Monday Merchant Circle Featured Artisan

My featured artist this week is my friend and Primitive & Folk Artist Etsy teammate, Deb Bures.  Deb tells us, "Sewing has been my creative outlet for over 40 years. As my daughters got older there become fewer and fewer things to use my sewing skills on for them so I decided to focus on 'fun' sewing. And so began my venture into the crafting craze! I have been crafting and selling at craft shows for over 15 years now." 

1. What's your name and the name of your business, and how did you decide on your business name?

My name is Deb and my business is My Stitches To Treasure.  At the time I decided to start moving my hobbies forward to a business, I was sewing much more than crafts. I did things from wedding dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, and prom dresses as well as alterations and upholstery work (I even recovered the inside of a 2-seat airplane once). I wasn’t sure where I would end up, but I decided “My Stitches To Treasure” would cover whichever venue I pursued. Crafting was drawing me in and then the last fabric store in town closed, leaving Walmart as the only source of fabric within 200 miles… sort of made my decision for me!

2. How long have you been in business?

I started doing craft shows about 1996. In 1999 I applied for a tax license and come up with my current business name.

3. Who or what inspires you?

I love looking through magazines and going to craft shows to look for ideas. My customers also inspire me, they often ask for a custom item that triggers more ideas. And of course, the internet is a never ending source of inspiration! However, the majority of my inspiration comes from all the fabulous pattern makers there are…I have 3 crates filled with patterns!

4. What is your creative style?

I need a book to define styles for me to probably answer that question. I don’t really have a single style…right now I am loving primitive style items, but I enjoy trying different styles and techniques.

5. What medium do you use in creating?

My primary medium is fabric including warm and natural, chenille, fleece, plush felt, felt, homespun and cottons, terry cloth, and muslin to name a few.  I also have many items with wood frames or bases so I use a lot more than a sewing machine during my days. I have a drill and several saws including a table saw, band saw and jig saw.

My favorite item to make is snowmen-I have sewn hundreds of them over the years. I also make santas, elves, reindeer, witches, angels, pumpkins, scarecrows, cats, elf shoes, ice skates, mice, bunnies, dolls, and more. I have items from 3 inches to 4 feet tall. Variety is my specialty!

I sell my items online through Etsy and local craft shows. I currently do 3 local craft shows in the fall and have inventory at a gift shop. I also have many loyal customers who stop by my house to shop.

6. What are your links?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyStitchesToTreasure

MyStitchesToTreasure.blogspot.com

Facebook.com/MyStitchesToTreasure

That's so neat that you let your friends come shop at your home.

Deb is ready for Spring and Easter so visit her Etsy shoppe for those related items.

Thank you Deb!