So, I thought it might be interesting to track my last handmade purchase from point A to point Z today. I finally bought this piece from Janick of Neawear last week. It was the 8th thing I ever "hearted" on Etsy back in 2008. I now have well-over 200 pieces in my "most wanted" list, so things tend to get lost in the shuffle. So, what brought me back around to this piece and lead me to push: add to cart?
Although I've never met Janick in person, or interviewed her myself, I know a few things about her: she sells jewelry and her stitched pieces in one store on Etsy, something that not everyone is able to master, she has great photography and styling skills, she's from Canada, she speaks french, she quit her day job to make things for a living, and she's moving to a new condo presently. Why do those things matter? Getting to know someone a bit helps me feel connected to that person. When I hang my wallwear, I think I'll occasionally picture Janick when I look at it (her portrait is her twitter avatar), and think about her fancy french-fluency and the other little bits and pieces I know about her.
A timeline:
August, 2008--I thing this was when I was introduced to Neawear, in an Etsy article. I'm pretty sure that's it, the timing seems spot-on with my "hearting."
October 2009--I contacted Janick to introduce her to Art Wall and invite her to show a piece in the Entryway.
December 2009--My friend Sarah sent me an email linking to the Nea store because she thought it was up my alley. Weirdly, I still have the email and found my reply here:
Yes! Nea, she's actually one of the artists in the entryway. She takes super pictures and knows how to "merchandise." I've been eyeing up her "poppy" wallwear for some time.
December 2009--I featured the Poppies Piece in a gift guide for the holidays. I just realized I gave it the coveted "first slot" in the assortment. I think this is when I made up my mind that I would eventually buy this piece, it was just a matter of when. Perhaps I was hoping someone would notice my adoration and buy me the piece for Christmas. It didn't happen, ah well.
February, 2010--I featured Janick's amazing Art Wall on this blog and again, that Poppies piece, when will it be mine?
February, 2010--Janick hosts a sale--15% off. Nope, still no purchase from me-o.
April, 2010--A quick look through my "favorites" followed by a push of the "buy now" button. I really have no clue why I bought it on that day, it wasn't tax-return day or my birthday or any special day at all. I think it was a combination of everything above, mixed in with random tweets, blog posts, emails and views through my favorites. Yep, that was the magic potion. Interesting, huh?
(Images: Janick of Neawear)
