KnitPICKS: Birdhouseaccents

This week I've picked BirdhouseAccents to feature. This is one of the more unique shops I've seen on Etsy and I LOVE it! With so many interesting designs and bright colors, the birdies in Connecticut have it MADE! Read on to find out more about BirdhouseAccents!

Name: FredAge: 50+
Location: Canton, CT
Shop: Birdhouse Accents

First tell me a little bit about how you got started. When did you make the move to Etsy with your products?

We were told to check out etsy so in January 2008 we set up our etsy shop and added

 our first birdhouse to our shop. We did not see too many birdhouse shops at that time and decided to try it. It has turned out to be very rewarding. We were selected to be a featured seller in May 2008 and just found out we have been added to the Spring Equinox item poll on the Storque. There are 60 etsy artisans to choose from. Check it out and please vote for us. We have been very happy with our relationship with Etsy.

What inspires you most?
The beautiful song birds that frequent our area, and I really enjoy what I do.

Share a funny and/or scary crafting story! (I tend to injure myself a lot when crafting so I welcome these types of stories!)
I have a new respect for my table saw. I was precision cutting small pieces for my birdhouses and was not being as careful as I should have been. The next thing I knew, my finger was a little too close to the blade. I cut the tip of my finger and, am so thankful it was not worse.

What is your favorite item currently in your shop and why?
We still like the beach bungalow to this day. The idea came to us while we were vacationing in Maine many years ago. We will walk the beaches each year and pick up shells, sand, sand dollars, driftwood and anything else we think may work in desiging one of our beach bunaglows. We have had good luck selling them up there and just looking at one evokes a sense of summer and being back on the beach.


What is your “day job” if you are not a full-time seller? Do you ever take inspiration from your “day job”?
Full time birdhouse maker. I hope I am given the chance to do this for the rest of my life.


If you ARE a full-time Etsy seller, how did you make that transition? What took you to the level where you felt comfortable earning your living off your craft?
I enjoy making birdhouses and am passionate about it.. I consider myself very lucky. We sell our birdhouses at craft fairs and have wholesale accounts with a few garden centers/stores in our area as well. Having people be so appreciative of the time I spend making a birdhouse is very rewarding.


If you could pick up a new craft, what would it be?
I am happy with what I am doing, why look for something else.

Tell me 3 interesting things about you.
For the last ten years I have worn shorts no matter how cold the weather is, and believe me, it is very cold in New England.
I have been growing my hair long again and am turning into a hippy.
I enjoy listening to smooth jazz while working.


Favorites:

What is your favorite:
Animal? Song Birds
Cookie? Peanut Butter
Day of the Week? The weekend so, I can relax with a couple of beers.