This week we introduce you to Etsykids seller Art for Kids and Their Grown Ups by Laurie Shanholtzer .  Laurie has been creating original pastel paintings and prints about sports, wildlife, dance, fantasy, horses, cats dogs and family ties on Etsy since September 2011.

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What motivated you to start your shop?
I LOVE TO DRAW!! I can never remember a time in my life when I wasn't covered in pastel dust.  My career was commissioned pastel portraits. Now I am pursuing my first love; painting pictures for and about children. Also paintings that tell a story capturing a memory or wistful feeling. Etsy has been the perfect place to offer my artwork and hopefully many of them will be displayed in a child's room!
I do not think it is ever to early to introduce children to the love of art!

What is the story behind your shop name?
I am offering art for kids  and for adults to help relive wonderful childhood memories. I have some just for the adults that will hopefully give a good feeling.

What is your favourite creations from your shop?
My favorites are all the artwork for children. The most popular has been ""Someday... Little Brother"" where I can add personal information about the children. I think people like that their children are in the art!
I also love the one with the little girl and the horse ""Cowgirl Whispers'"

What surprised you most about having your own craft / online shop?
I didn't realize how much I would love doing this. Selling on Etsy has become a big part of my life!

 What do you find most challenging about being an Etsy seller?
Trying to create new works as fast as I can. And...  I am always looking for new ways to show my art to more people.

What's your personal philosophy behind your shop / products?
I try and reproduce the artwork on the best materials I can. I want them to look as close to the originals as possible. I will work with my buyers and try to answer their questions. I make sure both the originals and prints are sent out quickly and safely!
With my cards and invitations, I always connect with the buyer to make sure they are completely satisfied, usually send them a proof,  before I send out the final.

What do you do when you aren't working?
Day to day chores. But I spend a great part of each day drawing and working on my Etsy shop.


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