Indie Artist Interview- Crafty Staci

This is the 2nd post in a new series here at Indie Crafts that I am super excited about. I love getting to know fellow artists, so what better way to do that then to actually interview them? Today I am interviewing the very talented Crafty Staci! Let’s get to know her:

Who are you? Where are you from?

I ‘m a lifelong Oregon, and currently live in a little town called Boring. My house sits on the side of a hill overlooking a valley with the Sandy River running through it. It’s a very peaceful and inspiring place to live. My husband and I have been toying with the idea of moving somewhere tropical one day when we retire though!

When/why did you decide to sell your work?

When my husband got his dream job many years ago, we decided it was a good time for me to stay home with our 1 year old son and 3 year old daughter. As the kids got older and started driving themselves, they didn’t take up so much of my time. After so many years away, I was no longer qualified for the job I had left, and I really wanted something more creative anyway.

I’ve been a crafter since childhood, and thought I had something to offer in the form of a craft and sewing blog. Shortly after I got that rolling, I decided to take a shot at an Etsy shop. I listed some bags I had made from a popular pattern I had shared on my blog, and there they sat for a couple of months. I almost gave up, but in the meantime I had designed a pattern for a camera lens cap holder, and made a few to list in my shop. They were gone almost as soon as they went up. I had found my niche.

I eventually removed the bags and added more photographer-specific items, like straps, memory card wallets and business card holders, all of which I designed myself. I’ve since added coffee cup sleeve kits and vendor aprons, expanding the definition of my customer from strictly photographer to “artists, makers and movers.” I opened five years ago, and am very happy with the success I’ve had so far.

What is your favorite type of crafting?

That changes every single day. I’ll try just about anything once. I tend to circle back to sewing though, because I love the flexibility and creative promise of fabric.
Explain a little bit about your process.

I feel like I have two jobs: the blog and the shop. I do a lot of custom work through my Etsy store, so I almost always have orders in different stages covering one end of my work table. On the other end is whatever I’m working on for the blog. The middle is where the work actually happens. Most days I’m like a pinball between those two ends and the computer, but it all gets done!

What does your workspace look like?

I’m so excited about my newly finished work room! It’s been a years-long process, but we just completed the last of it. It’s full of cabinets, good lighting, lots of storage and a huge countertop. I feel completely organized and have lots of room to work. You can see photos of it on my blog. It’s my new happy place.

What is one thing you have you learned from your business?

Patience. Don’t assume because something doesn’t work out right away that you should give up and move on. The blogging and online sales worlds are all about reach, and sometimes that reach takes a little time.

What inspires you?

My family. My husband and kids are my biggest fans and have supported me all the way in everything I’ve done so far. They inspire me to continue making them proud.