Feature Friday with Barb of Barb's Heartstrokes

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

‘Heartstrokes’ came about because I was an Intensive Care Cardiac Nurse and was learning to paint.  So between my job and learning to paint they were both quite a challenge.  But anything that is a challenge usually is worth it. When I started a business it seemed natural to combine the two.

2. How long have you been on Etsy? 

Since April 2010 

 3. What type of items do you offer? 

I hand paint everyday and seasonal designs on framed fiberglass black screen with acrylic paint. My Dad makes the frames from reclaimed barn wood or scrap lumber.  My Husband cuts and sands any of the other wood ornaments or shelf sitters.  My artwork has a flair of folk art, primitive, and whimsy.  I also paint ornaments, magnets, and any surface that looks interesting to me old or new.

4. How long have you been crafting? 

 I have been painting for about 17 years.  My husband was in the Air force and was deployed overseas so I took an acrylic painting class at a local craft store and loved it! 

5. Who or What inspires you? 

 Many artists of the painting and the stitchery world inspire me, fun whimsical patterns and COLORS--lots of different COLORS! 

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

That is a hard question to answer…I end up falling in love with whatever I happen to be painting at the present time. 

7. Other places where you can be found?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbsheartstrokes

http://barbsheartstrokes.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbsheartstrokes

http://twitter.com/#!/BsHeartstrokes

http://pinterest.com/bsheartstrokes

8. How do you describe your artistic style?

A bit of this and a bit of that...usually I am attracted to Folk Art Primitive and Whimsical.

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

I try to paint a little bit every day.  I call it therapy.  If I go long stretches without painting my kids will tell me to go downstairs and paint to HAPPY UP!!

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

Do what you love and love what you do!  Patience is the key word when trying to sell on any venue.  Don't be afraid to experiment and learn.  I am usually reading and trying to see what will attract customers to my shop  whether that is SEO, social networking, self promoting...it is a learning curve and for the most part is always changing.

11. Tell a bit of personal info about yourself.

I was born and raised in Utah.  I am a Registered Nurse and with that degree I was able to travel and work in some fun and exciting places.  My favorite was Alaska! (I call it my homeland.)  I ended up living there for a number of years.  I met my husband in Colorado.  He was stationed with the Air Force in Las Vegas, Nevada.  This is where we had our two beautiful children.  Once he retired from the Air Force we decided our kids needed cousins and extended family nearby...I was aiming for Michigan.  He was aiming for anything but Michigan so we came to Utah.  Here we are!  Love the four seasons.  Something I missed in Nevada.