Inside Olive Handmade
When I first started selling on Etsy in June of 2007, I had no idea what would come of it. I literally learned to sew as I sold items that I made with as much love then, as I make them with now. I didn't chase this, as if some sort of dream. Rather the dream found me. As of November 2013 I have left my "day job" and am blessed enough to be running this here little shop full time. It's still hard to believe.
The whole idea began with me doing ... what I call paper art? I'd basically take paper with patterns and make pictures with it, I guess a sort of collage. I loved decorating and especially decorative pillows and thought "I should get a sewing machine and make my own" So I did. I took to the machine instantly and I ended up transfering my paper art, to fabric as I created pillows. I still have a heart for my paper creations and hope to one day get those listed in my shop.
When I began my first shop (Oiive.etsy.com) I was creating things from my kitchen table and counter. Today I'm fortunate enough to have a room dedicated for creating things for my shop. It's great having everything in it's place and at arms reach of my sewing machine.
When creating new designs, I love to shop for a fresh stack of fabrics which brings me instant inspiration.To invite you into the process... I sit down with my sketches and fresh fabrics and start cutting templates. Then I play with fabric color and patterns. This can take me many hours! Yet when I have the right combination and shapes etc. I Cut, pin and sew! I want to keep everything I make which can be hard, but I don't need 100 pillows for personal use, haha.
I'm so grateful for Etsy and the creative outlet it provides for me and so many others as well as for the community of handmade buyers. It's pretty awesome to be a part of this little handmade corner of the internet ♥
