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Date: 12/16/2020
CHICOPEE – One Chicopee resident has turned her hobby into a business by starting her own Etsy shop.
Debi Allard creates both ready-made and custom art pieces for shoppers all over the nation. Allard started this business about two years ago after a time of loss. She began watching online videos of people doing acrylic painting and resin work as a distraction, which inspired her to try it herself.
“In a very hard part of my life, I was just sitting there watching videos and I started to pick up different techniques and try different techniques. I reached out to different artists, artists who’ve been doing a lot of these things for years and years, and they’ve been very helpful in sharing their knowledge. They taught me everything I know and I really, really enjoy it. I thank these people every day,” said Allard.
The process was frustrating at first, according to Allard, but it was the distraction she needed. She started out by doing fluid art painting before beginning to create her resin pieces, which involves geode and crystal work. After creating many practice pieces, Allard decided to begin creating and selling.
“I had so many building up at home that I decided I need to do something,” she said.
The process of creating her Etsy shop and getting sales started slow, but then began to take off with commission work. Allard had people from Massachusetts, Florida, California and beyond reaching out to her to create custom pieces.
Each custom commission piece can be made with specific color and size requests. A typical commission piece can take anywhere from three to four weeks to create with Allard doing all the work, including packing and shipping, herself.
Allard also offers many ready-made pieces on her Etsy shop that range from coasters to jewelry. She is currently having a last-minute gift sale through Dec. 18 where all items are anywhere from 10-60 percent off. Prices for items can vary, but some jewelry pieces start at $20 and some larger resin work hits $300.
During COVID-19, Allard has seen her sales increase. She thinks this has to do with people spending more time at home redecorating and renovating.
“I’ve seen more sales and I’ve seen more expensive sales. I think with the people being at home, from what I’ve heard from customers, they’re spending a little more time maybe painting a bedroom, painting a living room, doing things like that when you’re home and then they decide that they want a special piece when they do that,” she said.
With the Christmas commission season almost over, Allard encourages customers to think ahead if they want custom pieces. Mother’s Day is another time where her Etsy store gets many sales.
“Holidays like that are really special and people should think a little bit ahead if they’re going to request something custom,” said Allard.
Those interested in learning more about Allard or purchasing a piece are encouraged to visit her Etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/DebiAllardArt.