Shop link: BauerDesigns.etsy.com
Give us the basics:
Bauer Designs is a creative endeavor constructed by husband and wife, Nathan & Kelly Bauer, from Troy, Ohio. Both graphic artists by day, at night they turn to creating unique handmade art. Every week brings new projects giving Bauer Designs a diverse, ever-changing selection of products. Most of our creations involve glass, wood, beads, fabric, screen printing, and graphic design.
What’s your favourite smell?
The smell of wet concrete after a summer rain.
How long have you been doing your craft?
We've been selling on Etsy since Oct of 2006. Originally I was making beaded jewelry under a different shop name, Beadwined. I quickly got bored just working with one medium and wanted to incorporate my stained glass work which I had learned when I was in college. Nate also wanted to contribute to the shop, and he had no interest in jewelry, so we switched names and have been selling under Bauer Designs since. We have no boundaries for our shop, as in what we make and sell, just so long as it's handmade and we have fun creating it.
Who/What inspires you in your craft?
A visit to the hardware store or craft store is a definite source of inspiration. Also necessity...if there's something we need and don't want to buy it, we'll make it (which usually involves purchasing the raw supplies to make whatever it is so we have the supplies to make just about anything!)
What do you like least about your craft?
With our glass creations it would definitely be the cost of the supplies. For Nate's wood projects, the mess of the saw dust is unavoidable. Of course the end product always makes up for any complaints along the way.
What’s a normal day for you?
Normally Nate & I work our design jobs during the day. At night he retreats to his wood shop and I find some time to work on stained glass or fused glass. I fill Etsy orders and maintain the shop. Currently I'm on Maternity leave so recently my days have been spent juggling a baby, working on glass and habitually checking my Etsy shop.
What advice would you give Etsy sellers just starting out?
Stick with it. Just because you don't sell something in the first week or month doesn't mean sales won't pick up. Advertise on the web if you can, ProjectWonderful.com is a great place to find cheap web ad space.
How do you discover new things on Etsy?
I love to use Time Machine 2 and search under the sold stuff. I see all the super cool stuff that's already sold. If I can't live without it I'll see if a shop can make another.
3 comments:
I love that blue bubblegum pincushion!
-10oneworld
lolol i also love that pincushion.. think its about time to get a new one on the old sewing machine =D
"What’s your favourite smell?
The smell of wet concrete after a summer rain."
That's a good answer!
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