My name is Laura Bergman, and I live in a very rural wooded area in the Lancaster Amish Country. I am married with 2 kids, three dogs, and two cats.
Currently, I do not, but after seeing the remarkable talent on Etsy, I would like to start something as well to feature some of these remarkable stores.
Well, when I was little, my grandmother was very skilled at all things needlework, and had us all making things using crochet and knitting. To this day, I still love to hand crochet lace doilies because it reminds me of being little in that wonderful old house she had.
When I was taking a walk in the woods one day, there was a baby deer and it's mother laying in the leaves. When they caught my scent, of course, they were off. Where the fawn was laying was the jagged remains of an antique Noxema bottle, as there are numerous old bottle dumps in these old woods. I was devasted thinking of what could be happening to this beautiful wildlife with all the old glass laying around, and simply started picking it up and creating things with it.
I have an official "studio"! OK, well, really my husband built me a lovely work bench in a corner of our basement that is now covered with all types of antique glass.
Antique glass of course! I have been an antique bottle collector for 20 years, and can pick up most pieces laying about and tell you what it was and what it was used for. It's wonderful using something with history behind it, instead of something being turned out in a factory that takes a lot of natural resources to produce.
I am always amazed at how beautiful this antique glass is once I dig it out of the dirt, clean it and work with the pieces. Sometimes I just move the pieces around, and hold them up to the light, and imagine what they could be.
Don't you agree in this day and age of mass production the simple knowledge that someone sat down and personally brought that piece or product to be with their special touch and creativity is so special? If anyone has a choice, I think most people would prefer handmade.
It's certainly hard doing the actual selling, when you just love to create. I guess the only wisdom is to try to find what makes your products unique and set apart from the others and go with it.
I am an advertising manager for an Equestrian Manager. I have been there for 13 years.
I guess to believe in your craft, and understand it's real value.
In ten years I'd like to be ... exclusively making a living off of my Bottled Up Designs!
Three of her products that can be found in Laura's Shop, Bottled-Up Designs.
New theme of the week for Sept.9 - Sept. 15.
This weeks theme was chosen by Sue from Signature Sterling Team members from etsyBEAD are hard at work creating beautiful jewelry and beads for you to wear with your favorite denim.
Surely there will be a lot to choose from for all you blue lovers out there!! Don't forget that the holidays will be here before you know it and everyone wears denim!
How can you go wrong...great jewelry that will match your giftee's wardrobe and a great sale that will match your budget!!! Click here for both tags "EBTW" and "dressed up denim" to find this week's theme items quickly and easily!
Are you a jewelry or bead maker who wants to join in the fun? Easy! Just visit etsybead Google group and the magic doors will open for you!
Don't forget to visit our etsyBEAD Flickr page where you can view all designs.
If interested in the above piece please contact Serena @ pinkicejewels@gmail.com for more info.