This month’s featured seller is Heather. Her Etsy shop is HartFelt by iHart (http://www.etsy.com/shop/iHartFelt) and she makes the most adorable felt ornaments and softies. I hope you all enjoy reading about her and her wonderful creations!
Tell us a little about yourself
Hello everyone! So delighted to be here! My name is Heather. I am the girl behind HartFelt by iHart on Etsy. With my family – Washington is the beautiful rainy State that we reside. My husband who is also my best friend, and I will be celebrating our 9th anniversary this summer. Together we have one spunky three year old son, one cat, and two Boston terriers. I am a full time property manager by day, and a felt plushie artist by night.
What do you create/offer in your Etsy shop?
My Etsy shop specializes in all things felt: ornaments, baby mobiles, softies, party favors for special occasions and home decor. My designs reflect originality, charm, special attention to detail, and creativity. I have two intentions: 1. To offer a great alternative to mass produced dime a dozen gifts, and 2. To create love, beauty, imagination, and decoration for babies, toddlers, young children, and their loving parents.
How did you get started in your line of business?
During last year’s holiday season I decided to make handmade ornaments for all our friends and family. I chose felt because I am so drawn to the bright, bold colors felt has to offer. As I was putting together these felt ornaments I instantly realized I had found a joy I didn’t know was missing in my life. At that time I was also organizing a holiday bazaar to feature all the amazing crafters living in my community. My heart burst with so much joy every time I noticed a customer admiring my handmade art. That is when I knew I had to produce creativity on a regular basis. HartFelt by iHart was instantly born.
Describe your creative process
After my son goes “night-night” is when I go crazy with creativity. I sketch all my designs with pencil and eraser, these sketches are then used to enlarge into manageable pattern pieces to pin to the felt. I usually cut out several felt pieces at a time so I always have a few plushies on hand ready to stitch.
My inspiration comes from my three year old son’s imagination, children books, toys, my supportive husband, nature, seasons, holidays, & love. I am truly blessed to have so much freedom to express my creativity, and the means to collect the supplies I need in order to be creative.
By far my owl collection is my favorite! Polka Dot Owl in particular is my favorite all around to make. Upon request I will make her (or any of my plushies) in any color combination. I also welcome bulk and custom orders.
Word of mouth is #1!
I also host boutique parties with my friends to display all our creations. It gives us a chance to get out of the house for an evening to network, enjoy conversation, crafts, and yummy snacks.
I use Facebook, and Pinterest, & I have a crafting blog that I use to promote my work & other etsy shops. I’m always looking for shops to feature on my blog…
I post advertisements at local coffee/donut shops, restaurants, and church.
I participate in expos and craft shows.
I would never have guessed how much time is needed to promote business. It is a job in itself.
Go big or go home!
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ihartfelt
BLOG: www.hartfeltbyheather.blogspot.com
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/ihartfelt
What an adorable little shop!