Shop Spotlight: Jinx Murphy Designs

One of the most fabulous things about Etsy is being able to find one of a kind designs that match your own unique style. And it’s not just about fashion. The home décor category is full of amazing creations to help make your living space as unique as you are. One shop that takes decorating your home to the next level is Jinx Murphy Designs. The artist, Vanessa, creates beautiful hand cut wooden wall art and table décor. Oh Canada has put Jinx Murphy Designs in the spotlight.

Oh Canada: Of all the things that you sell, which item or style is your favorite?

Vanessa: My flowering branches and bird silhouettes are still my favourites. They’re a slightly tweaked version of the very first design I listed in my shop.

As a close second, I have a soft spot for the personalized pieces in my shop. The address plaques sell really well as gifts for weddings and housewarmings, so each one is a piece in a story of its own. The original was a gift for a close friend so it will always be special.

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Vanessa: My dad taught me to cut on a scroll saw when I was about 10 years old. I started out cutting children’s puzzles and simple shapes. I started to enter small competitions when I was about 13 and found it a thrill to beat the boys in my age group.

I took a cabinet making course for fun after college and learned more about joinery and finishing. I think that the techniques I learned there have helped me to improve my art. That course may have been the most valuable I’ll ever take. I learned to love woodworking for a second time and I met my fiancé in those classes.

Oh Canada: Everyone has different motivations for making their unique wares. What drives you to create?

Vanessa: I need to make things. Most of my designs come from either a need for something around the house (and it might as well look good too) or from an idea that keeps nagging at me to try it just to see if it will work.

Oh Canada: If you could learn to use any new technique or material, what would it be?

Vanessa: I hope to incorporate silk screening into my work soon.

Oh Canada: Any plans to incorporate a new product into your shop this year?

Vanessa: We’re getting close to the end of the year so I’ll probably rely mostly on my current products to take me through the Holiday season and introduce a few new ideas in the spring. I’m planning on experimenting with fabric goods to coordinate with my woodwork, like tea towels and napkins with screen printed designs.

Oh Canada: What is your favorite thing about selling on Etsy?

Vanessa: I love knowing that pieces of my work are in homes all over, and on the other side of the world.

Oh Canada: Do you have a number one tip for new sellers?

Vanessa: Put your best into your work. It is your name that will be attached to everything you send out. Make a creative, unique and quality product that you are proud of.

Oh Canada: What is your favorite thing to buy on Etsy?

Vanessa: I’ve been buying bits and pieces for my wedding on Etsy. I love the personalized stamp that I ordered for our invitations and the headband that I’m going to wear.

Oh Canada: What is the number one best item in your shop right now?

Vanessa: The little bird address plaque is what I’ve been selling most lately

You can see more wooden creations at Jinx Murphy Designs on Etsy. To get the latest news and updates from the shop, follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

Copyright 2010 Oh Canada and Jinx Murphy Designs