by Cheryl Allison of On the Grain Fabrics (onthegrain.etsy.com)
I am honored to introduce this week's featured artist, Carrie. This talented jewelry artist has a giveaway item for those who participate. To win the stylish Guitar Pick Cross necklace pictured here, visit her shop, then come back here and comment, telling us which item you like the best. The winner will be chosen at random on random.org. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so we can contact you if you are the lucky winner. The winner will be announced in next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.
Your name: Carrie Botkin
Your shop name: Carrie's Custom Designs
Introduction: How blessed I am to be able to work from home and be a full time mom to my children.
Hello! My name is Carrie, and I have never seen an art form that I didn't like! I have a wonderfully supportive husband and 3 amazing kids who come into my studio often, saying "What's that? . . . Who is it for?" My 2 love junkie dogs lay on my feet as I design.I don't remember a time when I wasn't creating or thinking about creating something. I crochet, quilt, rughook (yep, the old-fashioned kind with wool strips), and create jewelry. I have always been drawn to things bearing my name. Probably because my name can be spelled so many different ways. That's what led me to designing hand-stamped jewelry.
How did you get your start on Etsy?
I was a buyer on ETSY long before I opened my own shop. Being a crafter/artist, I have the terrible/fun habit of looking at things and thinking..."Hey, I can make that!!" My studio is strewn with a variety of crafty and found objects that seem to not go together at all, except in my head! I'm always trying something new. But that's why I fell in love with ETSY. It's always inspiring me.
Whether I'm seeing a new art form for the first time or simply a treasury of beautiful colors, ETSY artists bring out the best in me. Having said that, I decided to open my store before I knew what I was getting into. I was passionate about hand-stamped jewelry and realized if I wanted to keep making it, I needed an audience for it because my friends and family only needed so many things with their names on it!
How did you choose your shop name?
Actually the naming part was easy. My kids came up with it! I think they believe I'm famous! lol
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days start early. I turn on the computer at about 6 a.m. and then wake my kids for school. I get them off to school and answer conversations from overnight. ETSY never sleeps!
I'm usually in my studio by 9 a.m., creating custom orders before packing everything up and preparing it for shipping. I answer more convos and try to make time to work on new designs. I also like to work on my personal crochet or quilting projects. I find I'm more productive when I'm involved in several different artistic outlets. That way nothing ever seems like work!
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
Oh, my . . . anywhere? My first thought is on the shore with my family enjoying an evening of collecting shells and sea glass. But a day in my own backyard swimming pool with the kids doing cannon balls and hotdogs cooking on the grill is hard to beat.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
"If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." (Matthew 17:20) My grandmother shared this verse with me when I was 7 years old and my mom was sick. She gave me a mustard seed necklace, which I still treasure. This verse has popped up in unexpected ways throughout my life, reminding me to choose options that honor my faith.
What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
Well, I LOVE everything I make! *lol* If I had to pick one thing, though, it would probably be the I AM LOVED necklace. I think it's an important message for everyone.
Where can we find you on the Internet?
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/CarriesCustomDesigns
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carries-Custom-Designs/117792774950397
The winner of Emily's "Follow Your Dreams" handmade greeting card from Invitations by Emily has been chosen at random using random.org. And the winner is . . . Art and Sew Forth. Congratulations! Enjoy the greeting card, and share it with someone special. (Thank you, Emily, for giving away this lovely card!)
Your shop name: Carrie's Custom Designs
Hello! My name is Carrie, and I have never seen an art form that I didn't like! I have a wonderfully supportive husband and 3 amazing kids who come into my studio often, saying "What's that? . . . Who is it for?" My 2 love junkie dogs lay on my feet as I design.
How did you get your start on Etsy?
I was a buyer on ETSY long before I opened my own shop. Being a crafter/artist, I have the terrible/fun habit of looking at things and thinking..."Hey, I can make that!!" My studio is strewn with a variety of crafty and found objects that seem to not go together at all, except in my head! I'm always trying something new. But that's why I fell in love with ETSY. It's always inspiring me.
Whether I'm seeing a new art form for the first time or simply a treasury of beautiful colors, ETSY artists bring out the best in me. Having said that, I decided to open my store before I knew what I was getting into. I was passionate about hand-stamped jewelry and realized if I wanted to keep making it, I needed an audience for it because my friends and family only needed so many things with their names on it!
How did you choose your shop name?
Actually the naming part was easy. My kids came up with it! I think they believe I'm famous! lol
What does a typical day look like for you?
My days start early. I turn on the computer at about 6 a.m. and then wake my kids for school. I get them off to school and answer conversations from overnight. ETSY never sleeps!
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
Oh, my . . . anywhere? My first thought is on the shore with my family enjoying an evening of collecting shells and sea glass. But a day in my own backyard swimming pool with the kids doing cannon balls and hotdogs cooking on the grill is hard to beat.
"If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." (Matthew 17:20) My grandmother shared this verse with me when I was 7 years old and my mom was sick. She gave me a mustard seed necklace, which I still treasure. This verse has popped up in unexpected ways throughout my life, reminding me to choose options that honor my faith.
What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
Well, I LOVE everything I make! *lol* If I had to pick one thing, though, it would probably be the I AM LOVED necklace. I think it's an important message for everyone.
Where can we find you on the Internet?
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/CarriesCustomDesigns
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Carries-Custom-Designs/117792774950397
Don't forget to visit Carrie's Etsy shop and come back here to enter the giveaway. We look forward to your comments.
Last Week's WinnerThe winner of Emily's "Follow Your Dreams" handmade greeting card from Invitations by Emily has been chosen at random using random.org. And the winner is . . . Art and Sew Forth. Congratulations! Enjoy the greeting card, and share it with someone special. (Thank you, Emily, for giving away this lovely card!)
3:25 AM |
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Featured Artist
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13
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Comments (13)
Carrie, your work is so beautiful and it was lovely to read about yet another member of this great team. :)
Oh, and I loooove your Joy to the World and Mom necklaces!
Wow, gorgeous work!! I looooove the "What would Scarlett Do?" bracelet. :D
vgfour(at) alaska (dot) com
Whoa, I love your work and you sure have a wonderful outlook on life...Blessings to you, MOnika
I love your work! You have a lovely spirit!
Wonderful to meet you Carrie. Lovely jewelry!
Your work is beautiful! I have to say that the closest I could come to a favorite is this bracelet. http://www.etsy.com/listing/70993821/hand-stamped-aluminum-cuff-bracelet
Thank you Cheryl for writing this up, you did great!!
I loved this interview. Carrie's energy and passion for what she does is fantastic! Beautiful shop. Amazed at your success! I could not really pick a fave, but this is one I do like a lot:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62075192/two-hand-stamped-guitar-pick-bracelets?ref=v1_other_1
Wonderful to 'meet' you Carrie....your shop is absolutely beautiful. Difficult to choose a favorite, but here goes:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/70937059/hand-stamped-be-the-change-necklace
Love the message in this necklace!
It would be very difficult for me to choose a favorite because I love it all.
So blessed to meet you Carrie.
♥♥♥
Sue
Pretty stuff, nice story.
Great interview! Love you shop, great work!
Hard to choose a favorite, bur this item I like.
http://www.etsy.com/listing64939722/hand-stamped-guitar-pick-bracelet
rharold44@hotmail.com
Your work is beautiful!