GREIGHDAY VINTAGE

INTERVIEW WITH AMBER OF GREIGHDAY VINTAGE

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, personal stuff).
My name is Amber and I live just outside of Detroit MI. I'm an avid antique shopper. I love art and music of all kinds.

Are you a full-time artist/crafter?
I'm not a full time artist per-say; but that would be a dream come true for me if I was able to achieve that status someday!

How long have you been in business?
My ETSY shop has only been in existence for about three and 1/2 Months. I started as a buyer and decided that I would try my hand at selling my pieces o ETSY instead of the other venues I had used in the past.

What percentage of your income is from "online" sales?
Right now, a very small percentage (under 10%), but I hope to increase that in the near future by taking on custom orders and perhaps wholesale if things go well.

What can your customers look forward to for 2008?
Tons of amazing new pieces that will always be one of a kind! I have some lovely stock that I've been collecting. I've already started to re-purpose many of the items. I plan on having a variety of price categories and new style for my shoppers very soon as well.

What do you utilize most for INSPIRATION?
Taking old forgotten trinkets and recycling them to create new treasures, holds such a complete sense of satisfaction for me! The past is such a beautiful thing. Antique items have their own special story, each piece is like it's own little book.

How does being CREATIVE effect your life?
I'm constantly looking at things and calculating in my mind what I could use them for! Almost anything can be re-purposed in to something new and exciting if you set your mind to it!

What do you love most about what you make?
I adore the fact that I use real antiques and pieces of history!

Do you offer any services such as, wholesale, custom orders, swapping or bartering?
I am always willing to hear from customers. I love custom orders, consulting with a person and using their family heirlooms to create remembrance pieces is one of the things I love to do most.

What advice can you share with other artists/crafters?
I would say that I think the most important thing to remember is to try your best. Always make sure your product is something you could have your name on and be proud of.

If you had "studio elves" what job would you give them to do?
ORGANIZE! I have so many bits and bobbles that my design area sometimes looks like a tornado hit when I'm done with a day of creating. It would be like a wish from a genies bottle to have a clean up and organizing crew!

Do you have studio tips on staying organized, and working efficiently?
That's what my elves are for! ;)

Please share why "buying/selling handmade" is important to you.
I think a handmade product is always better. In bath and body products or edibles I love the thought of no chemicals or preservatives. Why add all those extra things that your body doesn't need. One of a kind items are always appealing and how about giving credit to those people out there who are striving on a totally self sufficient lifestyle, It's really a great way to look at things.

Besides creating & selling handmade goods, in what other areas of your life do strive to be 'independent, resourceful, & creative"?
I shop at thrift stores, antique sales and I can't pass a garage sale without stopping in for a second. I mean, what if you find that hidden treasure in a box of old shoes.... you never know! I'm extremely resourceful, everything has a purpose if you put your mind to it. As far as Independence, I think it's important to always keep a part of yourself that's just for you regardless of where your life takes you. Having a sense of mystery inside your heart never hurts!

Where would like to be in 10 years?
Working full time as an artist. I would love to have a little studio, in a secluded location with a beautiful view and peaceful surroundings to create in.

Visit Ambers WE LOVE ETSY Blog (with photos & blurbs)
Also check out her Flicker site :)