Madison Etsy explorations: Whimsy House

Recycled and vintage pieces have found a home at the Whimsy House. Aptly named, Molly Bernier's online store carries a wide array of jewelry that embraces your lighthearted side. These creations are a complement to her work with

The Rustic Wildflower cuff bracelet marries dyed leather with a stack of vintage buttons, creating an unexpected and fanciful piece of jewelry. Whether you are looking for a ring, pendant, brooch or bracelet, Bernier's clever use of materials makes me have no doubt you will find something that reveals the whimsy in you.

Bernier answered a few questions over email about her work and art.

The Daily Page: When did you open your Etsy shop and what do you sell?
Bernier: I opened Whimsy House in early April 2008. I started out with handmade felt brooches and some vintage pieces and it spiraled from there. I've added felted wool brooches made from recycled sweaters, pendants, bracelets, pins and rings fashioned out of beautiful vintage buttons, leather cuffs embellished with vintage findings... the list goes on and on!

I sell some vintage costume jewelry and other whimsical finds as well. I love creating with vintage and recycled goodies. That way everything I make is one of a kind and special.

Do you have a day job? Does your shop pay the rent? I'm an interior stylist/decorator by trade and have had to cut back some in order to be home with our 1, 4 and 14 year old. My Etsy shop wouldn't pay the rent but it does provide the creative outlet I need to stay sane -- priceless, right?! I adore Etsy and every customer I've met along the way. I owned an antiques and gift shop in Middleton awhile back with my mom (The Angelic Rabbit) and I've had the retail bug in me ever since. Whimsy House fulfills so many "needs" for me -- I love it and am thankful for it everyday.

What advice do you have for people interested in starting an online store?
Be professional in every way -- from the way your shop looks, to your contact with customers, to your packing, shipping and thank you notes. There are so many places to shop online these days and you truly need to value the person who buys from you and they need to feel that or they won't come back.

Also, in the handcrafted arena, have patience and believe in your craft. Keep going even when you feel discouraged. It takes persistence to get your items noticed so don't give up! No one will believe in you if you don't believe in yourself. Cheers!

Etsy is an online marketplace whose mission is to "reconnect makers with buyers." These explorations will connect you with the makers in your neighborhood.