Sunday Spotlight : SerendipityBeadedCreations

Serendipity: (n) the phenomenon of finding something valuable when not sought for

I named my business this because it seems like sometimes when I am working the hardest for one thing something else always falls into my lap that is even better. There are good in bad in all things but I am learning to turn my weaknesses into strengths and this home business has taught me alot about that.

Here is all the places that I network, my goal for 2011 is to become more organized.

http://www.facebook.com/serendipitybeadedcreations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/serendipity11beaded
http://www.facebook.com/acraftycottagecongo
http://hyenacart.com/aCraftyCottage/
http://www.twitter.com/homebizmama11

Starting October 1st I started highlighting one craft business/ entrepreneur a week and will post their shop information as well as a few personal facts about their business here if you are

interested please send me a request.
http://www.facebook.com/?sk=2361831622#!/group.php?gid=334628725136
LinkLovelies on Oprah :)
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=123494001037211#!

/group.php?gid=123494001037211&v=wall

How did you get started on Etsy?

I actually had been looking to do something from home and a lady in my ward got me started on Hyena Cart, I wasn't selling anything and decided to just go on to a few different places and see what clicked. . .ETsy seemed the best fit at the time, and I have enjoyed it so far.
Last month I joined two threads and have sold 19 items in one month, I was on etsy a year before that, not doing it full time, but only sold 4 items.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am a single Mom to 2 girls, one who is 8, her name is Odette and she has down syndrome and multiple health issues, she has a feeding tube, and is in a wheelchair. She attends school 3 hours a day and is doing very well. Odette loves to play ball and watches muppets a lot, as well as Signing Time.
I also have a three year old named Sabra who is so much fun! She loves to read, color, use stamps and put stickers on everything. She also loves Signing Time, they both sign quite a bit.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am the Compassionate Service person in my ward, I work at Montana Public Radio, very part time, but have my own Soundtrack show and love it. I love to read. I love to make hats, I donate them to the Pediatric Wing of the Hospital here, my daughter and I spent many months there when she was younger, it was always cold. So I donate hats at least once a month.

What first made you want to become an artist?

I always have made things for my friends and family, it helps me relax and I love to learn new things.

Please describe your creative process.

I usually do a pattern, but I pick one that reflects something I am experiencing in my life and usually ties in with the seasonal holidays.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My daughters. . .they arent really handmade, but they definitely are the biggest focus of my life and were created within and through me.

How do you promote your work?

facebook, locally, and on etsy, kaboodle, stumble upon, hyena cart

Name your top five books, movies, musicians, and websites besides Etsy.

Lds.com, all of the Scriptures, BYU, and any tv or movie that will inspire me to be more and do more for those I love, i love Lifetime network and anything that makes me laugh :)

How does your faith influence your work on Etsy?

I believe my faith is reflected in some way in almost everything I do, But I believe any online business takes a huge amount of faith, most of my family are not members of the church and have degrees. I am definitely someone who believes in the power of God and true prophets who guide us to live our fullest potential.

What advice would you give to artists who are new to Etsy?

Stay true to what you believe, do not compare yourselves to others, find a place of inspiration that is truly yours and develop that the best way possible.

In ten years, where would you like to be?

Married in the temple with someone who truly honors his priesthood and honors the importance of family and is willing to be creative an understanding in that process.

What is your favorite item from your shop?

My grandmother, Mother daughter Heart sets. . .the design is from the same artist but I put the grandmother, mother daughter influence, My mom passed away when i was 15 and My grandmother passed away when my daughter Odette was 2. I like making symbols of that connection because I miss them both so much and love them.

What are your top five favorite shops on etsy?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sheiseverything
http://www.etsy.com/shop/vampiton
http://www.etsy.com/shop/H20worksDesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/serenitysoapworkstx
http://www.etsy.com/shop/mystuff2

How has selling on etsy changed your life?

It has made me feel productive and helped me live accountably on a different level, as well as keeping me on my toes, and understanding the importance of healthy competition

The picture was taken 2 years ago when we went to visit my brother and his wife who was pregnant at the time, Now I am an Aunt to an amazing Niece named Claire.

We were in Lincoln city, Oregon, and my brother took the picture when we weren't paying attention, I just thought it was really cute!