Member Feature - Chester and Lola

Name: Sara Rothko Hauschildt
Shop Name: Chester and Lola
Brief Product Description: Jewelry, cards, and gifts for people who love birds


What is unique about your product? I focus solely on imagery involving birds, both in the papers I use and the jewelry components I include.

How did you get started? I just got sick of seeing so much wonderful handmade stuff and thinking "I could do that" -- but never actually doing it. Finally I just decided to DO it.

Where do you get your inspiration? My two lovely parakeets (that would be Chester and Lola), wild birds... also from the steampunk movement and the magazines put out by Somerset Studio.


What excites you most about your work/shop? That people really like the product!

Describe your workspace/workroom. We have an extra bedroom in our house and so I have an entire room with a table, some shelves, and a window seat! There's also a sofa bed for a little inspirational nap. ;-)

Which do you prefer: online sales/marketing or face-to-face sales/marketing? Why? Face to face is a lot easier. I'm not very adept at marketing online yet.

Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years? If I can still do this, I'd love to be doing it!


What do you feel is the most important skill you use in your business every day? My creativity.

What do you like about EtsyAustin? It's a great group that provides lots of encouragement and support to its members!

Describe something about yourself that may be a surprise to people on the team. I'm a barista and obsessed with pulling the perfect shot of espresso.

You can find more Chester And Lola at...
Chester And Lola's Etsy Shop
Chester And Lola's Website
Chester And Lola's Fan Page

Birdhouse: A Lovely New Gallery in East Austin

On Saturday I went out with a few friends for a fun stroll through the East Austin Studio Tour (E.A.S.T.). We saw so many cool spaces filled with fantastic art, and got to talk with many of the artists. One of the highlights was talking with the founders of a brand new gallery called Birdhouse. Their mission is to be a gallery with true community spirit, showing artists of all kinds that may have difficulty breaking into the scene and showing at other high-profile galleries in town. They are a great bunch of folks & have a beautiful space. Check it out next time you're in the neighborhood! Shown are works by Jen Frost-Smith & Kevin C. Foote.

If you have anything to report from E.A.S.T., please share! Whether you were a participant or a spectator, it would be great to hear from you. If you have photos or reviews from the tour that you'd like to post, contact Beth to become one of our blog authors. It's easy & fun!