Meet the creative: The Goose Beary Shop

Name: Joy Niehaus
Brand/Company: The Goose Beary Shop

Tell us about your creative background. When I was pregnant with my oldest daughter I had to quit my job and stay off of my feet as much as possible. I was super bored so one day I talked my husband into taking me to a local quilt shop. I walked in and told the ladies I had no sewing machine and no sewing experience but I wanted to make something for my daughter. They walked me through how to hand piece a quilt. Sewing it together was pretty easy, but trying to quilt by hand was a pain so I borrowed my mother-in-law’s sewing machine. I loved it and a few months later my mom gave me a sewing machine for Christmas.Most of what I do is self-taught. I would spend hours on line searching for tutorials and patterns (this was before the days of pinterest).

How did you end up doing what you do now? When my oldest daughter was turning two I wanted to get her a Waldorf Doll for her birthday. I couldn’t afford one though so after hours and hours of reading vague tutorials online I bought some super cheap materials and made her one for her birthday. It was horrible! But we still have that silly goofy looking first dolly named “Annie”. 

After that first doll I was hooked. I probably made a dozen or so dolls out of cheap materials before I got up the courage to buy the really nice all natural materials and make my first true Waldorf Inspired doll. 

All the other things I sew have similar situations. I saw something I loved and couldn’t afford so I learned how to make it myself. I know try to price my items so that those who aren’t inclined to make their own can still afford quality handmade items. 

What is your favorite thing you have every created? I get attached to all of my dollies. I think the two things I loved the most are a mermaid I made for my daughter because she and I picked out the fabric and yarn together after she begged me to make her a mermaid. I had NO idea how to do it and I told her that. Her reply was “But you can make ANYTHING!” It gave me the ump to try something new. I also love a quilt I made for myself. 

Are you working on any new projects or learning any new techniques? I’m ALWAYS trying to grow and change and learn. My newest project is some beautiful bags that I’m hoping to have available soon. It had a lot of techniques I had never tried like recessed zippers and gussets. 

Where if your favorite place to create? It changes season to season. My sewing machine is currently in our basement so I can sew while the kids play. My favorite place to do hand work though is in a giant chair by our front window. 

What inspires you most? My kids and friends. Almost everything I have ever learned how to make is because someone sends me a picture and says “Can you make this?” I’m also really inspired by colors and patterns. My favorite part of creating is picking out fabric patterns and yarn colors and making something beautiful out of them. 

What is your creative soundtrack? This changes season to season as well. A lot of time I have a season of White Collar or Gilmore girls on in the back ground. Musically I listen to a lot of J.J. Heller. Pretty soon I will start listening to Christmas music as I prep for Holiday shows. 

What do you love most about what you do? I love making something beautiful for other people. My favorite part is when I get photos or emails from customers of a doll being loved on by a little one. It is hands down the highlight of what I do.

5 Vintage Things to Collect (on a budget!)

When it comes to collecting, we tend to think of the tchotchkes or knick-knacks that once cluttered the shelves of our grandparents. I get it! By default, I have been collecting things since I was a little girl. My mother started an antiques shop when I was five (I was being hauled around all over New England and the rest of the east coast scouring for antique things way before it was cool!), and I truly found a love for all things vintage and useful.

For some reason, when I am out and about thrifting at yard sales and antique markets, my eye always goes towards certain things, and yours may too! We all have those things that we love for whatever reason, and we are drawn to them. Fortunately for me, my collections don't include expensive art, large items or things that are easily breakable, and today I would like to share with you a few of my finds that are not only functional (for the most part!) but also affordable. So, here is a glimpse into the tiny little hoarding side of me.

1. Oven Serve Dishes - I adore these little dishes! Most of them are small, but I have pie plates, oval dishes, custard cups and a few bowls. For some reason the solid color with the raised floral pattern just attracts my eye. Plus, they can be stuck in the dishwasher and microwave (sparingly, as these were made way before microwave times), and they are sturdy little guys. I buy these any time I can find one under $3, although I have paid up to $8 for the large bowls that can hold a salad. I have found them for 25 cents, which makes my heart sing! They are great for butter or a scoop of ice cream, and since I have so many they are perfect for a buffet when you need to divide up condiments and such. Aren't they cute?

2. Vintage Candy Tins - Most of these guys are stamped with "Made in England" on the bottom, but they used to hold candy... what a beautiful presentation these once were! They are made of metal, and some have hinged lids. I love using them for all sorts of things. The green one holds some of my favorite nail polishes, and the pastel floral one actually holds our pocket change. There are so many uses for these in bathrooms, kitchens and even to beautifully organize an office space. I normally don't pay more than $3 for these, and I find them often at yard sales for 50 cents or a quarter. So fun! 

3. Pitchers - I really can't get enough of these little guys. I have considered weeding out my collection (you truly are only seeing a few pieces from each of my larger menageries), but they are so useful! Again, I have paid as little as 25 cents for these (all vintage) up to $2-$3 depending on how much I like the pattern. Some have absolutely no use, such as the tiny chef, but others are great for syrup (heat it up so it's not cold on your pancakes!), creamer and other functions. They don't take up a lot of space, and such a wide variety of small pitchers can be found out there. I also do have a small collection of larger pitchers, which are perfect for pouring beverages. 

4. Floral Pins - I will readily admit that I also have a cousin with very similar tastes that also collects these, so my eye is doubly on the lookout for them. They are so fun to wear as a "pop" of color or focal point on an outfit, but don't be afraid to put one on your purse or scarf. I have a much broader price range for these... again, the least I have paid is a quarter, but I have splurged and spent $8 (and even $18 for one that had mother of pearl insets) and up for them if they really speak to me. When you consider what a NEW piece of costume jewelry would cost nowadays, these really are a bargain, and their look is very endearing. 

5. Vintage Bags - Ok, okay, I'll admit it. Surely you have been impressed with my 25 cents to $3 range finds so far, right? Well, this category is definitely where I can put some money down! I adore formerly-loved purses, and I actually use them. The smaller ones are great for a night out, and I do have several larger purses that I utilize regularly (although I do have to be careful about wear and tear as some are fragile!). Price definitely varies on these. I found the purple-ish one at a yard sale for $1 (I couldn't get my money out fast enough, I was so excited!), but I purchased the brown one with the metal for $25 at a local estate sale... the closure was just something I hadn't seen before. Also, the start of my collection was the silver metal one that belonged to my grandmother. So special! 

* Bonus Collection - Vintage Globes - These are not something that I collect personally, but ever since my son (now 13!) was born I have been collecting globes for him. Most are small, metal banks, but he has quite a collection of them. One he has is a pencil sharpener, but you would never know it until you opened it up and looked inside. When he was young, I wanted to decorate his room with something that would last until adulthood, and I think I found just the thing! I have paid anywhere from $4-$15 for the pieces in his collection. Since they are vintage, it is fun to see countries that have changed names or aren't there any more. He even has a few globes in different languages. They add a pop of color and are just fun to look at in a room. 

Well, there you have it! Tell me, do you collect anything? Are you a purger, and you can't even stand the thought of collecting anything? I would love to know! If I am being honest, I would have to tell you that I excluded my collection of vintage dresses and paint-by-numbers paintings, but there's always another day. Happy collecting! 

Jennifer Prince is the dynamo behind the niche women's magazine, clutch. As an only child, she grew up immersed in the world of antique shopping, thrifting and expressing creativity. Now as a wife and mom, she writes about all things local both for her blog (Hill City Bride) and magazine. Join her as she discovers new and inspirational things for women! Special thanks goes out to Liz Cook of Sincerely, Liz: Photography for taking the lovely photographs of these collections. Check out more of Liz's work here.