Welcome to my first post… complete with gratuitous amounts of cute pet photos!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Rebecca. I grew up in Berea, Kentucky and attended Berea College where I earned a degree in Agriculture and Natural Resources (I spent my first year as a Studio Art major and kick myself for not staying in the art department!). I’ve lived in Georgetown, KY for the past 5 years and lived in Lexington for a year before that. My boyfriend Matt (who is a wonderful knitter and overall outstanding fella) and I are currently in the process of buying a house in Lexington. We have five pets- two dogs, Molly and Roscoe, two cats, Apple (“Squirrel”) and Linux (“Fatty”), and a fish named Phil.
What is the first craft project you remember making?
I started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil, and learned to sew and crochet around the age of five. Some of the first things I remember sewing were pillows, quilt blocks, doll clothes and stuffed animals.
What kind of artist are you?
I am a jack of all trades. I consider myself to be a visual artist first and foremost, but I don’t paint and draw as much as I should. I currently design jewelry, handbags and hair accessories for my Lily of the Valley line. I love working with many mediums, with fibers and fabrics being favorites. I began designing and making my own clothing at a young age. I did all of my sewing by hand for many years, and then at the age of 14, my parents bought me a sewing machine. During my teen years, my room was always filled with loud music and the whirring of the sewing machine. If I was not sewing, I was knitting or doing crochet, or beading or painting on the walls. During college, I worked as a weaver, and after graduation I spent a little over a year working at Churchill Weavers. I have since begun spinning and have two floor looms of my own.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I’ve been working full time for the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in the Equine Division for the past 6+ years. I hope to start a business within the next few years, probably a yarn store which will also carry the work of local artisans.
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
A spoon ring made by my papaw who passed away in 1999.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new Etsy seller, what would it be?
Your photographs are just as important as the quality of your work. Professional photos are great but can be expensive, and if you are like me and create a lot of one-of-a-kind items, it’s not an easy option. You can take great photos on your own with practice. Natural, diffused light works best. Be mindful that the surfaces you place items on aren’t too busy. Don’t try to zoom in too far or hover too close to small items, as they will be out of focus. You can crop the photos later.
What are some of the ways you promote your work?
Through social media, blogging and participation at local events. You can find me online at my Lily of the Valley Facebook Page, Kentucky Lily Blog, or @KentuckyLily on Twitter. This year I plan on starting an email newsletter.
What are the three websites you couldn’t live without?
I think I could live just fine without the internet, but I would sorely miss Gmail and Facebook for keeping in touch, and I am a little bit addicted to Pinterest.
How did you come up with the name you sell under (i.e. shop name)?
Since I was a little girl, Lily of the Valley has been my favorite flower. I began using the flower in signatures beginning in my teens.
What are some of the things you do when you face a creative block?
Go outside or just do something else for a while. I find that trying to force creative work to happen rarely yields good results.
When is your favorite, most productive and creative time? Day, night?
Mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Unfortunately these hours are usually when I am stuck at my day job!
What is your favorite drink?
Ale-8, cream soda… Amaretto Sours
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would be more confident and have better self esteem.
Bluegrass Boogaloo 