Friday Feature -- Pandys & GriffinGear

This week's Etsy artist is Michele, who has two Etsy shops: Pandys of Lake Sunapee, and GriffinGear. I love both shops, but it's especially refreshing to find nifty clothes for boys, which is the specialty of her GriffinGear shop!

Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you.

I have an BS in Animal Science and was an equine surgical technician and I have an MBA and am now a stay at home mom. I've always been creative, but after working in the fields of science and medicine, then banking...well, I've had enough of facts and figures, rules and regulations. I'm enjoying letting my creative side flourish. And, with a 4 and 5 year old around, life is much more enjoyable when focusing on the creative side, rather than the more coginitive side (and if you would like to read that as avoiding housework at all costs and painting or doing puzzles or reading or gardening...you won't be very far from the truth!)

What do you sell in your Etsy shop?

I sell a variety of items in Pandys...pretty much anything made from fabric...I started with a quilting theme, but have branched out to do other things. GriffinGear is all about boys clothing.

To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong?

I belong to a few teams. With both shops, I am a member of FAM, Etsymom and NH Street Teams. With GriffinGear, I am also a member of Etsykids

What inspires your creations?

I started doing a craft fair with my mom and we did just Christmas tree ornaments...we evolved into what it is today, and each day there is something new. I have notebooks full of ideas, I have a few beer advertisements from restaurants (they got in the plastic stands on the table..)with crayon sketches on the back, because I was inspired during dinner.

GriffinGear evolved from my frustration with the lack of tasteful, affordable boys clothing in stores. Plus, being able to tailor the clothes to fit as they are made is wonderful. I'm still having some trouble with button holes, but have had enough experience putting the same zipper.

Tell me a bit about your creative process and/or how you learned to do what you do.

The name for Pandys came from my maternal grandmother..her nickname was Pandy and she was always sewing, my mom taught me to sew, I remember having my first "store bought" winter coat in second grade....and then, when I needed a shop name, I wanted something easy and short...and that didn't limit my creativity. Thus, Pandys. I think it's a great tribue to my grandmother. And, after working in science and then banking, it's so neat to not only be my own boss, but to not have to follow the rules and let my creative side come out.

What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?

I love my beer quilts...they were the first thing I created totally and completely from scratch...but the frustration was worth it. I'm proud of them.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

exuberant, funny, loyal

What do you like about Etsy?

I have made some great friends, and been exposed to so much talent, it's made me work harder and harder to be the absolute best designer, creator and marketer than I can be. Plus, being able to dabble a bit is great. I'd love to eventually have a steady income from my shops, but right now I don't have the time.

What makes your shop unique?

Well, each shop has its own personality...and each item has my personal touch on it somewhere. I've started writing "storscriptions" (my friend StoneyCharms.etsy.com came up with that) which satisfies my urge to write....I make up little stories about my items, instead of your basic this bag is made of cotton, it measures 16 inches by 12 inches by 4 inches....people can't touch the items, they are relying on a picture, so I am trying to make the description appealing....even if they don't buy the item, I can at least provide some entertainment for them and put a smile on their faces.

What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Be patient, do what you love and do the best quality work you can. Trying to crank out the hot item of the moment when it really isn't your style isn't going to work. You won't be enjoying yourself and no matter how particular and conscientious you are, your work won't be top notch if your heart isn't into it.

Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?

Feel free to visit my often neglected blog (see above regarding children) at http://pandysoflakesunapee.blogspot.com/ or flickr.

For more Mama's Magic Friday Feature interviews, click here.