Etsy Love – Rrizzart

Next up in my Etsy Love series is Robin from Rrizzart who sells mixed media art, decoupaged jewelry, collage art, embellished crosses and jewellery boxes.  Decoupage is one of the few crafts I have yet to try and I really enjoyed browsing the vast mix of colours and textures available in Robin’s beautiful shop.  Another key feature of Robin’s designs is that they are one of a kind, meaning you have the opportunity to receive something truly unique!    

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where the inspiration came from to start your Etsy shop.

I have been crafting for years – I’ve worked in every medium imaginable, starting with sewing and cross-stitch and mostly making things as gifts and for my own home. Inspiration really took off when I started working at Michaels several years ago and found myself exposed to all kinds of wonderful stuff! I wound up working in mixed media and decoupage mostly because I love the endless possibilities to combine color and texture. My Etsy shop came about the way many others’ do – I simply had too much stuff to keep for myself!

2. Do you have a favourite piece? Tell us about the thought process involved in creating it and why it is your favourite.

I don’t have one specific piece that is my favorite, but the ones I enjoy making the most are my decoupaged embellished crosses. As I was raised Catholic, I was always drawn to the shape of the cross and the ornate embellishment of early churches. To me it is not so much a religious symbol as it is a more general spiritual expression of faith and hope. I find the shape of it aesthetically pleasing, and I try to make each one in a way that will personally connect with the viewer on whatever spiritual plane they find themselves on. The possibilities of color and embellishment are endless and I never plan them out beforehand – I just let them become what they want to become.

3. What is the biggest milestone you have achieved so far whilst selling on Etsy?

I think my biggest milestone on Etsy is the fact that I am here at all! I didn’t start my shop here until I was 50, and I didn’t know the first thing about business and even less about computers. Before I opened my shop I couldn’t even open my email without my daughter’s help! I have learned so much! The fact that I am approaching my 2 year “Etsyversary” and have sold well over 100 items astounds me every day.

4. What are your future plans for your shop and crafting in general?

My plan right now is to just keep growing and adding new items. At some point I would like to add more of the textile work, such as embroidery and crochet, that I started with years ago. As I make a lot of my own clothes by altering and embellishing thrift store finds, at some point I may introduce another shop for ‘altered couture’.

 5. And finally let us know where we can find you.

You can find me here:
Etsy Shop: http://www.rrizzart.etsy.com/
Twitter: @rrizzart
Facebook: Rrizzart

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions Robin.  It is evident that you have worked really hard at your craft – not just in terms of creating your beautiful items, but in learning about computers and business.  It is inspiring to see that all of your hard work has paid off and I wish you even more success in the future (and happy Etsyversary when it comes)!