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(music by Michael Chapman, Jukeboxer, Fred Wallace)
Mary Helt and Chris Sittel of maryink met at a party while visiting their families in Nashville. At the time, Mary was living in New York City working as a photographer’s stylist and Chris was working in Florida at a silk-screen studio. They started visiting one another, having t-shirt parties and coming up with new project ideas.
After a few years of living apart, they finally moved to the Virgin Islands to start their original silk-screen design company, maryink. While Mary is the designer behind maryink, Chris functions as the steady hand behind the printing process. Mary’s designs have a 1970s Scandinavian and folk art influence, and she also incorporates elements of embroidery, weaving and bitossi pottery. The shop is known for its interesting designs, silk screened votive candles, jewelry, tote bags and t-shirts.
Even though living in the Virgin Islands was paradise, running a business proved difficult. Chris and Mary soon packed up and headed back to Nashville, where the low cost of living allowed them to dedicate themselves full-time to maryink.
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75 comments
Sign in to add your ownlindamade says:
yay mary! glad to know it's going well. xoxo.
3 years ago
redyellowandblueink says:
nice article. I enjoyed the story in the video. Great to watch them work, see their space and their process. I like what was said about loosening things up in their work/images. I like handmade items to look handmade, not super slick. I like to see and get a sense of uniqueness and originality when I have a hand made item, to see the craftsmanship in the item, have a sense of the hand of the maker.
3 years ago
mtraub says:
i want a spinning silkscreen structure!
3 years ago
jamieribisi says:
I've been watching this shop for a wihle drooling over the shirts :)
3 years ago
BlackStarBeads says:
Another great portrait of a Tennessee shop! Great job guys~
3 years ago
daniellexo says:
Can I move in with you guys? I don't take up a lot of room!
3 years ago
calebwalt says:
awesome video, tara.
3 years ago
weirdwolf says:
Shooting with Chris and Mary was super fun! What a lovely couple, what lovely designs... Thanks everybody for taking the time to watch the Handmade Portraits series!
3 years ago
maryink says:
OMG, I just watched it! Thanks for the nice comments everyone. And Tara, you did such an amazing job! Thanks so much for the hard work, you are just the coolest.
3 years ago
hobbledehoy says:
great video!
3 years ago
mermaidclaire says:
And my Nashville obsession grows and grows... I love the star top so much! Great video!
3 years ago
TeenAngster says:
Such a sweet video. Chris and Mary seem so real and into what they're doing - it's the real deal! And the house and yard and studio - Nashville gets more and more appealing...
3 years ago
supastarr says:
Absolutely beautiful people doing beautiful work! I have serious work space/equipment envy. xoxox
3 years ago
art2theextreme says:
What a great video! I have always adored her shop!
3 years ago
sarawearsskirts says:
Mary and Chris are some of the sweetest, friendliest and wonderfully creative people I've met since I began working for Etsy. So fun to see where all the maryink magic happens!
3 years ago
PickalaPoopa says:
I met Mary & Chris at Renegade last December, their booth was near mine. When my back was turned they bought a magnet set from me. I remember sitting there during the show and looking over at their display and trying to pick my favorite design of theirs, it was tough. And being mesmerized by the tealights, so pretty. Two sweet people, wish continued success!
3 years ago
VermontFairies says:
How wonderful to "meet" you! I wear my tunic ALL the time...you are so inspiring. :)
3 years ago
thenoisyplume says:
The bluebird tote bag was the very first thing I ever purchased from Etsy! I now use it as my "mailbag" to carry my mountain of packages to and from the post office! Maryink holds a sweet spot in my heart. XO
3 years ago
circularaccessories says:
Very nice video. Thanks for sharing your work and new ideas with us (off pallet printing), very cool :)
3 years ago
CharmStar says:
Yay Nashville!! Yay Maryink!!! What a fantastic video - thanks for sharing!!
3 years ago
Hyena says:
I can't wait to recycle this amazing star shirt! Mary and Chris are wonderful persons. I tell you a secret: they are even nicer in real life.
3 years ago
juniperberry says:
yay! The video turned out awesome...go go Nashville!
3 years ago
Fondue says:
sweet vid you guys are the best
3 years ago
ibuythings says:
your shop is adorable. thank you for being. i need to buy a tshirt.
3 years ago
wonting says:
Yay I love the video and I'm so glad that I get to see their house and their studio! Mary and Chris are an amazing couple :-)
3 years ago
selflesh says:
Great stuff!!! ;)
3 years ago
ChristinaWard says:
Chris and Mary are some of the finest folks around.
3 years ago
livefunky says:
Yay, I love maryink! Great video.
3 years ago
loyaltyandblood says:
Congrats you two!!! Loved seeing your amazing space & now have even more studio envy! Thanks Etsy for a wonderful profile on one of our favorite t-shirt designers!
3 years ago
DistressingDelilah says:
ok, so there shop just sort of rocks! love it! So original!
3 years ago
maryink says:
Thanks everyone, ya'll are so sweet to comment! We are really thrilled with the response, and appreciate you tuning in!
3 years ago
BPyarns says:
really nice
3 years ago
scarletbloom says:
Lovely article on such lovely people! Wonderful, inspiring work.
3 years ago
zombuki says:
One of my favorite sellers for a long time, it's so nice to see them featured here!
3 years ago
Slowshirts says:
Even though table printing takes longer, it sure is fun to get off the press and print big, we agree! Great video, wonderful to meet you both at Bust Craftacular!
3 years ago
kahliya says:
Great video! and a really lovely couple,their wonderful creative energy is very inspiring!Wish them lots of luck,continuing their eplorations which will definitely bring them to even greater heights..Thanx for the article!
3 years ago
Freitag says:
I'd like to have a spinning silk screen stand, too, please!
3 years ago
humblebea says:
Awesome video, I really enjoyed seeing you both at work! (-:
3 years ago
JoAnneWare says:
What an interesting video. It was fun to see the inside of the studio watching artists work. It was also interesting to hear their opinions on art, etsy, et. al!
3 years ago
missbatch says:
Hooray for Mary and Chris! Lovely video, very inspiring to see your process and your love for what you do!
3 years ago
DeborahVoizin says:
Way cool.........and to find someone that you love that loves to create!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats to you both!
3 years ago
sunnyrisingmetal says:
I love this video and the beautiful silkscreening!!
3 years ago
isewcute says:
Wow! Wonderful video! Your works are gorgeous!
3 years ago
nectorgirl says:
That was great in the video about the focus on "process" and what that means to an "artist," Beautiful.
3 years ago
SepaDesigns says:
so great to see that a couple can work together and create such great things. very inspirational
3 years ago
PGsGemspiration says:
What a great video! Wow! You guys do wonderful work. Congratulations on a great shop.
3 years ago
blithegardens says:
I loved the video. The screen printing process is really interesting - cool t-shirts!
3 years ago
KristinFriesen says:
how sweet and inspiring! i loved it! i want to see more videos like this. :)
3 years ago
kristensteinfineart says:
Great video. Really enjoyed your shop!
3 years ago
MaestraEva says:
I could never do anything like that. I'm really, really impressed
3 years ago
thebeersoapcompany says:
Love it, very inspiring. I love how the two of you finish off sentences for each other:)
3 years ago
ASTORY says:
Very inspiring and satifying to see two artisans follow their design ideas through, and continue to experiment with the process. Cheers to you! Laurie Klaue
3 years ago
glutamatedesign says:
Thankyou you too, you rock! love the laid back but efficient attitude! jessica
3 years ago
fabricfun says:
I love your candle holders! great video! very inspiring!
3 years ago
maryink says:
wow, thanks guys! i was just dropping in to see if there were any comments because i am seriously procrastinating, and it's nice to read so many sweet sweet ones! we really appreciate all your support! best wishes to all of you! xxoo-mary
3 years ago
jessicalaurendesigns says:
That was a great video! Very inspiring. I always think what if I can't make it out there in business. You two seriously have inspired me to continue persuing my dreams and to push forward. Thanks!
3 years ago
shecological says:
Thanks for being so positive and generous in sharing your story. So sweet and affirming! Thanks to Etsy for putting these resources out here!! I am going to go print!!
3 years ago
BeverlyVarietyStore says:
Really nice Video Tara. Congrats Maryink. It was so fun to see how you work. I love your amazing items!
3 years ago
bhangtiez says:
luv the votive...lovely work both of u!
3 years ago
ecstaticjewelry2 says:
Thank you for the story. It's very inspiring.
3 years ago
SewNook says:
This is the first video I watched and I LOVED it! What a great start to my morning! What inspiration!
3 years ago
NewelryJewelry says:
Lovely story. You definitely have unique products.
3 years ago
moonstr says:
wonderful over all:D
3 years ago
saraaires says:
Wow! Really inspiring! Thank you so much.
3 years ago
mpaperarts says:
More videos like this one! What a pair they are.
3 years ago
HeatherArt says:
love your sense of business and ability to create great art! Love the handmade feel of your designs. very inspiring!
3 years ago
Lunaversoul says:
Great video!
3 years ago
CositasSeriasVintage says:
wonderful article and video!
3 years ago
mykonos says:
great creations!!
3 years ago
18ontheAlley says:
awesome video....so true, how the handmade element is so much more rewarding/important than a paycheck....great vid :D
3 years ago
trudiedavies says:
I have a smile on my face, how inspiring and how cute and well just cool!
3 years ago
sisply says:
i love these shirts!
3 years ago