Friday Feature -- Beneath the Rowan Tree

Due to technical difficulties yesterday, I'm posting this week's Friday Feature on Saturday. It's my pleasure to share this interview with Lori from Beneath The Rowan Tree. We are huge fans of her playsilks and toys -- the silks in particular are so wonderfully vibrant!

And I just bought my first piece of clothing from her shop: a tiedye onesie that BB will be getting for her birthday next week. It's adorable and really seems to be made with care. I'm sure pics of Her Cuteness in the new duds will be forthcoming.

Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you.

Hmmm. I am an ordained minister (nearly 12 years now) working full time; I didn't know I could paint until I tried last year~ I had done lots of decorative stuff, but had no idea I could paint anything else!

To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong?

Etsy kids, Etsymom, TransCanada and Esty Southern Ontario

What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

Mostly infant and toddler clothing (hand dyed and painted), also natural toys (silk and wood).


What inspires your creations?

My daughter (age 2) and her wonder and imagination.

Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

I have always been 'crafty' and done a bit of this and that. I love color and texture and have always been drawn to creative arts that include these elements most strongly. I am 'self-taught' in dyeing and painting, reading, learning, improving (I hope) as I get more work under my belt. I often go into dyeing an item with a general idea and once the item is finished, let it sit until the right idea emerges for that piece, and then I get to work.

What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?

Tough one. I really love the pieces that surprise me~ this one for example:



But sometimes it is the simplest designs I favour:



And the playsilks really feed my need for color and texture:



What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

silly, compassionate, obsessed

What do you like about Etsy?

The shopping! And the support for creative endeavors~ encouragement to create, to price things at their worth, to share ideas.

What makes your shop unique?

My artwork, colors and items are each one of a kind. It is a little different than your usual children's clothing, and very much driven by vision and values for childhood.


What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Stay connected, keep things fresh, provide excellent customer service.

Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?

Our new website: http://beneaththerowantree.com has it all ~ Gallery, newsletter, blog link, other shopping links etc.