Monday, September 21, 2009

Handmade and upcycled goodness: Chakra Pennywhistle!




I'm very excited to share this special artist feature with you: the lovely and very talented Rikkianne from Chakra Pennywhistle! Rikkianne has a wonderful heart and is a delight to get to know. She's an incredible artist who practices what she preaches: the Golden Rule, collaboration and community.


Make sure to read to the end, then be sure to enter the giveaway that Rikkianne is very generously sponsoring!

Your name: Rikkianne
Your shop name(s)/url(s): Chakra Pennywhistle
Your blog(s): Chakra Pennywhistle
Your flickr ID/url: Chakra Pennywhistle (Severely neglected at the moment)
Your non-Etsy website/other websites (e.g., Trunkt, 1000 Markets, etc.): http://www.chakrapennywhistle.com

Tell us a bit about you: who you are, who you want to be, what you make, what makes you unique?
My name is Rikkianne, I live in Tucson, Arizona, and I’m married to my best friend, Dave. We have a lovely three-year old daughter, Mia, and we also share our home with my grandmother, Barb.

Art has been in my life for as long as I can remember. From dance, to drama, to sewing and design, I really don’t know what I would do without some form of art in my life. I have always found pleasure in making something new out of something old. I also feel the need to support forward-thinking businesses, specifically those that incorporate eco-friendly practices. I now feel that I have found my passion and I’m tremendously grateful for the entire indie/handmade community.

















(Rikkianne, Dave and Mia)

What do you think it is about you that makes your shop(s) successful?
I try and live and work by the Golden Rule. With every single order, I think about what kind of experience I would like to have. I like to get packages that are wrapped creatively and with care. I like to see handwritten notes. I go the extra mile with my product and hope to see the same when I make a purchase. As for the materials I choose to employ, I like to take the environment into consideration in both the product and its packaging. As far as my designs are concerned, I try to communicate an appreciation for history and hope that everyone can see that ... I really try and relay what the handmade lifestyle means to me. We are both a personal community and business. I feel that it is my duty to promote that! There is something so special about the handmade experience – an experience that doesn’t just stop once the product has been produced. It is my intention to make that experience extend through the act of the purchase, and upon receipt of the item itself...
Is Etsy your fulltime day job, or do you do this on top of a day job
I stay at home with my daughter, Mia. She is 3 years old. When she was born, my husband and I decided that I would take care of her and start my business. The whole family pitches in whenever I need it. However, it can be a challenge trying to balance it all. Mia has just started preschool and I believe that I am in need of a more structured work schedule. Instead of fiddling around wondering what to do without my gal, I now have time to really get to work and do things like get into the studio and print! I am excited and am just now beginning to find my groove.






















Mia, interrupting a wallet photo shoot (so cute!)

How did you learn your particular art/craft form?
I actually taught myself how to sew – even though that makes me a bit uncomfortable to say as I do have friends that have provided invaluable tips to me along the way.

I also took a fantastic screen-printing course from the local community college. I am so thrilled that I had the chance to do that because I believe that I have truly found my passion. What better way to learn how to do it than in a small community setting!
What was the most difficult thing for you to learn when you initially set up your Etsy shop?
Shipping can be difficult. I am still trying to figure out the most reasonable and safe way to pack and ship my items.

















What do you know now that you wish you’d known back when you set up your Etsy shop?
You know, comparing the past to the present really gives me a great appreciation for the evolution of it all. I learn something new every single day. Etsy and the entire blogosphere are so generous with small business knowledge that it can sometimes become overwhelming to try and keep up with the wealth of information. Perhaps my wish would have been to have thought to bookmark and file all of that information in an easy to reach place!
What stresses you out the most about your business?
Trying to wear all of the different hats. I have discovered that when you are an Etsy seller, you are the artist, photographer, rep., shipping clerk, admin. asst., accountant, etc.






















What gets you the most excited?
When someone takes the time to email a note and let me know that they like my work. It is so special when someone takes a couple minutes out of his or her life to say hi. I feel deeply honored each and every time that happens.
Share one of your personal guilty pleasures?
I love the Bravo Channel. I don’t get to watch television as much as I would like. You can find me at about 1 in the morning clicking on the tivo and vegging out to the Real Housewives. I can’t help it… I love that stuff! I need more sleep! Ha :)






















Rikkianne's inspiration wall in her sewing room

Do you shop handmade? If so, what was the last thing you purchased?
Oh yes. I am just about all handmade and vintage. We do have to run to Target from time to time but I can tell you that my house is full of vintage furniture and my closet is Etsy and thrift.

The last thing that I bought on Etsy was a Xenotees t-shirt for my brother-in-law. I just bought that today!

















What one piece of advice, tip or trick would you share with both new and more established sellers?
Get out there and promote yourself. Whether it’s by way of making etsy treasuries, sharing news and notes on twitter, or joining an Etsy team, you will get everything you put into it. Celebrate the fact that you are able to share your passion. Collaborate instead of compete as much as possible.

Thank you so much, Rikkianne!

I can personally attest to the care and thought that Rikkianne puts not only into her creations, but also her packaging, shipping, and communication. A Chakra Pennywhistle purchase is a special experience from start to finish!

One very very lucky Phydelle reader will win a beautiful Chakra Pennywhistle dish towel, winner's choice of the tomato or the rooster (I have both in my kitchen - looove them!)!
















To enter, share with us your favorite piece in Rikkianne's shop (check out her "sold" section, too!), including URL.

CRUCIAL!!! You must include your name (at least first name) and email address OR Etsy shop name!!! If your entry is missing that information, you aren't eligible for the drawing (I'm so sorry, but compiling entries is work! Make it easier with your name and contact info, por favor!).


Bonus entries for:
  1. Following this blog (Phydelle)
  2. Following Rikkianne on Twitter
  3. Following Rikkianne on her blog
  4. Blogging about the giveaway (your blog post must include a link to this giveaway post!)
  5. Tweeting about this interview and giveaway, with a link to this contest post (cc me on the twitter for verification - @phydeauxdesigns )
  6. Subscribing to the Phydelle/Phydeaux mailing list (top left corner of this web page)
Entries end 9 pm PST on Sunday 9/27/09 and the winner will be announced on Wednesday 9/29!

121 comments:

Ann said...

My favorite item is the Moneybag Clutch (BofA2). I absolutely LOVE this! Thanks for the great giveaway!
Ann
ann dot guns at mac dot com

Ann said...

I'm a subscriber to your blog.
Ann
ann dot guns at mac dot com

Ann said...

I now also follow Rikkiana on twitter (username gunzie73).
Ann
ann dot guns at mac dot com

carmel said...

first of all i love the: "Moneybag Clutch (BofA2"
and all pillows..
like the:tassel, swerdfish and much more!
thanks!
carmel
carmelita@windowslive.com

carmel said...

and i am a follower of your blog
thanks!
carmel
carmelita@windowslive.com

carmel said...

and i blogged about the giveaway
thank you

carmel
carmelita@windowslive.com

carmel said...

and i became a follower of rikkiannes blog to
carmel
carmelita@windowslive.com

Lucyinthesky said...

I really think her pillows are very lovely! I especially like this one called the Wreath Pillow

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28410463

Ally
rubymoonstone AT gmail DOT com

Lucyinthesky said...

Email subscriber to your blog updates.

Ally


rubymoonstone AT gmail DOT com

Lucyinthesky said...

Already following your blog on Google Friend Connect/Blogger (Ally)


rubymoonstone AT gmail DOT com

Lucyinthesky said...

Having a little problem following Rikkianne (this has happened w/ others). Following from the Blogger upper task bar does not want to work. And I see no gallery of faces to follow from there. So following Rikkianne as rubymoon but it may not show up so just email me if I win and I will do it over and over till it takes. Very annoying.
Ally
rubymoonstone AT gmail DOT com

JDaniel4's Mom said...

I love the birthday shirt.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely giveaway I love the little modern birds they are sooo cute and the rooster apron is adorable as well.Thanks for the giveaway.Helen


helenmillicent@yahoo.com

Bombtastic Belle said...

I like the Little Modern Birds :)
Melissa
eod_army_wife04(at)yahoo(dot)com

laia said...

I love http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27856657

My name:Laia
my email: laiafortuny(at)gmail(dot)com

free indeed said...

I'm loving the Little Modern Bird pillows. THey are just too cute.
Shelley
freeindeed at myfairpoint dot net

Egater said...

I like tassel pillow (sold)
Siret
egateris at gmail dot com

KristaR said...

I like the little modern birds pillow.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28813853


kristaR
crabapple3@gmail.com

TopHat said...

My favorite is the tulips pillow!
Heather
hrfarley at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the pretty giveaway! My fave items in your shop are the "Love Me" pillow set.
Zoe0825@verizon.net

Anonymous said...

I'm a follower of phydelle!
Zoe0825@verizon.net

Nova said...

I like:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27856657

Liz said...

I LOVE the Circle the Date shirt!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28152136

janil said...

Money bank pillow is fantastic!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26491104

Thanks!
cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

janil said...

suscriber!
cal_rubies at yahoo dot es

AlisonWonderland said...

the tassel pillow is really cute!

Alison
gemini5757 at hotmail.com

apgovalias said...

my favorite item is the Little Modern Birds pillow. too cute!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28813853

Thanks

Caitlin H.

caitlinhyla AT gmail DOT com

Linna said...

My favorite item is Little Modern Birds.

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=18222625

Linna
linna.hsu at gmail dot com

roxxyroller said...

I follow your blog

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

roxxyroller said...

Little Modern Birds Square Pillows are my fave, absolutely gorgeous!!

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

roxxyroller said...

I'm now Following Rikkianne on her blog

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

roxxyroller said...

I'm now Following Rikkianne on Twitter as coolcanucks!

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

roxxyroller said...

I follow on Twitter as coolcanucks

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

roxxyroller said...

I own CoolCanucks.ca, which is a Canadian Contest and Freebie site. This giveaway is shared here:

http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/23786-phydelle-chakra-pennywhistle-giveaway-sept27-canada

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

roxxyroller said...

I also follow you on Twitter as coolcanucks

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

roxxyroller said...

I tweeted and CC'd you!

http://twitter.com/coolcanucks/status/4301649099

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

roxxyroller said...

I am now Subscribed to the Phydelle/Phydeaux mailing list!

roxxyroller(at)hotmail(dot)com

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/

Michelle | Cicada Studio said...

I am a big fan of Rikkianne. It was a pleasure to read more about her. I love so many of her items but the Iron Work pillow just stood out for me tonight.

-cicadastudio.etsy

Hayden said...

My favorite item, after lusting for them all, is the rooster dish towel.

Thanks, Heather

chapman.hm at gmail dot com

CassieMarie said...

I love the modern birds! ADORABLE!

cms_36451@yahoo.com

alexkeller said...

i really love it all - and i already have a tulip pillow...i think the circle the date patches are quite adorable, and the lovely Mia is quite the model! i follow Rikkianne everywhere - and we're going thrifting again this week - yea!
alex kell
alexkeller.etsy.com

Linda K said...

I like the moneybag clutch
Linda Kish

lkish77123 at gmail dot com

f.sarah said...

i love the Tulips Square Pillow!

fsarah09 at gmail dot com

bison61 said...

I like the tassel pillow
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27266074
Vicki tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

f.sarah said...

oops! forgot the link.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20534889

i follow!

amanda said...

i like the love pillows and the circle the date patches!


amiddleton85
gmail

The Fam said...

The tomato dish towel is beautiful,
Shannon F.
shannonfiner@yahoo.com

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

I really like the moneybag wallet and clutch. Really cool idea!
Shelly
joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

Im now a follower on twitter . JGNP

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

Im a subscriber to your blog. Shelly Henley

Joyful Girl Naturals said...

I subscribed to the newsletter.joyfulgirlnaturals@gmail.com

Jaime said...

Fav is Moneybag Clutch (BofA2)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29008690
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Jaime said...

I follow this blog
copperllama at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I'm following on Twitter @aikchien

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I'm a follower.

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I love the Little Modern Birds - Style 2 pillow.

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I tweeted.

http://twitter.com/aikchien/status/4321084284

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Aik said...

I'm following her blog.

aikychien at yahoo dot com

Sihui said...

Posted your giveaway on my blog: http://www.hmgiveaways.com/2009/09/dish-towel-from-chakra-pennywhistle.html

We will tweet the giveaway as well! Feel free to submit your future handmade giveaways to us:)
hmgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com

Sihui said...

My favorite item is the: Trees pillow
Thanks for the chance!
hmgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com

Kendra Zvonik said...

I love Rikkianne! I have had the pleasure of doing business with her and look forward to our next exchange. I already follow her blog & on twitter!
I love everything she makes and I love what she stands for! She is an articulate artist with integrity.
I am especially fond of her moneybag wallets and will own one someday soon :)
If I win, I would love either of the prizes!
Thank you for this awesome interview!
Kendra
of GreenPost.etsy.com

Kat C. said...

I like the money bag wallet she sold

http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=16056082

katch05 at gmail dot com

malibu.bunny.xo said...

I follow Phydelle
Stephanie, malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

malibu.bunny.xo said...

I love the Little Modern Birds pillow! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28813853

Stephanie, malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

malibu.bunny.xo said...

And I follow Rikkianne's blog
Stephanie, malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

malibu.bunny.xo said...

I subscribe to your mailing list :)
Stephanie, malibu.bunny.xo@live.ca

Summer said...

I LOVE the rooster dish towel...it's just adorable! Rikkianne is such a peach too, I'm so glad you featured her!

ottomanhandmade at yahoo dot com

noblegnome said...

....and a follower of the blog!

noblegnome said...

I am now a follower on twitter!

noblegnome said...

Can't miss out on this one. Have been a fan for the longest time.
My etsy name is noblegnome.

LoveCharlesVintage said...

I love the rooster, can't resist entering. I'm getting an apartment soon and I'm going to need to decorate it!

One of my favorite items is the Moneybag Wallet. I love that it's made from a vintage bag.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=30150417

Thanks so much!
-Lily
lilygreig at gmail dot com
lovecharles.etsy.com

The Fancy Lamb said...

I love love love chakrapennywhistle!! My favorite item (of the moment) is her Tulips Square Pillow.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to get to know her a bit better!

Robin
The Fancy Lamb
TheFancyLamb.etsy.com

The Fancy Lamb said...

And I tweeted about this contest!

The Fancy Lamb said...

I follow @chakrapenny on Twitter!

Michele P. said...

Following RikkiAnne on twitter @micaela6955

micaela6955 at msn dot com

Michele P. said...

I like the MoneyBag Pillow Bank of Guam http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30546689

micaela6955 at msn dot com

Michele P.

Lisa said...

I love the idea of the save the date patches and most of all the Money Bag Pillows: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26490840. What a great way to reuse our resources!
the_outsider01AThotmailDOTcom

Stephanie said...

I love this shop! It's hard to pick a favorite, but I'll say it's Little Modern Birds - Style 2.

lesjoujou AT gmail DOT com

wzgirl said...

Sorry, Phyd

buttercupbloom.etsy.com
buttercupbloom@gmail.com

wzgirl said...

Hi!! I follow both you guys's blogs! AND both of you guys's Twitters!! I just lovvvve everything in Pennywhistle's shop - but the moneybag wallets are just too cool for school!

sarah said...

i adore the Tulips pillow!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28189068

fertawert AT yahoo DOT com

pippirose said...

She has lovely items.
I especially love the Little Modern Birds pillows.
pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

I am subscribed to your email newsletter.
pippirose59 at gmail dot com

Heather said...

I like the Tulips.
jswandrn @ gmail.com

Janette said...

following this blog

Janette said...

I really love the Little Modern Birds - Style 2 pillow!
Janette
decadent87@gmail.com

Janette said...

Following Rikkianne on her blog

Janette said...

Following Rikkianne on Twitter (@jsoldham)

Janette said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/jsoldham/status/4388807366

Janette said...

subscribed to the mailing list

Belinda M said...

I follow your blog


Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Belinda M said...

I really like the love me 2 pillow set

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Belinda M said...

I follow Rikkianne on twitter as Prairiebelle


Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Belinda M said...

tweeted

http://twitter.com/Prairiebelle/status/4396441674

Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at http://forum.coolcanucks.ca/


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Ave said...

I like Love Me 2 Pillow set http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27862245

Ave
avetaar2gmail.com

Ave said...

I follow this blog.

Ave
avetaar2gmail.com

Ave said...

I´m following Rikkianne on Twitter (MadeInCanarias),

The Fab Miss B said...

I love everything in her shop, but especially this wreath throw pillow (and the lemon yellow couch it's sitting on!)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28410463

Thanks for the chance to win!

Cheers!

Becky of etsy shop:

http://www.thefabmissb.etsy.com

thefabulousmissb(AT)gmail(dot)com

trix said...

The Little Modern Birds pillow is adorable! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28813853

trixpixel(at)gmail.com

trix said...

I follow Rikkianne on her blog too.

lea: trixpixel(at)gmail.com

Lizzie said...

I'm following Rikkianne's blog.

smrtmouse at yahoo dot com

Lizzie said...

I'm following your blog.

smrtmouse at yahoo dot com

Lizzie said...

Oh my goodness, I love the custom circle the date onesie - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28152136

smrtmouse at yahoo dot com

Cindy said...

My favorite is the Moneybag Wallet. What a great idea! I am definitely impressed. :)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31590308

Cindy of hellcatvintage
hellcatvintage(at)gmail(dot)com

Cindy said...

I'm following your blog.

Cindy of hellcatvintage
hellcatvintage(at)gmail(dot)com

Cindy said...

I'm following Rikkianne on Twitter.

@hellcatvintage

Cindy
hellcatvintage(at)gmail(dot)com

Cindy said...

I'm following Rikkianne on her blog.

Cindy of hellcatvintage
hellcatvintage(at)gmail(dot)com

Rachael said...

My favorite item is the ironwork pillow. So simple and reminds me of an old Victorian house...

XO
Rachael (aka Roscata on Etsy)
www.roscata.com

Rachael said...

I follow Rickianne on Twitter! I'm roscatastuff.

XO
Rachael (aka Roscata on Etsy)
www.roscata.com

Rachael said...

I follow your blog and subscribe to the RSS feed - I love reading it!!!

XO
Rachael (aka Roscata on Etsy)
www.roscata.com

Rachael said...

I subscribe to Rickianne's blog RSS feed!

XO
Rachael (aka Roscata on Etsy)
www.roscata.com

Rachael said...

Tweet tweet!
http://twitter.com/roscatastuff/status/4411466863

XO
Rachael (aka Roscata on Etsy)
www.roscata.com

Rachael said...

Blogged!

http://roscata.com/blog/?p=726

XO
Rachael (aka Roscata on Etsy)
www.roscata.com

Rachael said...

I subscribe to your newsletter!

XO
Rachael (aka Roscata on Etsy)
www.roscata.com

balanced. said...

I love, love, love the Trees pillow!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16215359


Rachel W.
hello@balancedcrafts.com

cherdon said...

My favorite item is the Custom CIRCLE THE DATE Onesie / Tee shirt. Its so darn cute.

Thanks for this giveaway. Please enter me

Cheryl Hodgkins

cherdon@sympatico.ca

cherdon said...

Following Rikkianne on Twitter

username - iamcherdon

cherdon@sympatico.ca

cherdon said...

I am following this blog (Phydelle)

cherdon@sympatico.ca

cherdon said...

Following Rikkianne on her blog

cherdon@sympatico.ca

cherdon said...

tweet

http://twitter.com/iamcherdon/status/4423787737

cherdon@sympatico.ca

cherdon said...

I subscribe to the Phydelle/Phydeaux mailing list

Thank you so much for subscribing to Phydeaux Designs' newsletter/email distribution list!

cherdon@sympatico.ca