I just love walking down the aisles of a craft store and browsing through the supplies on Etsy. There are those pieces that you see and immediately like, “Wow! I gotta have that.” I also love nature and animals. I love all sorts of styles, from feminine, to glam, to earthy, to retro. So, really, whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.
Rachel Kerr
Random Facts About You?I am a mommy of 2 little ones, who are 2 and 3.
I love dark chocolate.
I am from Indiana but currently live in a Chicago suburb.
I wish I could conquer every sort of craft but, let's face it, I can't even conquer all the laundry!
What got you started crafting?
I have always been "artsy." Ever since I was little, art class was my favorite. By my senior year of high school, the majority of my classes were art classes. But, I never knew what I could do with it in the real world. So after graduation I ended up serving at a restaurant for a few years. That is where I met my husband, we got married, and had babies. I then became a stay at home mom but, sadly, wasn't complete. I needed to make something (other than kids!)
So I began scrapbooking and really enjoyed it. I then began dabbling in making cute wooden signs. It was fun but eventually I quit. Fast forward a couple years, I wanted some feather earrings but didn't want to buy them. So I took a trip to Hobby Lobby and bought things to make them. I snapped a picture and sent it to a girlfriend who was impressed and showed them to a few of her co-workers. They all began talking about how I should make and sell jewelry. So like that, my friend and I began making and selling jewelry!
What is your source of inspiration?
I just love walking down the aisles of a craft store and browsing through the supplies on Etsy. There are those pieces that you see and immediately like, "Wow! I gotta have that." I also love nature and animals. I love all sorts of styles, from feminine, to glam, to earthy, to retro. So, really, whatever strikes my fancy at the moment.
What have you made recently?
Literally the last thing I made was a custom order for a great lady. I have a necklace that I created to remember my late dog, Kyoti. It has a little sterling silver bar that I hand stamped his name into, a small circle photo pendant, and a little dog charm.
So, I thought that others might be interested in something like that as well. Turns out, they are! I was contacted and was informed that her cat had passed away suddenly and she was having a difficult time without him. So, she e-mailed me a couple possible photos to use and I got to work.
It makes me happy that I can give a little piece of happiness to someone that is dealing with a difficult feeling.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
Right now, we mainly sell on Etsy but have decided to put more effort into craft/trade shows. I like Etsy and without it I don't know how I would sell online. But there is something about seeing your customers and being able to shake a hand and smile. They also get to look and touch the jewelry and take it with them right then. It just feels so much more personal.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
For me, I just love having something that few others have. I recently was walking through the mall and I *tried* shopping. I really did! But, looking around at all the racks of the same stuff was just so boring. I thought, "I could get that shirt I'd been eying from so and so for what I would spend on this and it would be unique!"
Find Me
LocationUS
Email Address
Rachel Kerr
Personal Website
http://www.amradesigns.etsy.com
@amradesigns
http://www.facebook.com/amradesigns