Spotlight Saturday: Nancy Ellen Studios

 Many times when I cruise around Etsy, I am amazed by all the crazy talent out there! Today, I'm happy to be featuring Nancy Ellen from Nancy Ellen Studios; I like to think her shop is like a Swiss army knife of home decor :)

Here is what Nancy has to say about herself & her work:

1. Can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Nancy. I live in Rhode Island with my husband and we have two grown children and two very spoiled cats.

2. When did you start creating?
I have been sewing since I was a little girl. I learned from watching my Mom and one of my sisters. I started making dolls clothes and with lots of practice went on to making most of my own clothes. I have always kept my hands busy with crafts of all kinds besides sewing, such as knitting, embroidery, crewel work, needlepoint, cross stitching, basket making, quilting, and stained glass.

3. How do you describe your style?
My style is a bit eclectic. A bit modern with a touch of country. My designs are based on my mood that day, I think. If I'm feeling a bit country I will work on a pillow with some embroidery or buttons, or maybe a heart shaped sachet.

4. What does handmade mean to you?
Handmade, to me, means made with love, created from my heart.

5. Where or who do you get your inspiration from?
My inspirations come from the fabrics that I see. If I am feeling cheerful and happy, which I usually am, then I will work on a purse that uses bright and colorful fabric. I also get inspired from my family and friends.

6. What do you like to do when NOT creating?
When I am not creating - which is most of the time - I do love to get together with my family and friends. I also love to cook and read, go shopping, gardening, and take walks in the woods with my husband.

7. What's the best part about running your own shop?
The best part about running my own shop is I am my own boss. I can work the hours I want to. It fits in with my schedule - I also work part time as an office manager. Thankfully it is part time so I devote the rest of my day to my sewing and stained glass.

8. What's do you like about about selling on Etsy?
The best part about selling on Etsy is the great people that I have come to know. I am involved with a few teams and the team members have been very helpful, especially when I first started out.

9. Any advice you'd like to give other shop owners?
The only advice that I would give someone who is just getting their business started on Etsy - is to make what you love. Create what makes you happy.

10. In ten years I hope to still be selling on Etsy. Right now I also sell at three consignment shops and have another Etsy shop of my stained glass art work. www.etsy.com/shop/DesignsStainedGlass
Also in ten years I hope to have some grandchildren that I can spoil and teach them all kinds of fun crafts.

Thanks for sharing your awesome items and life with us, Nancy! You are SO talented...God bless you and your shop :)

Ya'll, show Nancy some love by liking her page on Facebook & visiting her fantastic shop!!

If you'd like to be in the spotlight, please email me artbyjacy@yahoo.com / Subject line: Spotlight

*Note: My blog is family friendly, so I filter everything before I decide if it gets posted. Thank you!*