Dutch Days Etsy Spotlight & Giveaway: Suze Loves Shroompers!

I love Shroompers, I think this shop is absolutely fantastic.

Shroompers are tiny organic, eco-friendly felt figures. I think they'd adorable.

They're well made and there's such a great variety of characters.

They're both amazing to play with and to put on display.

I've asked Charlotte, the owner of Shroompers, a few questions to find out more about her and her shop:

How did your Etsy adventure start?

I started with one mushroom doll (Musca) and my husband thought it would be a good idea to make more of them in different colors with a variety of hats, like various species of mushrooms. His mother was creative as well and used to sell on craft fairs. That’s why she thought it would be a good idea for us to try one of those markets as well. Once we started selling we received so many positive reactions. Several people gave me the advice to take a look on Etsy to open a shop there and sell my creations. At the time I was pregnant and I moved to a new country where I had no job and didn’t earn a salary. It sounded like a good way to make some money with something I could do at home.

Where do you find your inspiration?

When I was a child I went to a Waldorf school. My whole family was like that and I was always around flowers and dolls made from felt. At Waldorf schools toys have been made from natural materials and they often have simple details. It's because of this background that Shroompers also have those characteristics.

When I was a teenager my mother did a course to learn how to make felt dolls and I made several as well at that time. That's how I learned to sew and it also taught me the basics of pattern making. I love natural materials which is why I've chosen to use 100% felt and woolen stuffing for my dolls.

Another rich source of information is the amazing world of beautiful mushrooms. Because there are so many there's always room for a new Shroomper with a different outfit and characteristic shape. Every Shroomper is being based on a real mushroom species. The names of the dolls are based on the original Latin names.    

Where have you learned how to make your products?

I learned the basics at home from my mother. I improved my skills with every day practice and I'm a creative person, so I fantasize and come up with ideas and stories. That's how new characters are coming to life. It's also how I made the snail and the house for example.

What are you the most proud of?

Working together with my husband. He's responsible for the drawings. You can find them on our business cards and every Shroomper has its own personal tag. My husband helps me with the internet side of having an Etsy business. Together we're great at sparring about new ideas and characters. Sometimes he draws something new for me and I use this as an inspiration for a new Shroomper. Sometimes I make the Shroomper and he makes the drawing afterwards. It works both ways.

What can we expect from you in the future?

More Shroompers and other characters. Maybe there will be a book based on the drawings with a matching story... 

I admire the wonderful creativity and love that there's such a great vision behind this shop.

I'm completely in love with these fantastic dolls.

The quality of both the designs and the handwork is amazing.

Check out this amazing Etsy store.

And don't forget to visit the wonderful website.

Enjoy browsing...

And have fun shopping!

One very lucky reader of my blog will receive a stunning prize:

The winner of this giveaway will get the fabulous Auntie Frizal, a character everybody loves.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will contact the winner via e-mail. If I don't get a reply within 60 hours the prize will go to someone else. All of my giveaways are international, you can find the official rules here.