so, grab a cuppa, put your feet up and lets meet elissa of not just handbags ...
Please introduce yourself …
Elissa, living in the North West, 39, married with 2 girls.
How would you describe your work / style?
Eclectic with a vintage twist.
Who, or what, inspires you?Anything from a work of art to a piece of clothing that is feeling unloved and wants to be transformed, like a butterfly into something more beautiful.
Do you sell your work? If so, what helped you decide to start selling your work?
I sell my work online and through local stockists. After retraining for 2 years in art and design my plan was to go and study graphic design, however, the colleges had other ideas. At one of the interviews the lady was admiring my handbag and said that it would be worth selling them as they were different from others that were offered. I thought well considering your not going to give me a place on the course what did I have to lose!
Where can I buy your work?I have shops on Folksy, Etsy and Facebook (please see links at end of interview). I also have some local stockists which will be listed on my website when I get around to tidying it up!
Do you have a website or blog address?
www.notjusthandbags.co.uk
How did you learn your craft?
I have always loved to sew from a young age. My mum caught me once nearly cutting up a handmade lace christening gown as I wanted to make clothes for my dolls! At college I really enjoyed the textile modules and my love of sewing came back to me. I have a love of fashion design and handbags and combined them all and voila!
How long have you been creating?
For as long as I could hold scissors!
Is there any other craft skill you would like to learn?I would love to be able to knit or crochet and have upmost admiration for those that do but I simply do not have the patience.
Anything exciting planned for 2010/2011 you’d like to share?
I have just launched a new range of homeware that I am particularly proud of. I am also looking to add to my list of stockists and some exciting plans in the pipeline although I don't want to tempt fate!
Have you had any work featured in magazines/books/galleries?
Not as yet but fingers crossed.
If I wasn’t doing this, I’d be …I can't answer that question as this is what I do for a hobby, so I would always be creating something in some form.
I couldn’t do this if it wasn’t for …
My lovely supportive hubby who has had faith in me from the start and encouraged me and had to put up with a lot of moaning when I didn't think things were going to take off. The man is a saint!
Describe your perfect day.
Fabric shopping, followed by fish and chips by the sea!
What do you do to relax?Create! This is why this all sometimes feels slightly surreal as like I said I would be doing this and making creations from fabric anyway so I sometimes cannot believe I get paid for it.
Marmite … love it or hate it?
Hate it!
What’s your weakness?
Fabric and buttons, it has turned into quite a serious addiction. I hide fabric like some women hide clothes and shoes.
How do you keep motivated?
The thought of going back to being bored out of my mind behind a desk is what keeps me motivated.
What do you wish you’d known when you first started out?
I think the learning curve has been part of the fun and I am still learning on a daily basis.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
To keep the faith, if you are promoting like crazy the sales will come but it takes an awful lot of time and patience.
Find Not Just Handbags at:-
website
folksy shop
blog
thanks for taking the time to chat elissa and good luck with your lovely new home furnishings range :)
2 comments:
Another interesting interview, I love the way she says ...
I would love to be able to knit or crochet and have upmost admiration for those that do but I simply do not have the patience..
I would love to be able sew like she does!
glad you enjoyed :)
isn't it funny how we covet another skill that we haven't yet mastered and it takes someone else to appreciate the skills we take for granted ...? :)
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