Just like Pinterest caught on like wildfire earlier this year, Etsy is the newest website taking the internet by storm. Don't be fooled if at first glance you think it's simply another version of Ebay. Etsy is unique in that it is a booming marketplace for handmade items, as well as supplying it's shoppers with art, fabric, cool garden ornaments, jewellery, and much more. The items you will find are unique, and put a vintage-twist on the ordinary 'home-made-goods' store. For the handmade room decor lover: Etsy is perfect for you, and a new shop to add to Etsy's thriving repertoire is MadeBySarahMay, a store which boasts vintage room accessories such as bunting, mobiles and handmade cushion covers amongst other cute gifts. I don't want to ruin the surprise too much for you, though. I interviewed the girl behind the designs, Kimberley...
Q: Your shop on Etsy gives off that classic vintage British vibe. Is that what you were aiming for?
Kim: Yes, definitely. I love the feel of vintage British style and I try to bring this across with my fabrics and items.
Q: It seems that 'British vintage' is having a comeback, especially after this summer. You've timed it nicely!
Kim: Yeah! There is a big revival of vintage and what I call 'shabby chic' - examples would be British flag bunting. I try to follow what is popular and also come up with my own ideas.
Q: So you put your own spin on ideas you like. What inspires you when you are thinking up designs or things to make?
Kim: The classic country cottage - cute furnishings, a warm homely feel, and generally being in the countryside. The countryside in West Yorkshire (where I live) gives me great inspiration for my shop and inspiration for 'homely' gifts.
Q: Are there more works in the pipeline that we should look out for?
Kim: Absolutely. I'm getting very into making cushions covers, using lots of ribbon and organza, and experimenting with texture. Nearer to Christmas I will be bringing out lots of little ornate gifts that will be perfect to give as presents - I'll make sure they are easy on the wallet though! I also want to try screen printing and creating my own fabrics, but that's way ahead in the future.
Q: Sounds good! Taking a step back, what age did you start making things? Has it always been an interest?
Q: Definitely. Do you make custom items?
Kim: Yes I do.
Q: What has been your favourite custom item you have made?
Kim: I made some personalised bunting for a christening. Making custom items is something I want to add as a feature in my shop soon. I always try to mix people's ideas with my style so that it feels like my own work and personal to me as well as my customer.
Q: How often do you craft? I'm assuming it's a hobby on the side of what you do day-to-day?
Kim: Unfortunately it is just on the side, but I craft all the time. My bedroom is full of little projects I'm working on - and material! I always have projects on the go - I like to experiment with different patterns and ideas. I love coming up with designs and seeing them turn into something really pretty and unique.
Q: Where would you like your shop on Etsy to lead to?
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| Kimberley is interested in the holistic way of life |
Q: And the dream?
Kim: To have my own little craft shop. But that's way down the line!
Q: Well the best of luck with that! Just so we can get to know you a little better, tell us a bit about yourself.
Kim: Ooh, where to start? I'm a Yorkshire girl
at heart. I love my family and friends, and my two dogs. I'm an archaeologist, and have worked all over the country. I'm also a vegetarian, I love yoga, and am very interested in the holistic way of life. I also love travelling and get away whenever I can.
Q: I'm now going to ask three random questions. #1: where is your favourite place to go on holiday?
Kim: Cornwall - it's so rural and beautiful, and I have some family down there. I love the way of life - it's so chilled. I used to live by the sea so I always feel at home when I'm there. It's great.
Q: #2: Favourite type of ice cream?
Kim: Ben and Jerrys half-baked ice-cream.
Q: #3: Favourite band?
Kim: People In Planes/ Coldplay. I can't choose!
Q: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. Do you have anything else you want to share before we conclude?
Kim: Thanks for the publicity! Haha. Also if anyone has any ideas, feel free to get in touch with me for a chat, and please check out my shop!
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With 100% positive feedback under her belt, Kimberley has a lot to be proud of with her online store! Here are my favourite picks of the items that Kimberley is selling at the moment.
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| Knitted Kindle Sleeve |
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| Pair of Hand Stitched Fabric Hearts |
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| British Flag Bunting |
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| Cosy Knitted Cushion Cover in cream |
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| Sparkly Snowflake Tree Decoration |
The link to Kimberley's Etsy site is http://www.etsy.com/shop/MadeBySarahMay. As Christmas draws nearer, I recommend looking here for both decor and cute gifts!
- A.T.
