This is our forth MONDAY MADNESS special, where we will feature one handmade artist and their talent! Today I am honored to have my friend, Heidi, to share her talent & love of her craft. Let the MADNESS Begin!
TODAY'S FEATURED ARTISAN:
Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I'm an artist that's trying my very best to do what I love and hope that people love what I do enough to pursue selling my art full time someday soon. I'm also a mother to a wonderful little 2-year-old boy that never lets me forget what really matters in life and keeps me on my game all the time. I was raised Mennonite which has given me a very rich history of the value of handmade items. I have crocheted afghans from my great grandmother, beautiful hand-quilted quilts from my grandmother, and wooden toys from my grandfather. I come from a long line of creative and hard working Mennonites. It's shaped my life in so many ways.
What's the History of Your Store?
I've always created art for my family and friends and friends of friends. As my style has developed and I saw an increasing interest in my work I decided to give etsy a shot and see what would happen! It's such a wonderful feeling having people that don't have to be supportive of you show interest in your shop.
What makes your store UNIQUE from all the other stores that sell a product similar to yours:
All my prints are original artwork that I created so my style is very unique to me! My custom portraits are unique in that they are illustrations of your child - almost like if your child was drawn for a childrens' book. My sock monkeys are different because for one I make sure they are all baby friendly with no removable parts like button eyes, but I also like to give them a little extra flair - a bow tie or a flower in their hair. Sock monkeys are kind of weird and kooky by design and while I like make sure my monkeys keep that character I also like to give them a little panache.
What are your favorite items that you make and list in your store:
My personal favorites are the little boy prints. I made most of these based on photos of my own son - I had to ask him to pose for some of them. He was only too happy to jump up and down 100 times so i could get a good photo for 'J is for Jumping'. These were just so fun to make mostly because the subject is so dear to my heart and it was so fun to tell the story of his adventures in this way.
Tell us about your favorite item you've made:
My custom portraiture began when a friend of mine asked me to do a portrait of her son in the style I used to illustrate childrens' books. I have to credit her for the idea of putting him in her favorite outfit of his and adding all his favorite toys. I had so much fun with it that I got started on one for my little guy. I love the idea of capturing a little piece of a child's life as it changes so quickly, it could be a real heirloom.
Do you do custom orders? Tell us a little bit about bringing someone's idea into reality.
Almost anything in my shops is customizeable if you convo me. I do the custom child portraiture as I described above but I also make sock monkeys to order if you want something special. I just had a woman order a monkey wearing a Detroit Tigers baseball hat which i think is a lovely idea and I'm going to be listing more of these soon. I can also paint the animal of your choice in the style of my animal prints. I'm also working on a line of soft sculpture dolls that I plan to get out before Thanksgiving that can be customized as far as skin tone, hair & eye color etc... My policy for custom portraiture is a deposit of half the money down and the other half upon completion of the portrait. All custom sock monkey orders are pay upon delivery.
SPECIAL OFFER FROM HEIDIBG:
Mention 'Cellestial' in the notes to seller for free shipping on all prints! Offer expires December 31, 2010
Find HEIDIBG Here:
- Store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/heidibg
- Website: www.heidibg.com
- Email: heidibirky@gmail.com
We welcome any artisans and crafters to participate in our "Monday Madness." Please comment on this post and your name will be added to our rotation so we can help promote you and YOU can promote yourself. We'll be back next week with another great artisan.
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