Artist ~ Andrea Ehret ~ Providence

Artist’s name: Andrea Ehret 

Shop name: String 'N' Things 

Website: Stringnthings.etsy.com 

Blog: Twitter: 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Stringnthings 

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/are77/ 

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stringnthings.etsy/ 

1. Tell us about your work 

My wreaths are typically made of yarn, fabric, ribbon and felt. I tend to start with searching for that fun colorful fabric to start, and design around that. I love when a new holiday comes around because that just means I get to create new wreaths for that holiday. 

 2. Is there a story behind the name of your business? 

When I first started everything I created was made out of string, such as my wreaths and jewelry. So that is how I came up with my name String 'N' Things. 

3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer? 

I actually have an educational background in illustration & Toy Design and work full-time as a Toy Designer for Hasbro. I started creating wreaths with my mom and then started getting requests from friends and family. Then it just turned it into a side business of fun :) 

4. Where do you draw your inspiration? 

I get inspiration from everywhere really - lots of color everywhere!! Some places include everyday nature hikes, grocery stores, shopping, fabric stores, etc...!! 

5. I really dig your wreaths. Can you tell us about the process? 

My process starts with choosing that perfect fabric, ribbon or yarn depending on the season. I then choose about 3-5 felt colors to create those fun felt flowers. Then I start to design the wreath by creating those felt flowers. 

6. What’s your favorite item to create? 

My favorite items to create are the summer wreaths because I love all the bright colors and ribbons to choose from. The possibilities are endless. 

7. What’s your best seller? 

That is a tough question - it depends on the season. Valentines Day is actually my best selling season believe it or not. So most of the Valentines Day Wreaths are best sellers. And then my next best selling season would be St. Patricks Day. I attached links below for my best sellers...... https://www.etsy.com/listing/161481009/halloween-wreath-black-and-orange?ref=shop_home_feat_2 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/118971686/valentines-day-wreath-magenta-white?ref=shop_home_active_11&sca=1 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/114647430/modern-christmas-wreath-modern-wreath?ref=shop_home_active_53  

https://www.etsy.com/listing/120291249/st-patricks-day-wreath-green-white?ref=shop_home_active_93 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/150899747/4th-of-july-wreath-patriotic-wreath?ref=shop_home_active_108&sca=1 

8. How long have you been in Rhode Island? 

I have been living in Rhode Island now for a little over 15 years. I moved here back in 2005 for my full time job. I'm originally from Philadelphia, PA 

9. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island? 

I love a lot of things about Rhode Island - the food, the people, the community. I love all the fun local spots that you can only enjoy in Little Rhody. Such as - Seven Stars bakery, The Big Cheese and Pub Restaurant, Iggy's, Long Live beerworks, The Providence Flea, the list can keep going!!!  

10. Favorite place to take out-of-towners? 

My favorite place to take out-of-towners is definitely Newport. But I also love to take them to all the scenic little towns too!! Places like Warren, Wickford Village, Bristol, and Narragansett. I love to try and show them all the fun local spots Rhode Island has to offer. 

11. Any advice for new/wannabe makers? 

Just make sure you make things you love!! And it takes some time to build up a customer presence - it doesn't happen overnight. 

12. Please include anything else you’d like to add: 

Things about me - I love to travel, I love antiquing, I love craft beer, I love flea markets, I love festivals, I love hiking, I love photography, I love Disney Parks, and just being outdoors.