FEATURED ARTIST

This artist creates something useful in everyone's home. Come and meet

Here is our interview with the artist -

Briefly describe what you make?

I create unique hand painted accent pillows for home or office decor. I like to think of them as 'that little something extra' that adds a bit of art without using wall space, or as a point of interest in a space that could use some spark!


What mediums do you enjoy working in most?

When I first began experimenting, I used permanent ink on different kinds of fabric until I found what worked best for me, then began using paint in order to expand my use of colour. Currently, I continue to use high quality fabric paint with a mix of fabrics to vary the look and to appeal to a wider variety of customers.

How long have you been creating craft?

I started sketching my shoes just for fun almost one year ago, things evolved from that point on and I now have an Etsy shop that I enjoy spending time in!


How did you get started?

After a long and rewarding career with a large Canadian corporation, I retired and began a quest to try some things I had never done before. One of these thoughts included trying my hand at some form of art; what it might be was unknown at that time. I have always loved shoes, and I thought it might be fun to use some of my high heels as subjects of inspiration for sketches. I did this, and the idea to create hand painted pillows followed. Although I had never sewn, with my husband's encouragement, I bought a small sewing machine, did some reading online on how to make pillow covers, then proceeded to make my first pillow!

From there, it's been a steady evolution, and I'm now thrilled to say my pillows have found homes all over North America!


Where does the name of your shop come from?

My shop name 'fancy4u' is actually a name I made up in haste when I found something on Etsy I wanted to buy, but needed a username! This was long before I had any plans to open a shop on Etsy. When you visit my shop you will notice my banner says 'PillowArt' and that is the name I will use when Etsy allows us to make those changes in future.


What would you most want people to know about your work?

I like the idea of my pillows being used to change or freshen the decor in a home without needing to go to a lot of expense. My pieces can add a fun twist or accent to the theme in a room's decor, or become the starting point to build theme in a room. To me, there is nothing like a unique handmade piece of art to bring a room alive and add fun and flair. I have become such a fan of handmade and Etsy is the place to find 'that perfect something' you're looking for!


What words of advice do you have for other artists?

You must always have fun creating, no matter what it is you're working on. Be prepared to work hard at getting exposure for your craft, the hard work will pay off and many other people will ultimately be able to appreciate your creations also!


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Come look, come buy. This is a shop not to be missed.