This week we are fortunate to have an interview with JunkyardGypsy!


1.What is the name of your shop/s?

Junkyard Gypsy

2. What kind of items do you sell?

Mostly recycled assemblage art, with some select vintage items thrown in.

3. How did you find Etsy and Boomers also?

My sister, KarmaRox, got me started on Etsy – she found it and loved it, and just kept talking about it until I decided to check it out, too. I heard that joining teams was a good way to become involved and get your name out there, so I looked around until I found the team that felt right for me – the Boomers!

4. How long have you been engaged in your art/craft?

I’ve only been doing recycled assemblages for about a year, but have always dabbled in various kinds of crafts – cross-stitch, basket weaving, tole painting, crochet, plastic canvas, ceramics – but I never felt as much satisfaction as I’ve found from recycling junk into a craft.

5. Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional craftsperson?

It’s purely a hobby, but I would love for it to evolve into more.

6. What inspires you?

Almost everything – but especially my family and looking around at the miracle of nature. Sitting in my water garden, giving my mind free reign to wander is the best. I also get a kick out of using something that I found at the dumpster - knowing I kept something out of the landfill is a thrill.

7. Please share with us what a typical day is like in your workshop or studio?

Well, I really don’t have a “typical” day – they’re never the same. It just depends on what turns up in the junkyard. I spend a lot of time trying different parts together, trying to come up with a combination that looks good together, and also a lot of time cleaning whatever I’ve brought in. The vintage parts I collect are usually pretty dirty and need some TLC. And sometimes they have to be dis-assembled before I assemble them into something else. I also spend A LOT of time looking for this or that – my space is spread out and not very organized – mostly because our shop is primarily devoted to our boat manufacturing business, and I just stick my “junk” wherever I can find a spot.

8. What keeps you company while you are working on a project?

I’m usually listening to oldies on the radio. And my dog Max sometimes like to hang around.

9. What is your favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Oooh, this is an easy question – going to estate auctions is my passion! I love finding old things that nobody else seems to want, but that can be turned into something whimsical – rescuing lost treasures is so much fun!

10. What is your least favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Hmmmm, I don’t know – it’s all great fun. I guess the “marketing” is my least favorite part – creating a listing on Etsy seems to take me forever – taking pics, editing them, creating the listing – I would much rather spend that time creating!

11. Would you care to share any 'words of wisdom' with other aspiring artists or
crafters?

I dunno – I’m not very wise LOL. But I guess just to find something you love, and don’t listen to the naysayers. If you have a passion for doing something, just do it!


Please leave a comment for the artist/craftsperson on this blogt as she is sure to want to know what you think and what you can relate to!

Christmas In July Sale!

Believe it or not! July is a brilliant month to be thinking about a Christmas Sale! Well it is the first time that our BBEST Team have ventured out into the wide world of Etsy to advertise our wares.

Lots of BBEST shops have put their names on this list and there will be a new thread each day in the Promotions thread on the Etsy Forum. So, don't delay! Go and see what all the other shops are up to. There really are some amazing bargains to be had.

The best part is that the sale is open to anyone who cares to visit.

So, in the interest of promoting our great group do go along and check the thread throughout the 10 day period (11 July - 21 July) so that we become noticed by folk who otherwise may not have heard of us!

Good luck!!!

Meet The BOOMERS!

This week, an interview with rosegardenfae !

1. What is the name of your shop/shops?

Rosegardenfae and Rosegardenfae2... I know I know, not very original on the second one, but I had intended the shop name to be “One Woman’s Stash” which is what the banner says, but I must have filled in a blank incorrectly…*shrug*

2. What kind of items do you sell?

In the Rosegardenfae shop I sell jewelry and a few ACEO’s. My greatest love and best meditation is wire wrapping, but I do some bead stringing too. I became interested in making ACEO’s after the BBEST COMPO.
Rosegardenfae2 is bead destash, and vintage items, much of it from my mother’s collections and my own.

3. How did you find Etsy and Boomers also?

I read about Etsy on Live Journal where I am a friend to the owner of Baba Studios and one day she was talking about Etsy, so I explored the site, and opened a shop though I didn’t get it stocked till months later. While exploring the Forums when I first became an Etsian, I logged into a Boomer thread and was hooked 

4. How long have you been engaged in your art/craft?

I’ve been wire wrapping for about three years now I think. I’m not good with time.

5. Do you consider yourself a hobbyist or a professional craftsperson?

I consider myself an artist. I guess that doesn’t exactly answer the question though, so if I must choose, I’ll go with professional craftsperson. I figure if you’re getting paid you’re a professional *grin*

6. What inspires you?

Nature and the fluid continuity of life outside my window, the laughter of my grandchildren and their beautiful faces provide endless inspiration. And, the beautiful work of others that I see on Etsy as well as the continued encouragement and praise from the Boomers. The wire itself can be an inspiration and just take me along for the ride.

7. Please share with us what a typical day is like in your workshop or studio?

Well I don’t have a studio. I do have a lovely corner between two giant windows in the corner of the sunroom. I have never done anything in a typical manner so I think I’m going to flake on this question. When I work on my jewelry I set up a small wooden folding table in front of my favorite chair and put in a good DVD or music and get lost in the rhythm of wrapping wire.

8. What keeps you company while you are working on a project?

On occasion my cat Ras Boots has been known to sit by my side and try very hard to help. Somedays my granddaughter likes to watch me work, and then there’s the aforementioned DVD or music. I truly prefer to be alone when I’m working on a project.

9. What is your favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?

Winding wire is definitely the most powerful and engaging part of my jewelry making. I love to give over control to the universe and let the wire define the piece.

10. What is your least favorite 'task' related to your art/craft?
Sorting and putting everything I drag out onto my bead board. I use a lot of very small beads, 2mm, and picking them up can get boring really fast.

11. Would you care to share any 'words of wisdom' with other aspiring artists or crafters?

Do it because you want to… never give up, practice hard if a technique is challenging, and go forth and CREATE!!!


Please leave a comment for our artist on this blog! She would love to hear what you think and if you can relate to anything she's said!