ShabbyNChic: Local Artist Feature

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Local Artist Feature

With so many talented artists in my home state of Oregon, I decided to focus on some local Etsy shops this week on my blog. You can see a few of my local favorites on the left-side of the screen. The artist to feature was not a difficult decision. There is an Etsy shop owner who donates 10% off all earnings to our local food bank. If you follow my blog, you know that is a cause close to my heart too. So here is the talented and generous...

Sally, owner of both MoonLightSally and SallyRags!

Tell me a little about your shops and how you got started on Etsy.

I have two shops. SallyRags consists almost entirely of recycled items. When I look at sheets, pillowcases, curtains and used clothing, I actually see usable fabric. My initial shop is MoonLightSally. I chose the name as I love to stay up late while everyone is sleeping and sew, knit, crochet or dream up new items!

At the time I opened the shop, I also had a job I was very unhappy with and I saw crafting as supplemental income, moonlighting. My sister, PolymerPamela, actually introduced me to Etsy. She is also a crafter and we try to support each others passion.

What is the best part about having a shop on Etsy?

The best part about having a shop on Etsy is how it stimulates me to create new and different things. The range of things you can buy on Etsy is amazing.

Other than your crafts, what else are you pa

ssionate about?

I am passionate about my family, especially my 3 year old grandson, Jaden. Collecting fabric, both new and recycled is also a passion. I also love to donate to the Marion Polk Food Share and plan to expand my efforts as soon as possible.

Tell me about donating part of your earnings to the food bank.

Even though the amount I donate now isn't nearly as much as I wish it was, I hope I am helping to feed some of Salem's children.

What is your view of hand-crafted items: I think there is immense value in handcrafted items. My father was a clock maker and carver and my Mom did beautiful hand embroidery. I treasure handcrafted things.