Today we feature paperarts and an interview with Gail Walker from Miss Daisy W (Creative Expressions).
How did you first hear about Etsy?
I first heard about Etsy when I was looking for a place to sell my handpainted items. I was a power seller on ebay for items which I purchased and resold but didn't like that venue for my handcrafted/handpainted items. I just started searching on google for a place to sell. Etsy seemed like a great place to be and I was right! Etsy is a fun place to buy and sell.
Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!
I am married with two grown daughters, the youngest just finished her first year of college. I am retired after having a daycare in my home for 22 years.
I love to paint! I have painted on everything from tissue boxes to vintage windows. My favorite painting is a beach scene. It is a very simple little painting; but it was definitely one of my "bucket list" things to do! I sat on the beach right after the sun came up and painted for hours! It was so peaceful.
I sell celebration banners on Etsy and I am having a blast doing it! Each banner is like I am celebrating life - birth of a baby, birthday, anniversaries. I love it when people write me after the party and tell me what a great time they had and how much everyone enjoyed the banner. Each banner is custom made, so each one is just a little bit different, which feeds my creative side.
During the Christmas season I sell handpainted ornaments which can be personalized. The ornaments are either wood or glass.
How did you get started as a designer or creating art/crafts?
I have been interested in crafts and painting since I was a child. I really got the bug when I was put in charge of our church's annual craft sale. I learned a lot that year about different crafts. That was when my oldest child was young. I put my creativity on hold for many years while I was raising my children, but now I am back!
What inspires you to create?
It comes from within. I feel driven to paint or create something almost everyday. When I don't create after a few days I start to feel empty inside.
How long have you been a member of Bluegrass Etsy and how did you hear about the team?
I was playing around on Etsy to see what was going on in the Etsy community and found the teams. The Bluegrass team sounded like the place for me! I have been a member for almost a year, but really just started being more involved in the last few months.
What is your favorite part about being on an Etsy team?
It's fun to be around people who are creative. I like to see what others are doing and get advice from them on how to make my shop better.
Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?
Don't give up! Be true to yourself and your work. If you like it, someone else is sure to like it too.
Anything else you would like to add?
I enjoy being a seller on Etsy and I am glad I joined the team! The team meetings are fun and informative. I like that the meetings are really more like getting together with friends and not formal and boring. I have only made it to two meetings but have really learned a lot both times and had a great time!
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Thanks for the interview Gail and we are so glad to have you on the team!
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming "Feature Friday" let us know in a comment below.
