'Tis the season or at least it is starting according to those "traditional" retail indicators: the windows at your mega store - for some cold weather accessories and prep for holiday cheer. Tinyhearts has you covered. Here's their story. Check 'em out weekly at Artists & Fleas (returning *next* weekend, November 7 & 8) at 129 N. 6th Street in the 'Burg.
A&F: Tell us about the name Tinyhearts.
Tinyhearts: Tinyhearts is a short and sweet name I chose so people would remember it easily. I'm still growing and designing new items all the time, so I wanted to avoid a name that would pigeonhole me. I used to really love hearts all over the place and would picture tiny hearts exploding over my head when I would make sales. My tiny obsession with 'tiny hearts' has curbed a bit, but the name has stuck!
A&F: How did you get into designing?
Tinyhearts: Home-Ec, 7th grade, Burneson Middle school in Westlake, Ohio was the first time I'd ever used a sewing machine. I'll always remember it. I don't remember what we made, but I do recall my fascination with the inner workings of the machine. That was the last time I'd ever had a formal class in accessories or fashion, everything I've learned since has been self taught or learned from working in the professional world. Crocheting started on a two week road trip with my mom because I couldn't stop making things, and they don't make a collapsible portable sewing machine (that works anyway). Whenever I'd run out of yarn, we'd stop at Jo-Ann's all across the mid-west.
A&F: So how did you get from craft-loving kid to super-cool designer?
Tinyhearts: After working odd jobs in NYC for my first couple years, I landed a job in a wacky costume studio in the heart of the garment district. I learned how to draft patterns, how to sew all kinds of fabric, how to avoid killing brain cells in the glue room, and how to make adult sized cherry pies among hundreds of eccentric costumes. The dream that started as a frizzy haired, brace-faced 7th grader had taken shape as an adult, so I started making steps toward designing and building as a profession. Because I am a crafter at heart, it made sense for me to take the avenue of starting my own design business. I launched my ETSY shop in July of 2008 and have been learning, designing, building and improving all along!
A&F: Tell us about your products.
Tinyhearts: I design and build functional handbags that appear to be very simple, but are complex upon using them. I add lots of tiny details, including several pockets, adjustable straps, detailed pleating, and fully lined everything for ultimate structure. The handbags are directly inspired by public transportation. They are compact, efficient, lightweight and have many pockets to avoid digging and to save time. Plus they're real cute in a monochrome kind of way. I need a handbag that will adapt to my lifestyle, no matter what color I want to wear, what the day or night has in store for me, or no matter the weather. Tinyhearts hand bags do just that, they adapt to you.
I also create functional crocheted products for simple women with taste for hidden complexity. All of my designs are inspired to make life a bit easier. For example, I started making "Rosey Cozies" last year which are simple chunky wool scarves that button around your neck. I had been losing all of my long scarves, or avoiding wearing them because the fringe on the ends would inevitably get filthy. I needed something that would stay on, do the job of keeping me warm, and when I wasn't wearing it, i didn't want to lose it! The Rosey Cozy Classics can be buttoned around your purse strap when you get hot so you won't lose them, awesome! Plus I wanted to rock a one of a kind scarf.
A&F: What inspires you?
Tinyhearts: If I'm in a rut and have all day to design but can't get motivated, I'll walk. I'll walk as far as i need to in order to clear my head. During my walk, I'll observe as many people and situations as I can, without stopping. I'm very lucky to live in a culturally rich neighborhood, so there are all kinds of inspiring situations awaiting out side. In a nutshell, I am inspired by urban living.
A&F: What are your aspirations for Tinyhearts?
Tinyhearts: I want Tinyhearts to thrive as my main source of income, although I will never stop designing and building because I have found what makes me feel happy and complete. The feeling of accomplishment is unlike any other upon finishing a product that I can truly call a Tinyhearts one of a kind.
A&F: What's your most significant accomplishment as an artist?
Tinyhearts: When I sell a product to someone who has that look in their eye like they just found gold. I can totally relate, and it's outrageously exciting that they feel that way about one of my designs.
A&F: Anything else you want people to know about you?
Tinyhearts: I'll be returning to Artists & Fleas on Nov. 7 & 8. I'm going to offer a free wool hand crocheted coffee cup cozies to the first 10 customers! Try to look closely when you make your purchase, you may just see the tinyhearts exploding over my head. Also, if you're looking to follow another blog in your long list of blogs, I’d be happy to have you! Every few months I offer free giveaways to my followers, so stop by! Can't make it to Artists & Fleas Nov. 7 or 8th? I always have my ETSY shop open www.tinyhearts.etsy.com
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