picapicadesign

Name: Liz Grotyohann
Shop Name: picapicadesign

Shop Link: picapicadesign.etsy.com, also www.picapicadesign.net
Location: Plainfield, NJ
Ships To: Worldwide :)

What materials do you use for your ECO friendly products? I use paper (mostly magazine pages, junk mail and cardboard packing material) that would otherwise wind up in the trash/recycling bin. I coil paper into vases and pulp paper to create bowls. I also create found object art, and jewelry from found objects—both giving new life to old items that may have worn out their usefulness.

Why did you decide to make ECO friendly products? I have always enjoyed making new things out of old objects, which began with my found-object art. Creating decorative crafts out of materials that would otherwise be thrown away just seemed like a natural extension of that.


How long have you had your shop on Etsy? I opened shop in January 2008.

Is this a job for you or a hobby? Right now this is a hobby, but I'm lucky—I get to work a creative day job too. In "real life" I am a graphic designer specializing in exhibit design for museums and science centers.


How did you get into your craft? I just can't stop making things. If I don't have 6 or 7 projects going at once I'm not happy. Creating objects that other people can purchase and enjoy just seemed like a natural outlet.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? Put your best work forward. Don't be afraid of criticism, or of failure—just go for it. Have great customer service. And most of all, enjoy what you do. Otherwise it's just another job.