HansenEtc

Working with my hands has always been a part of my life. Growing up in my Mom’s home sewing business probably contributed to that, you think.

I love colors, textures and different mediums. I was always trying my hand at something new experimenting to see if I would like it. Coloring, cross stitch, drawing, clay, stain glass, sewing, latch hook, macramé, decoupage, paper mache and the list goes on. My portfolio of work through the years is very diverse, as probably most artisans are in this community.

I have always looked for ways to share and sell my creations as well. From yard sales, flea markets, craft fairs, church bazaars, consignments and word of mouth, but I mostly gave things away as gifts.

When creativity occupies your mind you are always thinking of new things to try, create and you always want to learn a new technique or try a different type of medium.

That was basically my life until…..I became a mom.

Now I was living my dream job and my schedule was limited from doing outside events since it was very hard finding a reliable and responsible babysitter. I started and stopped so many different venues because I was not going to compromise my childcare that I had to find something that I could completely do at home. My children are older now that they don’t need babysitters but I have fallen in love with a totally flexible schedule.

As the internet became more user friendly I began venturing out more to find ways to offer my wares and services from the comfort of my home.

When I stumbled into Etsy, it was a great fit for me.

Although the shop has been open since 2008 it's not been until this last year that I started getting serious about my on-line shop.

By this time creating goods to sell was mastered but now I had to figure out how to promote on-line. School was in session.

There is a lot to learn to man an on-line store other than just creating product. I find it more difficult than a brick and mortar store.

You, the customer, aren't able to touch and feel the goods so making the pictures look good enough that you feel like you are touching them is the challenge.

Then there is marketing to get the word out that the store is here.

It's all definitely a work in progress but hopefully it's getting there.

I hope you will come to visit me often and see what's new and watch for upcoming new products. Thanks for spending time with me today.