Military Life from a Spouse's Perspective

The Homefront Team and the Brats are combining efforts to share our experiences with the military lifestyle so that others can fully understand the sense of community, sacrifices, benefits, and expectations we all share as members of a truly unique group of people. Each month we will feature a story shared by a Military Brat Team member, and a story shared by a Homefront Team member.

Military Life…. From a Spouse’s Perspective
Leslie Jeannet of Heart Adrift

Growing up in south Louisiana, I was constantly surrounded by family and friends – you see, southern living has a certain magnetism to it that keeps its natives near and never seems to let them drift far. When my heart became drawn to a “Navy Boy,” as my friends called him, red flags started flying. No one could understand why on earth I’d ever want to be involved with someone outside the city limits, let-alone someone who was in the military!

Fast forward over 4 years later and here I am: far from the family and friends I love dearly, but happier than I could have ever imagined because I married the man who captured my heart. Being a Navy Wife is one of the hardest yet most rewarding aspects of my life. In these short years I’ve learned what it is to trust someone more than I trust myself, gained a love and respect for my country that I’ve only ever heard my grandfather speak of, and realized that communication truly is the key to a successful marriage. Though only partially through his very first deployment, I can tell you one thing: strength finds you when you least expect it.

Thanks Leslie for sharing your story with us! Please visit Leslie's Shop, "Heart Adrift" and her blog, "The Jeanetts"

Also friend her on FB

If you would like to submit a story for this series please contact Jen at Brats of Etsy. You can also find us on Facebook.

The Homefront Team and the Brats are combining efforts to share our experiences with the military lifestyle so that others can fully understand the sense of community, sacrifices, benefits, and expectations we all share as members of a truly unique group of people. Each month we will feature a story shared by a Military Brat Team member, and a story shared by a Homefront Team member.

Military Life…. From a Spouse’s Perspective

Milleth Soliza of Fully Hooked

Sometimes someone will say to you “oh you poor dear, deployments must be very hard on you, especially with kids”. Sometimes, they’ll say “thank you for your service”. And then sometimes, they’ll simply give you a look of mixed animosity and pity. And I would respond “yes ma’am, it sure is hard” or “thank you, sir, and you’re welcome”, or simply just smile kindly. Everyone seems to have a premeditated view on military life, and I agree that it’s not the life for everyone. I may sit hours on end, making jewelry and burning the midnight oil, waiting for that phone call to come through from some remote location in the desert, and I may celebrate birthdays, holidays and anniversaries without my other half, but I don’t despair--because this life has allowed me to fall in love with my husband many times over. This life has reinforced every promise we’ve ever made to each other, and truly, I am happy.

Every deployment or separation creates that gut-wrenching anxiety that starts at the pit of your stomach and spreads all over you and seem to settle deep within you, making it hard to breathe… but every return brings with it the euphoria of first love: the butterflies, the tingles, the perpetual pull and gravity of a steadfast commitment made between husband and wife—and I’m okay once more. We knew from the onset that this was going to be hard, but the rewards are great as long as you are committed to making the most of everything. So, hard as military life might be, my smile never wavers.

Thanks Milleth for sharing your story with us! Please stop by visit Milleth's Shop.

If you would like to submit a story for this series please contact Jen at Brats of Etsy You can also find us on FB

Military Life from a Spouse Perspective

The Homefront Team and the Brats are combining efforts to share our experiences with the military lifestyle so that others can fully understand the sense of community, sacrifices, benefits, and expectations we all share as members of a truly unique group of people. Each month we will feature a story shared by a Military Brat Team member, and a story shared by a Homefront Team member.

Military Life….
From a spouse’s perspective
Sara of Sara Rubendall Design Studio.

Sarah modeling as "Barbie"

I never in a million years thought I would be a Navy wife. Never. I met my husband when we were in college and shortly after we started dating he told me he had joined the Navy. I was absolutely devastated. The word Navy to me meant that I would never see him. I was a hot mess when he left for bootcamp and I cried until there were no more tears to cry. I thought at the time that nothing good would come of this, but boy was I wrong.

We got married when he took leave from A-school in December of 2004. I was still unsure of this whole Navy thing because we were still apart and I dreamed of the time when we could finally be together. In April I rode a bus down to St. Mary's Georgia where my husband was stationed on his first boat. I was in heaven. I am from a small town in Illinois and to say I hadn't been much of anywhere was an understatement. Now here I was in Georgia where I never thought I would be. Heck, this was the first time I had even seen the ocean! The Navy was turning out to be not so bad after all!

Winning First Kiss

After I survived my first deployment we were transferred to Washington and I was pretty excited. We packed up our stuff and got driving. Once we got to Washington my mouth hung wide open. Never had I seen a mountain either. It was amazing and absolutely beautiful.

Premade Basic Etsy Shop Set

In my experience as a Navy wife I will say that I have gotten to see and do some pretty cool things. How many people can say that they have been on a submarine? I am so lucky to have had these experiences and I thank the Navy for every last one of them :)

Thanks Sara for sharing your story with us!

Please visit Sara's Shop and her blog.

If you would like to submit a story for this series

please contact Jen at Brats of Etsy
You can also find us on FB

Military Life from a Brat's Perspective -

The Homefront Team and the Brats are combining efforts to share our experiences with the military lifestyle so that others can fully understand the sense of community, sacrifices, benefits, and expectations we all share as members of a truly unique group of people. Each month we will feature a story shared by a Military Brat Team member, and a story shared by a Homefront Team member.

Briana of BP Design

When asked “Where are you from?”, I usually pause. For being from a military family, there is no one place I’m “from“. Every 2 years, Dad would get new orders. We’d pack up and be gone. Each new base would have a whole new set of friends, all with the same story. It is always hard to explain to people what it was like growing up in a military family.

Most of my childhood was spent on the West coast. There were 4 short years that we spent on the East coast. For those 4 years, we resided in North Carolina. I remember riding all over base housing on my bicycle. Learning the lay of the land. There were some woods behind our house that held trails and “hunting” grounds. We played in the Neuse River. A little pill box with the cat on front held (still holds) my collection of shark teeth that washed onto the shore.

It was during those years that I learned to quilt. Dad was in Iraq. Mom and I would go to a fellow military family’s house and meet with other women. Everyone would bring their quilting. I still have the nine patch that I started. It has blue, pink and cream colored squares. This quilt was to be hand-pieced.

One day we went for the quilting and I remember the women sitting around crying and comforting each other. The call had come. We had lost one of our men. Each woman in that room was hurting for the one who had lost their spouse, brother and son. I haven’t picked up the squares since then. Maybe someday I’ll be able to finish it.

As a kid, I knew that Dad was working a lot. I didn’t really understand until that day. He was “working” for our freedom. Our right as a country to choose who leads us. Our right to be individuals. He was willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for me, my siblings, Mom and people he had never met.

Now I am a mother of boys. Whenever we are in town and I see someone in uniform, I point them out to my boys. I tell my boys in a voice for those around to hear, “That man or woman is fighting for your freedom, just like your uncle.”

Please visit Brian at BP Designs

Thanks for spending a few moments with the "Brats of Etsy"
Brats on FB

Military Life - "Brats" Perspective

Military Life ...
From a spouse's perspective

Jeananne Sizemore
owner of Art Whims

A military life is a great one, one that I have known my entire life. As a Navy Brat and now as an Army Wife, I have experienced the ups and downs of what it means to be a member of a military family and that our family includes many more than my genetic relatives. Our family is all of the people in the military and those who have family members and friends in the military.

I am proud that the Homefront Team is now part of that family. The military family mirrors the relationship of siblings; we may fight sometimes, have differences in faith and ideas, but when we really need each other we rally together and stand strong. And with the losses that many of us have faced it still brings tears to my eyes that I have so many people willing to reach out and give me a hug of encouragement when I need one. I am so thankful to be living this military life and would not have it any other way.

Jeananne's Beautiful Items can be Found:
Painted Items
Photography (etsy)
Photography(zazzle)
Facebook
Blog
Twitter

Thanks Jeananne! If you would like to submit a story for this series please contact us ("Contact" tab at the top of the blog) for consideration.

Helping Hand Series - Helpful Hints for Selling on Etsy

from Anhoki's Place
Artisan Bath and Body

Sellers Helpful Hints
(a new series offering handy hints for selling on etsy)

You have talent. You wouldn't open an etsy shop if you didn't. You've worked hard, made your beautiful items, spent time posting items for sale, and then started to wonder what you can do to make your shop a little better. Hopefully these tips will get you where you want to go, and get your shop some well deserved attention. Just remember, what may work for one seller might not work for another. So just hang in there, try a few new things, and see if that makes a difference.

Topic #1 The best place to start

What should you sell? This may seem like such a simple thing to consider, but those who sell successfully (to inlude shops that are non-etsy) consider this heavily before they put anything up for sale. Think of your shop like a catalogue, or a boutique. If you walked into a shop, and there was little to no variety, would you stay and shop? If you browsed a catalog, and the items didn't work well together, would you seriously consider a purchase from this company? I doubt many people would think it normal to walk into a pet store and find hair accessories in a corner. Or walk into a kitchen store where half a shelf was dedicated to jewelry and think that it belonged. To get a good idea of whether you are off to a good start, perhaps try asking yourself a few questions.

1. What do my items have in common?
2. Do I have enough variety to choose from within my shop? How about within each section?
3. If you looked at a catalog with the same items in your shop, would you be wondering why a certain item is missing? (i.e. looking at a jewelry shop, would you wonder where the matching earrings are for that necklace? How about bracelets?)
4. What could I add/remove that could make my shop more cohesive?


If you have a great tip you would like to share, please email jenharruff@yahoo.com

March's Featured Artist/Seller

Every month, the Brat Team chooses one of it's members to “highlight;” as it’s Featured Artist/Seller. This month, we are pleased to introduce you to “Anise” of Seavbeach Designs. http://www.seavbeach.etsy.com/

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I grew up in a rural town in NC. My mom and I were brought here from California to live where my step dad grew up. Dad was always tinkering in the shop and I was always helping, wearing coveralls with pockets full of things. I learned to be an individual and got my artistic ablilities from the both of them. Mom loved to draw and dad put things together, for me that was the best combination.
Today, I live in a small coastal town that is just blooming with artistic people. I love collecting things on the beach, walking the dogs and socializing with friends.

Quartz Beach Stone Pendent

What inspires you and where do your ideas come from?

My inspiration comes from many places, for example, right now I'm looking out the window watching the dogs play under a beautiful tree stripped of all its leaves... And I’m thinking to myself, how can I recreate this moment?
I usually daydream and then sketch out my ideas: nature, such as leaves, vines, patterns, all give me creative ideas.

Fall Leaves - Sterling Silver Wired Earrings

What are your favorite materials?

My absolute favorite materials are Silver and Copper. I love forging, bending, drilling and making things shiny. My newest and most enjoyable medium so far would have to be PMC: Precious Metal Clay. I've worked with Silver Clay and can't wait to work with Copper Clay.

A Rose is a Rose - Hand sculpted fine silver rosebud

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

Patience! Not all shops start out full force; although I've only had one sale, I am learning more everyday. Being self taught and having your own business isn't easy, I know if I have any questions, there are fellow Etsians out who are willing to answer them. I have met some wonderful people on Etsy by staying active in forums.

Bottle Top - Sea Glass Pendent

Why should people buy handmade?

I think about this question often. There is so much put into something handmade, far more than the average person might think. For one thing, when you buy handmade 9 times out of 10 going to be one of a kind. I like the idea that no one will have the "exact" same thing that I have. It always puts a smile on my face when I order something from Etsy and I get my item and someone has put their personality in packaging or boxing. That is the personal side of Etsy and what makes buying handmade so great!

Shell Button Charm Bracelet

What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?

I would like to see a privacy feature for our own purchases. I have family members that frequently look at my shop and I wouldn't want them to see a gift that I’ve recently just purchased for them.

Adjustable Recycled Copper Bracelet

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am currently out of work, and have been focusing on getting my Hand Crafted Jewelry out there. I have always worked with the public and probably always will; I love the interaction with people.

Read any good books lately?

Cookbooks.. I love them! I read them like books, lol! I like the Vintage Cookbooks the best, and they have to have pictures so I know what its supposed to look like when its done.

I Heart U - Amber Glass Dangles

In ten years, where would you like to be?

Still creating, successful with a husband and maybe children.

How did you come up with your Etsy Shop Name?

Its my name combined with the beach; since, I live at the beach.

Gears - Inspired by Habitat for Humanity

What is the connection between being a Crafter and being a Brat?

Well, being a brat teaches you discipline from an early age. I think that with my art it has taught me to reach to a higher boundary than I would have if I hadn't had my dad in the Military. He was very proud of who he was and this country and I am glad that he instilled it in me as well.

　
Thank you for spending time with our Featured Artist/Seller and please stop by and visit her blog http://www.seavbeach.blogspot.com/ and her etsy shop http://www.seavbeach.etsy.com/

Robin

FeaturedArtist for November - Penguinetta Afghans

"Winters are Cold and Afghans are Warm"

Quote from Valarie

Every month, the Brat Team chooses one of it's members to “highlight;” this week, we are pleased to introduce our FEATURED ARTIST–SELLER…Valarie of Penguinetta Afghans.

*Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a Navy brat, the oldest of six. My Dad retired when I was 14 and we moved back to his hometown in Mn. It was sever culture shock to say the least.

*What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?

How and why did you make it?The first thing I made was a macramé belt. I was in the 7th grade and got a macramé’ belt kit for Christmas; I was hooked! Before that I had attempted to make things but never finished a project.*What inspires you and where do your ideas come from?A lot of my inspiration comes from need; winters are cold in Mn and afghans are warm.

Valentine Red Mittens with Ribbed Cuffs

My ideas come from everywhere: a pattern I may see or something someone says will trigger and idea.

*What are your favorite materials?

My favorite material is whatever I can find. When people know you like to craft they tend to give you things like, left over yarn or an old sweater that they think you can unravel and make something new with. I like the challenge of making something from nothing.

My Favorite Baby Afghan in Yellow

*What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

I think the most valuable lesson I have learned so far is that we are all connected. The brat team is great at supporting each other and rallying around to lend an extra hand when another is learning.
I opened my shop when I was jobless, homeless and depressed; For the first time in my life, I was very far away physically and emotionally from family. I felt an instant connection with the brats and realized that I wasn’t any worse off than anyone else and I was a lot more fortunate than many.

Lacy Knit Baby Blue Afghan

*Why should people buy handmade?

A handmade item is unique. Why have something that is exactly like something that someone else has?

Boy Friend Scarf

*What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?

I think it would be helpful if each new Etsy member was offered a mentor. There are so many tricks to getting your shop set up and things that you only learn once you’ve been around etsy for awhile

*Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am the Safety and Training Coordinator for Johnson County Public Works in Olathe, Kansas. I began working in Sept after being unemployed for 10 months.

Tartan Plaid Afghan

*Read any good books lately?

Baking cakes in Kidcaria.

*In ten years I'd like to be?

Settled and looking forward to retirement.

*How did you come up with your Etsy Shop Name?

My birth-mom is always calling me Penguinetta because I, the girl from Mn, is always cold. My sweetheart came up with Penguinetta’s Afghans.

*What is the connection between being a Crafter and being a Brat?

Moving all the time was difficult. I was shy and my mom was a bit over protective. I turned to crafts to fill my time. It gave me a sense of purpose to create things for people.

You can find me at http://PenguinettaAfghans.etsy.com and
http://www.linkedin.com/in/valeriehannon

Thanks for stopping by and getting to know one of our FAVORITE Brat SELLERS!
Robin

July Feature - Michele of Michele's Essentials

Every month, the Brat Team chooses one of our members to “highlight;” this week. we are pleased to introduce our featured artist and seller

Michele of MichelesEssentials.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Michele Collins and I live in Kenosha Wisconsin. I am a Soap and Candle maker that loves to make products for your skin. I've studied Alternative medicine, holistic therapies, and herbs for nearly 12 years and I hold a Bachelors Degree in Science from The American Institute of Holistic Theology. However, I studied herbs and herbal remedies for some 5-6 years before I received my degree in Science.

Dead Sea Therapeutic Bath Salts SEA SIDE SCENT w Sea Kelp Lavender and peppermint

The use of Herbs and Essential oils goes back in history many thousands of years and has been used to treat many various conditions and ailments. In other countries, herbal supplements and Essential oils are often used medically before pharmaceutical drugs are administered. They also approach ailments with a combination of alternative therapies and common drugs for a heightened and usually improved outcome to the ailment.

I am fascinated with the power of herbs and essentials oils and love helping others with natural alternatives. I have had great success with many of my products. My goal is to own a brick and mortar shop within a year, and be able to fully support my children on my own.

I am a mother of 7 children 5 of which live with me and 2 whom live with their father, I am currently working on improving my business sense through multiple outlets and incorporating various tools to help me expand what I have already achieved.

Basil and Sun Dried Tomato Kitchen Soap

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand?

During my childhood, my mother and I were involved in craft shows. I remember making the old reindeer clothespin ornaments and selling them at the local show, along with various other items. It was so much fun going to the craft fairs and meeting all the people who made things; I enjoyed looking around and seeing just how creative other people where with their wood making skills, painting skills, and hand made dolls. It's always been like a second family to me.

Watermelon Votives

My first year in High School, I made an outfit in a class competition earning me a walk down the runway to show off my skort and matching shirt.

I think that is why, still to this day, I love to make my soaps, I have ventured far from where my mom and I started out, but I can honestly say that my mom was a large part of why I chose this path. I also love to create with polymer clay, even though that is a 'hobby' now.

What inspires you and where do your ideas come from?

Honestly, I take my inspirations from nature along with needs. I like to look at certain things and use them together for a certain necessity for my family or friends and I usually don't go wrong.

EVO Clean Laundry Soap

What are your favorite materials?

My favorite materials are oils, fragrance oils, essential oils, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and butters, anything I can make for your skin or in home scented needs.

Mojito Shower Gel

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

To keep working at it!

Fresh Forest Soap

Why should people buy handmade?

I believe in handmade because I believe in America, I feel too many people buy items made from other countries supporting their needs, and while doing so hurt the very country they live in. Handmade also brings that what our forefathers have worked so hard for back to life once again.

What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?

I like it all, there are SO many things to choose from on Etsy, I just love the actual variety that Etsy offers, if you can see it in another store I can usually buy it off of Etsy.

REFREASH Facial Toner

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I am a full time stay at home mom, who is working on going back to school for Cosmetology, with the hopes of bringing my company a complete full circle.

Lime Votives - "Oh My Gosh"

Read any good books lately?

My favorite books to read are actually information books, however I do like to indulge with an occasional fiction story, lately I have been very into a series of books by Yasmine Galenorn, So far I am on book #3 in her series called 'Darkling'.

In ten years I'd like to be?

In ten years I'd like to see my products in every house in America, LOL....

Snoz-Berry Bear Soap

How did you pick your business name and your etsy avatar?

I created my avatar from my logo design. After being on etsy for awhile, I realized I needed to bring a common ground to my products, so I designed a logo. As far as my business name, I used to use Earth's Essence, but I have more recently changed it to "Michele's Essentials" because I wanted to personalize my business and put a part of me into it.

What has being a brat at Etsy meant to you?
I love the support of the Brats, the ladies here are by far the best ladies you will ever meet anywhere on etsy!
To me a brat is someone who has a common ground with others or a group of others. Having a common ground is helpful because I feel we each have our own gifts or talents, and by sharing those talents along with the same backgrounds through our parents being in the Military, we all have that commonality.

Thanks for stopping by and getting to know one of our FAVORITE Brat SELLERS!

Brat Pack of Etsy - Feature Artist - Liz Edgar ♥

Liz Featured Brat Jan 09 ♥♥♥

here is the forum thread....

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6015569

Her Shop;
http://lizedgar.etsy.com/

Her Blog;
http://lizedgar.blogspot.com/
To view a photo gallery of other jewelry she has made, please visit:
http://myspace.com/lizedgarsshop

1-Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

My name is Elizabeth, but I go by Liz. I was born in Salt Lake City, UT, but pretty much grew up in San Diego, CA. My dad was in the Navy. During my first year of life he was sent to Vietnam. Mom says he was different when he came home. He was stationed to San Diego when I was a toddler. I wasn’t’ a brat who moved every few years, but a lot of my friends were. We had a common thread that drew us together. Dad went to the Philippines on his last cruise when I was five. We stayed behind in San Diego. He finished out his career and retried a chief.

I have one sister. She is career Navy. She is a chief and will be in the Navy 14 years this February. We are fortunate that she has been able to stay stationed in San Diego the last few years. There was a time when she was in Oklahoma. We are very close. She has a son whom I have helped take care of when either she or her ex-husband was sent out to sea. I am married to a Military Brat. His father was Army and Navy. He is not in any branch of the service. I have three children. My sons are 19 and 14 years old and my daughter is 10. My oldest completed Marine boot camp last summer. For now he is stationed at Camp Pendleton.

2-What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

I totally loved creating as a child. Making mud pies with dandelions were a specialty. I had the standard finger paints and play dough as a kid. One year I got a Spin Art set for my birthday. I made a bazillion pictures with it. I remember the cardboard macaroni tree spray painted in gold I made in kindergarten for Christmas. My mother cherishes that tree. I think my favorite was the bean mosaic I made in elementary school. My mother still had it hanging up when I was a senior in high school. I have an Associate’s Degree in Child Development. I like to say I majored in cutting and painting. I have crocheted, cross stitched and latch hooked. I have worked with pellon and felt making finger puppets and props for teaching. I got into the craze of puffy paints and made decorative sweat shirts and t-shirts for family members.

3-What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I first got into jewelry making when my daughter’s friends brought their beads to a sleepover a few summers ago. I worked with hemp and knotting. I dabbled with elastic string. I prefer bead stringing wire. I started out making bracelets for myself to match the colors of the clothing I had. I received many compliments. My confidence in jewelry making increased and I began making jewelry for friends and my children’s teachers as gifts. One of my friends and co-worker suggested I start selling the pieces I have made. In March of 2005 I was diagnosed with cervical cancer. I made inspirational bracelets to keep my spirits up. Thank goodness it was stage 1 and operable, but at the time I had no idea what I was getting into. While waiting for results between biopsies I kept myself busy making jewelry. It was a great stress reliever.

4-What are your favorite materials?

I really like using glass beads of all shapes and sizes. I like fiber optic because its cat’s eye resemblance. My most recent favorite is glass pearls. I just love their shininess and the array of colors they come in. I prefer bead stringing wire, but have worked with nymo thread.
I also enjoy making ribbon bookmarks and cell phone charms. I love the search for colors that complement each other. I also like adding charms to personalize the bookmarks and cell phone dangles. I have a few favorite bookmarks I have made for myself to use in the books I am reading.

5-What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?

I learned about Etsy from my sister. She had heard about in on a morning radio show. The show was flagging online sites that don’t get much recognition. I did a lot of searching on Etsy to see what others were doing in their shops. I opened my shop in June of 2007, but didn’t list anything until August of 2007. I liked what I saw and through the forums and I found that I wasn’t the only one who was new to the whole thing of selling my handmade items. I have really been blessed with joining the Military Brats team. I have found so much love, support and belonging. I really appreciate the kudos I receive from other members. It is very encouraging. I am also a member of the San Diego East County team. SDEC started out as a really small group, but we are increasing as the weeks go by. A few of our members are also members of the Military Brat team. It is really neat to have local folks to meet and share with.

6-Why should people buy handmade?

I feel handmade items are made from the heart. I know with the items I make I put a lot of thought and time into each piece I create. Handmade in my opinion represents the person who makes it. Handmade is more original than assembly line products. I love unique items and feel handmade is the best way to achieve that uniqueness.

7-Where do you do your creating?

Initially my work area was either the living room floor or on my bed. I kept my materials and supplies in storage containers stacked in my bedroom. As my collection increased I moved my work area to the kitchen. I took over the kitchen table, but still left a little room for meals. Now my work area is in the living room. I have rearranged the living room and my work area a few times. At Christmas time I took down my work table to have room for our tree.

8-Apart from creating things, what do you do?

When I am not creating, I take care of my best friend’s baby boy. I have been taking care of him since September 2008. He is 7 months old. Before that I was working at my daughter’s elementary school as a noon duty. I would supervise the children during lunch time and their lunch recess. I did that for three years. I did teach preschool for approximately six years. I left teaching when my daughter was born.

9-Read any good books lately?

I love to read. I was hooked on the Twilight series. My girlfriend and I read the books together last November and December. I have read the Harry Potter series. I dabbled a little with Stephen King’s books. I really like Susan Wiggs. She writes romance novels, but they are not raunchy. I have a Nicholas Sparks book in the waiting. I have read most of his books. I am currently reading “The Shack.”

10-In ten years I'd like to be…Hmm, I haven’t given much thought to where I would be in my life in ten years. I will be celebrating my 40th birthday next month so I would be 50 then. I am happy with who I am. Of course, I would like to be healthy and have my kids near. I would like to be a grandma and spend lots of time with my grandchildren. As for crafting, I am sure I will be doing it in some shape or form. I don’t foresee feeling the need to own a boutique or shop to sell my wares.

11-How did you pick your business name and your etsy avatar?

My Etsy shop name is my name. A friend of mine whom I had given many of my handmade bracelets to totally encouraged me to sell my jewelry. She would rave and flaunt the bracelets I gave her. She called the bracelets she had from me the “Liz Edgar Collection.” Bingo! My shop’s name is LizEdgar. As for my avatar, I wish it was a picture of one of my cats. I have always had cats in my life. I love frogs, too. As a kid I remember going to the frog pond and stepping in the mushy mud to find frogs. So, my avatar is a kitty with a frog hat.

12- What has being a brat at Etsy meant to you?

Being a brat at Etsy is totally awesome. We have a common thread that ties us together. At first I didn’t think I qualified as a brat since my family didn’t move around like other brats. Being a brat at Etsy has given me an extended family. Thank you so much.

Have a Brat-ty Little Christmas Sale

Have a brat-ty little Christmas!
It's the best time of the year.
I don't know
but you'll save dough
if shop right from here

Ho ho ho!
and
Happy Holidays!

Just a small sampling of goodies! Check out all the sales.Click on the photos above to go see the artists shop!

Featured Brat ~ Double Brat ~ lavenderlizard and lavenderladybug !

Double Brat Featured Artist ~ Lavenderlizard ~
The Military Brats of Etsy Global Street Team
~ November 2008 Brat Feature ~
every few weeks we feature one of our members, this time we are proud to Feature:
lavenderlizard and lavenderladybug

Double Brat with two stores!

See her etsy shops here;

http://www.lavenderlizard.etsy.com/

and
http://www.lavenderladybug.etsy.com/

Here is her blog…..http://lavenderlizard.blogspot.com/

Her flickr photos here;http://www.flickr.com/photos/14254353@N03

See the post on our Bratty Blog here;http://etsymilitarybratteam.blogspot.com/

also posted in my blog;http://justsoterryann.blogspot.com/

Photos of her work between questions.

1-Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).Hi! My name is Elizabeth Kalka, but everyone calls me Liz. I live in San Antonio, Texas (Military City USA), which is just perfect for a Brat! I’m married to a great guy (served in the US Navy), and we have 4 sons who range in age from 2 to 12.I consider myself a Texan (part of my family arrived in Texas in the 1700s, and both of my parents were born and raised here), although I was born in Boulder, Colorado. After 20 years in the Air Force, my father retired, and we moved to the Dallas area, where I lived from the age of 10 until I left for college. Then I spent 12 years in Austin, where among other things, I attended the University of Texas (Hook ‘Em!). After my husband and I married, we settled here in San Antonio.I started The Lavender Lizard with accessories, scrubbies and crocheted necessities about 18 months ago, and this year I opened The Lavender Ladybug, which I envision as my supply and destash shop.

2-What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?I learned embroidery stitches while I was a Brownie when we were stationed in La Paz, Bolivia. I still have the first thing I made – I raided my mother’s sewing basket for buttons to embellish it. The “fabric” is very coarse, like burlap, and I signed it with my initials.

3-What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?I am probably most inspired by yarn – different colors and textures make me think of different objects. For instance, I found this great fluffy, orange, tweedy yarn, and I thought “I just have to make pumpkins out of this!” So I did! The problem is I have more yarn and ideas for it than I have time….

4-What are your favorite materials?Well, yarn, of course! I also cross-stitch, and I am in the process of designing cross-stitch embellishments for The Lavender Ladybug.

5-What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists on Etsy?Patience, for sure! Also, it’s important to know that an Etsy shop is not static – you must spend time listing, photographing, editing, writing, learning, promoting, networking, renewing, blogging, checking the forums, mailing (hopefully), and keeping records. That’s after you have spent time creating in the first place.

6-Why should people buy handmade?Handmade = love! I have always cherished handmade gifts, and I love to have one-of-a-kind items that someone cared enough to make. Buying handmade is supporting an artist, and I can’t stress the importance of that enough!

7-What features/services would you most like to see on Etsy?I would love to be able to organize my favorites – I’m forever hearting items, like I’ll go on a hearting spree through Pounce or the Treasury, but good luck finding them again. I don’t have the patience (or time) to check the pages of my favorites.I would also love the ability to organize my shop without renewing items and put items into more than one shop category.

8-Apart from creating things, what do you do?Well, I parent my boys, which keeps me quite busy. I have served on PTA boards for the last 6 years (this year, I am the treasurer for the middle school PTA). I have a weekend job in retail. And every night before I go to bed, I have to read, no matter how tired I am.
9-Read any good books lately?Just finished “The 39 Clues” (Rick Riordan, the author, also lives in San Antonio), and I’m looking forward to the next one in this series (Put down the book, people – I’m going to win the prizes!)I’m also working my way through the Bones series (although I found I could not stand the TV series based on these books! Weird, huh?) My favorite place in the world is a library.

10-In ten years I'd like to be…Watching my 2 oldest sons graduate from college, DS3 graduating from high school, and seeing my youngest son enter teenage hood. Professionally, I would love to publish some of my original crochet designs.

11-How did you pick your business name and your etsy avatar?Both The Lavender Lizard and The Lavender Ladybug were named with my favorite color in mind. Also, when I was growing up, my nickname was Lizard. My friend Photoshop and I created both of my avatars.

12- What is the connection between being a Crafter and being a Brat?It doesn’t surprise me that a lot of Brats also craft. It must have something to do with the ability to be creative on the fly, to adapt to new situations quickly, and to use crafting to stay grounded in our lives. Growing up as a Brat, I was terribly shy and hated meeting new people. I still feel that way sometimes, but I also found that I can relate to most people on some level because of my life experiences. I think that’s probably true of most Brats!

~Liz