1. Who are you and what do you do?
First off, I am a little bit of a cornball. Case in point--at first glance of this question the first thing that came to mind was Kindergarden Cop and the voice of Arnold asking "Who is your daddy and what does he do?". But, in all serious with that little tangent aside, I am your average 26 year old woman trying to find her place in this "real-life" world. By day, I'm the lab monkey for a cell and molecular bio lab, but by night I'm a wife, a mom to two furbabies, and a craftoholic. I love to spend my free time goofing around with my husband, playing with our pups, crafting and volunteering for local organizations.
2. How long have you been doing your craft?
I began my trials with handcrafted-florals while I was planning my wedding from June 2009-September 2010. But, I've been crafting for many years now. I've always had a love for all medias of art and have enjoyed everything from knitting, to sculpting, as well as photography.3. How and why did you start designing?
It all began with a flash of inspiration after seeing the trend in fabric hair flowers; I couldn't help but think that a mix of them would make a beautiful bouquet. With my wedding on the horizon and as a lifetime DIYer it was a given that I would be creating as many things possible for my own wedding. Once all was said and done and the wedding came to pass I learned that many other brides loved my creations (through my wedding recap posts as a blogger on Weddingbee) and decided to listen to their suggestions and get back into Etsy.
4. What inspires you to create?
Ummm, well....I wouldn't be lying if I told you that nearly everything inspires me.
I have always had an eye for looking at things with a different scope. I love going to thrift stores and yard sales and finding items that look like junk or trash to one person (ahem...my husband) and then buying them and turning them into something new. I'm also very much inspired by the brides I work with. I love taking their ideas and adding my own twist to them to create something that we both can awe over.
5. I notice you use a lot of vintage doilies and lace in your work. Do you think this is becoming a “trend”? Why did you decide to do it?I do believe there has been a trend in bringing life to old items and that is what I love about using vintage lace and doilies. I appreciate that something beautiful and modern doesn't have to be pre-fabricated and straight out of the box. But, I am slightly biased, I have always had an adoration for all things lace and for items from years past. I think a lot of it goes back to childhood recollections of growing up in an old Victorian style house that was adorned and furnished with antiques. I was always fascinated by all the delicate details and intricate work that went into each piece.
6. Why did you decide to delve into the wedding business?
Planning and creating for my own wedding was the biggest pusher. In the process of it all I learned a lot about my abilities and what I actually enjoyed doing. I also loved the idea of being able to contribute to a bride's wedding day vision and am rewarded by the fact that my product will hold a special place in their heart.
7. Do you have any new items you plan on adding to your shop?
I have so many new item ideas for my shop and truly wish I had a clone to keep up with my brain. I've just added the budget friendly mini-bouquet to my shop and plan on creating a few more that are ready made. I've also had plans to add large single flower bloom bouquets that are reminiscent of glamelias. Eventually, I will also plan on adding vintage-inspired garters featuring miniature versions of my flowers.
8. Which items are your favorite to make and why?
I get the most pleasure out of my custom orders and love when clients challenge me to create a new variety of flower. I love this because it keeps me on my toes and at the same time adds to my repertoire.
9. Do you have a facebook, twitter, or blog?
I am proud to say, that yes, I finally have all three. I finally caved with twitter and am slowly learning the ins and outs of it. Facebook:
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Artsy-Butterfly/173055932728256
Blog:
theartsybutterfly.wordpress.com/
Twitter:
@SarahGisArtsyB
10. Do you sell anywhere besides Etsy?
No, currently Etsy is my only true venue. I've had discussions with a bridal salon owner in Georgia, but have yet to finalize the details.
Check out more of ArtsyButterfly's beautiful work on Etsy: http://artsybutterfly.etsy.com
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