The first thing I learned to crochet was clothing for my Barbie dolls. My grandma taught me how to make pretty ball gowns and skimpy bikinis for them! My skill level has grown some since then, but those are some of my fondest memories. Now I design my own patterns and make lovely things for my lovely shop, Auburn Artisan.
I've always admired vintage clothing, but that admiration flared into a passion for all things vintage when I went vegan. I was suddenly more concerned with being earth friendly and gentler to the environment. And what can be more earth friendly than buying vintage? Now, I fill my own home, as well as my shop, with unique, quirky vintage finds and fashions. I love scouring for and discovering the most amazing things. It's like a retro treasure hunt! You never know what you're going to find!
I also grew to love upcycling, which is even more earth friendly than recycling. The idea of turning trash into treasure is fascinating to me. I've always upcycled in small ways without even realizing it. Things like reusing cereal boxes for gift boxes and turning empty food jars into piggy banks. Through Etsy, I discovered that upcycling can also be fashionable and fun, not just functional. I love coming up with new creations using unwanted, dumpster-bound materials. I am especially fond of upcycled fabrics. In a world of disposable paper products, a reusable fabric item is a refreshing change. I have so many ideas. Now, if I could only find time for them all!
What started out as a hobby, has turned into a fledgling business that is very close to my heart. My love of vintage, crochet and upcycling have come together to make Auburn Artisan. Each and every item I offer is lovingly found or made by me. I devote most of my time to my little shop in hopes that you'll love it as much as I do. Thanks for taking the time to read a bit about how my shop got started!
I'm also a proud member of the Upcyclers team! Check them out here:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/6610/upcyclers