Kézi and Friends: Lizzie Joe Designs

When I first came across today's featured, shop, Lizzie Joe Designs, I was instantly impressed! Owner Jennifer repurposes wine corks into the most interesting creations - from coasters, to napkin holders to serving trays and more. Not only does she recycle what most of us discard without much thought, but she skillfully turns them into functional and super fun creations!

Black Wine Cork Serving Tray

CM: Tell us a bit about yourself...
JB: Hello! My name is Jennifer. I live in Virginia with my husband and 2 kids. I love creating new and interesting designs, especially with recycled, upcycled and repurposed materials. My favorite thing to work with is wine corks. I am inspired by just about everything I see. Art just makes me happy!

White Framed Wine Cork Accessory Holder

CM: What inspired you to start working with cork?
JB: A couple of years ago, I realized I had collected enough corks and that it was time for me to either do something with them or give them to someone who would. So I decided to make a wine cork board for my kitchen. And I had so much fun doing it, I started thinking of other things I could make with wine corks and from there my Etsy shop was born. I absolutely love creating new designs that are both useful and pretty and appealing to both men and women.

Set of Four Aqua and Brown Floral Wine Cork Tile Coasters

CM: How long does it take you to make a piece to sell? What's the process like, and where to you get all those corks?
JB: It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the piece. I work several days a week, mostly at my kitchen table, designing, cutting, sanding, and gluing. And, no, I didn't drink all that wine myself! I purchase corks from a few online sources and have family and friends save their corks for me. If anyone out there has any corks they don't want, just send them on to me!

5x7 Wine Cork Picture Frame

CM: What's the best thing about selling on Etsy? The most challenging?
JB: I love the people I get to meet and chat with, the teams I am privileged to be on and all the amazing ideas I get to see everyday. I have over thirty pages of favorite items! With so many creative people in one place, why shop anywhere else?
The most challenging part of Etsy is making sure my shop is seen. With so much talent out there, it is easy to get lost in the crowd. So I make sure to spend time online promoting as much as possible. I love to feature others through my treasury making and appreciate it when they return the favor. And blogs, such as your beautiful one here, definitely help the cause! Thank you for taking the time to feature Etsy shops!

Verdigris Frog Hook Wine Cork Chalk Board Message Center

CM: What's your favorite item from your own shop right now?
JB: Right now, I am loving my Honeycomb Coasters and my Verdigris Frog Hook Wine Cork Message Center. Both items just get me thinking about summer!

Honeycomb Wine Cork Trivet

CM: Do you have a favorite shop or item on Etsy? If so, which one(s)?
JB: Winestone Birdhouses is one of my absolute favorites! I just love her creations! And I'm totally in love with the sweet plush animals that 5 Orange Potatoes makes. So cute and cuddly! And these Linen Fruits by liradesigne are simply amazing to me!