Blockhead Production

Blockhead Production is an AMAZING wood shop!! I absolutely LOVE all things wood, and was so happy when Paul agreed to a feature. Paul's shop is on Etsy, he opened it in September 2008 and he lives in Tacoma, Washington. This is just a really wonderful shop, please check it out!!


How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
I had this vision of a little wood turner hold crossed tool and his head was a block of wood. My wife and daughter would say it is because I'm a Blockhead at time.
I started this business because my wife and daughter said I should, I needed a venue to showcase my turnings.

When did you start working with wood? Who taught you?
I started as a Cub Scout making the Pinewood Derby Car. My Father was a Master Carpenter and gave me the direction I needed. I followed Father into the Construction Business when I was out of School. I really like to think he would be very proud of the work I do, unfortunately he is no longer with us and never got a chance to see my Turnings OR of the Furniture I have built.


Where do you have your tools? Do you have a picture? If not, what does the space look like?
I actually have a shop just down the street from out Apartment and spend most weekends there working on Bowls and whatnot. No I don't have a picture of my space, it is a total mess. My wife says she will take one when I get it cleaned up. The space is a 12x30 Storage place I rent and works well for me.

What would you love to add to your working space?
A larger lathe but that is out of the question right now...way too much money. One day, at least I can dream of that day.

Do you have a day job?
Oh Lord yes, still have to pay the bills. I work for a High End Kitchen Remodel Company doing these Fantastic kitchens and bathrooms you see in the Magazines. A lot of the wood I use in my Segmented Bowls come from rejected doors and draw fronts, so reclaimed wood is used in a lot of these items featured in my shop..

Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I think my favorite right now is the Diamond Pattern Bowl my wife put in her blog. This bowl was a real challenge to get it all to fit the way I wanted it too. My wife will be adding this bowl as well as some other piece to my shop this week.

So So Rosey

So So Rosey is a wonderful crochet shop on Etsy. Jennie resides in Manassas VA, and has been on Etsy since November, 2007. When I first contacted this shop I didn't know I would be doing a Friday series on Upcycling, so it's quite cool that Jennie uses upcycled materials to make some of her products! Please check out So So Rosey!!




#1. How did you decide on your shop name?
My shop is named after my daughter, Sophia Rose. Had it not been for her, I would not have learned about Etsy in a parenting magazine- or had the time off from a very busy teaching career to pursue my love of crochet.


#2. When did you start crafting?
Hmmm...I think as soon as I could sit up! I have always had a creative streak and loved to make things, and I was fortunate to have great family support for my crafty pursuits. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was about 10...over 30 years ago. oy!


#3. Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I love to play with paper and really enjoy making tags and wrapping my items. I would love to learn how to sew one day.


#4. What or who inspires you?
I get most of my inpiration from the different colors and patterns found in vintage textiles. It is also super inspiring to "hang out" with such a talented group of artists on Etsy every day :)


#5. Do you have a day job?
I'm a stay at home mom.


#6. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why? http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=15254090
This rug has been my favorite project to date. It was such an honor to make such a large custom item for someone! I worked on this rug daily for 5 weeks, so we really bonded :)