Personalized, Hand-Painted Gifts and Decor

Random Facts About You?

I have three children and am brave enough to home-school all of them.

I love animals and bring home strays or injured wildlife any chance I get.

I still love the color pink and anything frilly. (I'll always be about 5 years old at heart.)

If I could eat Cotton Candy for every meal, I would.

What got you started crafting?

I have been painting since I was old enough to hold a paintbrush. It is my way to relax and express myself. I see a blank canvas everywhere I look. It's really an addiction. Once I was introduced to Hobby Lobby and Michaels, there was no stopping what I would paint on.

At first I gave everything I painted to my parents and then my husband. When both of our homes started overflowing with artwork, my husband recommended I start selling at craft shows. I was very nervous to put something as personal as my art out for the world to see, but after one time of seeing others enjoy my work I was hooked.

I love painting things that are special to people.

Some of my favorite things to paint are people's homes on plates, ornaments, etc.

I also love being able to personalize items.

What is your source of inspiration?

I see inspiration everywhere I look. As weird as this sounds, most of my ideas come when I'm sleeping. I'll wake up and have a totally new idea for a line of products. My favorite things to make though would be bright, whimsical and girly.

What have you made recently?

Recently, I've been trying to expand my line of photo cubes and birdhouses. If I see a decorative knob that I really love, I buy it and then design the photo cube around it. I don't make anything that I wouldn't want myself.

The birdhouses are just fun. I see them as a miniature village and try to think of anything kinds of shops or homes that I would want to see if I could fit inside.

Where do you sell your crafts presently?

I sell online exclusively at Etsy. I also sell locally at craft shows from time to time.

Why are handmade crafts important to you?

I have to create and I love personalized, individualized items. Anyone can walk into a department store and buy something. I want to make things that represent the people that will own them and show off their personality as well.

Find Me

Location
Missouri

Email Address
Rhonda Cates Koebel

Personal Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/distinctivedecor

Store Website
http://www.etsy.com/shop/distinctivedecor

Twitter
@distinctdecor

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/Distinctive-Decor-Hand