Thursday, August 27, 2009

Friday Finds... FabricGreetings



Friday Finds... FabricGreetings



This is my fourth interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy.

My new find for this week had actually contacted me before I actively searched for new artists to feature in a convo on Etsy, so when it came to it I was blown away pretty early in the search and couldn't resist in asking for an interview. It took me ages to contact them however!
As I'm constantly documenting at the mo, I am SHATTERED beyond belief... Could do with a good nights sleep, that would do the trick! (prays that son will behave himself lol). Anyway, I love the concept of this sellers work. Innovative, very trendy and SOOOOOOO colorful! I was delighted that she agreed to work with me this week, so I give you Alyce from Fabric Greetings...



(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)









-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My Name is Alyce Templeton and I live in Elkton, Maryland with my hubby of almost 43 years. I was not a child bride, so you do the math!

-- What is your business about then? My business deals with fabric postcards. They are very mailable works of textile art done almost entirely on the sewing machine. They came about because of severe hand problems which prohibit me from making and stuffing the whimsical dolls I did for years. But something good always comes from something bad. I had seen some postcards at the Houston Quilt Market many years ago and decided I could figure out how to build a better mousetrap – namely making the cards mailable without an envelope.

-- How did Etsy come into your life? Etsy came into my life because a customer at a craft show asked me to open so she could see my items without having to travel long distances to get to me. I am not real computer savvy. So it was a very stressful decision.

-- Are you working a day job too? Fortunately, I had the option to be a stay at home Mom many years ago and never went back to a full time real job. I do teach sewing and related classes at several quilt stores in the area.

-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? Sewing and fabric have been important to me forever. I can’t imagine not being able to sew everyday. I love combining colors and textures as well as the unexpected. That is why these postcards are so unique.

-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? I guess what I really would like people to understand is that a friend is a special and unique person. There isn’t another one in the world like him/her. So why buy a card that has been mass produced and is not unique and special. I love what I do and I would like people to be able to enjoy the experience of receiving a unique card.

-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? I think the three words that describe my products are colorful – fun – unique.

-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? My average day is pretty relaxed. Once my knee is fixed, I will be back to walking 3-5 miles early in the morning, doing as little housework as possible and spending hours at the sewing machine, fixing an evening meal and reading. When my hubby retired, I made it clear I did not do lunch unless he was taking me out!

-- What's your favourite material and techniques to work with? Who says you can’t sew paper or plastic to cloth – or paint it. Once I had received one of these cards, I became aware of just how they can brighten a day. They are truly keepsakes. With a string, ribbon or cording, they make wonderful luggage tags. You can find your suitcase immediately. You can sit them on a table easel or frame them for wall art.

-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? This probably sounds funny, but for me, sitting at the sewing machine is winding down. We are off soon on a long vacation to Maine. And in the back of the car will be my sewing machine and the makings of my Christmas cards. I will sew a bit everyday and really feel like I am having the greatest vacation in the world.

-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? I am not a real shopper. But I have prowled the shops looking for unique gift items. And I have found some great supplies for my cards.

-- Any last words? Thanks again for this opportunity. I will be looking for it on Friday.

Alyce

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