As a longtime worshiper at the pantyhose-strewn altar of Amy Sedaris, I was more than a little excited to interview her. (More like extreme fangirl whimpering; kind of like when the Beatles played Shea Stadium.) You may know Amy from her myriad character roles in television and movies, as well as her most iconic creation, 46-year-old high school freshman Jerri Blank of Strangers With Candy. However, she’s also a fiend for entertaining, as evidenced by her first book, as well as an accomplished crafty lady.
Amy’s latest creation, Simple Times: Crafts for Poor People, has tongue-in-cheek tips aplenty for the wannabe crafter who has ample time, a healthy supply of pipe cleaners and an affinity for sniffing glue. Simple Times outlines every conceivable aspect of a crafter’s lifecycle: “feelings boxes” for the angsty teenager (carve that anger with a rusty screw!), homemade gingham bloomers for your new lover and even the craft of storytelling. Amy also evinces the traditional art forms of painting rocks and glue-gunning googly eyes to peanuts, cigarettes or any other stationery item. Clearly, we’ve got a lot to learn.
Without further ado, on with the show (er, interview)!
Your first book, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence, made a kitschy hostess out of many would-be cooks and casual entertainers. Simple Times approaches crafting with a similar mantra, except with hastily constructed roach clips. Do you have a philosophy of crafting, or do you just really love pompons?
My philosophy is simple: if plain people craft, and attractive people hav
e sex, and you find yourself a crafter, take comfort in the fact that with crafting, the risk of STDs is greatly reduced. Also, I really love pompons.
Is it true that anyone can craft? (Really? Anyone?)
Absolutely, anyone can craft. Stick a fistful of pencils into a potato and you’ve got a pencil holder. Who can’t do that?
What’s the first thing you remember making?
I made a glazed clay ashtray for my dad’s office. He still has it, of course — he still has everything he’s ever laid his hands on. I also remember painting rocks and covering the bottom with felt.
Define “the simple times.” (Does it mean eating the bad parts of the pig? That’s just what I heard.)
Are there any bad parts of a pig? Simple Times is simply rekindling the memories of yesteryear for a better tomorrow today.
Do you have to be poor to be a crafter, or does it just help your creative process?
Anybody can craft, but when you don’t have much money, you are forced to be resourceful. Crafting is about recycling old materials and reforming them into simple somethings that nobody needs, so it helps to be resourceful.
You’ve got a pretty complex series of stretches to accompany an afternoon of crocheting. What accidents await if you’re not properly prepped to handle a glue gun? Any horror stories to share?
Sure. One afternoon I was behind in my googly eyed peanut quota and was anxious to make up the difference. In a hurry to get started, I didn’t properly flex my digits before grabbing for the glue gun and madly affixed googly eyes well into the evening. As the pile of expressive peanut shells grew, I realized my hands were starting to stiffen. My paws grew numb, accompanied by tingling sensations. It was as if, instead of hands, a couple of small hams were hanging from my wrists. I was forced to soak my mitts in a solution of warm water, salt, and chicken bouillon. It was a few hours before feeling was completely restored, but I never played oboe again.
Crafty candle salad
What foods best complement an afternoon of crafting? Is it ever okay to ingest crafting materials?
Sniffing glue is a must! I say stews or soups. The sorts of foods that won’t be overwhelmed by traces of sawdust and glitter.
What’s your favorite item you’ve bought on Etsy?
The last couple of things I bought were some vintage animal cards and a quilted gingham appliance cover.
If you could craft with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
If I pick a dead person does it mean I have to craft
while accompanied by their corpse? That just makes
me uneasy.
Amy, the teen artiste
And finally, what are pantyhose made of, anyway? And why are they the best crafting material?
Well, as any child knows, pantyhose are condensation copolymers formed by reacting equal parts of a diamine and a dicarboxylic acid. I love working with pantyhose because they are durable, malleable and I like the threat they pose: they can cause urinary tract infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, eczema, hives, rashes and bacterial vaginosis. Danger keeps me on my toes.
Any thoughts for Etsy readers?
If you craft, and you should, craft with abandon and don’t judge your work. It’s the process that’s important, not the final product. Remember, for every person who deems your project crap, there is another person who hasn’t seen it. The only person you have to please is yourself, and what do you know about art?
And now, a few excerpts from the book:
The Ten Commandments of Crafting
I. Remember the crafting day, to keep it hobby.
II. Thou shalt not attempt crafting beyond thy intellectual capacity — a nitwit can’t knit.
III. Thou shalt not craft graven images of thy neighbor’s wife.
IV. Thou shalt remember to replace the glue cap so the top of the bottle doesn’t dry out and then thou hast to get a pin to poke a hole but the glue never really flows as well as it did before.
V. Thou shalt not fill envelopes with glitter and confetti and send them in the mail.
VI. Thou shalt remember that popsicle stick crafts only have the illusion of being structurally sound.
VII. Thou shalt not force a mollusk out of its shell by boiling it alive but rather coax it out with a fork when making a shell necklace.
VII. This craft book, which towers above all other craft books, is a jealous craft book. Thou shalt have no other craft books before it.
IX. Remember to honor thy crafting and pastimes for they are a great way to get your mind off all the damage thy parents did.
X. Thou shall not covet thy neighbor’s crafts, even though those crafts look like they are supposed to, and thouist crafts resemble a random pile of yarn.
Amy on drugs and alcohol: “There is no question that intoxicating substances help enhance the crafting experience, which most can agree is a tedious pastime. Simple Times will not judge the use of these craft-enhancers, for truth be told, much of this book was written under the influence. The point is, inebriation will lead to more crafting accidents than sobriety, but the upside is, these accidents will seem much more amusing.”
Ask Amy:
“Is crafting right for me?”
The following characteristics are essential for successful crafting. FIrstly, every crafter must possess a contortionist-like dexterity or monkey-hands. Secondly, superior hand-eye coordination is critical. All crafters must excel at precise, high-velocity hand movements not unlike the jaws of a snapping turtle or a lizard’s tongue, if that lizard could decoupage with the same agility he uses to catch flies. Thirdly, it’s important for all crafters to possess an inhuman tolerance for highly toxic chemicals. So, as you can see, crafting is an equal-opportunity pastime; all are welcome, as long as you fit the profile.
“Ideas: Where do they come from?”
There are hundreds of dozens of ways to stimulate your brain so the creative juices flow. Rummage through a dumpster. Look at old album covers. Spend time at a Renaissance faire. Find new friends who have better ideas than your old friends. Explore garage sales and swap meets. Go crabbing! Buy fruit and let it get old: what shape does it turn into? What kind of bugs does it attract? What would glitter look like in that fish tank? How would shells look glued to that toilet seat? Let your mind wander, awash in possibilities. Imagine that luggage covered in beads!
Thanks to Amy for sharing her nuggets of wisdom with us! You can purchase Simple Times (out today!) online at Indiebound or your favorite bookstore.
Check out Amy-inspired crafts in the Related Items below.
P.S. This isn’t the first time we’ve interviewed Amy! Check out this post from the archives.
Alison is Editor in Chief of the Etsy Blog. When she's not trawling Etsy for pottery, folk art, and vintage oddities, she enjoys exploring New York, historical nonfiction and thrifting. She loves a good cat video.
295 comments
Sign in to add your ownJewelryByJLy says:
Great article! Thank you so much for sharing!
1 year ago
creativityismessy says:
LOL!! I love this!
1 year ago
WeeBindery says:
I love Amy! Great article! I just saw her on TV this morning with Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda!!
1 year ago
VivaGailBeads says:
interesting article, and pics...
1 year ago
theblackstrap says:
hilarious! exactly what i needed today
1 year ago
SOMETHiNGMONUMENTAL says:
I love Amy Sedaris! This was such an amazing post!
1 year ago
VIZArt says:
i love Amy Sedaris!
1 year ago
hattieshouse says:
AMY, I raise my pink kool-aid glass (with a dash of vodka) to honor your ageless wisdom on crafting!!!!
1 year ago
SparklePaw says:
She is one of my favorite people on the planet!! Fantastic interview!
1 year ago
sewlola says:
So cool! I have to check her books.
1 year ago
thatyountvillegirl says:
I'm the nitwit that can't knit ! thanks Amy....it's good to know one's limits....
1 year ago
jammerjewelry says:
Wonderful article!
1 year ago
McYarnpants says:
I was delighted to find my pre-ordered copy of Amy's book waiting for me on my desk this morning! It's hilarious and helpful. I think I'll spend today at work with my nose taped up like a shut-in.
1 year ago
DecoFamara says:
Love this article. Thank you for sharing with us.
1 year ago
lauraprentice says:
I have a hard time believing that Amy Sedaris is poor, but a fun quirky article anyway!
1 year ago
stanleymoons says:
Love Amy. Love gingham. Have the first book will have to get this one. Craft on!
1 year ago
Modulation says:
Oh Amy Sedaris, how i love thee..... Alison, I am so jealous that you had the opportunity to interview her! Her first book had me in tears...my sides actually hurt from laughing! I can't wait to purchase the new book!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Ah gosh this made me lol, fantastic pictures! : D
1 year ago
tasticlife says:
I love Amy Sedaris!
1 year ago
birdie1 says:
Delightful reading!
1 year ago
DayDreamerVintage says:
Funny Article, Thanks for sharing. "Strangers with Candy" a very odly funny movie :)
1 year ago
TangledArts says:
Great article!
1 year ago
TangledArts says:
Great article!
1 year ago
rozzie says:
Fun photos! those tin can faces reminded me of a tv show I watched as a child "Recycle cycle!"
1 year ago
whitehaus says:
10 comandments of crafting are probably my favorite part of this post. love love amy! she is from my hometown, too!
1 year ago
Faeriedtreasures says:
lol. As an actual oboist (I play the oboe), I can say that ham hands would definitely keep you from playing the instrument. Glue gun injuries are dangerous! :)
1 year ago
ShastaCreations says:
Wonderful - just wonderful!
1 year ago
darkponydesigns says:
That was pretty hilarious!
1 year ago
Sapphire714 says:
The humor was great, and the pictures only added to it! A fun read =)
1 year ago
buffalump says:
Absolutely LOVE Amy Sedaris-- everything she touches is magical!
1 year ago
polishedtwo says:
HILARIOUS!
1 year ago
KnitKnit says:
Love the article & Amy! I'm a huge fan as well. The Nutly Reunion cracked me up! Thanks so much.
1 year ago
RamshackleStudio says:
Love Amy Sedaris.... Thank You!
1 year ago
polkadotmagpie says:
LOVE Amy ...figures Teenangster blogged this story. :-D I am crazy for the "nutly" items. Thanks for the smile.
1 year ago
monkeyandsquirrel says:
eeeeeeeep... i lurrrv her!!! i just saw her brother (david) live 2 weeks ago. how does so much amazingingness occur in one family?!?!?!
1 year ago
GaGa4GiftTags says:
Cute article!
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
great ideas!
1 year ago
beatyboutique says:
"I've got something to say!" OMG! There is no one I love more than Amy Sedaris (and Jerri Blank!) I've been wondering what she's been up to and I guess its crafting.
1 year ago
laceydu says:
As I read the interview I kept scrolling down, just hoping that maybe, maybe, I'd see that Amy Sedaris had an Etsy shop!! Hee. Maybe she has a pseudonym?... Wonderful interview, thanks!!
1 year ago
beatyboutique says:
You are my favorite comedian of all time Amy!
1 year ago
3squares says:
hello from raleigh! thank you for a fun read. looking forward to checking out the book.
1 year ago
SingerRaven says:
Thank you for making me laugh!!
1 year ago
SGArtandFashion says:
LOL!!! aMy iS oOaK!
1 year ago
3pearls says:
I've been happily following everything Amy does for years now. I think I'll hang the ten commandments on my wall :)
1 year ago
ourfrontyard says:
Absolutely Hilarious!!! Thank you!!! :)
1 year ago
imadeyouabeard says:
buhahahaha! i love amy sedaris, what a fun interview!
1 year ago
leuckit says:
Hilarious!
1 year ago
katrinshine says:
Wonderful article!
1 year ago
poppyswickedgarden says:
Super cute:) Thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
SillyHilli says:
This interview is genius! Big fan of Amy Sedaris!
1 year ago
PluckingPendants says:
killer interview! Love this
1 year ago
tinyearsjewelry says:
I like your tin can characters, but they would hate me... LOL. thanks... Casey @ Tin Years
1 year ago
TheArtOfJoy says:
Awesome article! I'm so jealous that you got to interview her!
1 year ago
Tarapparel says:
great article!
1 year ago
LittleCutieCakes says:
Great article, thanks for the laugh!
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
she is hilarious. love her food book. will have to check this newest one out.
1 year ago
michelemaule says:
Amy Sedaris! yes! This made my day.
1 year ago
littlebugjewelry says:
LOL, I am crying from laughing!
1 year ago
johnclark says:
that's so rad. she's my favorite.
1 year ago
topsyturvydesign says:
I love you Amy Sedaris!
1 year ago
chelseapapercakes says:
fantastic!!
1 year ago
katiearms says:
YESSSS!!
1 year ago
LeafandInk says:
Amy, You scare me!
1 year ago
RandomlyGenerated says:
Oh god, I wish commandment 5 was law. Wedding invitation makers take note!
1 year ago
tigersanddragons says:
Brings back a childhood making egg carton necklaces and bleach bottle napkin holders with my grandma...she could turn any refuse into craft. Thanks for the laughs Amy.
1 year ago
Studio827KC says:
LOVE this! Must add to my Christmas list!
1 year ago
LaBellaCandela says:
Love me some Sedaris! I live in a town called Nutley, so I found the little peanut Nutly characters extra fabulous...
1 year ago
laurastark says:
Love Amy, she's the best! That pantyhose bit made me laugh.
1 year ago
maclancy says:
this could be the funnest article to be seen.. I love her personality and her crafty goodness as well as her uplifting candor on all things crafty... how good is this.. A+ I say! now grab that glue gun and get over here.:-)
1 year ago
ModernShop says:
Great article! Amy never disappoints!
1 year ago
bedbuggs says:
I just watched you on TV this morning! So creative and great job! However I have to disagree that only non-attractive people create...too many Etsians are attractive and creative! ;)
1 year ago
abodewell says:
I love Amy! Now I'm gonna' go drink, operate heavy machinery and make some beautiful housewares! Great interview, Alison!
1 year ago
UrbanRevisions says:
so funny. Amy is hilariousss!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Hilarious! I need that book now :)
1 year ago
thimblythings says:
Best interview EVER!!! Love those Sedaris kiddos.
1 year ago
workingforpeanuts says:
We love the Nutley Reunion!! We love Amy even more!!!
1 year ago
bonspielcreation says:
Only Amy could get away with mentioning bacterial vaginosis on Etsy. Hey, I just did too, so I guess I'm in the same league with Amy!
1 year ago
theeye says:
haha..imagine growing up with her and her brother David... such a funny lady
1 year ago
ADrauglis says:
i know it's been said, but the pantyhose bit is hysterical
1 year ago
LeTrip says:
Is there any bad part of a pig? Amy is one of my very favorite performers and very favorite craftswoman. I love that she shops on Etsy! Thanks for the fun interview.
1 year ago
VeronicaRStudio says:
Loved the interview, so funny! Thanks for the laughs!
1 year ago
theroyal says:
just one more reason to know amy sedaris is awesome
1 year ago
IcingOnTheCupcake says:
Love it, too funny!
1 year ago
laralewis says:
"Remember, for every person who deems your project crap, there is another person who hasn’t seen it." Ha! Thanks for the laugh!
1 year ago
Nikifashion says:
CUTE:O)
1 year ago
owlbot says:
Love her!
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Haha! Hay, I'm watching Amy on Kathy Lee and Hoda right now! I'm gonna pee my pants...ahahahaha
1 year ago
RageoftheAge says:
HIL AR I OUS! Thank you for the comic relief today :-D
1 year ago
abrekhus says:
Haha, this was awesome :)
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
What a great lady! And "The only person you have to please is yourself, and what do you know about art?"... what a great quote! Love it!
1 year ago
sewZinski says:
eeeeeeeee!!!!!!! Can nOT WAIT TO GET THIS BOOK. mad love for Mz. Sedaris.
1 year ago
sonyarasi says:
Funny stuff! She rocks!
1 year ago
saltcityspice says:
Amy & Etsy are the perfect combination - love her!!
1 year ago
hobocampcrafts says:
Amy is my all time favorite person. We got our name, Hobocamp from Strangers with Candy. Big fans all around thanks for thinking of us poor peeps! xo
1 year ago
calloohcallay says:
Great interview--love the 10 commandments. I'd love to see her pantyhose creations!
1 year ago
QuiltedNoodles says:
Great article. She is a hoot!
1 year ago
tantancharms says:
OMG! I'm going to have to get her book. This interview is hilarious! I love her!!!
1 year ago
ericawalker says:
Lucky you, how fun! She's such a hoot.
1 year ago
moonsongranch says:
I was amused the whole way... Thanks for the great interview.
1 year ago
pulpandpaisley says:
Aaahhh...brilliant...love Amy Sedaris. That made my day:)
1 year ago
FeltShmelt says:
Love, love this - we love you Amy!! I love the stretching for crocheting, haha - very important. Thanks for the laughs!! :)
1 year ago
CositasSeriasVintage says:
AWESOME article!
1 year ago
HoboeJane says:
crafting is good for the soul :) we must do it because we love it!!!
1 year ago
MsBittyKnacks says:
Amy your too much! Loved the photos!
1 year ago
artlife says:
oh she is a gem!! hahaha --> "Remember, for every person who deems your project crap, there is another person who hasn’t seen it."
1 year ago
sushibooties says:
This makes me so happy! Thanks for the interview! Will definitely be buying the book! Such a huge fan of the Sedaris Fam!
1 year ago
bedouin says:
In stitches ~ love the photo's and quirky connection
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Amy, I just saw you on Dave Letterman. You are so funny! Are you ever serious? I love the the way you never lost your child like view of crafting. How can we do crafts without LOL with your book? I've read your brother's books and Know humor is in your genes!
1 year ago
piratejayne says:
Always fun with Amy.
1 year ago
princessdoodlebeans says:
YES! This is just what I needed today. Will be following the 10 commandments of crafting from now on. :0
1 year ago
thestapeliacompany says:
Now I know what I want for Christmas. Haha. Her first book was hysterical. This could well be my favorite blog post ever. :)
1 year ago
PearsonMaron says:
LOVE! I'm so inspired I'm running around the house putting googly eyes on all the appliances.
1 year ago
SHAbang says:
so you've interviewed Amy not once, but TWICE?? fangirl hyperventilating!! Thanks for this. Can't wait to pick up my copy <3 her.
1 year ago
sacredsuds says:
Omg, this totally made my day! I was in dire need of a laugh, and Amy had me in stitches. Thank you, Amy, and thank you, Alison, for the hilarious questions!
1 year ago
VintageZen says:
OMG... so awesome!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
Love the tongue in cheek satire of Amy Sedaris's work. I'll have to check out this book on her spoof of crafting while we wait for her next spoof on other things that signify the signs of our times.
1 year ago
thewildplum says:
Lord, I'm in love.
1 year ago
thecottagemarket says:
amy and her brother david rock at the written word and can make you laugh forever. thanks for sharing -- this was an ejoyable read for sure! thanks!
1 year ago
elmstreetmarket says:
Ha, this is awesome! I love you Amy!
1 year ago
tuckooandmoocow says:
Awesome interview! Love, love, loved it!
1 year ago
BingoBox says:
Awesome !!
1 year ago
luckyratfoot says:
Best etsy interview yet! I think a cross-stitch sampler of the commandments is in order.
1 year ago
stellasavestheday says:
Peeing my pants right now!! (ok, not really....) Love you, Amy!
1 year ago
CuteKiddoBoutique says:
I love this article!!!
1 year ago
choisette says:
i worship amy sedaris.
1 year ago
JulieMeyer says:
Love it - Thanks so much! LOL
1 year ago
18ontheAlley says:
Great article!!!! I love AS <3
1 year ago
sweetpeatoadtots says:
She is awesome!!!
1 year ago
kadydesigns says:
Very funny article!! Laughing so hard right now. Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
Msladyyl says:
COME TO MY SHOP. I HAVE GIFTS FOR EVERYONE.
1 year ago
Nathalyc says:
I LOVE IT ! i LOVE ETSY- EVERYTIME I LOG IN I HAVE A SUPER SMILE ON MY FACE I NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT :) SO MANY CREATIONS ,SO MUCH LOVE IN TO AVERYTHING !!!! XOXO Nathaly
1 year ago
MomOf7Monkeys says:
Just saw Amy on KathyLee & Hoda then started my usual day on etsy & saw her interview! Thanks for the HAPPY inspiration, Amy your a JOY!!!
1 year ago
blueflowervintage says:
Love Amy Sedaris! So funny! Thank you!
1 year ago
ponyboypress says:
Wow, I am such a huge Amy Sedaris fan! Great interview. I am looking forward to the book.
1 year ago
VintageZen says:
that was frikin hilarious.
1 year ago
DanaCastle says:
Yea! Great interview! I have the book on hold at the library, and I can't wait to read it!
1 year ago
maegansart says:
I really can't stand what people call "crafting" :P
1 year ago
joclothing says:
Love her!!
1 year ago
baconsquarefarm says:
I'll repeat what everyone else has said, incredible interview, laughed out loud, can't wait to read the book. Yea Amy and Etsy as well. :)
1 year ago
JennCaen says:
Ahhhh, bringing back the gloriousness (my word!) of all that was 60's-70's crafting! So macrame-ish, olwish, golden-rodish, olive greenish, Holly Hobby-ish, rug hookingish, patchwork catish....who could do it better than our loveable and kooky Amy Sedaris? I say "our" because she is a national treasure. I think she solidified her status with her fab cookbook. No one else could get it right like she did... down to the photog which captured the strangely congealed looking food. How could it look so sickening yet appealing at the same time? It was like opening a time capsule!!! Now all I need to do is close my eyes, and I am back in my parents living room with the ultra-long olive green shag carpeting...lying on the floor, talking on the olive green phone (tethered by a ten foot radius of phone cord of course!) and doodling all over the phone book much to my mother's chagrin. THANK YOU AMY!!
1 year ago
TwoKazoos says:
love.her.
1 year ago
VeraVague says:
ah ha ha! i just spent two hours pouring over this read and gathering whimsical fuckery idears. Crafting For Jesus!
1 year ago
BlueRoomBijoux says:
Incredible comedian! Thank you for the article!
1 year ago
yogiodie says:
Awesome!
1 year ago
ldh13 says:
I think she just described my existence. LOVE it! Off to the glue room.
1 year ago
Legacy925 says:
I love this woman! Hilarious! Thanks for posting!!!! <3
1 year ago
TheWayUmakeMeFeel says:
Loved it!! I craft everyday :) Just can't stop. She's a hoot as well. LOL
1 year ago
AlluringLinks says:
Very cute! I'm going to live my life according to those Ten Commandments of Crafting haha!
1 year ago
SmithAndDaphne says:
Absolutely hilarious! I now understand your adoration.
1 year ago
OhBoyCatToy says:
yay yay yay! I love her!!!
1 year ago
laurrose says:
this made my day. can't wait to get the book...i love the first one.
1 year ago
dlcportraitsandillus says:
Yay Amy! I love it! So do I need to start drinking if I want more sales? Hmmm....how would my drawings/paintings look...I'll have to give that a try! ;P
1 year ago
DalkullanJewelry says:
That was the funniest thing I've read in ages! I was laughing out loud, luckily I'm home alone so there was nobody around the wonder about my sanity. Thanks so much for a wonderful article!
1 year ago
SophieAndTheCat says:
thank you! ♥ this!
1 year ago
SquidWhaleDesigns says:
Alison, you lucky DOG! I am so excited about the new book and so sad I'll be missing Amy's book tour stop in Philly Friday. GREAT article!!!
1 year ago
knottyandnyce says:
Hilarious read! I love Amy Sedaris. That interview must have been so much fun. Loved the Crafting Commandments! Going to post those in my den for a laugh. Thank you for posting this
1 year ago
CraftyStaci says:
I was interested in this book before, but now I have to have it!
1 year ago
4pippi says:
Hilarious!! I love Amy! Great Article. Thanks for making me laugh..
1 year ago
PDXfabricdeli says:
Oh, that is just so true. Hurray to all crafters!!!
1 year ago
VieModerne says:
I want to be Amy Sedaris when I grow up.
1 year ago
cherryandviolet says:
Oh my gosh, I love Amy Sedaris! This is awesome!
1 year ago
julessabjewelry says:
Amy, thank you for reminding me of the rules of crafting! Sometimes I forget to flex my neck and end up carrying around a head that's just lopsided and dangly.
1 year ago
Minxshop says:
I love her. I just watched Strangers with Candy the second time through. <3
1 year ago
girltuesdayjewelry says:
I type this as I wipe a tear from my eye from laughing so hard! I will heed the Crafting Commandments--especially #9.
1 year ago
Lonraigh says:
I loved this article! It's so important not to take your work too seriously, and to remember to take a step back to enjoy yourself. Also, I am jealous that humor and wit seems to run in families. Though perhaps Amy has the monopoly on artistic genius -- I have no idea about David's glue-gunning practices.
1 year ago
NerdJerk says:
This was great! I'm so glad that we're highlighting nutty crafters like Amy Sedaris. She's freakin' awesome. :) Super refreshing interview. Gotta start flexing my digits before using my glue gun. :) Thanks for the tips!
1 year ago
HellsSewingCircle says:
Wow so much fun. I have to show this article to my friend who gushes about googley eyes! My favorite are the trees with eyes. :D
1 year ago
allthepreciousthings says:
Nothing wrong with "poor people's" craft...look what creativity came out of the great depression! (not sure if they had glue guns back then)
1 year ago
Schmutzerland says:
Love Amy! I have her last book. I actually am from NUTLEY NJ too. Who knew?
1 year ago
CatzillaCrafts says:
EEEEEE!!! Thank you etsy!! I'm in love with Amy! I get to see her again in a couple weeks when she visits Asheville, yay! =^_^=
1 year ago
lorenabr says:
Lovely :) Looks like fun!
1 year ago
J2Jewelry says:
Dear Ms. Sedaris- You are amazing and I like you. Sincerely, Jenna
1 year ago
J2Jewelry says:
Dear Ms. Sedaris- You are amazing and I like you. Sincerely, Jenna
1 year ago
thefortunateoak says:
great stuff!
1 year ago
strawberryluna says:
<3 We love you Amy <3
1 year ago
Laniec1 says:
Too funny, although I have to disagree about the whole alcohol and crafting, I once sewed by thumb to a shirt after only a half a glass of wine... I blamed it on the wine of course!
1 year ago
JojosBootique says:
Just love the 10 commandments of crafting. There is also one other important crafting rule. . . When crafting with friends and your craft doesn't look like everyone else's - Remember that the crafting fairy will pay you a visit overnight and it always looks better in the morning! (Because you don't have the other crafts to compare it to!)
1 year ago
sophiacorinneART says:
Everything about this book makes me happy.
1 year ago
polarity says:
I love Amy! I always have brilliant ideas at night and then in the morning - it is always- what was I thinking with that?! Def geting the book
1 year ago
TheRedDoorPursuit says:
How fun! Truly inspiring to the real deal crafter.
1 year ago
FancifulFluff says:
Love this! Some of the crafts at the bottom reminded me of ones I used to create out of the pages of Highlights magazine as a kid!
1 year ago
OonaJamesStudio says:
*wipes tears of laughter from cheeks* I ♥ Amy!
1 year ago
homespunireland says:
Very diplomatic choices in related items!
1 year ago
TanjaDesign says:
Absolutely great article! So true! I remember growing in SE Europe, we weren't poor but many things were inaccessible and I was forced to be resourceful. And the 10 commandments, hilarious!
1 year ago
redemptionart says:
omg, never thought reading through etsy would have me in stitches...but then it is about crafting..stitches...oh well, thanks Amy you are too cute and an encouragement!
1 year ago
dditta says:
So surprised to see that Amy is a crafter, that's awesome. One multi-talented woman.
1 year ago
forthebettys says:
Love it!!! I love the picture of the work space ( in aw actually) as well as the part about under the influence while crafting. Yes, this can make the accidents a little more commical and easier to deal with. Darn pin pricks-ohh well! teehee. Love it and will read more more more :) ForTheBettys
1 year ago
mavrou says:
first david, now amy! or is it the other way round? to be honest i discovered david first! :) in any case sedaris family is amazing in every aspect! :) i love them! great article and inspiration! thanks! :)
1 year ago
ralexandrap says:
Amy's outlook on crafting is awesome!!! Get your pantyhose out of the sock drawer and into the studio!
1 year ago
finedaypress says:
Love Amy!!! I have her first book and it always makes me smile. So glad she has done another one :)
1 year ago
girlscantell says:
niiiiiiice!
1 year ago
bleuherron says:
sweet commandments! love no. 5. Don't send glitter! :)
1 year ago
finedaypress says:
I love Amy and her no-holds-barred unapologetically zany approach to crafting! I have her first book, and it always makes me smile. So glad to hear she has another one :)
1 year ago
Lambert says:
Love Amy Sedaris, great interview!
1 year ago
farouche says:
This is great!
1 year ago
TexturedArtByDonna says:
I have NEVER read anything more fun, more honest (if not fun & funny, again) EVER on Etsy. Please tell us more about you, frequently-----please help set us free girlfriend!!!!! You're my kinda gal....the one "who gets the joke"...as I like to say --- and screw the rest! Supremo Kudos :)
1 year ago
dessertfirstdesigns says:
I'm a huge fan of Amy Sedaris, since Strangers first aired back in '99 or so. So glad she loves to craft and cook too. I bought her cupcakes back in the day in the West Village and I've bought her doodads at Bust Craftacular. Thanks for the great article.
1 year ago
BootsNGus says:
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
riskybeads says:
I LOVE Amy Sedaris!!! Very proud to be from her hometown!
1 year ago
bflyjune says:
Wonderful & very inspiring!!
1 year ago
Xenotees says:
This is phenomenal- big fan of Amy + SWC! OH and the panty hose part- I seriously never thought of them that way! I think I'll add some glitter to my soup tonight, in honor. Or at least a googly eye or 2...
1 year ago
junkyardglitter says:
Interesting answers. Could she be funnier? I almost choked!!
1 year ago
terraceramics says:
Fun stuff, thanks for including my retro planter.
1 year ago
sherrytruitt says:
Gotta love Amy. Thanks for the laughs!
1 year ago
dkshopgirl says:
Fun and quirky - she certainly puts some 'zing' into craft and a good laugh along the way.
1 year ago
yumiyumi says:
LOVE her.
1 year ago
andiespecialtysweets says:
HI...larious! Will be added to my Christmas list.
1 year ago
VedaArts says:
she's crazy awesome! love you amy!
1 year ago
andiespecialtysweets says:
I'm just inspired by all the muscle on Amy's body, that could be another book..."Weight Lifting Under The Influence"?????
1 year ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
the most inspiring story ever, Amy! if i ever have any doubts again about some of the junk i collect for "some day", i'm gonna think of you and have fun and create it with abandon!!!!
1 year ago
TheCottageCheese says:
Yay, I love Amy Sedaris! One of the funniest chicks on the planet :)
1 year ago
designlab443 says:
That gal cracks me up!!! So fun!
1 year ago
savagesalvage says:
So Happy. The 10 commandments will be taped to my studio wall post haste.
1 year ago
IslaNewYork says:
Hahahaha! I love this interview! The pictures are too funny!
1 year ago
whiletheyplay says:
I LOVE it! This article made me laugh and slap my knee repeatedly! :)
1 year ago
PEACEandWELLNESS says:
These pictures are hilarious! Deborah - Peace and Wellness Custom Jewelry Charm Bookmarks
1 year ago
yesstreen says:
Fabulous!!! LOVE it!!
1 year ago
arsniccandy says:
Awesome!!
1 year ago
heatherfuture says:
Sooooooooooo good! Such a fun read! :D
1 year ago
thesleepingdog says:
Such a Sedaris fan! Awesome post. Going to hunt for nuts and google eyes now...
1 year ago
treasurebooth says:
Oh my goodness, the funniest Etsy interview EVER :) Amy, you rock!!! Now off to glue shells on our toilet seat...
1 year ago
EclectiCollection says:
I laughed the whole time while reading this...she's too funny!
1 year ago
PeriniDesigns says:
Amy, I wish you lived next door to me.......
1 year ago
beevintageredux says:
Oh yay! I looove Amy Sedaris!That woman is a hoot and a half. Fantasticly fun interview. PS- Sounder advice has never been given: "V. Thou shalt not fill envelopes with glitter and confetti and send them in the mail."
1 year ago
MetroGypsy says:
Her and her brother David, are absolutely FANTASTIC! Kudos to the crew @ Etsy for giving a crafty gal nod to this talented dame!
1 year ago
TheTrendySparrow says:
I love the 10 commandments of crafting!
1 year ago
vivstrauss says:
I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard and I needed to! Thank you Amy!
1 year ago
mietteLove says:
You made my evening. This rocks!
1 year ago
ShabbyNChic says:
This was too much fun! And that's what crafting is supposed to be! Thanks.
1 year ago
WendysJoy says:
her quotes are going up on my art room wall. It IS true that sometimes the process is more important than the end result. lol. I have lots of special treasures that are my joyful journey. yay AMy! awesome article. I think I will have to get this book.
1 year ago
AlwaysApril says:
I love her so! GREAT post
1 year ago
ScentfulNeeds says:
Wonderful humor and great article!
1 year ago
PoleStar says:
Hello from Raleigh! I see your brother's hardwood flooring van around town all the time. Favorite: Any thoughts for Etsy readers? If you craft, and you should, craft with abandon and don’t judge your work. It’s the process that’s important, not the final product. Remember, for every person who deems your project crap, there is another person who hasn’t seen it. The only person you have to please is yourself, and what do you know about art? Love this and thank you for the thoughtful interview :D
1 year ago
EmmieBean says:
"Remember, for every person who deems your project crap, there is another person who hasn’t seen it. The only person you have to please is yourself, and what do you know about art?" BEST. QUOTE. EVER.
1 year ago
TulleMeAboutIt says:
I so agree EmmieBean! Great article! :-)
1 year ago
Frankenkitty says:
Amy's awesome. I'm glad you got to interview her!
1 year ago
kenshoyarns says:
I don't like being called 'poor.' I prefer 'financially challenged.'
1 year ago
VonlenskaVintage says:
so funny! i loved reading this! thank you for sharing!!
1 year ago
SandBagsDesigns says:
Awesome post!!!! LOVE HER :)
1 year ago
Emmamaha says:
Love love Amy, one of the funniest ladies around! And so impressed with your interview(:
1 year ago
duffybear says:
Ya gotta love Sedaris for her ability to be wildly politically incorrect in a truly funny way. Guess I'll have to buy this book too, huh.
1 year ago
warmstorm says:
hilarious!
1 year ago
jarg0n says:
As a gal who spent most of her childhood going to Jumble sales and dismantling clothes to reconstruct in my own special style i can truely relate to this, now I don't feel so unusual for having once stolen a pair of blackout curtains and the cricket net from school to make my outfit for the following night out! - A very funny post ans enjoyable read :)
1 year ago
cherrydollyface says:
Great post! I always love it when Amy makes an appearance on the David Letterman Show...she's so funny and cute. Thanks for posting this wonderful interview. Can't wait to get my hands on her new book.
1 year ago
idlehandsdesigns says:
I love you!
1 year ago
BLinkDesign says:
I LOVE her!!!
1 year ago
hugsandkisses says:
Love this interview! Great job. So funny:)
1 year ago
kistlerframes says:
Awesome!
1 year ago
janellehaskin says:
ah! This is SO exciting!!!! I love her first book and can't wait to get this one. Amazing post!!! :)
1 year ago
marbled says:
I love it!
1 year ago
olivebrown says:
great interview! LOVE her!! can't wait to see the book.
1 year ago
AvianInspirations says:
I have the distinct impression that we are being made fun of.
1 year ago
SundayTreasures says:
loved everything about her...funny, witty, charming and talented and so much more.
1 year ago
onetrueness says:
Just what I needed to keep me crafting. A wonderful interview that is so bent but totally great!
1 year ago
AdornmentsNYC says:
I just love Amy Sedaris.
1 year ago
LizzyBdesigns says:
Great interview, very funny!
1 year ago
jmagdesigns says:
WOW! What a wild and fun lady! Great interview!
1 year ago
TheGinghamOwl says:
Awesome interview! Amy Sedaris Rocks!
1 year ago
DevineCollectible says:
Great, agree totally Amy rocks, or should we say RULES, peace DevineCollectilbe
1 year ago
anneblam says:
Love the interview. I've been a crafter all my life, at 3 I tried to convince my dad not to bury my sister's dead gerbil, insisting we could "make something out of her". We have a craft and leisure night every week with just the same attitude as Amy apparently. We've even gone crabbing! We had a "Craft Night goes Crabbing" trip. Other notables include my bf building a castle out of wax and paper that we set on fire and jumped over in the backyard. Amy, you can come to our craft night anytime.
1 year ago
vintagegirldezigns says:
Very Funny! Never underestimate the power of pom poms (LOL):)
1 year ago
ItsBella says:
I, too, love me some Amy Sedaris!!
1 year ago
majikmoon says:
I work at Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville, NC, where Amy will do a reading/signing on Friday, Nov. 12th at 7pm. It's a ticketed event, but not pricey! Go to www.malaprops.com for details. PS: not sure if it's okay to plug this in the comments, but thought fellow etsy folk may like to know...
1 year ago
fionanixon says:
googly-eyed nutly reunion - classic, I love it
1 year ago
mopsical says:
Soo much funnier than her brother. =3
1 year ago
HeatherLucille says:
Alison - you are a pocketful of googly-eyed peanut delight. I cannot wait to make the Loretta Lynn chic gingham panties and have an intimate moment with Paul Dinello. I also want to make a hair lamp while dressed as a paper bag Pocahontas. Thank you Amy for the instructional lifestylin' tomes.
1 year ago
nowonder says:
Great interview! Beautiful pictures!
1 year ago
carlossantiago says:
I adore Amy Sedaris! actually the Sedari's family seem like a lot of fun. I cannot wait to get this book. I have the first one, and when i need a good laugh I open it. God, I miss running into her in NYC. I never told her how much I love Strangers with Candy...
1 year ago
OhDearWatson says:
This is so much fun.
1 year ago
GracefullyGirly says:
She's a HOOT! Love reading this. thanks
1 year ago
agatsijoias says:
Funny lady!! But I always thought that a talented crafter is one who can make something ordinary look extraordinary!! Similar to what I do with wire!! http://www.agatsijoias.etsy.com
1 year ago
rasamalai says:
This was really fun to read, thanks! :)
1 year ago
ThreadOrAlive says:
What an amusing article! She sounds like she'd be difficult to get a straight answer from! LOL But it was so great :)
1 year ago
TheWinglessBird says:
I love this! Thank you! x
1 year ago
Shamanwoman says:
If I had a religion, Amy Sedaris would be the main godess. Although..... I guess lots of etsians would be right and left from her. Oh, a crfters pantheon would be my heaven.
1 year ago
LeapARTandVintage says:
WooHoo what a hoot! Thanks for the smiles!
1 year ago
nestingemily says:
I didn't think I could love Amy even more. Clearly I can. Those googly eyed peanuts have stretched my heart.
1 year ago
JoieDeCleve says:
Man, she's awesome. "I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence" was hysterical. I seriously laughed so hard reading it I had tears coming out of my eyes. I can't wait to get this one. She never disappoints.
1 year ago
metrostation says:
very funny article!
1 year ago
PaperPicker says:
in the 60's and 70's there were so many books on crafting with simple, everyday things, but we don't have that much anymore...glad to see it's coming back.
1 year ago
allthingshomey says:
Amy is not only a crafter and writer but she is FUNNY! Loved the article.
1 year ago
FunWithNeedles says:
awesome article! that was a great read :P now... on to the drinking!
1 year ago
HollyCreekDesign says:
Loved it!
1 year ago
MrsCraftyRVing says:
It took me a bit but I wanted every word to stick in my mind. I just loved it and felt so much better about myself... I got to scrolling down and was checking everyones etsy id picture and I have to say there is a hell of a lot of talent in ETSY... Feels good to have you all having my back!! Thank you so much for the article - I use to paint rocks and loved it...
1 year ago
CraftIdeasWeekly says:
Great post Alison! We had the great pleasure of interviewing Amy Sedaris yesterday about her book too - she is so creative and talented! Love her! http://craftideasweekly.com/craft-book-magazine-review/amy-sedaris-craft-book-simple-times
1 year ago
Furiousdreams says:
How did I miss this? Must have been the glue induced stupor. Hilarious. And I love her brother too.
1 year ago
lulusmuse says:
Love the pictures!
1 year ago
cuteandcreepy says:
Ha! I just ordered the book and now I happened upon this! Great interview. Amy is the cooliest
1 year ago
pescado42 says:
Very cute
1 year ago
breations says:
I love Amy, Such a cute post.
1 year ago
NotYourGrandmothers says:
she's hilarious
1 year ago
GalleonGal says:
sometimes good humour is just right to relieve tension, many may need to attend to projects that do sometimes get shoved into a yes I need to do this corner
1 year ago
TangoCreations says:
great job!! LOL
1 year ago
BettysBeautyInBeads says:
Always loved Amy's work, she's a hoot! Very creative mind.
1 year ago
Hanacakes says:
gotta get that book
1 year ago