E is for EllaClariseBoutique

There is nothing more exciting to me than to be able to feature a brand new etsy shop. Randi Frady co-owner of E.C. Boutique just opened shop last month!! Her mother, Connie McClure is the other co-owner of this oh so cute shop.

Already this shop has adorable clothing choices for both little boys and little girls. Please stop by the shop and show some love!

How long does it take you sew your shop pieces?

It typically takes a couple of hours from start to completion, especially for new items. I like to take the time to research relevant styles and fabrics. Once all of the sewing is finished I do my best to make sure all the fine details are perfect.

What is your favorite item in your shop?
Honestly, the more I sew the harder it gets to pick a favorite item! Every time I create an outfit, cape, etc. I say "This is my favorite!" :) I LOVE to create and try new things!
If I had to pick one item, it would probably be the Double Sided Superhero Capes which were inspired by my sweet little nephews! The Double-Side Superhero Capes have a superhero emblem on one side then we "superhero" the child's first initial on the other side.

What are your future plans for your shop?
Along with our Etsy Shop, we recently opened a market booth inside Vintage Blessings in Commerce, Georgia.
As far as our future, we just plan on seeing where this adventure takes us. With my Mom's help, I started sewing for my daughters and quickly received requests for items from friends and family. Our family, friends and new followers are the rock to our success. As long as they are with us we will keep creating and sewing!

I see that you opened up your shop with your mom. How is it working with your mom?
My Mom means the world to me. She is my Mom and my best friend! She taught me to sew and that is a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life!

Please be sure to check them out on Esty and Facebook.
Esty: www.etsy.com/shop/EllaClariseBoutique?ref=si_shop
Facebook: www.facebook.com/#!/ellaclariseboutique

****On a side note as I was preparing this post my 5 year old son came up and saw the picture of the capes and immediately said, "Those are so cool.Mommy can we get them?" So I can tell you right now your little ones will love what this shop has to offer!!****

B is for BridgesPottery

So I'm still lining up my etsy shop features but I knew that I definitely wanted to get someone that works with ceramics/pottery. So I was delighted when Patricia Bridges agreed to let me interview her and feature her shop BridgesPottery. Please check out her Etsy shop and maybe buy an item or two that you fancy





Here are some my favorite items I found in her shop and the interview she so kindly agreed to do.

You have been working in ceramics for a long time now. What tips do you have for newbies to your craft?
I have been working in clay for over 3 decades. I am a professional potter - teaching and making. Many of my students are beginners or new to the craft. My best guidance I give to those who want to grow their knowledge and develop their craft in clay is to practice, practice, practice and ask LOTS of questions. There is a lot of technical skill that goes into making pots on the potter's wheel and great potters demonstrate that in their work.

With the abundance of you tube videos and other available online instruction - people need to keep in check with the fact that there is no substitute for face to face learning with a craft like ceramics. The days of people apprenticing to learn a craft are fewer. I learned through apprenticeships and feel strongly that if you want to learn a craft - learn it from a master - learn by doing and start with the smallest details of the craft.
 
What is your favorite item in your shop?
My favorite item in my shop right now are my colanders. They are practical yet beautiful in a fun and decorative way. Lots of work goes into them, as making the holes and the patterns is very labor intensive. More to be added in the coming days.

 
How long does it take you to craft your shop items?
Making pottery by hand is a long process. Each piece gets made on the wheel or by hand. It then takes days and sometimes weeks to air dry. Fired once in a hot kiln (takes 8hrs +12 to cool), then glazed (painted) and refired. My custom work generally is a 3-4 week delivery.

 
What are your future plans for your shop?As my Etsy shop grows - I will develop other channels in parallel online and offline to sell my work. Selling online is just one place buyers can find my work. I sell in a few retail shops and in the summer at our local farmers market.

I produce a few instructional videos every year. They are a great way to connect with some of the ceramic community. Quick Clicks for Bridges Pottery .....

www.bridgespottery.com
www.blog.bridgespottery.com
www.facebook.com/bridgespottery
www.bridgespottery.etsy.com
www.instagram.com/bridgespottery
www.twitter.com/bridgespottery
www.pinterest.com/bridgespottery