Bonnie Forkner from going home to roost (shops – home to roost + the kitchen roost) answered some questions and shares some of her work for today’s pre-holiday edition of the Wednesday Indie Artist Fixx.
Tell us about your business, what do create and sell and how did you get your start?
Hello Indie Fixxers! My name is Bonnie and I author going home to roost, a blog about anything handmade and everything homegrown. I have two etsy shops where I sell my handmade wool felt pillows in one and aprons, tea towels and reusable shopping bags in the other. About two and a half years ago, I knew that I wanted to have a purposeful shift in my life, towards being a full time blogger and etsy shop owner. To work for myself and really honor and indulge my creative side. From a slow beginning, I researched and started writing, eventually went to part time on my day job and finally quit in February of this year to do my dream full time!
Which came first, your blog or your shop?
Going home to roost came first, but they were very much one in the same. I knew I wanted to do both, so shortly after launching ghtr, I launched my etsy shop, home to roost (then much later, the kitchen roost).
Share some of your inspirations.
I find inspiration in just about everything! A huge source is nature and the beautiful place that I live. I love going on nature walks and taking photos, getting some fresh air and enjoying everything around me. I also get inspiration from other blogs, magazines, books and trips, so I carry a camera and notebook with me everywhere I go!
What is your creative process like?
I often get an idea, and then sketch it out on paper. Then, when inspiration (or the time) strikes, I go to my ‘pile’ and pick out something that I want to work on. Sometimes I’ll make a few pillow tops before I get it right, or try an apron in a few different colors before I’m happy with it, but when I get it right it’s usually a keeper that I’ll reproduce numerous times.
What have you recently been reading, watching and listening to?
Reading: craft, inc.; watching: modern family; listening to: my pastor’s podcasts (they are so good).
What three things would you want to be able to have if you were on a deserted island? Beyond the basics of survival.
Hmm, definitely my husband–he’s a must. A camera (for when we get rescued.. we do get rescued, right?), and maybe my iPad, mainly so that I could still read some books!
What’s the best thing about what you do? And the worst?
Best: there really is nothing better than doing what you love. I’m constantly inspired, rejuvenated and passionate about my work–and I get to do it at home! Doing what you love for a living really is something that I will never take for granted, and hope to encourage everyone to seek finding as well.
Worst: hmm, sometimes I feel like more of a production manufacturer than a creative. When large orders come in, I get stuck reproducing older designs and not being able to focus on the creative side of making new items. It usually doesn’t get too overwhelming, but if it does I always try to hire some outside help!
What’s new or in the works?
Exciting things! In the first week of November, I debuted a brand new apron line. Then coming in after the new year (most likely February or March), I’ll be kicking off my selling the handmade way e-course where we’ll dive into exploring your business and how to grow it in the handmade market–whether that’s on etsy, another online shopping venue, or your own site. It’s going to be great fun!
lovely interview! Bonnie is such a sweetheart and I adore her work!