As many of you know, EtsyBABY team members are extremely talented. We
wanted to take a peek at the person behind the creativity. All
throughout May we will be interviewing shop owners, to get a glimpse of
the designer behind those adorable baby products!
What inspired you to begin a shop featuring your own designs? When my twin granddaughters were born in July 2010, I rediscovered how much fun it is to knit for babies and children. I had been knitting mostly adult sweaters until then. It's easier to be creative when children are involved, and of course they look cute in everything! When I realized that people liked the hats I was making, I decided to try Etsy.
What is your favorite material to craft with? I love to knit with alpaca and merino wool. I am aware, though, of the need for baby clothes to be easy to care for, so I also knit with washable acrylic.
How long have you been practicing your art/craft?
I have been knitting and crocheting for 50 years. I started making granny squares in the schoolyard during recess in 2nd grade, and started knitting soon after that.
What training have you had or are you self-taught? I am basically self taught. In the 80s I worked as a knitter for a sweater designer, and perfected my joining techniques while working for her. It was also the first time my work was being sold, so I was much more focused on the details.
What has been the hardest aspect of creating a hobby into a business? The hardest part of making a business of my knitting is the marketing aspect. As someone who is technically challenged, I am constantly learning how to use the media which comes so naturally to my children!
Any advice for other Etsy sellers? My advice to other sellers is not to give up. It takes time for people to discover your shop, and there are MANY crafters to compete with! Don't be discouraged, and keep trying new things, and keep listing new items. When you do make a sale, be courteous and helpful to your customer, and make sure to ship your work in a timely fashion.
What do you enjoy doing in your off time? When I am not knitting, I love to try new vegetarian recipes. I also Skype with my granddaughters who live across the country from us. I am constantly sending them new hats and ponchos to model for me, and like to see them on the computer bringing my creations to life.
Describe a typical day in your life... A typical day in my life has calmed down quite a bit since my four children have grown. I can now wake up at about 8, check in at Etsy and Facebook over a leisurely cup of coffee, knit a few hours, do some housework, knit some more, make dinner, knit some more....I would have killed for even a portion of this time twenty years ago!!!
Where can we find your products online? My creations can be found on Etsy. I am also an artist at Bliss co-op in Sugarloaf, NY. My Facebook page (under construction) is PixiesnPeanuts.
Thank you Laura, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to grant us an interview!
As many of you know, EtsyBABY team members are extremely talented. We
wanted to take a peek at the person behind the creativity. All
throughout May we will be interviewing shop owners, to get a glimpse of
the designer behind those adorable baby products!
What inspired you to begin a shop featuring your own designs?
The thought of being able to continue to create unique children's and baby items-loving being able to do what I do!
What is your favorite material to craft with?
My favorite is to be able to mix them all together! painting on wood worked items, fabric on wood worked items, embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery...
How long have you been practicing your art/craft? Ever since I can remember! I remember painting in elementary school, selling hand painted baby onesies and t-shirts while I was in college, making hand painted costumes for my little cousins, always homemade presents involving lots of different elements.
What has been the hardest aspect of creating a hobby into a business?
Finding the time to document/record everything that I do.
Any advice for other Etsy sellers? Do what you love and love what you do!
What do you enjoy doing in your off time?
Spending time with my children and working on my projects with them!
What training have you had or are you self-taught?
I am actually a registered pharmacist and a self taught artist of many
different media. Self taught artist, art on fabric-embroidery, art on
hand crafted wood worked items, art on canvases/watercolor paper, art on
walls, paper art, mixed media art...I feel certain that I've left
something out! OHHHHH, photography!
Describe a typical day in your life...
Running my boys around-to school and back, children's activities, working on several projects at once and doing my best to avoid cleaning the house....or so my husband thinks-ha!
Where can we find your products online? At my etsy shop or check out my blog!
Thank you Shannon, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to grant us an interview!
