Interview with Etsy's elephantine

I've been eyeing elephantine's shop for quite awhile now. Owner/crafter Rachel has such adorable plush toys and paper goods. Her designs are so simple yet leave a lasting impression. Before I even purchased something from the shop, I new it would be my next feature. Shortly after I sent Rachel an message asking if she would answer a few questions, I purchased two cards from her shop.
Today I received the two cards I ordered. Now I have physically seen her work and I must say, I'm impressed. Not only are they cute, they came so nicely packaged. Each one in its own sleeve with an adorable elephantine seal.
Now that I am looking at my new cards, there is no better time than now to post my interview with Rachel. Here it goes....

1. How would you describe your shop/business?
My shop is a mix of the cute and the quirky - I try to create things that make you smile, but I also try to make them a little unexpected. I like having a personal connection to buyers, and always include a little note to them so they know I truly appreciate their support. I also have been working on creating a range of goodies so that my shop has variety and can be perfect for all sorts of people and occasions. When it comes down to it, though, it's really just all about sharing little bits of happiness.

2. How long have you been crafting for?
I've been into art my whole life - my dad's a painter and my mom's a graphic designer - but I really got into crafting within the last four or five months. I was looking for a new hobby after graduating from college, and making toys and paper goods turned out to be a really fun way to spend my time.

3. How did get into this line of work/hobby?
I saw a lot of other crafters, on etsy and elseware, and was very inspired by their work. Besides that, it really was just one of those things that happened - I picked up a piece of felt, started fiddling around with it, and it eventually it managed to turn into a little creature.

4. Where does your inspiration come from? What sorts of things inspire your work?
Definitely other etsy sellers. I constantly see shops that I am amazed by. I also read tons of blogs written by all sorts of people. It's hard for me to pin down specific examples, but Japanese pop culture is one of my big inspirations.

5. What is your favorite piece? Why?
My siamese twin plush is my most loved piece. It's two little guys in one, it's happy but lonely at the same time, and I get to think up a double name.

6. What do you like to do when you are not crafting?
Work, sleep, eat, play. I don't have any out of the ordinary hobbies - I like to enjoy the little things. I spend time blogging and also writing fiction - that's my one huge life goal, to write a novel.

7. Are your items available anywhere other than etsy
Yes; they can also be found made-to-order on www.elephantineplush.com

One more small bit of information: I'm currently working on a new project that I'm very excited about. I'll soon be selling a pack of goodies (including things like a yeti plush, notecards, etc.) and 30% of the proceeds will go toward adopting + supporting animals at the Woodland Park Zoo here in Seattle. Look for the pack and more info soon in my shop!


Business/Shop Name: elephantine

Location: Seattle, WA

Website URL: www.elephantineplush.com

Etsy URL: www.elephantine.etsy.com

Blog URL: www.elephantine.typepad.com

Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/rachelchew/


I hope everyone enjoys elephantine as much as I do.