HomespunAccessories by Melody on Etsy

 

Well this shop feature is a true riot to read! These answers had us giggling and imagining a future cartoon in the making! Between chasing kids, hiding from kids, being a Super Mom by caring for her family, opening an online shop, and sending out products to their new homes before the world ends, is a true feat! Enjoy reading Melody’s story of Homespun Accessories - from Etsy.com!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I am a Georgia girl born and raised and a stay at home mom of 5 kiddos.  I haven’t always been a stay at home mom… my last job was a sales rep for a wireless company.  I have to admit; while I miss working outside the home I wouldn’t trade my lifestyle now for nothing.  Being a mom of 5 is hectic and I often find myself wanting to hide in the corner and cry several times a day.  That is always short lived since my hiding spaces aren’t that great and my kids typically find me.  My family and I enjoy spending time together, we love…well, I love to go thrift shopping and I drag my kids along with me.  The kids enjoy time at the park and anything outdoorsy.  I am fairly new to crochet which has become a huge obsession of mine and an absolute passion, I was given a book Christmas 2013 on “How to Crochet” and have been hooked (literally) ever since.  Crocheting is my main hobby/business, I enjoy sewing every now and again but I tend to lose interest with large projects and they never get finished.  I also enjoy reading (while hiding from the kids) and cooking.  As far as cleaning and how I run my household,  I once read something that said “cleaning a house with kids, is like brushing your teeth with Oreos” so after those words of wisdom, I decided not to freak out any more over cleaning, I let my kids do their part and I do mine.  We are one big crazy family and I love it.

Why did you choose the name of your business? Is there a special meaning behind it?

Well, this is pretty funny because I have no clue why I chose my Etsy name.  It’s quite ridiculous actually, I couldn’t decide so I just typed something that was available.  I know I wanted something that said handmade.  When choosing a name I was stuck on “homespun” since it had more of a homey feel to me and I added “accessories” since at the beginning of my Etsy shop I was selling hair accessories (which were a total fail for me).  But, my social media accounts and emails are all scattered, just like me…it is truly a miracle that I don’t walk around with my shirt on inside-out every day.

Why did you decide to open your shop and why sell on Etsy.com?

I opened my Etsy shop because it was recommended to me.  It opened in September 2012 with hair accessories, but I truly had no clue what I was doing.  Etsy is easy and is an awesome selling avenue for handmade, but you have to know your markets and do lots of research when it comes to listings.

Why make handmade products?

Why not? I love handmade products and the talent in this world is absolutely amazing!  Unique, original, one of a kind and not only that you are supporting a mom, a dad, a student and more.  My shop now mainly focuses on baby goods and I believe that every baby young and old deserves something handmade.  I love to do custom orders and making stuff at special requests, warms my heart to know that a sweet baby is going to cuddle up with something I made or someone is going to sit on a rag rug I made from repurposed curtains and fabrics. 

What is a typical day like when you are crafting?

I have crafters ADHD, I start one project while working on 3 others and then finish another project and then start another project. It’s a mess.  But with the kids, I tend to craft while the youngest is napping and I stay up late.  When bedtime rolls around for the baby, my older kids know that I am fixing to drag out my hooks and yarn stash and to leave me be!!  I work on something every night, even if it’s for only 30 minutes.

What is your most popular product on the market right now?

My loveys have been popular for me, and I especially love making the unicorn loveys.  A lovey is part stuffed animal, part blanket.  They make an awesome security item, cuddly buddy and travel companion. 

Do you have any advice for other crafters who would like to start selling their creations?

Love what you do, don’t just say “Hey I am gonna start selling this stuff”.  Truly have a passion for it because it will show.  When you are passionate, customers will become passionate for your products.  Take your time, and do research.  If you are selling on Etsy make sure to join a team that explains search engines, tagging, listings and more.  And, if you can, don’t just limit yourself to online selling. Make an effort to do at least one craft fair a year because it will boost orders and Etsy traffic as well.

Do you have any giveaways running right now?

This is really good timing, because I am actually running my first ever giveaway.  “Like” my facebook page and enter to win Spirit, a stuffed pony. I also occasionally run coupons and other promos on my social media.  I tend to keep my prices pretty low, I am not looking to get rich just looking to fund my yarn addiction.

Any last words before heading back to the kiddos?

I want to close by thanking all who have taken the time to read about me, my passions and my kids.  And when you need me, you can find me at Joann’s, I am the crazy one with the kids running around in the store and the buggy full of yarn. 

For custom orders and inquiries you can contact me through Etsy (preferred) or Facebook.  For free patterns and more be sure to check out my blog through Weebly.com, it is new but adding more stuff weekly. I’m also on Twitter under @homespuncrochet!

And the award goes to…Melody!! Thanks for crawling into your little corner and being able to send us your wonderful story! For having such a crazy, yet fun filled life, it’s a true wonder you have any time at all!! Have a blessed rest of the summer and we wish you much success with your shop and blog!