1. How long have you been sewing? FOREVER, I can remember sewing outfits for my Pound Puppies stuffed animals when I was little. But I started PETUNIAS after I had my son over 4 years ago. That is when I really got serious about sewing and now do it for hours almost every day.
2. Did you learn to sew from someone or are you self taught? My mom had a sewing machine when I was young so I learned a lot from her. My grandmas and aunts could also sew so I was around it a lot, whether it was by machine or hand quilting. I also have taught myself along the way. If I want to make something I can usually find away. And I hate patterns; we just don't get along. I usually sew by sight and trial and error.
3. Favorite fabric designer? How to choose just ONE? I am a total fabric junkie and LOVE all fabric. But my top list would be: ME, at petuniastextiles.etsy.com and in my regular shop. This is a new adventure for me and one I am really enjoying and learning more about every day. I have always loved Amy Butler as well, she gets it right every time.
4. Where do you see you business in the next 5 years? I always need to be trying something new so hopefully my business will be going as well as it is today just larger and functioning with a few new products. Once my kids are in school I would like to peruse more wholesale accounts as well.
5. What's your favorite room in your house and why? MY SEWING ROOM! I have everything I need to create things at my fingertips. If I have an inspiration I can go and make it.
6. Chocolate? Not so much but any other kind of candy is my weakness.
7. What is something that not a lot of people know about you but you WISH more people COULD know? I am a stickler for good customer service. I love to receive it and hope all those potential and current customers out there feel comfortable asking questions and conversing with me about PETUNIAS products.
8. Summer or winter? Summer, I love the warmth and freedom it brings.
Offer good now through Feb. 1 and excludes S&H.
Off to go make a purchase from Petunias!
1. When did you start illustrating?
I've always been a bit of a doodler, but I didn't seriously start drawing until about 7 years ago when a friend gifted me a sketchbook, some pencils and a book on drawing cartoons. I was hooked!
2. Where do you get your inspiration for your beyond adorable illustrations?
Everywhere, of course :) I think when your an artist it's hard to not be inspired, sometimes there are so many ideas jostling around in my head I don't know where to start. I keep a bunch of little idea journals for the extra bits of inspiration so I can go back and browse them when I'm ready to start working on something new. I grew up in a rural area and still live in an area surrounded by forest, so nature is a big inspiration. And I also really dig looking at vintage illustrations.
3. Did you go to school for art?
Nope, I sure didn't. I actually have a degree in history, which I am obviously putting to no use at all. But as far as art goes, I'm completely self taught through reading a lot of books and study the work of other illustrators.
4. Any cures for a creative slump?
I'm knocking on wood as I type this, but this isn't a huge problem for me. There are times when what I have in my head just won't come out properly on paper. When that happens, I find it's best to just walk away for a bit so I'll grab my dog and take her for a walk. Or settle down to read a book. Or go to Target for no particular reason, just to do something not creative for a bit. Then when I sit down at my desk again, all is well.
5. Pickles huh? Just pickles or anything pickled? {I love pickled things FAV pickle Wickles, oh so yummy}}
Yes, I have a pickle problem for sure. I've been known to go through a gallon jar of them in about a week. I also have a weakness for pickled cauliflower.
6. If given 1000 no holds bar what would you spend it on?
I'm lucky enough to say that I have everything I want in my life right now. Of course, if someone handed me 1000 right now, I'd be tempted to blow it on lots and lots of new art supplies, but after that urge passed, I'd donate the whole chunk to the relief efforts in Haiti, which is more important than anything I want or need right now.
7. Five things in your purse right now?
-iPod
-sketchbook & pens
-shiny lip gloss
-sunglasses
-hot pink umbrella
8. Do you have dishes in the sink right now{I only ask cause I am typing this list to avoid doing mine}?
Never! I'm one of those crazy people who can't go to sleep if there is a dish in the sink. Sadly, I also enjoy doing the dishes, it's good thinking time :)
'The One' Elton John
‘Fly Me to the Moon’ Frank Sinatra
‘I'll Be’ {no artist given}
‘Set me as a seal' Matt Maher
‘I don't want to miss a thing’ Aerosmith.
‘To know love’ Little Big Town
‘At Last’
‘Baby It's Cold Outside’
‘You're My Best Friend’ Don Williams.
‘Unbelievable’ Craig David
‘By Your Side’ Sade
’How Sweet it is’ James Taylor
‘If’Bread
‘From this Moment’ Shania Twain.
The winner of a new Valentines Day Shabby Chic Snapclip is:
This past summer, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Lily. She was born with a birth defect that shortened her life to a brief 6 weeks. She made such a big impact in my life; I knew I needed to find some way to carry on her legacy. I had been selling on Etsy for a little while, but decided to close down my old shop and open a new one, which I named Lily Jane Stationery, after my daughter. I also chose to donate 10% of all my proceeds to March of Dimes in her behalf as an effort to help other families who find themselves in similar situations.
Lily Jane Stationery has a collection of individual cards, boxed and tied stationery sets, custom invitations and gift wrap. I also offer a few items seasonally - like the desk calendar and planner. I love what I do and enjoy working one on one with buyers to create custom stationery and invitations, too.
