Friday Feature with Andrea of Punkin Stuffins

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

I named my shop Punkin Stuffins because I want to mostly feature my hand-made pumpkins. I would call pumpkins "punkins" when I was young, and it has just stuck. Since they're stuffed "punkins", the name just kind of worked!

2. How long have you been on Etsy? 

I've been on Etsy for over two years, and I started my first shop, The Sunflower Tree, to try and sell hand-made and designed notepads and artwork. However, I started adding other types of items, including hand-sewn items, and they didn't seem to fit in with the overall feel of the first shop. I started Punkin Stuffins just a few months ago to feature my hand-sewn crafts.

3. What type of items do you offer?

 I feature mainly fabric and sewn items in Punkin Stuffins. I'm going to expand into having other fabric-based items, but I love making the pumpkins and hope to have those as the bulk of my available merchandise.

4. How long have you been crafting? 

 I've been crafting for as long as I can remember. I was hooked on selling hand-made items when I sold some hand-made turkeys at a craft booth with my mom when I was in junior high or high school. They sold like hotcakes! I couldn't believe that I could make money doing something I really liked. 

5. Who or What inspires you? 

That's a hard question. I'm inspired by so many things! I love nature, the seasons, historic buildings, great artwork...anything that catches my attention is potential inspiration!

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

 My favorite item in my shop right now...I have a few. I think that it's a tie between my embroidered pumpkin hoop art and my painted pumpkin. I was just really happy with how they both turned out.

7. Other places where you can be found? 

 www.etsy.com/shop/PunkinStuffins

 I have a Facebook page for Punkin Stuffins: www.facebook.com/PunkinStuffins. I don't have any other sites for the shop at the moment--I just don't have time to manage much else.

8. How do you describe your artistic style? 

 My artistic style is...maybe whimsical? It's hard to describe...I like many different styles of art and design, and seem to have come up with a combination of all that I like, but with my own flavor.

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

 I work on items for my shop whenever I have time. I have a job during the day, so I'll usually pull out my craft supplies in the evening. Sometimes I work on things over the weekend, but usually try to spend that time with my awesome and supportive husband.

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

 Advice for those starting out: don't get discouraged. When I first opened my shop, things were SLOW. It took time to get noticed, to get followers, and to get sales. But over time, it picked up. Be sure to price items at what you feel they are worth--it's easy to undersell yourself. Making a sale on an item with a fair price makes you want to keep going!

11. Tell a bit of personal info about yourself. 

 I'm not happy unless I get to be creative. I think this shop is a great outlet for my creativity. I have a great husband who encourages me to continue when I want to give up. We love to travel, and we have a passion for history. We're both Christians, and put God ahead of all other pursuits. I am thankful for all of the wonderful blessings He's given us!