Seller Profile: Rene Tower - For the Love of Crafts

Renee Tower created For the Love of Crafts

She is in Readsboro, VT (near Brattleboro)

NEST: How did you end up in New England? How did you hear about Etsy?
I have lived in Vermont my whole life. Every winter I get sick of the snow and want to move, but I probably never will. I heard about Etsy from my little sister, who talked about setting up a shop, but never did.

NEST: What do you make? Why do you make them? (what's your inspiration) How did you learn to do it? I make all kinds of different things, I am working on some t-shirts right now. I'm just getting into screen printing, so the shirts definitely look handmade! I tend not to follow directions, so there's a lot of trial and error sometimes. I've also been painting foam clogs (you know, crocs knockoffs) because they are too comfy to stop wearing, but let's face it, a little ugly. So, I try to make them prettier. It was my mom's idea originally, she forced me to help her and eventually to do almost all of the painting. I like to make functional things that are practical and comfy, different enough so they don't look like you got them at Walmart, but not so expensive that you're afraid to wear them every day. When I have time and can focus (hardly ever happens with a toddler in the house) I paint. I haven't been really happy with a painting in years, so I'm trying to get myself into that space again.

NEST: Something, a tip? Motto?, you've learned about your craft, selling online or at fairs you'd like to share with the world. What I've learned about selling is that (1) you'll never sell anything unless you get your stuff out there and (2) not everyone is going to like what you have made, that's okay.

NEST: Are you a vendor at any upcoming shows/events? Are you teaching any classes? I do some local craft fairs in the winter, and am planning on getting a booth at the flea market in Wilmington, VT a few more times later in the summer and in the fall.

NEST: What's the difference between Art & Craft? Which are you? I think that there is a rather large grey area between art and craft.With the huge array of products available at craft stores these days, anyone can make crafts that look pretty good. I think that an artist, when making something will give it that little extra something that will make it special. I consider myself an artist. What kind of art school dropout would I be if I didn't?

NEST: Favorite midnight snack? Comfort food? Cheese! morning noon and night, everything is better with cheese.

NEST: Recommend a good book or two. Any Tom Robbins book, The Poisonwood Bible.

NEST: What is the best thing about Etsy? What would you like to see the NEST doing for promotions? The best thing about Etsy is getting to communicate directly with customers, getting their input and feedback and ultimately getting them an item that they will use and enjoy. It's also great that sellers promote each other as well as themselves. I think that NEST members should work on having a really strong presence at our local craft fairs to spread the word about Etsy to non members. Also, a stronger presence in the forums would be great.


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