What if you suddenly woke up one morning and decided you just had to have a shoe purse, or a pair of Betty Boop earrings, or even a few vintage finds? Where would you find all of that? What if I told you that you could find it all in one place. Well, you most certainly can. At Junquete's 5 & 10 Variety you'll find all that and more.
Norma is a wonderfully creative gal who runs her shop out of Alberta, Canada. Here's a little bit about Norma and her creations.
Oh Canada: Of all the things that you sell, which item or style is your favorite?
Norma: That’s a tough question for me- -I flit like a bird from one spot to another all the time. I think that would be making earrings. That’s what got me through a very rough battle with a virus a few years ago. I love the challenge of turning anything I see into an earring. A friend once said when she looks at an item she sees it for what it is. When I look at that same item I see it as earrings.
I also love doing my shoe purses. They are something that I figured out for myself. I entered a contest to make a purse out of recycled items for under $5.00. I saw a manufactured shoe purse years ago and really wanted one but didn’t have the money to buy it. So because of the contest I took on the challenge. The finished purse came in at 3.95 so it was well under the five bucks. I used a shoe that was a friend’s already wrecked shoe, a belt, and a pair of black vinyl pants with a hole in them and broken chain and conchos. Funny enough it was purchased as a gift for a cross dressing comedian. He loved it.
Norma: I’d have to say self taught. I’ve been sewing since I was a little girl. My mother had a treadle sewing machine (not sure why though, she never used it ever). I wasn’t allowed to touch it but that didn’t stop me. I had to get down and pump like mad and crawl back up to sew. Sewed my thumb. Got a tetanus shot and spanking for that. I’ve never taken a formal lesson in anything I’ve done. It’s been one look at it and see if I can adapt it into something I’d like to wear.
Oh Canada: Everyone has different motivations for making their unique wares. What drives you to create?
Norma: I think what has driven me to do what I do has to be blamed on not having a lot of money to purchase whatever I liked. I’ve seen jewellery I’ve absolutely loved but could never have afforded. I figured making it myself would be the next best thing. So that’s what makes me do it. But for some reason I can’t just make one of something. I have this bad ailment that makes me go overboard! If I am going to make something I might as well make several. That’s my husband’s take on it.
Norma: Silversmith - glass blowing - but I’m afraid of fire!
Oh Canada: Any plans to incorporate a new product into your shop this year?
Norma: I’ve had a few ideas pop into my head. The one thing I’ve wanted to do for so long is make my own greeting cards. They’ve been on my mind for so long now and I can’t wait to get started on some. I’ve been making them for family for some time now. I like to mix it up with some sarcasm at times too.
Norma: It has to be the thrill of the sale. When someone likes my work enough to buy it, it really gets my heart pumping.
Oh Canada: Do you have a number one tip for new sellers?
Norma: Don’t listen to naysayers! If you want to do it just do it! As well as join this team(Oh Canada Team). The caring and encouragement here is wonderful.
Oh Canada: What is your favorite thing to buy on Etsy?
Norma: Beads- supplies -beads -supplies- bead….
Norma: That’s a tough one! My shoe purses are pretty darn unique, though.
I also think my Betty Boop collection is an area I haven't expanded yet and need to.
You can always drop by at Junquete's 5 & 10 Variety to see what new creations Norma is working on. You can also keep up with Norma via Facebook, or see some more item photos on Flickr.
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