debdidit an etsy artist/shopkeeper interview (4)

An etsy artist/shopkeeper interview with the oh so talented Deb Taylor, owner of debdidit

kt: First off I choose this photo of Deb from her blog because not only is she beautiful in it but I think it shows her fun side as well as her delicate side..... and really, as far as I am concerned, she is someone that has wings. 

kt: Deb, please introduce yourself to my readers.

Deb: Deb Taylor , photographer, blogger,  former owner of  Bed & Breakfast, current owner of Happy Belly , Airstream kitchen cooking up healthy foods at the Round Top Antique Festival, Round Top, Texas.

“Deb Did It” started when I was painting and selling t-shirts and denim jackets in the early 80’s (yes, you remember) and my friend told me I needed to sign my work. I still own the hand carved rubber eraser that I used to stamp all my work Deb Did It

kt: Can you share with us what memorable responses you have had to your work?

Deb:    When I used to make Folk-Art Santas back in the early 80’s, doing home craft shows, ladies would return year after year to add to their collection. That was always fun, knowing they would come to my booth first for the best selection! And then to listen to my customers squeal and talk about who they were going to give a gift to…how they related to it, knowing it was just the perfect gift. That completed the circle for my creation because I put so much heart into what I make, so it was like approving of the new home it would fly to!! And my favorite thing is when I get a letter or phone call from an old friend and they are still decorating holidays with my Primitive Snowman made from felt or Autumn Scarecrow made from old jeans and flannel shirts or Folk-Art Santas they leave out all year long! 

kt:   How would you describe your style (vibe) 

Deb:   Whimsical, random, a bit funky and practical. I have so many “things”  Now I want to make things that are practical…like potholders, aprons and journals.  But every now and then, we just need a special hand embroidered heart to hang on the wall.

kt: If your shop was not virtual but in an actual building what colors would the walls be painted or would they painted

Deb: I would grab some gritty sandpaper, and start sanding off the paint…I love chippy, peely, torn, worn, unpolished, rusty and dusty!

But if I had to paint, each wall would be a different color…bright and hot!

kt: What's the best piece advice you've been given?

Deb: Two very important people in my life said simply to me…

“Create just for the sake of creating” Matt Hager

“GO FORTH and CREATE” Marilyn Dondero Rich

When I am stuck, and the creative flow is stagnant…I have learned to sit down and start. Not to sell or list in the shop. Not for a gift.   Random. Just START something. But just for the sake of sewing….which always brings me pleasure beyond satisfaction.

The past few weeks I have been catering and custom sewing for   The Junk Gypsies and  HGTV for their new series airing next Spring! This is very exciting for our small town of 90!!

kt: Deb, Thank you for taking the time out to do this interview and for giving us a glimpse of some of the beauty you produce

If you are interested in purchasing any of Deb's original work her shop is herehttp://www.etsy.com/shop/debdidit

she also shares more on her blog

 http://diddebdoit.blogspot.com/