Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff.
My name is Sara, I’m married with one child. I’m trained as an attorney. We live in the Bay Area with two furry cats.
Briefly describe what you make.
I make lots of things – toys for babies out of felt, homey wall art for nurseries, blankies (to be added to the shop shortly), and (for the grown ups) hand-stamped stationery.
Where does your shop name come from?
I was struggling to come up with a name that would sound like a place from which things might spring forth, and I also wanted it to sound kid friendly. As for Workshoppe, my etsy shop in progress, I wanted a shop name that was generic enough to encompass whatever I’ve been feeling like making, but specific enough to convey a certain style.
How did you get started?
I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t crafting. I think this has always been a part of me.
Where did you start and how did you progress to work you are creating today?
I’ve always done papercrafts – I can’t remember the last time I purchased Christmas or Thank You cards, for example. As for my baby stuff, I’ve been really inspired by my 12 month old son, Hank.
When do you decide to turn your craft into a business?
I decided to launch RabbitPatch last summer after a photo of a name sign I’d made for my son got a lot of unsolicited (and positive) attention on a craft blog.
Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.
When I’ve got the itch, I look through my stash for a pieces of fabric that looks like it would be fun to use, or a stamp that hasn’t gotten much action lately. I’ve always been one of those people who creates in bursts – I get an idea in my head and create and create for several days and then I’m done or a few weeks. Most of my work has to take place in the evenings after my son has gone to sleep, and I don’t really have any dedicated craft space. Those two factors make consistent crafting a challenge.
What are your favorite materials?
Paper and fabric.
How do you describe your design style?
Colorful and exuberant!
How do you market your business?
I hardly do any marketing or promotion. I participate in my etsy team, the Artsy Danger Ladies, and I hand out business cards. I’d like to do more marketing.
Where else can we find you and your work?
My apartment! I’m also starting to look into doing craft fairs. Also look for Workshoppe, where I’ll be selling stationery and other odds and ends, more oriented for adults.
What artists have influenced you, and how?
The French Impressionists are a huge influence on me in terms of theme and color. I also have an affinity for early to mid 20th century conceptual art, the kind of stuff that lost of people look at go ‘huh??’ I think art and craft are great mechanisms for making people think abou why they value particular aesthetics.
Who is your favorite musical artist?
I will forever be devoted to Duran Duran.
What is your real life like?
Busy! And awesome.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
Playing with my son, exploring with my family. I love to cook and plan parties. As I was recently laid off from my job I also spend a lot of time job hunting.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of running your business?
Getting sales feel pretty awesome, and I am always delighted to hear that a buyer likes the items as much as I liked the item.
Please have a look at the wonderful and charming toys and home accessories in the RabbitPatch. And don't forget to check back for more information about the opening of Sara's other store, Workshoppe, in the future. Next week there will be another team member profile, as well as the start of our awesome 12 Days of Holiday giveaway!
.
Posts
