Today I would like to feature a fellow Etsy seller who clearly has fun doing what she does, but has also found a way to be eco-friendly and run a thriving shop. Her name is Hope Von Stengel, and her shop name is Blackbird and Peacock. She offers notebooks, cards, T-shirts and other items featuring cool, out-of-the-box designs.
I asked her a few questions, and she gave me some insight as to what makes her tick, and how she keeps powering forward:
What made you decide to open your etsy shop?
I love the handmade movement and wanted to be a part of it! My husband is an artist and although I’ve always considered myself more of a writer than a visual artist, there is nothing that makes me happier than being creative. We live in a fairly isolated area where there aren’t many job opportunities. After waitressing and cooking for several years, I wanted to build something that represented everything my husband and I talked about- eco-friendly living, the handmade movement, shopping locally, etc. And here we are!
What are your favorite inspirations?
Collage, my husband’s work, artists I find on tumblr, my son and all of the cool anime he’s brought to us over the years, our mutual love of music, video games- there are so many influences. 20 some odd years ago I used to love going to museums. Now I just scour the internet and am amazed by all of the incredible art out there that is being made.
How do you want your fans/customers to feel when they receive one of your pieces?
Oh my gosh, I hope that they love what we send. I really take care in everything that is made. My husband and I are a team and everything we sell and ship is a part of our lifestyle and who we are. The work we create represents our past, present and future. It is a labour of love.
Thank you Hope. And we will keep loving your shop.
O & M
Blackbird and Peacock , on Etsy
The Adventures of Oxley and Mortimer 