Shop Spotlight: Stayawake

At first I was going to introduce this shop as a children's shop, but who says grown-ups can't play with finger puppets too. Whether you're a child or a child at heart you'll definitely enjoy browsing the original and magical world of Stayawake. Find a finger puppet for you or your child and just let your imagination run wild.


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

Lindy: I have a large range of puppet styles available in my shop - my favourite to sew would have to be my mermaids! I've changed the style of them a little over the past year. But I love the embroidery on the tail, and the fun colours. Other than that, I love making custom puppets - puppets from my own customers imaginations and designs! That always gets my creative juices flowing, and creating something new always gives me a rush!

Oh Canada: Where did you learn your skills?

Lindy: I'm self-taught, I guess! I've never had any formal training in sewing, in fact I almost failed home-economics in high school because sewing machines and I did not get along! I'm much more comfortable with small handwork. I've always loved embroidery and making small things with my hands! In the early stages, a library book taught me a few new stitches and that was all I needed.

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

Lindy: I am a stay at home mom to two preschoolers, and at the end of the day I feel empty if I haven't created something. The creation drive in me is very high, you could say! I'm always making things with my kids, but sometimes when they're playing or watching a movie I can sit beside them and sew up puppets. It allows me to feel a sense of accomplishment and still be with my kids all the time. The money I make supplements our income so I can buy wonderful handmade items for my family, and to buy art supplies and program materials for a summer camp I volunteer at.

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

Lindy: I love learning new art techniques - right now I've been playing with batik, stained glass, and collage techniques. I do love fabric though, so I hope someday I can reconcile my differences with my sewing machine and finish the quilt I started years ago!

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

Lindy: I am always adding new puppet designs! Many come at the request of my customers, and some are ideas of mine or my children. I have thoguht about adding mobile pieces, key chains, magnets or ornaments to my shop but I am kept busy enough with puppet sales at the moment.

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

Lindy: I love meeting new people! I love developing new friendships with customers and fellow sellers -amazing people I never would have met otherwise! I love the Etsy forums and teams too. Selling on Etsy gives me the freedom to buy beautiful handmade things that wouldn't normally fit in our family budget too!

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

Lindy: Treat your customers well - like they're gold! And make sure you are doing what you LOVE to do (or that selling here will enable you do what you love to do!) or you won't stick with it very long.

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

Lindy: Everything? LOL. I buy all my supplies on Etsy, when possible, and everything else, if I can find it on Etsy I buy from Etsy! Clothing, soap, gifts, jewellery, toys, art supplies. Everything. :) I am constantly amazed and inspired by the talent here!

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

Lindy: Biggest sellers are my woodland animals. They were the first to go into my shop two years ago, and haven't stopped selling well since!

You can see more of Lindy's handmade finger puppets in her shop. You can also keep up with Stayawake on Facebook.





Copyright 2011 Oh Canada Team