See Lora Etsy

"I would be remiss if I didn't
give all the credit to God."

--Lora, EagerHands

Even little Leo has eager hands!

Welcome to our third installment of our interview with Lora of EagerHands Blog & Etsy shop of the same name, EagerHands. In this post we'll see how Lora works out the little details of her Etsying, from time management to organization!

What is your biggest organizational/time management strength? I like to make lists! I find that if I write down all that I have to do for the day, I am more apt to do it. I also work better on a deadline than in planning way far ahead. So, I think I've grown in the fact that I don't really get stressed out about last minute projects that much. I am much more efficient and work better and faster when I have to get something done on a last minute basis. (I wonder if that stems from my college days when I pulled all-nighters for exams the next day... :) )

Weakness? I've got too much stuff!! I desperately need to de-clutter! I like to be clean and have everything organized, but with a family of six, it is difficult at times to stay neat and tidy! My husband and I both have a lot of hobbies and interests, so we have a lot of stuff between the two of us!! haha... One of these days, I'll get it all under control.

Formal Dining, Lora's Workspace

How do you store your Etsy supplies & stock?

My workspace is in my formal dining room (which we only use a few times a year as an actual dining room, so it works perfectly for me as a place to do my work everyday). I love all the natural light that streams in through the windows. I sew there at the window and cut fabric on the dining room table. The apron on the dress form was made by my husband's grandmother.

All the items listed in my shop and fabric waiting to be cut into yardage and fat quarters are in all the Rubbermaid tubs. Works in progress and fabric to be cut into quilt squares are stored in the drawers of that great vintage art-deco buffet that I picked up a few years ago at an estate sale. I am surrounded by photographs of my family and little vintage vases, dried flowers, candles, a vintage globe and a wonderful vintage family Bible - all the things I love and find inspiration in.

vintage art-deco buffet

Describe your typical Etsy week.

I ship orders out on Tuesdays and Fridays, so my busiest days are Mondays and Thursdays. I iron all the fabric that has been purchased and pack all the orders up to be shipped out. Usually, I am up pretty late on those two nights working and getting things ready. I pay a lot of close attention to how my packages look -lots of little details - handwritten thank you notes, little extra gifts, fabric wrapped up in a cute way, etc.. I've found that a little goes a long way, and my customers have really appreciated that! This is my favorite part of the job - personalization and putting my heart into every order!

I spend my other free moments (when the kiddos are napping or late at night) cutting, sewing, and keeping my shop updated with new or at least renewed listings every day.

Lastly, I go shopping once or twice a week (which I LOVE to do!!). My husband is very supportive and watches the kids so I can go all by myself. It is one of the highlights of my week. I love to treasure hunt!

Do you feel others respect the fact that you work from home, or do they tend to disregard what you do as something less than a "real" job and therefore not very important?

I have been so encouraged by my family and friends in this area. They are so proud of me and the success I've had with eager hands. It has been a real blessing! But, I would be remiss if I didn't give all the credit to God. He has been the absolute number one reason why I have been successful with my Etsy shop. I constantly give this little business of mine back to Him and pray that I can be a blessing to my customers and somehow express His love to them through what I do.

Antique Cabinet by Materials Unlimited

What item would be at the top of your Etsy wish list in terms of helping you in your job as an Etsy mom?

This amazing antique cabinet to store all my fabric in!!! Especially for fat quarters and quilt squares...Heaven!

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Be on the lookout for our final post with Lora coming soon to a blog near you! I also look forward to presenting Etsy seller LilBitSassy in the coming week!