It is our pleasure to introduce Helen Marshall of CopperHairArtist as this week's Featured Artist. Helen handcrafts vintage-inspired hats and bridal accessories from her home in Texas.
Giveaway item:
Between all of this I am a Health Services Disaster Relief provider for the American Red Cross. Last May-June I spent two weeks in Oklahoma helping people with their health needs after the tornados. Talk about "Here am I send me" these folks were wonderful, gracious and kind even after their houses were turned into toothpicks. They blessed me as much as I blessed them.
My husband works in the Oil and Gas business (so does about 1/4 of Houston) and my daughter is a sophomore at the local Jr. College. She has a true God given gift with small children and plans to be an ESL teacher to 5-6-7 year olds some day. I know that God will use her in amazing ways. She has a very strong faith, having gone on mission trips, taught VBS and sung in choirs. She even has the symbol of our protestant denomination tattooed on her ankle (she calls it a statement of faith).
How did you get your start on Etsy? For many years I decorated hat bases to wear at Easter. After watching Princess Kate on TV where she was wearing a small hat, God told me "You can do that." I opened my shop in February of 2011 and started posting my merchandise in April 2011. With no formal hat making experience, I watched all of the video's I could find and read what I could. The hats I do best are fabric covered buckram and I'm always on the lookout for new hat patterns.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
It's hard for me to pick out just one Bible verse. There are so many that mean so much in different situations. When I got laid off, I found a bracelet with one of my favorite verses. "But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall rise up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV). Another verse that is one of my favorites is also from Isaiah. Chapter 6 :8-9 says "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? and whom shall go for us? Then said I "Here am I, Send Me." (KJV) God is calling Isaiah to be a prophet but God also calls all of us to utilize what ever skills and talents He gives us. Another verse is a part of a song that King David wrote. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in my sight, Oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalms 19:14 (KJV) Growing up I did quite a bit of memorizing in Sunday School and since it was all in the King James Version, that is how I know the verse.
Where else we can find you on the Internet?
Facebook: Helen's Hatbox
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperhairartist
Giveaway item:
I will donate my "Mini Bowler' Since it is tan, just about
everyone can wear it. I have a small bright plaid hat with wild feathers on it
but you definitely have to be "out there" to wear that one. On
Facebook my shop is called "Helen's Hatbox" I am getting ready to
start posting my fall/Winter collection. There are some Glorious Crowns for
church, things to keep your ears warm and nice hats to wear to brunch or a
party in this collection. My faux fur collection also has matching purses or
muffs, My wedding veils will be 40% off after September 15.
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| Mini Tan Bowler |
To enter to win this charming hat, please follow Helen's Hatbox on Facebook and comment on this blog post with your favorite item from CopperHairArtist. The winner will be announced next Wednesday.
Introduction to you: My name is Helen Marshall. Last year about this time my family
(husband, daughter and dog) and I moved into a beautiful new home in Spring Texas.
(It's 30 miles north of Houston)
In 1979 I received a BSN in Nursing and spent 20 years working in hospitals in Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas. In 2010 I was laid off and at the age of 53 became a "Stay at Home Mom" Several years of not working in patient care left me in a situation where I wasn't very marketable to hospitals again so I started my hat business in 2011.
In 1979 I received a BSN in Nursing and spent 20 years working in hospitals in Arizona, Oklahoma and Texas. In 2010 I was laid off and at the age of 53 became a "Stay at Home Mom" Several years of not working in patient care left me in a situation where I wasn't very marketable to hospitals again so I started my hat business in 2011.
Between all of this I am a Health Services Disaster Relief provider for the American Red Cross. Last May-June I spent two weeks in Oklahoma helping people with their health needs after the tornados. Talk about "Here am I send me" these folks were wonderful, gracious and kind even after their houses were turned into toothpicks. They blessed me as much as I blessed them.
My husband works in the Oil and Gas business (so does about 1/4 of Houston) and my daughter is a sophomore at the local Jr. College. She has a true God given gift with small children and plans to be an ESL teacher to 5-6-7 year olds some day. I know that God will use her in amazing ways. She has a very strong faith, having gone on mission trips, taught VBS and sung in choirs. She even has the symbol of our protestant denomination tattooed on her ankle (she calls it a statement of faith).
 |
| Zebra and Pink Satin Faux Fur Pillbox with Clutch |
How did you get your start on Etsy? For many years I decorated hat bases to wear at Easter. After watching Princess Kate on TV where she was wearing a small hat, God told me "You can do that." I opened my shop in February of 2011 and started posting my merchandise in April 2011. With no formal hat making experience, I watched all of the video's I could find and read what I could. The hats I do best are fabric covered buckram and I'm always on the lookout for new hat patterns.
How did you choose your shop name? My
shop name came from the fact that I have copper hair and I am an artist. If I
had paid better attention to how I was filling in the blanks on the shop page,
I would have named my shop "Helen's Hatbox" If I had a brick and
mortar store, that would be the name.
 |
| Black Velvet Edwardian Cloche with Brooch |
What does a typical day look like for you?
On a typical day I get up at 9 or 9:30 and drink coffee and read my
devotional on the computer. I eat breakfast and get ready for the day. My
almost 14 year old Welsh Corgi has to go for a small walk and see if there is
anything exciting going on in the neighborhood. (he's very nosy) I alternate
cleaning house and working on my hats so I don't get bored doing any one thing.
Right now I am working on a 3 tiered wedding veil with lace and pearl edging. I
also have just started on a royal blue velvet hat that will have matching
gloves.
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
If
I could spend one day anywhere in the world, it would be Paris France. I've
been there before and I just LOVE everything about but it's art and art
community are what makes me happiest.
 |
| Violet Purple Velvet Fascinator |
It's hard for me to pick out just one Bible verse. There are so many that mean so much in different situations. When I got laid off, I found a bracelet with one of my favorite verses. "But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall rise up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 (KJV). Another verse that is one of my favorites is also from Isaiah. Chapter 6 :8-9 says "And I heard the voice of the Lord saying "Whom shall I send? and whom shall go for us? Then said I "Here am I, Send Me." (KJV) God is calling Isaiah to be a prophet but God also calls all of us to utilize what ever skills and talents He gives us. Another verse is a part of a song that King David wrote. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in my sight, Oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalms 19:14 (KJV) Growing up I did quite a bit of memorizing in Sunday School and since it was all in the King James Version, that is how I know the verse.
 |
| Ivory Bridal Pillbox |
Where else we can find you on the Internet?
Facebook: Helen's Hatbox
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/copperhairartist
12:12 PM |
Category:
CopperHairArtist,
handiworkingirls,
Helen Marshall,
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comments
Comments (8)
What an awesome story :) I love the part about seeing Kate in her hat and God saying "You can do that." God bless you Helen! :)
Fun shop! I love hats.
What a lovely shop
Fun items! It's so good to get to meet you, Helen!
Love the little facinator hats in Helen's shop. I remember my mother wearing them, the mysterious little veils covering her eyes, tilted just above her forehead. I love the story of how you came to etsy.
Very nice shop and love the hats. I thought they were vintage!
Oooh, hats are fun! Like her heads too. =)
Helen, you are one talented (and busy) gal - thanks for sharing your story!