Midwest artist Jenna is a busy new mom, but somehow finds time to run two great Etsy shops: one for handmade baby gear and another for classy and contemporary adoption announcements (I happened to discover the latter shop on opening day). At 29 she has been married for 6 years. "My husband and I became parents for the first time this past June, when we adopted our (now 14 month old) daughter Ella from Vietnam." Her beautiful daughter is featured on some of the examples in her shop that can be customized with any photo. Her work is so professional and classy that I was amazed to find out she was a mere digital novice just a few years ago. "A year or so prior to completing our adoption, I got a copy of Photoshop Elements and started playing," she explains. "I started by designing blogs/blog headers for my own blog and then for other adoptive families. It then stemmed into this little shop." She created all of her own announcements and receiving excellent feedback she decided to lend her hand at helping others. "I consider it a true honor to help other families announce the biggest joy in their lives," she gushes. Aside from her Etsy shops and motherhood, she also works as a full time speech therapist. "I realized my true love for being a stay at home mom while I was on maternity leave and someday would love to be home at least part-time." She hopes her Etsy shops eventually help her realize that goal. While doing her best to save for her dream, she also realizes that others are in need and she can help. A portion of all sales from her Etsy shop Ella Bella Designs (http://ejstoll.etsy.com/) is donated to Operation Smile (www.operationsmile.org) and Smile Train (www.smiletrain.org). "Both are amazing non-profit organizations that travel the globe performing free cleft/craniofacial surgeries for those in need. My daughter was born with a cleft lip and although we were fortunate enough to be able to have her surgery done here in the states upon our return, many are not that lucky and we've been truly touched by the teams who take time to provide such a gift." Please check out her shop: http://ejstoll.etsy.com/
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Meet Etsy Artist: ejstoll
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Recycled Ecofriendly birth announcements with a twist from RecycledIdeas...
RecycledIdeas is a fellow Etsian I respect and admire very much. She is dedicated to preserving animals and their habitats and - of course - recycling. She has found ways to reuse every day objects that many people throw away. They are not only functional, but beautiful as well. This next find is so cool and so ingenious on so many levels I don't even know where to begin. It's a birth announcement made of recycled paper and embedded with seeds, so the recipient can cultivate a variety of seedlings. It's symbolic of the whole birth and growth process and while it announces a new footprint onto this planet, it helps reduce our current carbon footprint. I am just astounded by her depth of creativity that I am truly at a loss for words. Please check out her shop: http://recycledideas.etsy.com/
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