Etsy Recyclers Guild: Featured Guild Member for August

The Etsy Recyclers Guild Member of the month for August is our very devoted Team Leader (and twin sister to our Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles) Andrea of Storybook Artifact! Here is her intriguing interview full of inspiration to commemorate Andrea's hard work and dedication to the Etsy Recyclers Guild! Andrea has helped the guild so very much with writing team blog articles, organizing/promoting team treasuries, as well as being a motivating voice in our team discussions! Thank you Andrea!

Andrea of Storybook Artifact is pictured above wearing her Vintage Indian Princess Charm Bracelet and Earrings Set that is for sale in her Etsy Shop!

1.Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, and personal stuff).

Hello my name is Andrea. I live in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in cozy house with two men: my darling husband and little boy, Bobby. I am full-time “Momma”, and humble house wife with many projects and aspirations on bringing a loving and warm environment to our home. In my free time, I love visiting my twin sister, Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles (she is the new team captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild); my baby boy, her little nephew Bobby, loves to spend time with his Aunt Jessy also. Jessica and I love getting together and bumping ideas off of one another on what we can do to make both of our Etsy shops better ... we work so well together.

Pictured above is Andrea's Homemade Rumpelstiltskin Cookies...Jessica's (Eco-Friendly Freckles, Team Captain of the Etsy Recycler's Guild) FAVORITE cookies!!! These delectable cookies are for sale in Andrea's Etsy Shop Storybook Artifact.

2. How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?

I like how the initials of my name “Andrea Scott” matches those of “Storybook Artifact” ... I also like to think that this name for my shop is more of an achievement of mine, and also goal for me to work towards. I want each item in my shop to symbolize that special artifact thought only to be found in storybooks or fairytales. :-)

I was introduced to Etsy by my twin sister, Jessica, who also has a shop: Eco-Friendly Freckles.

3. What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your products/shop?

Storybook/Fairytale, Victorian, Romantic, Tea Parties, Bed and Breakfast

"Is He the Man of My Dreams" original oil painting by Andrea of Storybook Artifact.

4. What or who inspires you?

My goals for myself and my shop are to be everything I hope to be: giving, thankful, playful, adventurous, kind-hearted, friendly, fun, imaginative, creative, and unique.

5. What are your best marketing tips?

I can’t say it enough: TAKE FABULOUS PHOTOS!!! Taking bright, clear, breath-taking/eye-catching photos insures visitors and treasury features. :-) It is the best and most logical promotion your shop will ever get.

6. In ten years I'd like to be…

Seeing my baby boy grow up into a generous and responsible young man; I hope my encouragement helps him. I look forward to returning to school and would like to think that I could excel in biology to become a professor of human physiology/health. I look at Etsy as a means of funding my son’s early education programs/private schooling.

"Victorian Literature Collection" Antique Little Leather Library by Storybook Artifact

7. Why should people buy handmade and vintage items?

It is the thought that counts. Handmade and/or vintage items are unique, thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones to treasure through generations.

8. What do you enjoy most about the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team?

I am a big recycler here at home with my family’s trash, repurposing things/getting crafty, etc.; plus I use cloth diapers on my son. I’d like to think that my pet-pevish efforts have reduced my family’s household carbon footprint to below average. I also enjoy purchasing eco-friendly and organic products and foods.