Featured Handmade Artist- LynnMinneyDesigns
Hello again!!! Welcome to another Featured Handmade Artist!!! I'd like to introduce you to Lynn from LynnMinneyDesigns. I am a huge fan of recycled and re-purposed products and Lynn creates lovely bags and accessories from vintage recycled sweaters, jeans, vintage fabrics, ties and buttons!
Check out some of her other wonderful designs:
Hi Lynn!!! Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Lynn Minney and I grew up in cow country, Lowville, New York. Honestly there are more cows than people, which I think is a good thing! After going to Syracuse University to study Communications Design, I went back to cow country and then eventually migrated back to the Syracuse area where I met my handsome hubby. We have a 4 year old little girl. Currently, I am a Digital Image Designer. So I'm a wife and mom, designer by day and a crafter by night. I'm sure there is some other things I could throw in there too!
I just got back into sewing about 3 years years ago. I had a pretty wool sweater that no longer fit me and I found a magazine article on making sweater bags. I made one for my sister and I was hooked. It helped me get back into sewing again and I was able to give handmade gifts.
What is the first craft project you remember making?
I started sewing with my Grandma Jennie as a little girl. I don't remember what we sewed, maybe doll pillows? I remember her letting me use her machine all by myself! She would check in on me when she was cooking and occasionally yell at me to not sew over my fingers :)
Where does your inspiration come from?
My mom is an amazing sewer and crocheter. I think she can do both with her eyes closed (but not at the same time... wink, wink). She sewed when sewing wasn't cool. She made my sister & I beautiful clothes and continues to do so.
My daughter influenced me to live a more eco-friendly life. She is sensitive to so many things, so that it forced me to find products that were safer for her. That has really driven me to live green and open my eyes to the wold of upcycling.
My flower garden is another source of inspiration. I love the colors and textures and I try to bring that into everything I make. I love the dense wool and denim in contrast with the soft cotton lining.
Can you please describe some of your creative process?
Process, what process?! It usually begins with me going to the thift store. I let the sweater or denim dictate the style of bag that it will make. Then I bring my treasures home and felt them. After that I shop for lining fabric or use vintage I'm lucky enough to find something. Here's where my phobia comes in. You see, I HATE cutting fabric! So I have tons of sweaters and denim with the lining fabric all ready to go, but I'm a little chicken to get them started. I guess I'm afraid I'll mess up and you can't go back!
What is your most prized handmade possession?
I have a beautiful hand-sewn blue quilt that my grandmother made me. It was on my big antique brass bed as a little girl.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new etsy seller, what would it be?
Be a sponge. If most etsy sellers are like me, they are good at their craft, but new to marketing. Read books, blogs, subscribe to newsletters and post on the etsy discussion boards. I've learned a boat-load of things in the past year because of them. Don't be afraid to ask for others help!
What are some of the ways that you promote your work?
I think word of mouth has been my biggest promoter so far. I make accessories, so I carry one of my own bags (and business cards). When someone asks about it, I ask them if they'd like a card. No one has said no yet!
I just started up a facebook page on.fb.me/lynnminneydesigns which I use to keep people updated on my latest designs and contests.
I've been blogging for about a year, but I'm really working hard at taking it to the next level. I have a purpose and a schedule now. I feel so grownup! LynnMinneyDesign.wordpress.com
And of course there is my etsy store!
etsy.com/shop/LynnMinneyDesigns
What are three websites you couldn’t live without?
www.handmadeology.com
craftgossip.com
ittybiz.com
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
If you asked this question a few years ago you would've gotten a completely different answer. I'm so thankful that life isn't a straight line! I don't plan that far ahead because it can be a little overwhelming. I dream of sewing more and spending more time with my family. Some of my goals this year are to do my first craft show and develop some new products.
If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Since I always joke about using my magic wand (not the one in Photoshop). I think it would be a good choice. A nice all-purpose super power 'cause that's me, so practical!
Thanks so much Lynn!!!!
I hope you enjoyed this interview and getting to know Lynn a bit better-- please stop by her shop, her blog, and her facebook page and give her some love!!!
Check out some of her other wonderful designs:
Hi Lynn!!! Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Lynn Minney and I grew up in cow country, Lowville, New York. Honestly there are more cows than people, which I think is a good thing! After going to Syracuse University to study Communications Design, I went back to cow country and then eventually migrated back to the Syracuse area where I met my handsome hubby. We have a 4 year old little girl. Currently, I am a Digital Image Designer. So I'm a wife and mom, designer by day and a crafter by night. I'm sure there is some other things I could throw in there too!
I just got back into sewing about 3 years years ago. I had a pretty wool sweater that no longer fit me and I found a magazine article on making sweater bags. I made one for my sister and I was hooked. It helped me get back into sewing again and I was able to give handmade gifts.
What is the first craft project you remember making?
I started sewing with my Grandma Jennie as a little girl. I don't remember what we sewed, maybe doll pillows? I remember her letting me use her machine all by myself! She would check in on me when she was cooking and occasionally yell at me to not sew over my fingers :)
Where does your inspiration come from?
My mom is an amazing sewer and crocheter. I think she can do both with her eyes closed (but not at the same time... wink, wink). She sewed when sewing wasn't cool. She made my sister & I beautiful clothes and continues to do so.
My daughter influenced me to live a more eco-friendly life. She is sensitive to so many things, so that it forced me to find products that were safer for her. That has really driven me to live green and open my eyes to the wold of upcycling.
My flower garden is another source of inspiration. I love the colors and textures and I try to bring that into everything I make. I love the dense wool and denim in contrast with the soft cotton lining.
Can you please describe some of your creative process?
Process, what process?! It usually begins with me going to the thift store. I let the sweater or denim dictate the style of bag that it will make. Then I bring my treasures home and felt them. After that I shop for lining fabric or use vintage I'm lucky enough to find something. Here's where my phobia comes in. You see, I HATE cutting fabric! So I have tons of sweaters and denim with the lining fabric all ready to go, but I'm a little chicken to get them started. I guess I'm afraid I'll mess up and you can't go back!
What is your most prized handmade possession?
I have a beautiful hand-sewn blue quilt that my grandmother made me. It was on my big antique brass bed as a little girl.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new etsy seller, what would it be?
Be a sponge. If most etsy sellers are like me, they are good at their craft, but new to marketing. Read books, blogs, subscribe to newsletters and post on the etsy discussion boards. I've learned a boat-load of things in the past year because of them. Don't be afraid to ask for others help!
What are some of the ways that you promote your work?
I think word of mouth has been my biggest promoter so far. I make accessories, so I carry one of my own bags (and business cards). When someone asks about it, I ask them if they'd like a card. No one has said no yet!
I just started up a facebook page on.fb.me/lynnminneydesigns which I use to keep people updated on my latest designs and contests.
I've been blogging for about a year, but I'm really working hard at taking it to the next level. I have a purpose and a schedule now. I feel so grownup! LynnMinneyDesign.wordpress.com
And of course there is my etsy store!
etsy.com/shop/LynnMinneyDesigns
What are three websites you couldn’t live without?
www.handmadeology.com
craftgossip.com
ittybiz.com
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
If you asked this question a few years ago you would've gotten a completely different answer. I'm so thankful that life isn't a straight line! I don't plan that far ahead because it can be a little overwhelming. I dream of sewing more and spending more time with my family. Some of my goals this year are to do my first craft show and develop some new products.
If you could have one super power, what would it be and why?
Since I always joke about using my magic wand (not the one in Photoshop). I think it would be a good choice. A nice all-purpose super power 'cause that's me, so practical!
Thanks so much Lynn!!!!
I hope you enjoyed this interview and getting to know Lynn a bit better-- please stop by her shop, her blog, and her facebook page and give her some love!!!