Nuthatch Notes

I want to take a moment to introduce you to one of my favorite newbies, NuthatchNotes :) She's taken her love of birds, nature, and note cards and transformed the traditional snail mail into something exquisite and charming! I could gush endlessly about her packaging as well, her hand made bags and sets are so cute! Keep your eyes peeled for her new blog, it's supposed to make an entrance soon. You will wonder when she's been all your life!

1. What do you create?
I create handmade cards, gifting supplies, and stationery using a variety of papers and special accents. I try to offer products with unique styles ranging from modern simplicity to Victorian elegance. Right now my Etsy sight only has the note cards and gift tags, but I am currently working on some sets of gift bags and gift wrap as well.



2. What led you to take up your craft?
I started making cards last summer when I would get this nagging need to be creative and productive with my down time at home. I originally started with sewing projects but would find myself losing interest about half way through. Making cards was a craft that made it possible to start something and finish it in one evening. Also, I still had some great fabrics from my miscellaneous sewing projects, so I used those to make the drawstring packages for my gift cards. Once I got started, I was hooked. Now it is dangerous for me to walk into a paper goods store without finding at least 4-5 new paper designs to work into my cards. I love colors and textures as well as using my hands to create, so crafting cards and stationery gives me the chance to give in to my passions.

3. Which part of your work do you most enjoy?
My favorite part of my work is that moment when that moment of inspiration finally hits and you know that a certain combination of colors and shapes would be perfect together. Then, once the first card is together, there is that relief in knowing that the rest of the set will be a bit easier now that the theme or “look” has been established.



4. Which part do you find most trying?
The most trying part for me is wishing I had all of the helpful little gadgets that could make my card making more efficient. At the same time, there is something very satisfying in making everything using the most basic of tools. I’m still learning the techniques and best methods for things.

5. Where do you get your inspiration?
I guess I really get my inspiration from a few sources. Sometimes it is a fun paper texture or pattern that leads to a certain card design. I frequently draw inspiration from natural and wildlife elements that you’ll find in many of my notes: birds, leaves, flowers, and the like. You’ll see a bird theme in many of my products.

7. What is your favorite medium to work with?
I would have to say that embossing powder is one of my favorite mediums. I love the almost magical transition it goes through with the addition of heat. I also like how it can take a simple stamp design and turn it into something so polished and finished looking.



8. What is your favorite item that you have purchased off of Etsy?
I’m still just in the beginning exploration stages of the Etsy world, but of the things I have purchased, I really like the bird prints that I recently found at MincingMockingbird’s shop. I bought a set of three that will soon be hung in my hallway at home. There is the bird thing again…



9. What is your favorite item in your shop right now?
I like the Classic Oak Notes that are listed in my shop right now. It is a set of 6 notes made from mossy green card stock with a charming plaid edge and a bright white oak tree embossed on the front. A folded sheet of crisp white paper is carefully stitched inside, and edged with a stamp border cut. The notes are then packaged in a cute little brightly colored drawstring bag with a red polka dot ribbon. I colors used on the notes make me think of relaxing with a picnic lunch under the shade of a great old oak tree.



10. What are your favorite top three items from other artist's shops?
Ooh, it is always fun to pick out the favorites! Every day I find something new to add. Here are a few of my recent favorites:

1. Little Bird Screenprinted Flat notes by Sarahparrott825—actually bought a set of these
2. Arabian Journal by RedOtter
3. Tree Silouhette Silk-lined clutch from Redrubyrose



11. What undiscovered artisans would you recommend the world to know?
I met a few new artists in the “Newbie” chat room on Etsy the other day. Here are a few that I thought were awesome:
1. Poisdoux. Absolutely charming knitted work! The shop had a pair of green and purple booties that instantly made me wish for little baby feet to put them on.
2. DarlingDexter had charming note cards and paper goods. I especially liked the Gocco Thank You cards.