After posting yesterday’s interview with SushiForBaby, I realized that now is the time I should be focusing on great shops that are going to be put out of business or rerouted because of the new third party lead testing law. These next few days/weeks (depending on the responses I get) I will be posting lots of interviews I’ve done with kid/baby item shops. I hope you enjoy and realize that these shops will no longer be there for you to buy unique fun items for gifts or for your own children starting on February 10th, 2009. SOMETHING MUST CHANGE!
This interview is with Stephanie of Artiopary. I discovered her shop on my search for items for Capri’s Wishlist Treasury. I found her cherry blossom handpainted onesie and knew immediately it had to be on Capri’s Treasury!
I hope you enjoy hearing about Stephanie’s background! I know I did!
Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.
I have been painting and drawing since childhood. My favorite thing was horses, unicorns and pegasus’s. I lived in a fairy tale world where my sister’s and I used imaginations to fight trolls and monsters. Sticks became swords and my pencil was my outlet to 
other worlds! I can not believe I do not have ONE horse item in my shop!
When did you first start creating things?
In 1997 I was preggo and the very first thing I painted for a store was a book shelve with tropical fish. Very colorful and nautical. I took it to the “Country Store” on HWY 70 on a Wed. and she sold it by Friday. I do not know how much she kept but I got $75.00 and I felt so rich. I cried and thanked the Lord for my talent all the way home!
What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?
I painted things like children step stools, banners, mailboxes, glass ware, signs, rugs, and furniture for my first art show. I did well with my first art show I knew this was meant for me. I love adventure and meeting people. I find it intoxicating and inspiring. (even the grumpy ones!) LOL!
Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?
Yes, this is my only income. I am a SAHM and homeschool a 6th grader and a 4 year old preschool and the money that is made really helps with bills, food or a new pair of shoes every now and again.
Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?
Yes, I am in a constant dream! I was hoping to expand my clothing line to dresses and a a few nursery rhyme themed outfits. Such as a dress with Ms. Mary Muffet painted on it and ric rac ribbon of a spider hanging down for a sweet 3-d effect. I can just see a little girl running around in that and that spider just a bouncing. *sigh*
How did you hear about Etsy?
By http://wwww.photoglassworks.etsy.com/ , I met her at a art show in New Bern NC and she was so kind to tell me about Etsy, she felt like my things would do well and gave me some GREAT advice!
Any words of advice to others?
When a door closes, there always seems to be a window that opens.
How will the new law by CPSIA affect you and your shop?
My best seller on Etsy has been my cherry blossom onesie. I guess this will not be available any more as ALL of my baby clothing. Makes me so sad, I love painting them. I will be closing done for the month of February to revamp my store. Maybe I can come up with some new things for 12 years and older.
Great feature!
It's a shame that such wonderful stores with such adorable items are being forced out of business.