Name: Elena
Age: 28
Occupation: plushies maker
Etsy Shop: romeoshop.etsy.com & toyspatternclub.etsy.com
Tell us a little
about yourself.
Hello! I’m Elena, mom and wife, crafter and programmer.
My lovely family
and my sweet home are most important
things in my life.
I
love
to travel,
be near kind people, look at bright colors and make funny creatures. I do not
like
...
only
chocolate
butter.
When did you start
creating and how long have you been on Etsy?
How did you come up
with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?
I have a son Romeo, so my business name is related with him.
I have always
loved to sew
but
free time
for my
hobby
appeared only
after the
birth of my
son. When I registered my shop Romeo was such a sweet little
newborn! Now he is three years, as well as my store on Etsy. He is not very fond of soft toys,
he’s a fan of cars. Anyway Romeo stays my main inspiration.
Has your Etsy shop
become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?
No.
I’m a programmer by profession and I like this job too. Soft toys sewing is my
hobby, my relaxation and so on. But it's not a way for making money. And I like
that.
But I've been sewing and drawing in all times. When I was a little
girl, my mom sewed beautiful dresses for the ladies. I have make toys of fabric scraps. It was a
wonderful time! We did not have the Internet and ready patterns. Only magazine
«Burda» and my own ideas.
I
love to make toys because they are bulky, cute and cheerful, toys can be
hugging, love it!
How would you
describe your creative process?
My first rule is to work in a good mood. If I don’t have it,
it’s better to do nothing. My toys are cheerful and positive. It’s possible
only if crafter
is happy. I draw a picture first and then coloring it by crayons. I can experiment with facial expression long time, I like
create emotions. Then I make pattern and sew.
Where do you get your
inspiration from?
Inspiration sometimes is too
much! I’m usually have
a lot of ideas.
I
am inspired by my
son, nature,
beautiful books
and cartoons,
other
crafters.
There is amazing Russian
cartoon
"Hedgehog
in the Fog" – highly recommended!
What is your most
cherished handmade item?
Its
folk dolls “Motanka” made by my aunt. This doll is one of the
most ancient of Ukrainian, handmade household items. It's not just a souvenirs or toy; it is a
symbol of the hearth and the guardian of the family. I know this gift was made
with the best
wishes
for me. I
believe
that they keep safe my family.
I
have a greeting card from my friend’s small daughter also. She writes my name
on it. This is a very precious gift.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Apart from creating
things, what do you like to do?
I
love to work in
my garden or
cook, because I like to be alone sometimes. I love winter sports.
My son
and I sledding
every day last
time.
Was there ever any
other job you dreamed of having growing up?
I
dreamed of being doctor and help people. Some time I wanted to be a fireman. Now I am glad that I
have.
Five years from now
you will be…
I will be… I
do not know. I
have many plans,
but nothing grand.
My goal is to make a lot of cute and funny toys during this time.
Describe yourself in
five words: positive, curious, dreamy, active, colorful
Carrying on with the
five theme, if I were to turn on your <insert whatever type of music player
you use here>, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played
list?
I love rock music and I have two favorite bands: Ukrainian
“Ocean Elzy” and Latvians “Brainstorm”.
Lastly, do you have
any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in
craft shows?
If you can do something handmade, if someone like your
crafts - of course you must try!
Elena is currently having a 20% off sale in her shop using code "SALE20"
She is also giving away one of her adorable rag dolls!
