Feature Friday with BKG Custom Crafts

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and why did you choose that name? 

  We’re a very family oriented gang ( 4 daughters, 11 grands) & the BKG comes from Butch, Kathy & the Girls. 

2. How long have you been on Etsy? 

  Since March, 2011.  

      3. What type of items do you offer? 

We make all kinds of wood crafts from personalized ornaments to baby announcements to wall and/or door hangers.  Butch cuts & base coats, I do the detail work & Jaime (one of our daughters) does all the lettering free hand.  I also enjoy doing a little more “formal” painting occasionally.  We also do custom orders.

4. How long have you been crafting?  

Let’s see, we’re both older than dirt, so about that long.  Actually, my grandmother taught me to knit & crochet when I was 6 (hence, our 2^nd shop, Kathy’s Kustom Krafts – because I don’t have ENOUGH to keep me busy  [sarcasm intended . . .]) & Butch was out in the shed with his dad at a very early age working with wood.  We sort of accidentally discovered our particular craft when I saw a small wooden wagon at a craft show that we couldn't afford & asked Butch if he could make one for me, and as they say, the rest is history!

5. Who or What inspires you?  

Gosh, anything & everything, color, texture, nature . . . many things. 

6. What is your favorite item in your shop and why?

  Oooohhh, that’s a hard one, and I guess I would have to say I have two – the lighthouse painting on wood that you see in the Celebration and the three primitive Santas – love those three guys!  I think the reason the lighthouse is one of my favorites is that I've done the painting a few times in the past & this one just seemed to come together for me & I feel it’s the best piece I've done.  As far as Butch’s favorite, it’s anything I do!!  He’ my biggest fan!

7. Other places where you can be found? 

 Well, we “exist” on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/bkgcustomcrafts/), but it’s completely new to us & haven’t done anything there yet.  I’m also stumbling through making a Facebook page.  Still not able to wrap my head around a blog but will let everyone know as we make progress.

8. How do you describe your artistic style? 

  Not sure how to answer that, a little bit of this, a little bit of that.  We love primitive but other styles as well.

9. Do you have set days or times to work on your craft?

  Does morning, noon & night count????  I’m retired and Butch works afternoons (hopefully able to retire within the next year), so we’re fortunate to have the mornings to be able to work together, then I spend as much time in the afternoons and evenings as I’m able, even at the expense of housework - ;).

10. What words of advice would you give others or to someone just starting out?

  Learn everything you can about all aspects of being a business owner & DO treat it as a business.  We didn't & I think it has cost us in many ways, not the least of which has been the efficient use of our time, marketing (or lack of), etc.

11. Tell a bit of personal info about yourself. 

  I’m originally from Ohio, Butch is from Massachusetts.  We've been in Florida for 18 years & love it!  We have been married 39 years as of October 19^th.  As I stated before, we have 4 beautiful daughters & 11 grands.  Our only son passed away 33 years ago from an accident, but from that we became involved with a support group geared toward the loss of a child.  Currently, we facilitate a grief support group at our church as well as other activities at church. 

I just have to say we’re thrilled to be a part of this team & are so impressed by the support  & encouragement given to the members in every way – business-wise as well as personally.  Thank you all for allowing us to be a part of this.