Overview
Every now and then, I come across a website or blog that I must share with my readers. Erika's blog -- Erika with a K Designs is one of those gems.
Here is an up-and-coming bloggers who is dedicated to her craft as an artist and dedicated to developing her business at Etsy, and the readers of her blog are lucky to read about her journey. Erika is exactly what Etsy is all about - people who love to create unique, handmade items and sell beautiful vintage. Did I just say vintage? Oh yeah! Erika is not just a fine artist, but she is a lover of vintage. She successfully combines both her artistry and love of vintage in her Etsy shop of the same name ErickwithaKDesigns.
Who is Erika with a K? She is a "27-year-old student and mother of 2, a 7-year-old boy and baby girl." She is from North Dakota but is now living in Santa Fe, NM. Erika has a BA in art and is currently pursuing her "MA in art therapy and counseling." As an artist, jewelry is her favorite medium, particularly beaded jewelry, and her shop is filled with her beautiful creations and vintage finds.
Here is an up-and-coming bloggers who is dedicated to her craft as an artist and dedicated to developing her business at Etsy, and the readers of her blog are lucky to read about her journey. Erika is exactly what Etsy is all about - people who love to create unique, handmade items and sell beautiful vintage. Did I just say vintage? Oh yeah! Erika is not just a fine artist, but she is a lover of vintage. She successfully combines both her artistry and love of vintage in her Etsy shop of the same name ErickwithaKDesigns.
Who is Erika with a K? She is a "27-year-old student and mother of 2, a 7-year-old boy and baby girl." She is from North Dakota but is now living in Santa Fe, NM. Erika has a BA in art and is currently pursuing her "MA in art therapy and counseling." As an artist, jewelry is her favorite medium, particularly beaded jewelry, and her shop is filled with her beautiful creations and vintage finds.
Erika's Blog
I enjoy reading Erika's blog for the interesting articles and blog posts that give helpful information, tips, and how-to DIY on business, crafting, art, and photography. When you read her blog, you feel like you are on this journey, the "Adventures of a Budding Business Woman" with Erika.
One of my favorite blog post is a DIY light box. For people who sell small sized items like Erika, having clear beautiful pictures is important. A light box allows for the best lighting for small objects, producing clean images, but light boxes can be expensive. In her blog post Great Product Photos on a Budget Series, #1--Light Box Tutorial, she shows an easy and affordable way to create a light box. I'm a little embarrassed about some of the photos of small items in my shop, but thanks to Erika, I'm going to try making my own light box and retake those pictures.
Not only does the reader learn from Erika, but the reader gets glimpse of behind the scenes. One of my favorite blog posts is Thrifty Finds, Goodwill, April 1st where she blogs about her thrift-store finds. I love thrift stores (if you couldn't tell), and I love reading and seeing others' great finds. In this post, Erika shows the reader the cute thrift finds for her kids and some darling collector's plates and Chinese Lantern style mini-light string. Here's something not may know about me- I love lights. On my street, I'm the crazy light lady! I love garden lights and have a lot of lighting outside- year round. But after seeing how Erika used her thrift store find, Chinese lantern lights, across the headboard of her bed, I know have my next decoration project. What a wonderful idea. Thank you Erika!
One of my favorite blog post is a DIY light box. For people who sell small sized items like Erika, having clear beautiful pictures is important. A light box allows for the best lighting for small objects, producing clean images, but light boxes can be expensive. In her blog post Great Product Photos on a Budget Series, #1--Light Box Tutorial, she shows an easy and affordable way to create a light box. I'm a little embarrassed about some of the photos of small items in my shop, but thanks to Erika, I'm going to try making my own light box and retake those pictures.
Not only does the reader learn from Erika, but the reader gets glimpse of behind the scenes. One of my favorite blog posts is Thrifty Finds, Goodwill, April 1st where she blogs about her thrift-store finds. I love thrift stores (if you couldn't tell), and I love reading and seeing others' great finds. In this post, Erika shows the reader the cute thrift finds for her kids and some darling collector's plates and Chinese Lantern style mini-light string. Here's something not may know about me- I love lights. On my street, I'm the crazy light lady! I love garden lights and have a lot of lighting outside- year round. But after seeing how Erika used her thrift store find, Chinese lantern lights, across the headboard of her bed, I know have my next decoration project. What a wonderful idea. Thank you Erika!
Erika's Etsy Store
Erika's Etsy Store is filled with elegant beauty, and the shopper will find amazing handmade jewelry and vintage china and ceramics.
Her jewelry is very stylish and unique, and I love her bead weaving. Erika's handmade Bead Embroidery Masquerade Mask is one example of her amazing bead work and her unique designs. The mask is made of pearl, Tiger Eye, and Swarovski crystals. In her description of the mask, she explains her process, saying, "This mask represents me, my boundaries, my beliefs, and other things that are not always apparent to others. It is meant to show who I am to the world instead of hiding my true self."
She also has a series of Resin Necklace pendants that are very cute. This humming bird is my favorite. And, let's not forget the china! Vintage china! She has lovely tea cups and saucers and a set of ceramic yellow salt and pepper shakers with pink roses. Erika has so many pretty items in her shop, and I can't wait to see what new items she will have in the future.
Her jewelry is very stylish and unique, and I love her bead weaving. Erika's handmade Bead Embroidery Masquerade Mask is one example of her amazing bead work and her unique designs. The mask is made of pearl, Tiger Eye, and Swarovski crystals. In her description of the mask, she explains her process, saying, "This mask represents me, my boundaries, my beliefs, and other things that are not always apparent to others. It is meant to show who I am to the world instead of hiding my true self."
She also has a series of Resin Necklace pendants that are very cute. This humming bird is my favorite. And, let's not forget the china! Vintage china! She has lovely tea cups and saucers and a set of ceramic yellow salt and pepper shakers with pink roses. Erika has so many pretty items in her shop, and I can't wait to see what new items she will have in the future.
I'm so glad I found this gem of a blog, Erika with a K Designs, and discovered her Etsy shop. I'm sure she would love if you liked her Facebook page, and she can be found at Google+ here.