, and I brainstorm and decide which things to do, and how to make it my own. I owe most of the inspiration for my Mixed Media Family Tree to her. She rocks. :)

-What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)?

I love my Mixed Media Family Tree. It feels like true art to me. It is 100% made by me. No one else designed the fabric, (like with purses). I didn't use a punch, or a stencil. And I find that amazing, and wonderful.

-Why is it your favorite? (Please provide a link)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13999454

-What do you like about Etsy?

Finding other amazing artists who love to create as much as I do. Many of the people around me think I am crazy to own a sewing machine...just buy the item already made! But I love the handmade aspect, and love that with Etsy it is feasible to find something handmade for every single person on my Christmas List, even my 9 year old nephew. :)

-What makes your shop unique?

I love to put 'off' colors with one another. A lot of times, I choose a coordinating color that someone else might not choose.

-What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Don't give up. :) It will take a bit of time, and a lot of energy, but it is worth it!

-Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations (please include a link)?

I have a blog at http://www.awindowintowhimsy.blogspot.com/ It is a little bit of this and that. Sometimes it's about my kids, sometimes my hubby, and sometimes my business. It is always about things that are important to me. :)