Where are you from and tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Honor Robie Dunn, I live in Los Angeles with my husband and 2 girls. I have a BFA in fibers from Maryland Institute College of Art and a MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. I enjoy art, working, cold weather, Good Eats on NPR, and spending time with my family and friends.
Why did you start your Etsy shop?
I started my Etsy shop this year but actually have had more success with my Bigcartel shop which I also started this year. My Bigcartel shop name is Fraises des Bois which sells my headpiece line and my Etsy shop is Goodnight Studio, which is my paper goods line though I have headdresses listed too. I started both shops so that I could sell my work on line and have a store that I could easily manage.
How did you come up with your Etsy shop name?
Goodnight Studio evokes a certain nostalgia and make me think of nursery rhymes or that moment that you bid sweet dreams to some on you love. Fraises des Bois means strawberry in the woods, I wanted a playful name that evokes a sense of wonder and discovery while being super beautiful and graceful. Its pronounced frez dā bwȧ.
What is your the favorite item in your shop and why?
My favorite item in my Etsy shop is the August O. Trout card set particularly the Goodbye card. It feels super meaningful and there are not a lot of cards out there that embrace that phrase. My favorite item
in my Bigcartel shop is the lavender headband, its so pretty and dreamy. It really feels magical in both sight and feel.
Do any of your pieces have a memorable story behind them?
My headpieces were crafted for my girls since they love costumes and Imagery play. They are crafted to be super sturdy and actually play items not just a fashion item. I also wanted to create something I could wear with them and enter their fairyland. I have an adult version of the headdress, which is really lovely. It can be worn to play with the kids and play while out on the town.
What was your first piece you sold?
The headbands are super popular on my Bigcartel shop, People love the lavender one.
Where do you get your inspiration for your pieces?
I am inspired by vintage everything, costume, Russian dance, my girls and my wonderful husband who is also an artist. I am inspired by the world around me including the city.
Why should people buy handmade?
I think people should support the handmade because I believe a way to stay connected in this very large world; it’s a way of sharing pieces of the soul.
Any advice on selling things handmade?
I think it’s important to have a voice and to do something that is meaningful. I also think that a seller has to be prepared to network and do a ton of self-promotion.
Do you have plans for expansion?
I do – I am currently working on make a more cohesive brand between the 2 companies; I am doing logo redesigns for both and expanding the headpiece line to include some amazing felt crowns. I will also be redesigning the online stores and I am in the process of negotiating to do some exclusives for a few stores.
Any other sites you can be found on?
Yes:
I will be in Babiekin Magazine and Junior magazine in the next couple of months.
I have been featured on papier-mache blog, http://papier-mache.com.au/blog/
Jezebel blog, http://jezebelstationery.blogspot.com/, kenzipoo blog, http://kenziepoo.com,
Everyday mama, http://www.everydaymama.com/, Fine little day, http://finelittleday.blogspot.com/, and did a give away for babble.
Anything else you would like us to know?
Have fun and lets play!
My sites:
www.goodnightstudio.org
http://fraisesdesbois.bigcartel.com/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/goodnightstudio.com
http://honorltd.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/HRDunnGoodnight.com
**Please take a moment to visit Good Night Studio. If you comeback here and leave a comment with your favorite item you can have a total of five extra entries to leave on any or a combination of my current giveaways. You MUST leave the comments for the extra entries on the giveaways you would like to be entered into. This offer ends on 11/26 at midnight.
