Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in Dallas, Texas and have just recently moved back after many years in New York City. I love art, travel, outdoorsy activities like kayaking and hiking, and creating! I have an overly active mind and am always filling notebooks with new designs, ideas and tidbits that come to me.
Why did you start your Etsy shop?
I began selling jewelry on Etsy in a different shop about 3 years ago and after falling in love with the site and its customers, I decided to open Fifi du Vie. Home decor has always been a great love of mine and I have always greatly enjoyed decorating my friends and my own apartments. I decided to turn this hobby into a reality by starting a home decor line! The sky is the limit! Fifi du Vie strives to offer quirky, fun and affordable pieces for your space. I began this shop last spring and have been working to grow and develop it ever since!
How did you come up with your Etsy shop name?
Fifi du Vie came to me in the middle of the night. There is no real source, but I like the sing-song nature of it. It has a vaguely French feel which I adore.
What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
My favorite item is the “Oh Darling, Let’s Be Adventurer’s” Print in Black. This was inspired by my need to get out of New York City on the weekends and experience something incredible. It brings back fond memories of many, many wonderful adventures.
Do any of your pieces have a memorable story behind them?
While most of the prints have touching, memorable sentiments behind them, I think the most telling of my personality is “Me Eat Meat”, an homage to my love of meat and, in particular, bacon. I just can’t get enough!
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
I want people to know that artwork in your home can look great, but also be affordable and humorous or even romantic. It is about finding pieces that speak to you and make you feel like you are in your own element.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
Screen printing is such a versatile and fun medium. I can make prints, pillows, bags and apparel. There is so much opportunity to expand and use the same original screens with different base materials. Furthermore, each piece is truly handmade for the customer and is an one of a kind, unique work of art.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I would love to learn ceramics and be able to create 3-d objects for the home. I find subtle, white ceramics to be absolutely exquisite.
Why should people buy handmade?
It is difficult to buy affordable, high quality items in the mass market. Why settle for something that everyone has and is mass produced when you could have or gift something beautiful and made by hand? I think there is no comparison. Objects in your home take on lives and should be treasured.
Any advice on selling things handmade?
Make sure you perfect your product, packaging and shipping. Don’t sell yourself short with prices that eat into costs and most of all, customer service is key. Those happy and returning customers are the best vehicle to spread the word, give you feedback and help grow your business.
Do you have plans for expansion?
I hope to move onto a dedicated Fifi du Vie website and expand into apparel this spring. I am also working to develop my blog to provide customers with updates, DIY and information about where I find inspiration.
Any other sites you can be found on?
I am also on Artfire, Dawanda and Cargoh, which are all great sites to check out for unique handmade.
**Thank you to to Fifi du Vie 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.**
39 COMMENTS
manthas24
14 years ago2 I follow you on Twitter @manthas24
manthas24
14 years agoTweet http://twitter.com/manthas24/status/16095470929580032
manthas24
14 years agoI entered for your Fall Felted Keepsake Bowl
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 agoI entered for your Curious George Prize Pack
manthas24
15 years agoI entered for your Carmex Tints
manthas24
15 years agoI entered for your Cystex (cranberry supplement
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 Tweet http://twitter.com/manthas24/status/16095470929580032
manthas24
15 years agoTweet http://twitter.com/manthas24/status/16095470929580032
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 agoMy daughter would get a tickle out of adding the soft love pillow cover – magenta felt on white linen 16 x 16 to her collection
Nell
15 years agoMy favorite is the la belle est vie screenprinted poster – silver!
oldsockfarm [!at] gmail [d0t] com
Jen
15 years agofound on giveawayscout
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Jen
15 years agofound on giveawayscout
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Jen
15 years agofound on giveawayscout!
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Jen
15 years agofound on giveawayscout
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Jen
15 years agoI tweeted @butiadoreyouu
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Jen
15 years agogfc follower – iadoreyouu
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Jen
15 years agogfc follower – iadoreyouu
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Jen
15 years agofollowing you on networkedblogs under jen versus capcom
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Jen
15 years agofollowing you on networkedblogs 1
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Jen
15 years agohearts on etsy from jenisaurus 2
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Jen
15 years agohearts on etsy from jenisaurus 1
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Jen
15 years agoI love the Oh baby, Lets be outlaws print!
jentabulous at hotmail dot com
Shaha
15 years agolove their ampersand love screenprinted poster – grey
diarygirl at live dot com
shaha
captainliss40
15 years agoampersand love screenprinted poster – red. captainliss40@gmail.com