Meet Our Members: FawnAndFinch

One of the best things about buying handmade items on Etsy is knowing that each transaction is with a real person. Every purchase you make supports independent crafters and artists who put love and care into each item. To highlight this, we will start posting interviews with our wonderful sellers. First up is FawnAndFinch. ::applause::

1. Introduce yourself.
My name is Beth and I run Fawn and Finch. Or does it run me? I live right on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma and i've been a member of DOE since September of last year.

2. Tell us about what you make.
I make pacifier clips for babies, and more recently have added a line of mitten clips since the weather has gotten so cold. I used to be a professional nanny for a newborn girl and keeping pacifiers off the ground was a job in itself. I made my own because, at the time, the only ones I could find in stores were not very cute and had plastic clips that didn't hold up well to everyday use. They're unique because I use only imported Japanese ribbon made of linen instead of grosgrain. It keeps them from fraying and it's eco-friendly. I just love making them and seeing all the adorable babies who've put them to good use.

3. How long have you been crafting and selling?
With the pacifier clips I started selling them online about six months ago. Before that I sold them in local boutiques, and I have a large wholesale account with Giggle.com. But I've been crafting since birth. When I was thirteen I would go garage-selling with my Mom, and find old furniture. I'd paint it, decoupage it, decorate it, and sell it the next weekend at my own garage sale. It's great to make money doing what you love, but it's fantastic to know people genuinely like what you've created with your own two hands.



4. What are your reactions to CPSIA? How will it effect you?
Of course it will effect me tremendously since I specialize in infant and children's accessories. I've already sent several samples to be tested at a third party lab and i'm waiting to hear the results and (shudder) the final bill. I think the CPSIA was well-intentioned, but ultimately it will result in there being FEWER safe items for our children as small handmade businesses go under. Like everyone, i'm keeping my fingers crossed that exemptions will be made and handmade items will be saved.

5. Other than what you sell, what's your favorite thing to make?
I love to make jewelry and stationery. I'm always dabbling in those when I have the time. And I love making little felt mustaches as well. :)

6. What do you love best about Etsy?
I love Etsy to death. Sure, it has its problems like anything else, but it's given me and so many others a place to share our passions with the world. The things i've been exposed to, the people I've met, the things I've learned about business, crafting, and life in general, I can't thank Etsy enough for that.

7. What's your favorite thing about -- or to do in -- Oklahoma?
My absolute favorite thing to do is go kayaking down a river on a lazy Saturday afternoon. The Illinois River in Eastern Oklahoma is my favorite spot right now and if the weather's warm and the water's not too high, you'll find me there at least 5 or 6 times a year.

Thanks so much for chatting with us, Beth! Now go check out her shop. :)