Green Craft Studio on Etsy!

We are overjoyed to bring you a FABULOUS product review - just in time for the BAKING SEASON, along with  the beautiful story of Becca Shuler and how her shop “GreenCraftStudio”(on Etsy)  came to be! Enjoy!!

                                                                       THE STORY

Short Bio: Born in Midwest USA, E. St. Louis, Illinois to be exact. Born in 1960.
Moved to Atlanta, GA at 15 with family, Married at 16 to the love of my life, Mother to one child, daughter; Got my GED: 1994/ Hope Grant recipient-- attended college in my 30's; Graduated Highest Honors from North Metro Technical College in 1995/Business & Office Technology

 

Story: Although born in the Midwest, I am a country girl at heart. I love being outside and moving, always have. Love of the outdoors shows up in my creative projects from time to time. My latest endeavor, painted aprons, lends itself to my love of nature or anything of beauty on the landscape and sometimes 'beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.'

My sewing skills harken from my childhood. My grandmother first taught me to use the needle and thread to create doll clothes all before the age of five. My first sewing machine was a gift from my dad at age ten. It was an antique non-electric Singer. I loved it! And I made my first piece of clothing for myself on that machine at age ten. By the time I was old enough to take Home Economics in Jr. High School, I had been sewing my own clothes for three years. You might say, I have an aptitude for it.

 

My mother was a seamstress, and when I was a teenager in the 70's she was busy sewing costumes for Rock Bands. It was exciting to see her lay out the shimmery white jersey cloth and cut out the bell- bottom jumpsuit pattern. Right before my eyes it became the coolest 'Elvis' costume ever! It turns out, I learned a lot from her by watching. Mom didn't like being bothered when she was working. If I asked too many questions, she'd make me leave the room. So, I learned to watch in silence soaking up the knowledge for her craft at an early age. Later, when our family relocated from East St. Louis, Illinois to Atlanta, Georgia, Mom became a designer/decorator/faux finish painting artist. I have learned a lot from her over the years and still enjoy soaking up all I can when we are together.

I tried my craft out professionally for the first time after my husband and I opened a retail fabric shop in our small town of Ellijay, Georgia back in 2002. From Cottage Interiors, Inc. the love of sewing was spread to as many that I could reach. We taught sewing classes for the beginner to the experienced with classes like Sewing 101: the basics and Quilt In A Day classics like: How to make a strip quilt in a day. I formed a brief business relationship with a Quilting Teacher from California and not only learned how to piece quilts by machine, but also learned how to design quilt top patterns. I made many quilts for demonstration purposes and have sold some through the years. I also built a clientele for custom draperies from our shop. My husband made custom wood cornice boxes, and I upholstered them in lovely rustic patterns for many of the cabin dwellings up here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I remember decorating one such set of cornices with mountain laurel branches to bring an even more rustic look to the room. It was an adventure and a wonderful outlet for my creativity! But when the economy in Georgia tanked in 2005, we sold most of our inventory and closed shop.

You may wonder whatever got me on the path of selling my craft online? A lot of it had to do with the economy situation. I have the skills to make products and can sew in my home studio. Materials can be expensive when purchased new, so I found that if I scoured the shelves of our local thrift stores (our community has four good thrift options) then I could provide myself with an affordable sewing stash. And before I knew it, Green Craft Studio was born!

I find myself creating one of kind products probably due to my stash coming from a limited source. It makes my online shop at Etsy look very eclectic. I try to corral my creativity and keep the shop as harmonious as possible. When I first opened the online shop in the fall of 2013, I gravitated towards the hippie look of fabrics and patterns from the 70's era. Today, I am going more toward the Shabby Country Vintage Inspired Chic look using soft creams and pastels or paisleys in muted shades of gemstones. I get a lot of trending ideas from my friends. They are my first place to test market my products, and I listen to their color suggestions.

 

                                                                   THE REVIEW

 Thanksgiving is just two weeks away and what are we all looking for?? No, it’s not the Turkey, not the casseroles, not even the pumpkin pie! It’s a festive apron that any cook can take delight in! Of course, what is a holiday’s cook’s best outfit without one fine looking apron! I am so proud to say I had the honor of reviewing a custom apron from Becca’s GreenCraftStudio! Let’s review! 

Custom: Have you ever wanted an apron to call all your own, with just a little touch of you? Becca was incredible with creating a custom piece, just for me! When taking ones order be sure to message her special details about what you like and don’t like and she will BE SURE to go beyond your expectations! When I first opened the package in the mail (very timely I might add!) I was in such a hurry to see what her creative mind designed that I un-wrapped it while still in line at the post office! I know patience is a virtue, but I was just too excited! Several people were looking at me like I was crazy, but a few ladies asked where such a unique apron came from! Score!!  I give Becca an A+++ for listening to my interests and being the fabulous Etsy owner that she is!

 

The Fit: One never knows how anything will fit when buying online…too big, too small…but never fear because this apron is sure to fit early teens to women! I love the fit, and I love how it is not made of paper thin material…Sometimes aprons are made for “looks only”, this apron is definitely offers a great look with the ability for the “real life cook” to be able to accomplish her work!

 

Artwork: Is it appropriate to scream in a blog?? I loveeeee owls!! Love them along with the painted fall pumpkins, and for it to all flow so well!! I love that she was able to add girly ruffles too! If I knew first up that she would be combining all three of my likes and interests into one apron, I might have said let’s just choose one theme, but oh my goodness, oh my goodness Becca certainly know how to bring multiple pieces together into one glorious theme! I do believe Becca you should also try your hand at selling some of your painted artwork framed!

Care: What is the best thing that any slightly “sloppy” cook likes to hear?? It’s that a piece of clothing CAN BE WASHED! You never want to wear something that you could ruin easily! So Becca has made it easy – her aprons can be hand washed, washed in cold water on gentle, and can also be dried on medium! SCORE!!!

The overall scoop: If you ever need an apron, be sure to stop by her Etsy shop to support her and her work! It’s more than a job when someone places so much passion into their creations! I love to support small businesses and I hope you will too!

Thank you ever so much Becca for sharing your life, your love, and your passion with us! Not only are your custom aprons an amazing addition to any kitchen, but your purses, quilts, vintage clothing, & more, are an absolute to delight for the eyes and for the modern lifestyle! Many blessings to you and yours! Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving Becca & readers!  Be sure to check out Becca at her ETSY SHOP. INSTAGRAM - @beccasgreencraftstudio, & FACEBOOK!

bully apron Becca donated to www.ebullymatch.com for the fundraiser held last month in Chicago.