Shop Name: BlackForestCottage
What you like to go by?
Donna or Thumper (my grandfather gave me that name, he always said for a little one you walk with very heavy feet)
When did you start your shop?
We started our shop this year July 11th and it has been such an exciting roller coaster ride. We are always learing new things, and the people from Etsy are the greatest in helping you to learn as you go along. We greatly appreciate their kindness.
Is this your only job?Yes it is. A few years ago I had stage 3B cancer, and had aggressive treatments that have caused long term side effects for me, hence I lost my job. I have tried to get other employment but to tell you the truth I wouldn't hire me either (I could never say when I would be able to leave my house in morning). I have always loved working and now I have a sence of purpose again. With every sale I still do the happy dance for my husband and after 130 of them he still laughs with me.
When did you realize you had this talent?
Since I was a young girl I have always been into crafts of one kind or another. I learned to sew from my grandmother, she is a professional seamstress. I learned to make soap, can and cook from my other grandmother. And got my love of woodworking from my husband and grandfather. He is the main man for building our displays, I make and design all the cosmetic organizer's. My husband is so artistic never met someone who is as creative as he is, it amazes me.
Where do you find inspiration?
From everything around me, our garden, I love the color of the flowers so we added a ton of colors to our displays. I love nature and the outdoors, and our grandchildren inspire us to be creative through play.
Who has been the most supportive in your work?
I would have to say our family, the kids are always giving us new ideas to try, they even want us to make them for them to sell.
What is the one thing you want to accomplish that you haven't yet?
World peace, lol just kidding although that would be nice. My biggest accomplishment would be to share my love of all things natural and to be self sufficient to our grandchildren. To teach them that they can do anything they want if they try. You can't get anywhere in this world by saying I can't do that.
What are words to live by or your favorite quote?
Everyday is a day to be grateful for, you are alive and you can share your wealth of knowledge and your love with the your family. Words of my husband.
