Featured Zibbeter - GrandmothersHouse
Zibbet is pleased to present Carolyn Sloan and her Zibbet shop she named Grandmother’s House.
“Grandmother Carolyn” as she affectionately signs in Zibbet’s Community Hub and Blog is a huge supporter of Zibbet. She is always there when someone needs guidance or praise for their work.
Grandmother’s House is filled with lovingly handmade items for babies and children. There is a wide variety because the shop is comprised of works by Grandmother Carolyn, Poppa Craft, Grandmother Natalie and Grammy Carter.
You can find Carolyn on Facebook and “like” her business page here.
Carolyn’s presence on Zibbet is always cheerful and uplifting and we really appreciate her. We hope after reading her interview that you will use the share tool so others may enjoy her delightful interview, also.
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Tell us a bit about yourself?
The words “average” and “ordinary” come to mind - I have yet to swim the English Channel or run a marathon, or ride the winning horse on Derby Day, but then, I’m never certain just what tomorrow will bring - and I’ll never stop dreaming of the next adventure, whatever it might be! Now in my 70th year, I am blessed with good health and sound mind, and a core belief that anything is possible. There are children and grandchildren in my life that are awesome - beautiful, intelligent, full of unlimited potential and there is incredible joy in being able to observe them from a distance - watching them bloom on their own, so to speak, where they have been planted. -
Apart from being ‘creative’ what do you do?
Creativity seems to spill over into all areas of my life - I love to cook and the idea of taking a little of this, a pinch of that and whatever is in the cupboard, and coming up with an outstanding meal plan is a happy challenge (and accomplishment) for me. Diabetes management is a constant in the household, therefore the meal-plan is vital to good health and is the MOST important aspect of my present home-making/management - followed closely by creating that cozy nest feeling within the walls of this home. IF Spring ever arrives in this most beautiful corner of western North Carolina, gardening will present another opportunity to bring color and life to our immediate environment. I also use gardening as my gym-time - bend, squat, stretch, dig, pull, reach!!!!
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What inspires you to do the kind of work you do?
Grandmother’s House is a tribute to Grandmothers and Mothers - all of our elders, really - who have invested time and love by teaching their young daughters (and sons, too!) the fine arts of hand-work and home-making; so many of those crafts are now a dying art and that is why it is SO heart-warming to see, among the Zibbet family, people who are skilled in Tatting or Crocheting, Weaving, Knitting, or carrying on traditions of natural skin care or soap-making. I love that which is old and traditional and am passionate about creating items that are affordable to struggling young parents - items that are quality-made, useful, practical. -
Do you look up to anyone? Who? Why?
Without question, that would be the men and women of our Military who stand at the ready 24/7 to protect our freedom, without regard to the costs to them. Beyond that, I do look up to every-day people whose names would mean nothing to the readers here; they are people with illnesses, disabilities, adversities and through it all, a strong Faith. These are the people who inspire me, at any given time, with their doggedness and direction; I so admire the discipline and business-sense that I remember in my Mother during her lifetime. She was reserved, the soul of tact, and a tower of strength that held our family together during some very challenging times. Whenever I started to “whine” about something (usually trivial) she would say, “Consider the alternative”, and that would pretty much bring me back to reality.
Several years ago, I came across a quote by Marie Curie (1867-1834); it spoke volumes to me then and I have kept it near to me ever since - “Life is not easy for any of us, But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” -
What other passions do you have in your life?
That’s a difficult question to answer…….whatever I do, I do with a passion - I throw myself into the matter at hand and tackle it every-which-way-but-Sunday! I worked actively in Real Estate Sales for about ten years before retiring; the days were long and one day would often spill on over into the next day as I researched, analyzed, and studied what was to be the BEST for my clients. I have very little self-control - if one cookie is good, then six or seven would be better!!!!!!
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What do you like most about Zibbet?
I LOVE the simplicity of the entire site! It is true genius on the part of the creators to make and keep the system so user-friendly. Shop set-up and on-going maintenance is minimal and for someone with limited technology skills and understanding, like myself, that keeps the entire experienceof E-shopkeeping stress-less! Admin response time to requests or concerns is generally within 24 hours, and the response is usually simple and straightforward, not complicated or difficult to comprehend.I also love the fact that we’ve kept politics OUT of Zibbet! Z is a wonderfully safe haven where we all can come with our common goal of creating and marketing our own specialties and it is the place we seek when we need that extra little shot of comfort, support, sharing, as relates to our involvement with Zibbet……………. period!
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What ‘new’ things would you like to see added to Zibbet?
I believe this is an area currently being fine-tuned, and we will probably see it in the near future, if not already - it will be wonderful to have that cumulative Sales information (Sales This Month/Monthly Sales) available to each Shop in the My Zibbet page. I can’t wait!
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How do you promote your work?
Lots of Business Cards, wherever I go…… BUY HANDMADE!!! with my URL on mailing labels on every piece of mail that goes out of the house….and that includes every e-mail message that I send, too. This may be the year of a Blog, and most certainly FaceBook.I’ve also established a Research & Development Team of young people - sending them products to try out and then to report back to me what they liked or didn’t like about the item. They, of course, keep the item, show to their little friends and hopefully, that reaches young families beyond the usual marketing effort!
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How would you recommend other Zibbeters make the most of Zibbet.com?
Join the Community! Jump into the Forums, start Discussions, meet the fellow-Zibbeters, and definitely look for ways to do collaborative Listings! If you live in an area near other Zibbeters, why not plan to meet up for Coffee or Lunch once a month, just to chat and cheer each other on?
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In the future I’d like to be…
hmmmmm, another tough one! The truth of the matter is that I am in the twilight of my life, and we are not really guaranteed anything beyond this one day, are we? So I will be content to take each day as it comes, live it to the fullest, create treasures for Grandmother’s House for as long as I am physically able - it will never make me ($$) rich, but the heart will be happy - and a happy heart is a wealthy heart! I have a good life….and now, I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Thank you Carolyn for such a great article and so many wonderful crafted things you share with us.
I love reading your comments.
Have a wonderful day and many happy costumers!
Frauke
Lovely interview and so enjoyed reading about Grandmother’s House! Wise and encouraging words from a super lady! Love your R&D team, awesome! Thank you so much for sharing with us, Carolyn!
Wonderful interview. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
Carolyn, what a great interview! You know I just love your stuff!
Carolyn - such a lovely read! I’m touched by the Marie Curie quote, thank you for sharing that.Continue to live each day to the full for many many MANY days to come!
Carolyn! I am so thrilled to have read your interview. What a lovely extra glimpse at a brilliant encourager.
I had no idea you were in your 70’s! You don’t look it my friend and you are so computer savvy! Great job!
Sarah
This has to be one of my favorite interviews!!! I absolutely adore G.C. and this was stellar!!….and I agree: Seven cookies are DEFINITELY better than one! LOL
Thank you, all, for your gracious comments - Judy did a wonderful introduction and in case you haven’t looked at “the House” lately, she/PortableGraffiti has also done a colorful new Banner - I’m so thrilled with it, she’s so talented!
Carolyn
Carolyn, You are one of the brightest stars shining in the Zibbet sky! I can’t help but smile every time I read your comments over in the Community. And now I’m smiling because after reading your interview, I feel even closer to you! Thanks so much for being you! Vicki
It’s great to see Carolyn featured here. Well deserved recognition.
Lol! Lol! Lol! Any time I read your comments I have to laugh or smile and it is the same with the interview. Thank you!.
Grandma Carolyn is the master of words!
I liked the Marie Curie quote but also what your mother used to say. - I will used that on my kids!
Wonderful interview! What a pleasure to get to know you!
So wonderful that my wonderful virtual Grandma has been featured this week! I didn’t know how I needed to see that smiling, positive face until I saw it. Always full of wonderful ideas and support, Grandma Carolyn is a treasure.
Glad she has been recognized here as one as well.
Your positive, uplofting spirit is contagious. It’s an ‘infection’ you’ve spread amongst many Zibbeters and one we wouldn’t trade for the world. HUGS!♥
Thank you for stopping by to read this interview - The Featured Zibbeter is MY favorite read of any given week - it’s a delight to get to know the people behind the pictures, and behind the Shops…..I feel as tho’ my circle of friends has expanded ten-fold in the last year. Like Bar Eva, it’s a little difficult to talk about me - I would rather talk about YOU and enjoy your gifts!
This wonderful woman deserves to be “Zibbeter for the Year”! I also think this has been my favorite interview to date. I had no idea, Grandmother Carolyn, that our lives have had so many parallels.
We are the same age… well, I think I am a tetch older for I am in my 71st year :>)
We both enjoyed a career in real estate. I got my license when I was 50 and just gave it up in February 2011 though I have not been active for the past two years. How fortunate your clients were to have such a caring agent as you must have been.
Your warmth pours out to hug us all throughout this interview. We are all so proud to call you friend and may you flourish for many years to come for you have so much to offer anyone whose life you have touched.
Hugs, Faye
Carolyn - you are so right, the craftsmanship of yesteryear is slowly fading. I’m just happy to be one of those “young” folk who are trying to carry on a tradition and learn a real skill and a valuable lesson in life. - Julessa
Yea, Grandmother was interviewed! Thanks for the great interview. You are a great friend to have and an inspiration to all of us.
Hugs,
Lori
Carolyn,
What a great interview. I would love to sit and have coffee with you!!! Your attitude about life is much the same as mine.
Cheryl
I think it’s wonderful to see Grandmother featured here. She is a wonderful Zibbeter and we’re lucky to have her here in Zibbet with us!
Grandmother Carolyn,
I was so glad to see you in the spotlight! Great article that tells a little more about you & your life! You’re always there for all & so sweet.
Nancy
I JUST love you. You are so sweet & kind. I love reading your comments around the community. Your smiling face has truly brightened my day!!
This interview is wonderful, and I hope tomorrow brings you even more happiness and joy in your life. You are truly a gem, and I agree with Vicki, you are one of the brightest stars in the Zibbet sky, and I also agree with Faye, you do deserve to be Zibbeter of the year! Guiding us all with your wisdom and love!!
Becky
Oh, you fun people! Wise old Grandmother Carolyn had NEVER seen a knitted baby bib until today - can you imagine?!?!?!? Our friend, Frauke, has listed several today……and they are adorable! So, while you may think Grandmother Carolyn is “wise”, etc., she’s never too old to learn…………
Thank you for the lovely compliments, one and all!
Grandmother Carolyn
Enjoyed reading this! LOVE your mother’s quote about the “alternative”…I intend to begin using it with my kids asap! Also, those ‘I love you pillows’ are darling. : )
it’s about time you were the featured zibbeter! you are a constant positive presence here, and most certainly are appreciated for all your kindness you show everyone here. wonderful interview! i love those weekday bibs, they are too cute!
Awesome interview and so down to earth. I love the pillows too
Carolyn- what a nice interview! You always seem to have the right words to say. I love what your mother told you when you were “complaining”- “consider the alternitive.” I may have to keep that in mind with my girls:)
Your creations are AdOrAbLe!
jennifer
A great interview! I loved reading it!
As the week ends, I just wanted to take a quick minute and warmly thank everyone for their kind comments and extra attention to Grandmother’s House this past week. We all love to be appreciated, and I can assure you that all of YOU are appreciated in return! So to quote the above, “I wonder what tomorrow will bring!” (in this case, WHO tomorrow will bring…..)
Thanks so much, Blessings all!
Grandmother Carolyn
Took me all this time to find you. You appeared on the Zibbet Artists board! Great photo, Carolyn.