Feature Friday: Toni Johnson of Vernon Ave

Today we feature the talented Toni Johnson of Vernon Avenue. If you love handbags (and what woman doesn't?) you need to check out her work. Toni was recently featured in the Autumn issue of Haute Handbags!

How did you first hear about etsy?

I found it on the internet about 3 years ago.

Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!

I have been making things and being creative for as long as I can remember. I love art classes as a child and grew into it naturally. My Mom gave me the freedom to be creative and paint murals on the wall, have a purple mohawk and "redesign" my clothes too. So, it has been ingrained into my everyday life. Maybe the purple mohawk was not the best idea but it was an outlet. I love to paint, draw, bake, sew and pretty much anything I can get my hands on.


How did you get started as a designer?

See above! ha! I started in high school making my own purses and changing my clothes to my liking. Then I moved on to design school.

What inspires you to create?

Travelling and seeing new places inspires me. Also, the history of handbags. I like to go back and look at the different cultures and learn about all different types of bags.

How long have you been a member of Bluegrass etsy and how did you hear about the team?

I have been a member about 9 months. I learned about them by reading stories about the street teams on The Storque.


Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?

Make what you love and the rest will come. Try not to make things "just" for money.

Anything else you would like to add?

I think etsy is a wonderful thing and it has given so many artists and people a community to thrive on on it's own terms.

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To see more of Toni's colorful and unique handbags, visit her Vernon Ave etsy shop! They make great gifts!

And check out Toni's fun posts at her HandmadeMoonshine blog.

Feature Friday: Danielle Hammon of Lovelettersdesigns

Today we feature a new team member and jewelry artist, Danielle Hammon of Lovelettersdesigns.


How did you first hear about etsy?

I believe I saw it on a blog a few years ago. I’ve wanted to have my own shop ever since but it wasn’t until a few months ago that I took the plunge and decided to do it.

Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!

I am the Design Director for Underwired Magazine, a local women’s magazine in the Greater Louisville/Southern Indiana area. I decided to start I make earrings to sell on etsy about three months ago. I wanted to create earrings that were unique, but also simple and sophisticated. I love the simple elegance of v-shaped earwire to take a fun element or bead and make it a little more grown up. I think there is really something in my shop for everyone. Whether meeting a friend for coffee, or going out for a night on the town, my designs are functional and eye catching. I wear them everyday and get compliments all the time!


How did you get started as a designer?

I have done art for as long as I have been able to hold a crayon. My mom was constantly making things growing up. Our dining room turned into a workshop every year in November as my mom started making Christmas gifts for people, most of which showcased her painting skills. I started making my own jewelry in high school and have kept is as a hobby until now. It hasn’t been until recently that I thought about turning it into something more. I was in a bead store with my sister in July and I thought suddenly “I can do this, I’m going to do this.” I came home, made a bunch of earrings and opened my shop the next day.

What inspires you to create?

I draw inspiration from everywhere... art and design, nature, life. My husband has been a huge encouragment. He has been the push I need sometimes to go out and make my dreams happen.


How long have you been a member of Bluegrass etsy and how did you hear about the team?

I have been a Bluegrass team member for about a month and a half. I met Kim and Libby when they were thinking about advertising with Underwired. At that point I was only a month into my shop. The night I met them I had my first sale!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?

I’m more in a place of taking advice rather than giving it right now, but I have learned so much in the little time I’ve been a part of etsy. I guess my advice would be to take advantage of every resource out there. There are so many! And don’t give up or get discouraged.

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Great advice Danielle!
To see more of Danielle's creations, visit her Lovelettersdesigns etsy shop.