Meet Monday with An Astrid Endeavor

Let's meet Astrid and her Etsy shop An Astrid Endeavor

Colorful textiles and embroidery art with her passion for Ethiopia in every stitch; Astrid's creations are interesting and beautiful statement pieces and perfect unique gifts!

Please enjoy 10% off of your purchase from her shop using coupon code: BLOGLOVE10

Now let's discover An Astrid Endeavor!

What is the first creative memory you have?

I've been crafting for as long as I can remember- that, I get from my moms side of the family. One of my first memories is going to a weaving class with my mom, I was defiantly the only kid there- which, of course, makes a kid feel very special and "grown up". We did weavings on a round frame. I remember it was really funky and abstract and I loved it! I also created a series of Teddy Bear paper dolls, they were very intricate and detailed. I was really intent on selling this idea, so I sent them off to a designer who made teddy bear stuff at the time- God, teddy bears! The 80's!!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I had been toying with the idea of trying to get my Etsy shop up and running for awhile. Finally I was inspired by my coworker who helps her mom manage her shop. She convinced me! I am so happy I did- it's been great to connect with fellow Etsians and creative people. I love it!

How did you come up with your shop name?

An Astrid Endeavor, which I've used for awhile now, seemed like the perfect name since I'm always embarking on a different project or art medium. Jewelry is always the constant, but I didn't want my name to somehow "trap" me into just one art form. I've worked with clay, glass, weaving, paper, paint, fabric, wood- you name it!

Describe what creations you have in your shop

I am making primarily jewelry at the moment- bright, unique, fun pieces that are mostly hand embroidered. It's easy to work with textiles and embroidery when you have a little one and need to keep it quiet at night. That's when I get all of my work done!

I also have embroidered ornaments that honor the birth continent of my little one, as well as cards and treats that celebrate Ethiopia and adoption.

What insprires you?

People and the natural world- jeez- everything! I just got hooked on Pinterest and it's been so addicting- the images are like candy for my eyes! I have also been so inspired by so much beauty being created on Etsy, in my community, and across the world that I've been able to experience in person and right on the web!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

That's hilarious, because I just finished going through "The Office" on Netlix. I was laughing constantly, and now find myself singing the theme song when I get going with my crafting! I managed to also get through all the episodes of "Mad Men" and "Arrested Development" that way. If I don't want the added distraction of Netflix I like to listen to NPR and my favorite radio show called Radio Lab. It's awesome- you learn so much and the commentators are so witty!
www.radiolab.org/

Please share a favorite recipe

Here's one I found on Pinterest that I really want to try since I love beets so much!
Beet pasta with ricotta!

Ingredients

1 pound red beets, trimmed, scrubbed
1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Coarse salt
1/2 cup toasted walnuts
1 tablespoon chopped tomatoes
Red-pepper flakes
12 ounces farro spaghetti
1/2 cup fresh ricotta

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Drizzle beets with oil and season with salt. Wrap tightly in foil and roast until tender, 1 hour. Peel and chop once cool.

2. Pulse beets, walnuts, and tomatoes in a food processor. Season with salt and red-pepper flakes.

3. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup water, and return to pot.

4. Toss with beet mixture, adding pasta water until creamy. Serve with ricotta, a drizzle of oil, and red-pepper flakes.

Where else can we find you?

Pinterest
Facebook

Check out all of Astrid's creations in her Etsy shop and please come back and tell us which piece(s) you LOVE! I do adore these earrings!