irisandlily's Profile

Bio

There are several reasons I do what I do:

1. One, I love fabric. I mean LOVE. It’s an addiction. I could never possibly find enough projects in my lifetime for all of the fabric I own. But oh, the colors, textures, even the smell of some fabrics. It’s definitely love. But I don't sew. :(

So I figured out a way to bind books with fabric without being limited by bookcloth.

2. I’m fascinated by pictures. I’ve been making photo albums in one form or another for the better part of 20 years. I’ve sold at craft fairs, on my website, through eBay and on my website. I started with those padded albums that were all the rage in the ‘80s and ‘90s and— I’ll be honest, I still get orders— and developed my skills from there.
I’m all about personalization to make a product unique and with technology, that evolved from cross-stitch to the portrait cover albums you see in my etsy store now. Technology is a beautiful thing and I appreciate my photo printer every day. I also though enjoy sitting with board and fabric, glue, brush, awl and bone folder to make something exquisite with my own two hands. There is nothing more satisfying than that, except….which brings us to #3…

3. Because my albums have always been personalized in some way, for at least a little while, I get to share in the lives of my customers— the joyous occasions and the sometimes not so joyous occasions. I’d like to think that what I do brings joy and/or comfort to those around me.
My customers are the best. They are friendly and creative and warm and patient. (Sometimes albums take a while). I have been blessed through my art with opportunities to meet amazing people and make good friends. I get no greater pleasure than sharing in the moment of a new baby, a wedding a 50th anniversary or even the passing of a beloved pet.

I recently had a customer tell me she cried when she opened her daughter’s wedding albums. She never expected them to be so beautiful. What more reason would I need to continue?

So, here, at Iris & Lily, I am grateful that I get to be a part of your life, and while I am working on your album, I will treat you like a part of my family, because you are, if only for a couple of weeks.

Thank you for letting me in to your life while I create my own.

Just an FYI….my photos live in a box!

Female, Born on May 18

Favorite Materials

fabric, toile, silk, photos, albums, ribbon, organza, scrapbooks, paper, imagination