Friday Feature -- TiLT Creations

This week's featured Etsy artist is Theresa of TiLT creations. I love her handbags! She has a great sense of style. Also, for the month of November, she is donating 10% of proceeds to the March of Dimes in memory of her son, Cullen. The story behind that generosity can be read here. (Be warned, though, it's very sad!)

Tell me two (or more!) interesting things about you. Um…huh…let's see…achievements: I think my two boys are my biggest & best ones. And the second one (who is now 3 ½) was a heck of one…6 months of bedrest with early labor starting around 24 weeks. Take it from me, on again off again contractions from week 24 to 38 – not fun.

I originally went to college for art history with art on the side, but quickly switched when I realize that I love it more than I am good at it…and job market, not so hot. So I got my BS in Biology – not any better market wise, but I love science. And being a glutton for punishment…I kept going to school.

To which Etsy Street Teams do you belong? Etsybloggers, etsymoms, micetsy (Michigan indie crafters of etsy)

What do you sell in your Etsy shop? Handbags mostly- purses, totes, and clutches. Also zippered pouches (cosmetic bags, whatever you want to call them), key fobs and bookmark. I plan to start bring in journal covers, stuffies, aprons, and maybe some clothing…not necessarily in that order.

What inspires your creations? Pretty much everything. It can be the shape of something or the texture or even the color. I try not to go trendy and just follow what I like. Although I have made patterned bags and some fashioned from current trends for friends and family.

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

I took a home-ec class in middle school and sewed a little here and there for about 10 years. I didn't start sewing regularly until 10 years ago when I needed a Robin Hood costume for my son. I started with clothes – which was fun (still is). But then I wanted to do more. Making Christmas gifts for family last year started the handbag making. I first went from patterns to learn how they get constructed. Then I started sketching out my own…and didn't stop. I have no idea how to properly draft a pattern, but the way I do it works for me. Sketch – measure – scale – draw out pieces – cut & sew. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. I have about 40 sketches and 15 or so drafts…have made about 10 so far.

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

Green Ann Twist: I really like how it turned out with the disproportionate circular handle – it is almost larger than the handbag itself. Als0 – it was the first tiny style purse I successfully made

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself? Number 1 is always "mom", silly, creative

What do you like about Etsy? The teams. I used to be a tad skeptical about the whole finding friends online idea…until I joined some etsy teams. We may never (well, rarely) meet in person, but it really feels like we know each other – like a true community.

What makes your shop unique? My bags are all different from each other. There are very few styles I make more than one of. And even when I do, it is never with the same materials.

What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy? Make yourself known as a seller. Join teams, participate in the forums and check out the labs. As a buyer – give yourself lots of time to just browse around. You do it in brick & mortar shops – do it here too. There are so many interesting things to find. And don't get discouraged by photos (as a seller or buyer). Remember – it is not the photo that is for sale, but the item. Unless you are looking for photos & prints!

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

I have 2 blogs, 1 is a mixed bag my life, etsy related articles, and more (http://tiltcreations.blogspot.com) and another where I feature other artists (http://tilttreasures.blogspot.com). I have a photostream on flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tilcreations), which has more than just my bags. I also have a website, but it is not updated as regularly (http://www.tiltcreations.webs.com).

Hope you enjoyed the interview! For more Mama's Magic Friday Features, click here. And if you're an Etsy seller who is interested in being featured here at Mama's Magic, please let me know!