Introducing Amy Barber of EllaSueDesigns

Want to get to know us Amys better?

Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amy Barber of EllaSueDesigns

How long have you been an artist, and how long have you been active as a business artist?

I have crafted since I was in the 5th grade when I taught myself how to cross stitch. I scrapbook, embordary, and sew. I started working with yarn about 4 years ago. My husband and I were trying to get pregant and the medication made me very sick. I needed something to take my mind off things I could do sitting on the couch. I got a Boye, Teach Yourself to Crochet Kit and the rest is history. Now I am addicted to yarn. I have since taught myself to knit. It has only been a business for me since the Spring of 2011. I started doing custom orders, then decided to go on etsy.

Are you an artist full time?

I am a wife and mother full time. In between doing that, I do my craft. Sometimes I forget and put it first; my husband helps remind me, lol.

Who or what inspires you to create?

My daughter, I make a great deal for her, hats, legwarmers, sweaters. She gets so excited when I make something new. I make a lot of my own designs so they fit her better. I also like to look at magazines and Pinterest and see what others are doing.

Describe your work space.

I have a craft room, but my husband says I have a craft house. I have a place it is suppose to go, but I like being with my family, so it usually ends up in the living room or our bedroom. I am very messy. I know where most things are, but I like to work and not be bothered by the clean up until a project is done. The problem is I have so many on going projects.

What kinds of things do you like to do in your free time?

I crochet and knit. I know that is my "work" but I love it. I do not go anywhere without yarn. My three-year-old daughter always ask if I have my yarn purse when we go out the door. I also like to watch old movies and read.

What is your favorite handmade item, made by you or given to you?

I have two crocheted blankets my grandmother made me when I was born. We used them when our daughter was born. I love the heritage of that.

What does being an Amy mean to you?

I always liked being an Amy. It was a popular name when I was in school, but I liked that it was simple and down to earth.

I live in the country, am learning to embrace my life as a stay at home mom. I was a professional for half of my life until this summer, but I like the simple life of making my own dish soap and cooking eggs from our chickens. Having my art and creativity has helped my make the transition this year. I am able to find purpose in simple things, even a string of yarn my daughter uses as a "rope" for her Barbies.

twitter: drabarber

facebook: ella sue's flowers

etsy: ellasuedesigns

email: aparmenterbarber@gmail.com

Please contact me. I would love to have everyone join me on facebook.

Introducing Amy Kephart of KPhotographyDesign

Want to get to know us Amys better?

Here continues a series of getting-to-know-you interviews.
Next up: Amy Kephart of KPhotographyDesign

How long have you been an artist?
I started graphic design about 6 years ago when I designed for a local band. They broke up, I started college and started to get into drawing/painting . I also started doing photography about 6 years ago. I have always loved photography and gotten serious about it in the past 2 years.

How long have you been active as a business artist?
About 6 months on Etsy and Facebook.

Are you an artist full time?
Not full time, part time yes. I have another etsy shop with handmade items (knit/crochet, bows, headbands, etc.) plus 3 children, house work and college. But I do spend most of my free time designing or taking photography.

Who or what inspires you to create?
My children are definitely my main source of inspiration. Nature and music also inspire me a great deal.

My work place is my living room mainly, outdoors sometimes.

What do you like to do in your free time?
knit/crochet, photography, spend time with my husband and children, learn new songs on my guitar, hang out with friends, enjoy being outside.

What is your favorite handmade item?
Probably my owl hats that I sell and made for my children.

What does being an Amy mean to you?
As with anyone, we're all unique. Being an Amy to me, means that I'm unique and creative, I strive to make and create unique items that are sometimes personal and unique to me, which could prove useful and unique to other people .

Find more KPhotographyDesign on Facebook!