Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with Rhymes with Twee

I’m a sucker for cute. I’m a sucker for Gocco printed anything. I’m a sucker for talking artichokes.

Lucky me, Leigh of Rhymes with Twee has the cutest Gocco printed talking artichoke card ever! Outside says, “I artichoke you.” Inside says, “Let’s hug instead.” Awwww!

Leigh is making the trek from Chicago and will be set up in booth #93. Below are her responses to our vendor questions.

1. How long have you been making things?
When I was young, I would always make my family cards for birthdays and I’d write “A Leighmark Card” on the back. I should really have my Mom dig some of these out.

2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
I really loved making the tambourine out of two paper plates that I’d decorated, putting beans between them and then stapling them together. That was a great craft for kids to do!

3. Why do you make things?
I really enjoy seeing my ideas fleshed out and I enjoy the look on people’s faces when they’re looking at my cards and get the jokes and giggle! I’m a big fan of spreading joy.

4. What sort of things do you make?
I make a variety of paper greats; ranging from cards, keychains, to due lists, bookmarks, etc. I also make pillows and I’m working on a couple new projects now. There is no limit to my craftmagination!

Flaky Croissant Card.
Text Inside: Sorry I’ve been so flaky.

5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
When my pal Reba (Rar Rar Press) and I were on our way up to another pal’s craft fair, Craft Saturday, in Des Moines, we happened upon a store in Iowa City, IA called White Rabbit. The store was great and while speaking to the owner, we mentioned that we were on our way to a craft fair and she said she wanted to consign our stuff. I think she ended up taking 20 cards for consignment. After leaving, on the drive up to Des Moines, we saw a double rainbow! It is confirmed that we are nerds. I got a message on Etsy not long after saying that my cards were a hit and that she wanted more! That’s a huge pat on the back!

6. Inspirations?
Food, friends, animals, music, the big eye masters (Lee, Gunilla, Ozz Franca) …anything I love.

7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
My beloved Print Gocco, glue dots, guitar picks, old magazines, colorful fabric, etc!

8. Describe your work area.
When my boyfriend and I moved in together, we knew that it was imperative that we each have our own space. We ended up renting a 3BR that we have made our own. He has an office and I have a craft room that doubles as our guest bedroom. I have a big L-shaped desk and my record closet is right behind it, so it’s a place I really feel comfortable creating! If we’re watching a movie together, my card making takes place in the living room which Z hates! More photos here.

9. Family? Pets? Plants?
Live in boo: Zachary. Pet: Hoggle the hedgehog. Plants, back porch organic garden including one living tomato plant (3 others bit the dust), 2 thriving basil plants, greek oregano, rosemary, mint, and cilantro. Dill bit the dust too. In the fall, I’m going to try my hand at growing my favorite thing in the world: garlic!

10. Favorite color or pattern?
I really love how pink and green together. I think that’s how you know you are a crafter. That seems to be a lot of people’s favorite combo. When I was growing up, I loved purple and green together. I’ve clearly matured…right.

11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
I have not and I am pumped as heck to be one this year!

12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
I love absolutely everything that Susie Ghahremani (Boy Girl Party) makes. I love Fiery Lion Designs and have a couple of Caryn’s guitar pick necklaces and two gorgeous expensive pieces I save for special occasions. I love my CB table mate Jessee (Art School Dropout). Everything she makes is so clever. She has some copycat crafters which is a bummer, but the reason she’s getting copied is because she’s so unique. I love so many crafters though. So many people blow me away.

13. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
Make a good cupcake and be a good friend. Those are very important skills.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 26th, 2007 at 9:13 am and is filed under Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair, Crafty Bastards Vendors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.