Today we would like to introduce you to Stacey
and her Etsy shop MaxandMeDesigns
MaxandMeDesigns has been selling on Etsy since September 2012, they sell beautiful, unique art and jewellery handcrafted using vintage postage stamps from all over the world. The perfect keepsake gift for someone you love. Today she is sharing a little about her shop and selling handmade items.
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What motivated you to start your shop?
Max & Me Designs began when I was looking for a unique piece of art to hang in my new baby boy’s nursery. While cleaning out the cupboards I came across my old stamp album and decided to use the stamps featuring boats, cars, trains, sports and animals to create something as special and unique as my new baby boy. And so the very first Max & Me Design was born.... The original piece, a monogram of the letter M, still has pride of place in his room.
Before I knew it I was selling my artwork at local markets, on my own website and at selected retail outlets. While my designs began as nursery decor the range quickly developed to include designs and products that will appeal to everyone, whether you're young or simply young at heart.
What is the story behind your shop name?
My little boy, Max, was the inspiration for the very first piece of Vintage postage stamp art so “Max & Me Designs” seemed like the perfect name for my business. Max is now 1 and a half and he’s the perfect CEO!
What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
It seems that everyone has a family member who has collected stamps at some time in their lives. I am always amazed by the generosity of people who send me their old stamp albums. I feel very honoured that they would entrust a piece of their family history to me. Many people order custom made designs which include stamps from their family's collection. It's a lovely personal touch that makes the design a true keepsake.
What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favourite creation (at the moment) is the With All My Heart Vintage Postage Stamp Art. This unique artwork is handcrafted using genuine upcycled postage stamps from all over the world. The heart outline is created using a range of handcut hearts in different sizes. It is one of my best sellers and is often purchased as a gift to celebrate the arrival of a new baby or for an anniversary (the first wedding anniversary is traditionally a paper gift).
https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/125869565/love-heart-vintage-postage-stamp-art
What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
I love selling my products on Etsy but as the handmade market continues to grow it can be hard to be discovered in searches. I've found that building a connection with people via social media and Etsy teams like Etsy Kids has made me feel like a true member of the Etsy community and allowed me to show my products to a wider audience.
What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
All of my creations are built on the idea of upcycling everyday items into something that will be valued and treasured. I love the nostalgia and history that is inherent in every piece, and always wonder about where each stamp has been and the stories they could tell.
How would someone (other then you) describe you?
Organised, creative and determined
What do you do when you aren't working?
Hmm, well I guess that depends on how you define "working". As a mum who works part-time as a primary school teacher and also runs her own small business there aren't really many times that I'm not working in some sense of the word. So I guess the answer would be sleeping ;)
Please tell us a little about the children's items market / handmade movement in your Country?
The handmade movement is very strong in Melbourne, Australia. There are a range of amazing handmade markets of which my favourites would be the Warrandyte market, Red Hill market, Finders Keepers, Piccadilly Market, Huckleberry Market and the Fine Design Market. I love visiting a market on the weekend and not only being able to support local artisans but also knowing that I have bought something that is unique and special.
Anything else you'd like to tell us or share?
Feel free to find Max & Me Designs on Facebook to find out what goes on behind the scenes www.facebook.com/maxandmdedesigns
Would you like 10% off your first order? Simply join MaxandMeDesigns mailing list to find out about exclusive offers, enter into our monthly subscriber only competition and receive 10% off your first order www.maxandmedesigns.com/mailing-list
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