Interview with Charmyourmemories from Etsy

Etsy is full of incredibly talented artisans who are passionate about creating and sharing their crafts with others. One inspiring artist on Etsy is Barbara of charmyourmemories. She makes vintage reproduction clothing, handbags, vintage themed aprons, hostess gift sets, and table linens. Here you will find out what makes her a unique and talented Etsy artisan:

Tell me a little bit about yourself and your Etsy shop.

I am a mom to three girls and have been sewing, crafting, or making art for over 20 years. A few years ago, I started B Stauff Designs on Etsy as well as some other sites. I made original design handbags as well as reproduction vintage clothing. Business was growing, and I had worked hard to network and get my name out there. Then, two things happened: The recession hit and I had to go back to work, and last September I found out I have breast cancer. But, life moves on and the economy got better. Also, since I had to quit work to recover from a mastectomy and deal with chemotherapy, radiation, and the like, I had the time to start crafting and sewing again!

Charm Your Memories began as an idea my best friend and I had to make unique charms and pieces of art made from things people treasure. A favorite children's book could be cut up and made into a charm or a collage. A treasured family photograph could be copied, and the fabric in the clothes they wore could be applied to the outfit in the picture to create a 3D piece of art. Vintage fabrics could be re-purposed into aprons, and locks of hair or sand from the beach on your honeymoon could be preserved in tiny bottles and made into a charm. The shop is new and trying to stock it up while going to radiation everyday is a challenge, but it will be over in a few weeks and then I can really sink my teeth into this new venture!

What inspires you to create?

Good fabric, vintage patterns and fashions from the '40s and '50s, things I see in magazines, great colors, the natural landscape... It differs all the time.

Describe your creative process.

When I get an idea, I write it down and then do some research to see if it can be done. I make a list of what I will need, and then, I will sketch out what I hope it looks like. Once that is done, I begin making the item. Normally this is a trial and error process until I am happy with the final result.

What are some of your own favorite creations?

There are some handbags I made that were really pretty and sold really fast. I also love several of the vintage dresses I made because they brought me back in time and brought a lot of happiness to the people who wore them.

How do you want your craft and business to evolve?

Well, first, I would like to have moderate success here at Etsy and be able to branch out to craft shows. Next, I would love to find shops to carry my work, and ultimately I would love to have a shop of my own.

What or who influences you as an artisan?

Other artisans I know or who are on Etsy!

What brings people to seek out your creations and what makes your work unique?

I would have to say my choice of fabrics and how I combined them was what gave me the most following in the past. I hope that my unique ideas and selections of something for everyone will be the key this time around.

What choices have you made that helped your business the most?

The thing that helped the most last time that I will be doing again is networking. Be active in the forums by helping, not just posting your items. Tell friends and family what you are doing and show them what you make. Always wear or use your creations if you can so the world can see it. Keep business cards on you and when someone comments on your great _____, say, "thank you, I made it," and hand them a card!

What advice would you give to other artisans?

Be true to yourself. Don't copy another artist or make things just to try and make a quick buck. If you are in this for the right reasons, do what you love, do it the best of your ability, give great service, and have fun. The rest will follow.

Where can your creations be found?

Right now just here on Etsy, but I also am working on a website, and I do home shows.

Enjoy all of charmyourmemories' beautiful creations, and all of the creations of the many other wonderful Etsy artisans.

You can also see my own jewelry creations in my Etsy shop, ideology, here, and you can read more articles about the many creative Etsy artisans here.