Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
My name is Debbie Neely and I live part time in both Melbourne, FL and Waynesville, NC with my husband Ken and dog, Kirby. I have two adult sons, Chris and Jeff. Chris and his wife Sarah, introduced me to Etsy and helped me get Jitterbag set up. They have a really cool shop named GoodBonesVintageCo.
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| Funky Cute Tote |
What are your favorite materials?
Fabric of all kinds has been an interest of mine for as long as I can remember. Vintage furs and leathers are at the top of my list at the moment... I try to use reclaimed and rescued materials as much as I can. I love taking something old and making something totally new and different from it!
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| Vintage Blue Leather Coin Purse |
What is your favorite color combination?
It really depends on the moment. There are days when I really enjoy muted and simple tones and then there are days when my girly girl at heart needs her pink!!! I enjoy working with all colors and pride myself in co-ordinating many different colors and textures for a one of a kind piece of art.
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| Handmade Leather Mink Purse Upcycled Handbag |
What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
My first sewing experience was around six years of age when I was making outfits for my Barbie dolls!
What inspires you?
The fabric itself inspires me!!! It could be a piece of leather from and old car, a mink stole I picked up at an estate sale, silk kimono, upholstery fabric, just about anything and it will inspire me.
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| Vintage Leather & Mink Wallet |
Again, the fabric "tells" me what I can do with it. It sounds crazy, but, I wake up at 3:00-4:00 A.M. with ideas I can't wait to create!
Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
In high school an art teacher was a great inspiration for me. She assigned us a project to use a 36" square piece of natural burlap stretched on a canvas stretcher, We were instructed to create an original design using as many fabrics and textures as we could . My teacher encouraged me to enter mine in a contest and it won first place and was sent to Washington, D.C. to be displayed at a museum!
What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
Making new designs, as all of my work is one of a kind.
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| Zebra iPad Sleeve faux fur Trimmed with Leather |
Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?
Handmade one of a kind items are made with an individuals creative thoughts. Each piece is thought-out carefully and then constructed with pride, patience and the love of creating a unique piece of art.
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| Repurposed Vintage Mink & Leather Eyeglass Case Handmade |
What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
I have learned from fellow artists to believe in your craft and create what you have a passion for.
Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Apart from working with fabrics, I enjoy entertaining family and friends. I love to cook and play golf. I also enjoy spending time and helping care for my father.
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| Handmade Belt Wallet, Wood button, Embroidered Lining |
What are the Web addresses for your work?
I'm really just getting started, so...it's just www.etsy.com/shop/jitterbag
Are you offering my readers any specials?
I'd love to offer your readers a 15% discount. The coupon code for the discount is Jitter2011.
Thanks!!!
Deb
Post by Eileen
Etsy shops:
GoofingOff
MissEileen
MetalWoodsnWater
GoofingOff Artfire
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