SHOP OF THE WEEK THREE!!!! EDNA!!!!

Time for another shop of the week feature... I'd like to present EDNA!!! A crafter I met months ago when she won a set of my eggs without even trying, and a person I'm honored to present to you!!!!

1. Whats your shop name - Ednabelle

2. Introduce yourself (name age and a little info) - I am 78, born and raised in WV

3. Why do you do what you do on etsy? - Because I really like it and it's important to me to stay active.

4. When and Why did you join etsy? - I joined Etsy 6 months ago. Actually a wonderful Etsian, TheLittleGreenButton, purchased from me through another venue (but we're not calling names), told me how friendly and wonderful Etsy was and invited me to come check it out. I very much liked what I found here and it hasn't let me down. It is a wonderful outlet for my creative side.

5. What have you learned about yourself during your business endeavor in selling on etsy? - I've learned that my hobby is a great way to supplement my fixed income.

6. What do you do by day when you're not etsy's turtleXIII? - I'm an old fashioned gal who cooks and cleans for her family. I have 4 children, 19 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and a couple of local doctors who all like to spend some time with me from time to time.

7. What are your thoughts about selling on Etsy? - I'm proud to sell on Etsy where the artistic community makes me feel like I also have something valuable to contribute.

8. Explain your craft and your crafting style. - I have a passion for old things and cringe at the thought of throwing any useful away, even if it does need a little love before it can live again.

9. What are some of your favorite pieces? - My favorite offerings are always the re-purposed pieces made from vintage broken parts, like this necklace made from a lonely earring http://www.etsy.com/listing/44039945/vintage-repurposed-retro-enameled or this necklace and earring set made from a broken bracelet http://www.etsy.com/listing/41077295/ooak-vintage-repurposed-carved-black.

10. Is it hard to part with your items once sold? - I'm attached to everything I sell since they are the pieces I have collected over a lifetime, but quite a few buyers have sent me a personal note telling me how much they love and appreciate the pieces they've purchased, sometimes with stories of the dear loved ones they remind them of which warms my heart and makes it much easier to let go.

11. Explain how you got started in your craft. - My bio says it best: My name is Edna. I live in the Blue Ridge Mountains of West Virginia. Having grown up during the Depression with eleven brothers and sisters crafting new items from old ones became a way of life for me. As early as I can remember mother had shown us how to use old feed sacks, discarded sheets and small scraps of wood to make our own toys and later our own clothes. I developed a love of found objects of all kinds for the useful and interesting things they could become. Seems no matter what I see ideas begin popping into my head regarding the new life it could take on.

Ednabelle's shop on Etsy is becoming my creative outlet. It is a place where
I can distribute the items I've collected over a lifetime (after all I need
some work space here) and a place where I can find those who appreciate the
items my mind and hands create from the discarded goodies around me. It is a
passion I share with all three generations who have come behind me. My
daughter helps me with the shop. One of my granddaughters, who is a working
mom and student is creating works of her own to sell in my shop to help her
through school. One of my great granddaughters has modeled for me and she
and her brother have contributed many items that are made by eager hands not
yet talented enough for the public - but their time will come. And many of
the vintage handmade items in the shop were made many years ago with the
help of most all of the grandchildren when they were little.

It does my heart good to know the art of thrift and creativity is being
passed along and appreciated in our family and that so many of you are
taking the time to share them with your own children. My children and grand
children alike tell me that just as I have such wonderful memories with my
own mother some of their fondest memories involve crafting with me when they
were growing up. Such a precious thing to pass along.

I've been out of the work force now for many years so Etsy has filled my
days with much more stucture and activity than I have known for quite some
time since none of the little ones are living nearby. My daughter and I now
spend many hours sorting, creating, photographing and listing with a little
packing and shipping thrown in. While you will find some of our created
items in my shop already, you will also find lots of vintage items which
haven't been altered as I attempt to claim much needed work space. I hope
that you will stop in and help us clear this area, then come back for more
of the crafted treasures to come.

12. What's your working space like? - It's a small portable table set rather permanently in an otherwise unused corner of the house.

13. Is your craft your job or your hobby? (explain) - For me it is my passion. It is the thing which takes my attention each day and keeps me moving and alive.

14. What's your personality and how does that reflect in your craft?

15. Do you do and other crafts? - I can't think of many crafts I haven't at least tried over the years. Needlework, sewing and crochet were my favorites until age began stealing both my eyesight and the steadiness in my hands.

16. Who taught you to do this craft? - I am self taught, always learning through trial and error.

17. What are some of your favorite shops? - I never met a vintage or craft shop I didn't like.

18. What else would you like to say about anything and everything including yourself and/or your craft? I love life and I love to live.