What They Don’t Tell You About Etsy, Motherhood, and Marketing

The Real Life Mess Behind the Brand 

🎄 It All Started at Christmas

It all started around Christmas. I just wanted to make some ornaments for the tree—finally bring to life some ideas I had been holding onto for a long time.

I pulled out my beads and jewelry supplies, which hadn’t seen daylight in years—about 13 years, in fact. That’s when my shop, Eidel’s Ideas first began. Those supplies had been tucked away carefully, almost like a time capsule.

And opening them up was like opening Pandora’s box—but in the best way. I found myself making things I never could before. Techniques that once baffled me suddenly made sense. It was like my creativity had matured during the time it laid dormant.

🙏 A Nudge I Couldn't Ignore

I made a pair of earrings. They weren’t quite my color, but they were good. So I listed them on Facebook. Then I listed a few more, pulled out old designs… and kept thinking: maybe I should reopen my Etsy shop.

I prayed. A lot. The idea wouldn’t leave me alone. It was a persistent, gentle nudge that I know was from the Lord.

When I finally reopened the shop, I had no idea it would grow like this. I thought I’d just sell a few earrings.

📦 Rediscovering the Business Side

But then I started learning—really learning—about Etsy. Back when I first started, there weren’t tutorials or branding tips or optimized photography guides. But now… it’s everywhere.

I discovered branding. Niching. Visual identity. I realized I didn’t need to appeal to everyone—I just needed to stay true to what I loved. And for me, that’s vintage. My whole life is vintage-inspired. Nostalgia is the heart of my brand.

While I mainly make Victorian-inspired pieces, I also love the 1950s, Boho vintage, even the bright, joyful colors of the 90s. I even learned about trademarked names (like Lisa Frank—nope, can’t use that!) and how to describe designs without crossing legal lines.

📸 Packaging & Photography

And photography—oh my. I had no idea how intense it would be! Then came packaging, which has become one of my favorite parts. I never cared about it before, but now I brand everything: teal packaging, charms, handwritten notes, wax seals… it’s all part of the experience.

💡 Overflowing with Ideas

My ideas run wild. Constantly. I have so many interests. If I’m passionate about something, I’ll learn it. That’s how I got into making cameos. I wanted to make them for purse charms and couldn’t find affordable ones I liked, so I thought, “Can I make them myself?”

Turns out I could. I learned about resin. Hours and hours went into learning, troubleshooting, trying different molds and techniques. I eventually made my own molds. And all of it happened right here—in the heart of my home... my couch.

🏡 Creativity at the Center of Homemaking

My vintage school desk holds my daughter’s school books, and she learns to read next to me while I cure cameos under the UV lamp. My kids play around me. Our elderly cat needs constant care. The floor gets mopped a several times a day. And through it all, I work in the living room— between the messes and the snack requests...where life happens.

My husband is a blessing. He makes most of our dinners. My oldest son has started making breakfast. My daughter puts waffles in the toaster. My youngest is potty training. It’s a full, beautiful life.

I sit here surrounded by bins and beads, balancing ideas and motherhood. When I get an order, I drop everything (except for my kids) and prioritize it. Every order goes out the next business day. It’s hard work but it's a blast and a blessing!

⚠️ It’s Not As Easy As It Looks

If you’re thinking of starting an Etsy shop, don’t listen to the YouTube gurus who make it sound easy. It’s not. It takes time, energy, and a whole lot of prayer.

But I’m so thankful that the Lord has given me a family that’s patient with me while I build this business. My husband says I’d be crafting anyway, even if it wasn’t a business—and he’s definitely right. In fact, before Eidel's Ideas was official, in the first year of our relationship he supported me quiting my job and selling crafts. And now, once again, I have a way to share these pieces with others. And best of all, every order includes a gospel tract.

✝️ Business with a Purpose

I’ve done that since day one—whether it was a Facebook Marketplace sale or an Etsy package. I want Jesus to be known through what I do.

Sometimes when things go wrong, I realize it’s because I didn’t pray. I rushed ahead. God gives the ideas, but He wants me to wait. I’m not always good at that. I want everything done now: the branding, the products, the packaging, the inventory, the fair displays… but He reminds me to breathe.

The nostalgic aesthetic I love—the 50s shows like Father Knows Best—they reflect a slower life. That’s what I need to remember: slow down. Let God lead.

💛 The Heart of It All

And if this is all just to teach me something—even if it doesn’t “succeed”—I have to be okay with that. Because I’ve already had the opportunity to share Jesus. And I’ve already seen blessings.

My daughter says she wants to help with the shop someday—or even take it over when I’m gone (which is sweet and slightly morbid). My girls love the earrings, admire my designs, and ask me to make things for them too. 

This isn’t just a business. It’s part of our family. And it’s all from the Lord. So far He has brought me amazing customers, new skills, a website, a marketplace and the support of my family. I guess in a way, I have already found success. One day I hope to have a full, vintage-inspired product line of artisan crafted Boutique Accessories and launch on Shopify.  And if the Lord wills, it will happen. For now, I'm thankful for it all, even the mess and the chaos.