Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
I’m from Oregon. I live in the Willamette Valley, in Eugene. I’m a mother of four. I have a teenager, a ten year old, a 22month old with Cerebral Palsy and a 5 month old. My teenager is a girl, the rest of the bunch are boys. I’m a student of psychology. I love photography, and am hoping to bump into an editor who promises me a million bucks for my first three books! I’ll be teaching a parenting class in January and I am always trying to be useful to my community through volunteering or fundraising. My life is full, busy and exhausting. I am on a constant search for peace and serenity in all of this chaos!
Why did you start your Etsy shop?
I started my shop so that I could work from home. I quit my job in May so that I could better care for my disabled son. He has 1 – 4 appointments a week to help treat and manage his Cerebral Palsy. I needed a way to feel like I contribute to my family. Etsy is a bonus for me, because I love the photography aspects too. Sometimes I like the photograph better than the product!
How did you come up with your Etsy shop name?
I chose the name because I can’t decide which area to focus on. I love painting, beading and I love to play with herbs. I love to make beautiful things, but I also really like making things to improve peoples lives!
What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I love the Silhouette Pendants. My grandmother was an artist, so I found a way to use some of her work from art school. I started the Rutan collection to make jewelry that the women in my family could wear. My all time favorite though, is the Herby Doll. It was my first love and will always have a special place in my heart. I’ve been making them for nearly ten years now.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
Clay or metal. I would love to get into sculpting. I love to touch and feel and would really like to be able to coax the image out of a lump of clay or with a hammer and chunk of silver.
Why should people buy handmade?
Folks ought to consider buying handmade in order to support their neighbors! We all have something to share. If we could set up a little shop on every artist/crafters door step, we could be busy for weeks browsing through our neighbors wares.
Any advice on selling things handmade?
When I first started, I tried to find a need and fill it. My little ones were always using ice-packs, so I found a way to waste less by making them their own dolls. Their friends loved them too. Folks don’t need jewelry, but they do like to boost their spirits with beautiful things. So, find a way to be useful and find a way to make life beautiful.
Apart from creating beautiful pieces, what else do you do?
I’m a stay at home mom, with doctors appointments, school fundraiser, orchestra practice, basketball games and recently we’ve been taking out a garden gnome for adventures all over town and recording it in simple animation! In my spare time, I write. I manage three blogs. A personal blog that chronicles my journey through depression, Henry’s Cerebral Palsy diagnosis, a tumultuous relationship with the love of my life and many other issues. I have a blog for my Etsy shop, where I showcase other shops, and discuss current products and upcoming items. My third blog is for my son Henry. I write about the medical procedures and treatments that he has. It’s a place to share information and to help educate my family and friends.
Do you have plans for expansion?
I would love to have a few local accounts, but have a hard time following the advice of Brick and Mortar store owners. I haven’t the time to ‘shop’ and to get to know my local shop owners. When the babies are older, I’ll find the time. I will get these dolls in shops all over… but they are going to have to wait a year or two!
Any other sites you can be found on?
I only sell on Etsy, but you can see my blog rebeccaswhims.blogspot.com/ where special items are only available.
Anything else you would like us to know?
Life is busy and complicated. If you had told me, ten years ago, that I would have four kids and my own business I would have thought you had your head on backwards. It’s been an interesting journey so far. I hope that I continue to discover ways to be useful!
Thank you so much!!
Rebecca mailed me my own Herby Doll in animal print. I love the uniqueness of the shape. A variety of ice packs and warmers can be bought but they all have the same basic shape and color. I like the fact that the shape makes this pack child friendly!
The stitching is wonderful and will make this doll last for years. On a long day it’s nice to relax with a hot pack on
my head and my eyes closed. With the lavender flowers and spearmint essential oils that are contained in my Herby Doll it really helps with the relaxation.
Coulter thinks it is a hilarious and fun ice pack. The colors are bright and really makes for a teaching moment (learning our colors) while helping with those boo boo’s. I like the fact that I don’t have to wrap an actual ice pack in cloth and most importantly that Herby Doll will conform to any shape. Better than trying to make a square wrap around a leg.
Herby dolls are filled with flaxseed and are available in a variety of colors including, red, blue, yellow, animal print and more. You can custom make your own with a combination of two flavors; lavender flowers, rose petals, jasmine flowers, chamomile, peppermint leaves, or spearmint essential oil.
Mandatory Entry
Winner will have 48 hours to reply to my e-mail. If I do not hear back from the winner than another winner will be chosen!
**Thank you to to Rebecca’s Whims for sponsoring this review/giveaway. I will not receive any compensation from this giveaway in exchange for an honest review and the opinion above is 100% mine. I am also not responsible for the mailing of this prize.**
171 COMMENTS
manthas24
14 years ago2 I follow you on Twitter @manthas24
manthas24
14 years agoI entered for your Winner's Choice Crocheted Doll
ruthhill74
14 years ago3pears creations giveaway entrant
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
Raven In A Blue Room
14 years ago2
I *heart* RebeccasWhims on etsy (rosidentevil)
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
14 years agofound this giveaway / your blog on google
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Jolynn_Reads
14 years ago+1 follow you on networked blogs
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Jolynn_Reads
14 years ago+1 Follow Giveaway Blogdom
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Machell
14 years agoi found this giveaway when i was on your blog #1.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
carole
14 years agoI love the butterfly pendant
Carole
gram122@comcast.net
Marci J
14 years agoGoddess Tree of Life 18×24 canvas One of a Kind Original Art
Heavensent1
14 years agoMy favourite item is the Goddess Medusa Pewter Pendant…heavensent1@yahoo dotcom
andalene
14 years agosubscribe via email
abrennan09@hotmail.com
andalene
14 years agoabrennan09@hotmail.com
subscribed via email thank you
biyagko_barbaru
15 years agoMy favorite is Pendant, glass Silhouette on Black Ballchain.
fablanche3petal AT gmail DOT com
corey
15 years agocoreybrennan26@hotmail.com
subscribed through email
corey
15 years agoI'd choose the Map Pendant Gold Lake Oregon – neat and different
coreybrennan26@hotmail.com
andalene
15 years agoabrennan09@hotmail.com
subscribed via email thank you
andalene
15 years agosubscribe via email
abrennan09@hotmail.com
andalene
15 years agoabrennan09@hotmail.com
I like the Romantic Butterfly Pendant.
BEadECLECTIC
15 years agoI found this giveaway on my dashboard
bead.eclectic at gmail dot com
4
BEadECLECTIC
15 years agoI found this giveaway on my dashboard
bead.eclectic at gmail dot com
3
BEadECLECTIC
15 years agoI found this giveaway on my dashboard
bead.eclectic at gmail dot com
2
BEadECLECTIC
15 years agoI found this giveaway on my dashboard
bead.eclectic at gmail dot com
1
BEadECLECTIC
15 years agoI entered the Moon Asking to Stay giveaway
bead.eclectic at gmail dot com
BEadECLECTIC
15 years agoI follow via GFC
bead.eclectic at gmail dot com
2
BEadECLECTIC
15 years agoI follow via GFC
bead.eclectic at gmail dot com
1
BEadECLECTIC
15 years agoI love the Peace pendant!
bead.eclectic at gmail dot com
erin.nicole
15 years agoI follow you via GFC
erinnicole14@gmail.com
2
erin.nicole
15 years agoI follow you via GFC
erinnicole14@gmail.com
1
erin.nicole
15 years agoMy favorite item is the Herby Pillow HOT and COLD flaxseed Lavender and Spearmint Essential Oil!
erinnicole14@gmail.com
Heavensent1
15 years agoEntered Brass Necklace giveaway…heavensent1@yahoo dotcom
Heavensent1
15 years agoFound you thru Monday Mingle blog hop #4
Heavensent1
15 years agoFound you thru Monday Mingle blog hop #3
Heavensent1
15 years agoFound you thru Monday Mingle blog hop #2
Heavensent1
15 years agoFound you thru Monday Mingle blog hop #1
SweetShenanigans
15 years agoentered 3Pearls Creations giveaway
girl23rocks@hotmail.com
Heavensent1
15 years agoGFC follow #2 *heavensent1*
Heavensent1
15 years agoGFC follow #1 *heavensent1*
Heavensent1
15 years agoNB follow #2 *Jennifer C.*
SweetShenanigans
15 years agoentered moonaskingtostay giveaway
girl23rocks@hotmail.com
Heavensent1
15 years agoNB follow #1 *Jennifer C.*
Heavensent1
15 years agoGFC follow Rebecca's blog #2 *heavensent1*
SweetShenanigans
15 years agofound giveaway on gustosa giveaways (4)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com
SweetShenanigans
15 years agofound giveaway on gustosa giveaways (3)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com
Heavensent1
15 years agoGFC follow Rebecca's blog #1 *heavensent1*
SweetShenanigans
15 years agofound giveaway on gustosa giveaways (2)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com
SweetShenanigans
15 years agofound giveaway on gustosa giveaways (1)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com
Heavensent1
15 years agoSubscribe Rebecca's Whims feed #2…heavensent1@yahoo dotcom
Heavensent1
15 years agoSubscribe Rebecca's Whims feed #1…heavensent1@yahoo dotcom
SweetShenanigans
15 years agofollowing you via GFC (girl23rocks)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com (2)
Heavensent1
15 years agoHearted Rebecca's Whims on Esty #2 *RedPillPlease1*
SweetShenanigans
15 years agofollowing you via GFC (girl23rocks)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com (1)
Heavensent1
15 years agoHearted Rebecca's Whims on Esty #1 *RedPillPlease1*
SweetShenanigans
15 years agoblog follower (2)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com
SweetShenanigans
15 years agoblog follower (1)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com
SweetShenanigans
15 years agoblog follower (1)
SweetShenanigans
15 years agoI hearted your etsy shop (alliegal101)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com (2)
SweetShenanigans
15 years agoI hearted your etsy shop (alliegal101)
girl23rocks@hotmail.com (1)
Heavensent1
15 years agoMy favourite item is the Goddess Medusa Pewter Pendant…heavensent1@yahoo dotcom
SweetShenanigans
15 years agoMy fav item is the Asian Inspired and Butterfly FLOWER Power Pendant Glass and Leather. girl23rocks@hotmail.com
Marci J
15 years agoGoddess Tree of Life 18×24 canvas One of a Kind Original Art
carole
15 years agoI love the butterfly pendant
Carole
gram122@comcast.net
Machell
15 years agoalso entered the moon asking to stay brass necklass/bird giveaway.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoalso entered the pink and black blooming ring giveaway.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoi found this giveaway while on your blog entering another giveaway #4.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoi found this giveaway while on your blog entering another giveaway #3.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoi found this giveaway when i was on your blog putting in for another giveaway that i had found on facebook. #2.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoi found this giveaway when i was on your blog #1.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agofollow you on gfc #2.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agofollow you on gfc #1
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agofollow you on networked blogs #2.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agofollow you on network blogs #1
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agofollow her blog #2.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agofollow rebecca whim's blog #1.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agosubscribe to her feed #2.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoi subscribe to her feed #1
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoi heart her shop #2
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoi heart her shop #1
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Machell
15 years agoi really like the map pendant. i wonder if she makes them for all areas.
machell.duke@sbcglobal.net
Jolynn_Reads
15 years ago+2 follow this blog
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Jolynn_Reads
15 years ago+1 Follow Giveaway Blogdom
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Jolynn_Reads
15 years ago+2 Following Giveaway blogdom on networked blogs
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Jolynn_Reads
15 years ago+1 follow you on networked blogs
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Jolynn_Reads
15 years ago+2 follow her blog
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Jolynn_Reads
15 years ago+1 follow Rebecca's Whim Blog
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Jolynn_Reads
15 years ago+2 favorite Rebecca's Whims Etsy
Jolynn_Reads
15 years ago+1 Follow Rebecca Whim Etsy Shop
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Jolynn_Reads
15 years agoBest is Romantic Butterfly Pendant
Jolynn_Reads@yahoo.com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years ago4
found this giveaway / your blog on google
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years ago3
found this giveaway / your blog on google
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years ago2
found this giveaway / your blog on google
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years agofound this giveaway / your blog on google
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years ago2
Google Friends Connect – following your blog publicly as Louis
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years agoGoogle Friends Connect – following your blog publicly as Louis
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years ago2
following on networked blogs
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years agofollowing on networked blogs
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years ago2
I *heart* RebeccasWhims on etsy (rosidentevil)
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years agoI *heart* RebeccasWhims on etsy (rosidentevil)
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
Raven In A Blue Room
15 years agoI love the Aromatherapy Lavender Sachets Lavender Dryer Pillows
Thank you for hosting this giveaway
Louis
schnitzomage {at} gmail {dot} com
ruthhill74
15 years ago3pears creations giveaway entrant
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
manthas24
15 years agoI entered for your Handmade Bracelet
manthas24
15 years agoI entered for your Luxury Pillow System
manthas24
15 years agoI entered for your Pink and Black Blooming Ring
manthas24
15 years agoI entered for your Winner's Choice Crocheted Doll
manthas24
15 years agoI entered for your Fall Felted Keepsake Bowl
manthas24
15 years agoI entered for your Kathryn the Grape
manthas24
15 years ago4 I have you bookmarked – that is where I found the giveaway
manthas24
15 years ago3 I have you bookmarked – that is where I found the giveaway
manthas24
15 years ago2 I have you bookmarked – that is where I found the giveaway
manthas24
15 years ago1 I have you bookmarked – that is where I found the giveaway
manthas24
15 years ago2 http://twitter.com/manthas24/status/17960483206201344
manthas24
15 years ago1 Tweet http://twitter.com/manthas24/status/17960483206201344
manthas24
15 years ago2 I follow you on Twitter @manthas24
manthas24
15 years ago1 I follow you on Twitter @manthas24
manthas24
15 years ago2 I added you on FB – manthas24
manthas24
15 years ago1 I added you on FB – manthas24
manthas24
15 years ago2 I follow you on GFC manthas24
manthas24
15 years ago1 I follow you on GFC manthas24
manthas24
15 years ago2 I added her shop to my favorites on etsy manthas24
manthas24
15 years ago1 I added her shop to my favorites on etsy manthas24
manthas24
15 years agoI would be interested in trying the Aromatherapy Lavender Sachets Lavender Dryer Pillows 4pillows per package
ruthhill74
15 years agofound giveaway via gfc 4
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agofound giveaway via gfc 3
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agofound giveaway via gfc 2
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agofound giveaway via gfc
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agoYour button is on my blog:
http://mydevotionalthoughts.blogspot.com/
4
ruthhill74
15 years agoYour button is on my blog:
http://mydevotionalthoughts.blogspot.com/
3
ruthhill74
15 years agoYour button is on my blog:
http://mydevotionalthoughts.blogspot.com/
2
ruthhill74
15 years agoYour button is on my blog:
http://mydevotionalthoughts.blogspot.com/
ruthhill74
15 years agogfc follower 2
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agogfc follower
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agonetworked blogs follower 2
ruthhill74
ruthhill74
15 years agonetworked blogs follower
ruthhill74
ruthhill74
15 years agofollow rebecca's blog 2
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agofollow rebecca's blog
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agohearted rebecca whims on etsy 2
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agohearted rebecca's whims on etsy
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
ruthhill74
15 years agoI like the pajama time herby doll.
ruthaw_1974@yahoo.com
PringlesPalo
15 years agoi follow your blog
pringlespalo(at)gmail(dot)com
PringlesPalo
15 years agoi follow your blog
pringlespalo(at)gmail(dot)com
PringlesPalo
15 years agoi follow rebecca's whims blog
pringlespalo(at)gmail(dot)com
PringlesPalo
15 years agoi follow rebecca's whims blog
pringlespalo(at)gmail(dot)com
PringlesPalo
15 years agomy fave item: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63034140/romantic-butterfly-pendant-glass-silver
pringlespalo(at)gmail(dot)com
Angela Ison
15 years agoFollower on GFC!
iangela20@yahoo.com
Angela Ison
15 years agoMy favorite is the Aromatherapy Lavender Sachet!
iangela20@yahoo.com
va
15 years agoentered forever andrea giveaway
va
15 years agofound this giveaway through gustosa's giveaways 4
va
15 years agofound this giveaway through gustosa's giveaways 3
va
15 years agofound this giveaway through gustosa's giveaways 2
va
15 years agofound this giveaway through gustosa's giveaways
va
15 years agofollowing blogdom with gfc 2
va
15 years agofollowing blogdom with gfc
va
15 years agofollowing rebeccas blog with gfc
va
15 years agofollowing your blog with gfc
va
15 years agohearted your shop under squirrel33
va
15 years agohearted your shop under squirrel33
va
15 years agoi like this pillow
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61978637/herby-pillow-hot-and-cold-flaxseed
tumblemumbo at gmail.com
thanks
Shaha
15 years ago– My fav item is romantic butterfly pendant
– Shaha
– diarygirl at live dot com
CT Mom
15 years agoI am following you on google connect (entry 2 of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoI am following you on google connect (entry 1 of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoI am following Rebecca's Whim's Blog (2 entry of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoI am following Rebecca's Whim's Blog (1 entry of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoFollowing Rebecca's Whims Shop Feed (2nd entry of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoFollowing Rebecca's Whims Shop Feed (1 entry of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoFollowing you on Networked Blogs (entry 2 of 2)
rmccoy1234 at yahoo.com
CT Mom
15 years agoFollowing you on Networked Blogs (entry 1 of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoHeart (favorite) Rebecca's Whims Etsy Shop (entry 2 of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoHeart (favorite) Rebecca's Whims Etsy Shop (1 entry of 2)
CT Mom
15 years agoFavorite iteM; Asian Inspired and Butterfly FLOWER Power Pendant Glass and Leather
rmccoy1234 at yahoo.com
captainliss40
15 years agoMy favorite item is Peace Pendant – Glass and 24in Silver plated ball chain. captainliss40@gmail.com
Abhishek Duggal
15 years agoGoddess Tree of Life 18×24 canvas One of a Kind Original Art
Thanks for the opportunity!
forsurveysonly at gmail dot com