Nina Glaser creates beautiful designs and uses them to decorate all kinds of gorgeous things for her lovely shop. I especially love her block print napkins!

Nina and some of her lovely creations

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, my name is Nina. I’m an illustrator and painter from New York, but I’m now living in the “Charm City,” also known as Baltimore, MD! I studied illustration in undergrad and painting in grad school, but I’ve always had an interest in graphic design and how it lends itself to all sorts of paper goods and home decor.

Q. Your shop is so lovely! What is your creative process like?
The process usually starts with making some sort of pattern. I’ll see a leaf that I like or a flower and start there. After drawing the pattern, I use photoshop to clean it up! Once I have my printing method ready (digital, silk screen, block print), the excitement comes from figuring out what to put it on!

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A few weeks ago I came across the prettiest little lockets with sweet messages like “Know that you are loved”.  Perfect for Valentine’s Day, don’t you think?  I am so excited that their creator, Amy from Tuesday Afternoon Tea, is today’s interviewee!  And Amy has even offered the most adorable giveaway package!

It's Never Too Late Notebook & Do What You Love Locket

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello! My name is Amy, I’m 25 years old and I live in a little village in the North of England. I have a BSc and an MA in Sociology from the University of Manchester, but recently I went back to college to indulge my real passion and did a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. I work part time in an art gallery, and use the rest of my time to make things I love and sell them through my Etsy store.

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Warning this post might make you dream of sugarplums! Because The Cupcake Mint is probably one of the most delicious shop on Etsy. I especially love all the Christmasy sweets that Shannon has in the shop right now!

Shannon and her sweet creations

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Oh hello there, my name is Shannon. I’m a cute happy vegan full of energy and love for all things beautiful and delicious. I’m continuously curious about the world around me and consider myself an explorer of the world, the mind, your backyard, you name it, just about anything fascinates me. I work non stop, I might even work in my sleep! Now only if I could bake in my sleep.. wait that might be dangerous.. nevermind!

beautiful winter treats

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Hanging stockings, trimming trees, addressing dozens of cards and hunting for that perfect but elusive gift, as magical as the holidays are all have those little stresses can add up and drive us crazy.  Here’s the perfect solution, take a few minutes for a relaxing bath with a handmade bath-not-bombs by katevw!

Kate and some of her lovely baths-not-bombs

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hello there! I’m Kate. I am an artist, a doula, a businesswoman, and a bath enthusiast. I live in a colorful apartment in Vermont with my sweetie and my badass brown cat named Twyla Sharp. I might have more clothes in my dress-up bin than in my closet. I like hammocks, dance parties, having friends as neighbors, crepes, & hot toddies. 

Q. How did you begin making bath bombs?
Last year about this time, I was on the hunt for handmade gift ideas for family & friends. I would usually default to my trusty sewing machine, but had been doing a lot of sewing for work and wanted a new and exciting project. I stumbled on a bath bomb recipe online and it seemed perfect –something fun and sensual to make, that people would not usually make or buy for themselves. I worked on perfecting my recipe, and the rest just kind of fell into place. I listed a single bath bomb on etsy right before leaving for a New Year’s Eve party, and when I checked my email in the morning it had sold! I figured that was a sign to keep going, and it’s been a very smell-good year!

Tempt and Winter Wellness baths-not-bombs

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Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without all the wonderful treats that this time of year brings. But if you’re stressed for time, you might be tempted to go with store-bought cookies and cakes. This year, instead of purchasing from a store you might want to consider placing a few orders with Whimsy & Spice:

Jenna and Mark

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourselves?
Mark and I have a little confectionery business based in Brooklyn that we started last year called Whimsy & Spice. He is a pastry chef and single-handedly does all the baking for the company. I design the packaging, the website and take all the product shots. The business is a good combination of our skills. 

Q. How did you begin baking such lovely things?
Mark has been in the restaurant industry for about 15 years, many of those years as pastry chef. We decided to start our own business so that he can escape crazy restaurant hours, but as it turns out as we come towards the end of our 2nd year of business, he is again working crazy hours. But at least there is some flexibility built in which is key when you have kids. The products are a combination of new recipes and ideas and some variation of old favorites.

whimsy and spice at work

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Visiting Calexandra’s Etsy shop is like stepping into a beautiful, sunlit garden. Her work is so very cheerful and lovely!

Water Lilly & Organza Bouquet

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Charlotte Alexandra, I’m 35 years old (how the years fly)!. I’m British born and bred, I left home at 18 to study and travel and that’s exactly how I spent the whole of my 20’s!!! I worked in many many jobs, studied many subjects: acting – photography – art – dancing. I lived in London and had a fantastic time. Aged 30 I fell pregnant with my daughter Molly. I’m a single mum (through choice), I never did find Mr Right so I decided to start the process myself and I’m so pleased I did. My life is very full and rich and I know I am very very lucky.

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Melissa is the lovely, creative lady behind Tiny Happy and she always fills her wonderful shop and blog with pretty things. I am always inspired by her writings and creations and so I was so excited that she agreed to be apart of Wayside Violet today!

Melissa and one of her lovely creations

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Melissa and I come from a small city in the South Island of New Zealand. I recently spent a year and a half in Norway with my two children and partner Tom but now we’re back in our hometown, living in a very old house right in the middle of the city. We spend a lot of time tending our tiny but quite productive and public garden.

Q. When did you begin making such lovely things?
I’ve loved to make things for as long as I can remember. My four younger siblings and I spent a lot of time as children making our own gardens, picking Mum’s roses to brew up ‘perfume’, finding old treasures and displaying them outside like our own ’shops’. When I was pregnant with my son I re-discovered textiles in a big way: knitting and sewing mainly. I loved making things for my children when they were babies, and I haven’t stopped since!

pretty needle cases

Q. Your shop is so pretty! What is your creative process like?
Thank you! I’m not sure how my creative process works- it’s a bit of a mystery to me. I have a drive to do my creative work every day and find inspiration all around me. When I’m busy with the children and other commitments ideas are forming in my mind and I try to keep them close. Then as soon as I have a minute (usually late at night) I get to work. Ideas are often triggered by a certain material, such as a piece of old fabric I find at a flea market, or something like that.

Q. What’s a normal day in your life like?
In the mornings during the week I reluctantly get up and make coffee. Then the next couple of hours are spent getting the children ready for school and walking them there. Then my morning is free for answering emails, packing orders, writing my blog and making things. At lunchtime I collect my daughter from kindergarten and then a few hours later my son. So in the afternoons the house is busy with the children and often their friends, playing. Sometimes I can get more work done then, especially if I set the kids up with art activities – they both love to draw. And then in the evening I go into my little studio and work for a few more hours.

pretty pouch and baby slippers

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There are some shops on Etsy that just make you say, “Aww!” and Beantown Handmade is definitely one of them! That’s why I am so excited that Anne, one of of the owners, could spare a little time for an interview. And with the holidays coming don’t forget your furry friends!

Anne & Bean

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Anne and I create the handmade pet apparel and accessories in the shop. My husband, Michael, photographs our wonderfully handsome and patient supermodel Boston Terrier named Bean. Michael and I are both artists and adjunct college art instructors. We are originally from the east coast and we met in graduate school when we were getting our MFAs.

The Blue Baron and Citron Wool Sweater

Q. How did you begin making such cute accessories for pets?
Beantown Handmade started as a small experiment on Etsy last November. I had made more sweaters for Bean than he could ever wear, and I was a big fan of Etsy so I thought I’d try selling a few sweaters just for fun. I loved hearing about people’s pets and seeing photos of them wearing things I’d created. I was quickly addicted and soon found I could create a part time job out of something I loved to do.

Q. Your shop is so adorable! What is your creative process like?
I love the creative process involved with crochet and the history and tradition involved with the medium. I love looking at vintage pieces and my collection of vintage buttons and fabrics is often the source for new designs. I am also inspired by dogs and the unique challenge of designing for them. I try to create things that are respectful of their needs and won’t inhibit or bother them – even the silly hats, which are intended mostly just for photo shoots.

Business Jacket & Pink Blossom Hat

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Anne-Julie is the lovely genius behind the beautiful illustration shop, The Nebulous Kingdom.  Each time I browse her shop I step into a beautiful, sometimes dark, but always charming world.  I’m sure you will fall in love too!

Anne-Julie and one of her lovely creations

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Bonjour! My name is Anne-Julie and I’m 29. I grew up in the east of France, where I went to Beaux-Arts and graduated with a degree in illustration. Five years ago, I moved to the south, searching for a better weather and beautiful surroundings. I live with the most adorable man in the world – whom I will marry next year, and our sweet dog Nemee. When I’m not creating, illustrating or doing anything related to my job/passion, I love to watch Horror movies, to listen to folk music or to read books about home decoration, and fairytales.

Q. When did you begin making illustrations?
I’ve been drawing since my youngest age, and I really started to work in the illustration field when I was in Beaux-Arts. I love the world of children books since a long time, and I decided to give it a try as an illustrator. I worked a bit for publishers and magazines, but as much as I loved to illustrate, I found out that I didn’t like to be commissioned on themes that weren’t “me”. So I stopped to work for people, and decided to work for me. Selling my art in my Etsy shop really helps to develop my very own style and my most favorite themes.

La Fille de la Neige & Happily Ever After

Q. Your shop is so beautiful! What is your creative process like?
Thank you! Well, I don’t know if I have a very specific creative process… When I get an idea, I just sit-down in front of my computer and I start drawing. I draw with Photoshop and a graphic tablet. But I still work in the old way from time to time, so I like to use acrylics, crayons and pastels, too. I can work all day long, all week long (I spend most of my weekends creating and crafting, luckily my man is very supportive and doesn’t mind if I’m too busy!) but I like to work at night, when I’m the most inspired -I’m a night owl I guess! Also, I love to discover new ways of crafting everyday, so I create jewelry, journals and paper goods. 

Q. What’s a normal day in your life like?
I always wake up late because I go to bed usually between 3 and 5 in the morning. So basically, I wake up just in time for a good brunch, a shower, and then I start to check emails and Etsy conversations around 2pm. Most of the time I prepare and pack my Etsy orders in the afternoon. I have trips to the post office 2 or 3 times a week. When sun comes down, and my love comes home from his job, we spend some time together, we have a good meal, sometimes a movie and then I’m back to work until you know when. 

Once Upon A Time & Marie-Antoinette

Q. What inspires you most of all? 
I’m pretty much inspired by my dreams and my everyday emotions. I’m a bit melancholic, and this is my favorite theme in my illustrations. I’m also inspired by music and movies. I love nature, dragonflies, butterflies, the smell of fresh cut grass.. or the smell of a chimney fire. I love everything dark and mysterious, but still sweet.

Anne-Julie is kindly offering Wayside Violet readers 15% on every purchase Oct. 30th – Nov. 1st. Simply type “waysideviolet-interview” in the note to seller area when you checkout.

If you like The Nebulous kingdom, you must visit Anne-Julie’s blog! It’s lovely!

If you love beautiful accessories you need to visit the always fabulous Etsy shop, Miss Ruby Sue.  I especially love her necklaces!  They are so beautiful and perfect for skinny jeans and tank tops or for the fanciest of outfits.

beautiful necklaces

Q. Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Lori is what everyone calls me- I’ve never met more than one Lori in my life so I figure I must be extra special. Maybe that’s because I still live in the same small town of 17,000 I grew up in. I call Idaho my home, but friends think my heart belongs in a bigger city. I am raising 4 intelligent, good-looking, above average children with my helpful, handy, handsome husband. Their ages range from 14 to 4. Crazy. I know. How do I do it- and work as well? I’m still trying to figure it out myself. In time I know I’ll look back and say – “Wow, that was hectic- and I don’t remember a thing!”

Q.When did you begin making accessories?
I began making accessories over a year ago when I was feeling a little blue from the slumping economy. I took it rather personally since my husband was – and I stress – WAS – pretty heavy into construction. Remember in the last paragraph how I said I live in a small town? I couldn’t find any colorful things to put in my hair, or put around my neck. I needed color to make me feel happy, so I made it. And I labeled dupioni silk as the fabric of choice in my studio.

silk and pearls

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