Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
I am a wife and mom of two grown boys. I love to read, walk, zumba, ride my bike with my husband and most of all create! I regularly volunteer at my towns’ community center as well as my church. While we don’t have a dog of our own at this time, we do have two granddogs, a black lab and a yellow lab who are my favorite models!
Why did you start your Etsy shop?
While I’ve enjoyed shopping on Etsy for several years, I had never considered having my own shop until my hours were cut back from full time to 24 hours a week. This seemed like a bad thing in the beginning but has turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to me at this time in my life. It gave me the time to be creative for me instead of my employer. All of that creativity needs an outlet and Etsy was the perfect spot!
How did you come up with your Etsy shop name?
I knew that I wanted to use a photo of my mom in my banner – my favorite is one of her leading a parade in our town when she was a very young girl. Going Places seemed to fit perfectly – and since someone else had already taken that name – I tacked on a ‘2’.
What is your favorite item in your shop and why?
I love the Collie print with the quote by a Jewish Philosopher – “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle”. Showing kindness is really such a small thing, but it can have a huge impact on the person receiving it.
Do any of your pieces have a memorable story behind them?
My Black and Yellow Lab print is from a picture I took while babysitting my two ‘Granddogs’ Lofa and Locker. They were having such a fun time in the backyard and while resting for a moment – I was able to snap their picture, which I paired with a Mother Theresa quote – “We shall never know all the good a simple smile can do”. I think Labs have great smiles!
What message, if any, do you want to convey with your art/craft?
My hope is that my art will bring its owner a smile, remind them of a fond memory, give them the inspiration at just the right time to go on, adventure out, help another, bring hope and encouragement.
How did you decide what medium you wanted to work with?
I have been a graphic designer for years working in the screen printing business. Usually, I am designing off the ideas of the client – it’s so much fun to have free rein and be able to design whatever want using the medium I know best – graphic design.
If you had to choose one other medium in which to display your “creativity”, what would that be, and why?
I love working with felted wool – and have piles of rescued wool sweaters just waiting for me to repurpose them. You will find a few bird brooches left in my shop that I’ve made.
Why should people buy handmade?
Going through this recession, I’ve really noticed how much we depend on each other. It’s so important to support small businesses and artists or one day there won’t be any. Handmade inspires us to create our own things as well – whether it be a simple greeting card or to take up knitting for the first time. You can really feel the time, craft and love put into handmade products.
Any advice on selling things handmade?
Etsy is a wonderful venue for selling. Everything you will need to know is there and easy to find. Go through the forums, study the shops you love and ask yourself ‘why’, learn how to take good photos (still working on that one!), find some other handmade artists in your local area – sit down and brainstorm and see what things you can come up with. Two heads are always better than one.
Apart from creating beautiful pieces, what else do you do?
I manage a screen printing/embroidery/promotional product shop 3 days a week. I also volunteer at my town’s community center. I check out a lot of books at our library and read them all! I like to walk 5 miles, 3 times a week when the weather is warmer.
Do you have plans for expansion?
I actually just bought a magnet/button maker that was quite a significant investment. I know have all of my prints available as 2 x 3 magnets in my shop. They are really fun as well as addictive. I want to turn every idea I have into a magnet! My prints are currently being sold in Brick and Mortar shops in Arizona & Maryland, and I would love to expand to many more states.
Any other sites you can be found on?
I have another website called Healthy Brown Bag ~ www.healthybrownbag.com
You can also find me on Twitter ~ my user name is GoingPlacesToo
**Thank you to GoingPlaces2 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.**
93 COMMENTS
ligata
14 years agoI`ve entered the Hair clip, Art card and Handmade Feather Earrings giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
14 years agoI`ve entered the You Are My Cup Of Tea Poster giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
asuka
14 years agoHearted the shop as magnolica.
Post 1 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
BHG and Aulani Photo
14 years agofollowing Going Places 2on twitter @byhandgiveaways
duhnellecarter [at] yahoo [.] com
pamalot
14 years agoI like the Husky but I wish there was a beagle dog..
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
pamalot
14 years agoMy favourite walking softly item is the cascading oval hoop earrings #5
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
asuka
14 years agoFollowing goingplaces2 on twitter as my_wunderkammer.
Post 2 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
Christina
15 years agoChristina – xristya@rock.com – I love the Golden Retriever Art Print (Small Things With Great Love)!
asuka
15 years agoFollowing goingplaces2 on twitter as my_wunderkammer.
Post 2 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoFollowing goingplaces2 on twitter as my_wunderkammer.
Post 1 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoHearted the shop as magnolica.
Post 2 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoHearted the shop as magnolica.
Post 1 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoEntered the RedCatArtBeads giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoEntered the Mabelise giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoEntered the NewBagsByAnOldBag giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoEntered the OrlyDesign giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoEntered the Betty's Rubble giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoEntered the RippleEffectPhoto giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoEntered the One perfect day giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI entered your Sample Box giveaway.
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
asuka
15 years agoEntered the Sadie Designs giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI like Giveaway Blogdom on Facebook. (Donna Zeigler Roucoulet) (2)
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI like Giveaway Blogdom on Facebook. (Donna Zeigler Roucoulet) (1)
Donna
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Rumbletiger
15 years agoI follow Giveaway Blogdom on GFC. (Rumbletiger) (2)
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI follow Giveaway Blogdom on GFC. (Rumbletiger) (1)
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
asuka
15 years agoEntered the Brittany Lauren Paper giveaway.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI follow Giveaway Blogdom on Networked Blogs. (Donna Zeigler Roucoulet) (2)
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI follow Giveaway Blogdom on Networked Blogs. (Donna Zeigler Roucoulet) (1)
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI subscribed by email to Ginger's blog. (2)
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI subscribed by email to Ginger's blog. (1)
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI added GoingPlaces2 as a favorite on Etsy. (2)
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI added GoingPlaces2 as a favorite on Etsy.
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Rumbletiger
15 years agoI like the Coffee girl print for myself. 🙂
Donna
packratmomto4(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
asuka
15 years agoYour event button is here:
http://skittlefairy.diaryland.com/index.html
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
post 2 of 2
asuka
15 years agoYour event button is here:
http://skittlefairy.diaryland.com/index.html
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
post 1 of 2
asuka
15 years agoYour blog button is here:
http://skittlefairy.diaryland.com/index.html
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
post 2 of 2
asuka
15 years agoYour blog button is here:
http://skittlefairy.diaryland.com/index.html
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
post 1 of 2
asuka
15 years agoFollowing on twitter as my_wunderkammer.
post 2 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoFollowing on twitter as my_wunderkammer.
post 1 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoAdded you as a friend on FB, as Andreia Sousa.
post 2 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoAdded you as a friend on FB, as Andreia Sousa.
post 1 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoFollowing you via GFC.
post 2 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoFollowing you via GFC.
post 1 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoFollowing you on Networked Blogs as Andreia Sousa.
post 2 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoFollowing you on Networked Blogs as Andreia Sousa.
post 1 of 2
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
asuka
15 years agoMy favorite item is the Labrador Retriever Art Print.
so.kitsch at gmail dot com
DK
15 years agoI really like this fox print: http://www.etsy.com/listing/55940493/affirmation-art-print-for-kids-fox
Masha
15 years agoi've entered ReStyle Shop giveaway. 🙂
Masha
15 years agoi've entered Betty's Rubble giveaway. 🙂
Masha
15 years agoi've entered NewBagsByAnOldBag giveaway. 🙂
Masha
15 years agoi follow GoingPlacesToo on twitter. 🙂
#2
Masha
15 years agoi follow GoingPlacesToo on twitter. 🙂
#1
Masha
15 years agoi follow your blog with GFC. 🙂
#2
Masha
15 years agoi follow your blog with GFC. 🙂
#1
Masha
15 years agomy favourite is a husky. 🙂
pamalot
15 years agoMy favourite walking softly item is the cascading oval hoop earrings #5
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
pamalot
15 years agoMy favourite walking softly item is the cascading oval hoop earrings #5
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
pamalot
15 years agoMy favourite walking softly item is the cascading oval hoop earrings #4
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
pamalot
15 years agoMy favourite walking softly item is the cascading oval hoop earrings #3
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
pamalot
15 years agoMy favourite walking softly item is the cascading oval hoop earrings #2
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
pamalot
15 years agoMy favourite walking softly item is the cascading oval hoop earrings #1
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
pamalot
15 years agoI floow via gfc #2
pamalot
15 years agoI follow via gfc
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
pamalot
15 years agoI follow via networked blogs #2
pam w h
pamalot
15 years agoI follow via networked blogs
pam w h
pamalot
15 years agoI added to my favourites. #2
dphumphrey
pamalot
15 years agoI added to my favourites.
dphumphrey
pamalot
15 years agoI like the Husky but I wish there was a beagle dog..
pamfreecycle at gmail dot com
Donna
15 years agomy fave item is the pit bull art print inspirational dog print series!
donnakaranas@gmail.com
eclairre
15 years agoI love this shop! Especially 3 – I Heart Dachshunds Heavy Duty Magnets 2 x 3.
BHG and Aulani Photo
15 years agofollowing Going Places 2 on twitter 2 @byhandgiveaways
duhnellecarter [at] yahoo [.] com
BHG and Aulani Photo
15 years agofollowing Going Places 2on twitter @byhandgiveaways
duhnellecarter [at] yahoo [.] com
BHG and Aulani Photo
15 years agofollowing brandy on twitter 2 @byhandgiveaways
duhnellecarter [at] yahoo [.] com
BHG and Aulani Photo
15 years agofollowing brandy on twitter @byhandgiveaways
duhnellecarter [at] yahoo [.] com
BHG and Aulani Photo
15 years agoI love the http://www.etsy.com/listing/62504263/black-labrador-yellow-labrador-art-print?ref=v1_other_1
duhnellecarter [at] yahoo [.] com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the Silver Paisley Notecards giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the You Are My Cup Of Tea Poster giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the $10 Store Credit giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the Love Magnet Tiles giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the 25 Stationary Calling Cards giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI entered the Photo Magnet Board giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the Handmade Heart-shaped Lavender Satchel giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the Handmade Amethyst Crystal Point Necklace – giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the Handmade Tree of Life Earrings giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the $30 Eden Fantasys Gift Card giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the Handmade Sensory Blanket giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the Hair clip, Art card and Handmade Feather Earrings giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI`ve entered the Winners choice Bracelet or Anklet giveaway!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI Hearted the goingplaces2 shop #2
username:ligata
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI Hearted the goingplaces2 shop #1
username:ligata
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI follow you via gfc #2
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoI follow you via gfc #1
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com
ligata
15 years agoMy favorite is the Chihuahua Dog Art Print – Inspirational Dog Print Series!
vena.nedkova at gmail dot com