Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with If’n Books + Marks

Posted by tina seamonster on Sep. 20, 2007 at 3:52 pm

There are some crafters whose work is so stunning, so well made, so beautiful that you can’t even begin to imagine how they do it. For me, If’n Books + Marks fits this bill. Deb makes blank journals and photo albums along with Alec from Ink Ape, also an amazing artist. The Sand Tiger Shark print that I bought from them at Art Star sits above my computer as I type. He is hand printed and number 16/25. He reminds me all the time to work harder on my craft.

Below Deb answers our vendor questions and was nice enough to send over a How To!

1. How long have you been making things?
I’ve been making things up since I could talk.

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
I remember making a pair of shoes once. I cut out a Life cereal box for the soles, folded a piece of kleenex for some luxurious padding and tied ‘em on with meat string. That was when I was young. Now as an adult my experiences in shoe-shopping are kind of similar since it’s hard to find cool smallish shoes. I might have to go back to that idea and develop it for personal use. Do you know of a good source for potroast string?

3. Why do you make things?
I make books in order to bring peace to the world. Think about it – if everyone just took a few moments to jot down their angst, extreme disgust and/or utter hatred, and then went back and read their kookoo entries, I absolutely 100% guarantee that there would be less money spent on bombs and bullets and numchuks. And brass knuckles especially.

4. What sort of things do you make?
I make blank journals and photo albums and sell them to stores as well as to very very smart customers around the world.

5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
One time I flew inside a teeny tiny airplane and I didn’t die.

6. Inspirations?
Awesome friends and loved ones and fancypants show-offs.

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
A good bone folder and my two hands.

8. Describe your work area.
I’m lucky to have a huge space in an old mill building. I share it with a photographer. His side is austere while my side is filled with all sorts of crazy crap and old iron machines that are not cinchy to move. It’s hot in the summer and cold in the winter and beautiful year round. The ceiling height is also tall enough to accommodate my big ideas.

9. Family? Pets? Plants?
I’m the youngest of 8 kids and aunt to 5. I live with my honey who is known for his stellar drawing and screenprinting skillz (http://www.inkape.com) and who will be joining me at Crafty Bastards. We care for a collection of dust bunnies. We are also the go-to couple for taking care of friends’ dogs.

10. Favorite color or pattern?
In general, my modus operandi for making things match is to add as many colors as possible – that way nothing clashes! Mwah!

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
I’m a 2006 Crafty Bastards grad! Super-psyched for 2007!

12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
Made With Love By Hannah made me my most favorite skirt (with love). She was even kind enough to shorten it for someone who calls herself 5 feet. And Annie from Mohop made me some amazing shoes for my size 5 feet.

There’s so many crafters to love though! Faythe Levine from all the things, Sarah from The Small Object, Jessica Rosenkranz of Headless Press, Xander and Pippi at the Dirt Palace…

13. Would you like to include a HOW-TO for the blog?
Sure! Howz a one-sheet maze book sound?

Terrific! Click to the title to download the .pdf file.

Maze Book How To