Necessity is the mother of all invention, and I know that mothers of squiggly children's feet everywhere will love BirdyBoot's line of handmade soft soled baby/toddler shoes. Not only are they eco-conscious (made from upcycled and recycled materials) but they also look cute doing it! The elastic around the back makes sure that shoe ain't going nowhere! (Also available in a ballet-flat style without the elastic. And she has boy styles, too.)
But she has more than just shoes available. She has organic wood blocks, children's clothes, headbands, and more wooden toys. And that is just in her first shop, BirdyBoots. In her second shop, UpAndAwayPatterns, you can find the patterns behind some of her products so you can get creative all on your own.
I just love looking that the picture you use for your shop’s logo! It is hilarious. Very Maisy Mouse. Who thought this up?
When I first started my Etsy shop, I sold only children’s soft soled shoes so I wanted to base my logo around that…in about 30 seconds, I used a Sharpie pen to sketch out my ‘bird in boots’ logo and uploaded it to my computer. (I am not known for my patience.)
Have you made any adult-sized slippers? They look so comfy!
No, I haven’t, but I do want to make myself a pair when the weather gets cooler! My dad requested a pair last Fall and went so far as to trace out his foot for me, but I have yet to make him a pair!
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| Hmmmm...would she make these in adult-size also, I wonder? |
Wow! You have your products from coast to coast literally. They can be found at Stoopher & Boots in NYC and at the Bella Vita Boutique in Oakland, CA. How did your products find a way into those two stores?
The owners of both of these boutiques found me on Etsy and asked if I would do larger orders for their shops...wholesale is a great thing!
Are you the one doing the hand-cutting on your wooden toys?
No, my husband cuts out our wooden toys. He also does the initial sanding and then I take over painting and finishing the toys.
I have to insert here that as the mother of a 4 year old, she wants everything pink. Yesterday she asked for pink alligator. Sadly, I had to tell her no.
My husband met on the job and we liked it so much we worked together a second time. Have you worked with your husband before or is teaming up with him on the shop a first-time thing?
No, this is a first-time thing... and I think it's good we still have our day jobs separate :) (big smile)
And here is her big smile (And what a wonderful smile it is):
Her two young daughters also make her smile, and her blog is dedicated to leaving them pearls of wisdom.
Follow her at http://www.pearlsformydaughters.blogspot.com/
and
She also runs sample sales of her clothes, for all of you moms who love a good bargain. (or aunts, grandmas, friends, or if you are a hoarder and just can't pass up a great deal, lol.)
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Thanks so much for the nice write-up!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! And I'll be looking for the adult-sized slippers....
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