JULIE MEYER

Julie Meyer

Shop: www.juliemeyer.etsy.com

Tell us about yourself.
My name is Julie Meyer, just like my shop name, and I'm 37 years old. I live in Minneapolis, MN with my husband of 11 years, and our 3 children. I studied film and video at Minneapolis College of Art and Design, but soon realized you needed a lot of money to make it in that industry. I worked in corporate America before staying home with my children.

What do you make?
I make oilcloth lunch bags, totes and oilcloth trimmed cleaning gloves.

What inspires you & what is your creative process?
I love mixing colors and patterns and that's what inspires my process. I only will sew things that I would actually use or enjoy, making it hard sometimes to see them go.

Where is your studio and how has it evolved? what is your plan for it in the future?
My studio has shifted all over the house, depending on what the kids are up to and how much they need me. Right now I've got a full size, old dining room table at the top of the stairs (we're in the middle of a house remodel project) and this works well for me. It's right next to the family room, so I can watch the kids as they make a mess. I'm dreaming of the day when I'll have an entire room for my studio.

What tools & equipment do you use?
I completely rely on my rotary cutter and cutting mat that a friend gave me. But my true love is for my Bernina sewing machine. It cuts through 4 or more layers of oilcloth like butter.

What else do you do? Is this your full time gig?
Right now, this is what I'm doing. It pays for the groceries, but I wouldn't be able to do it without my husbands support.

What do you hope to get out of this, what are your goals?
I really enjoy sewing, so I'm working hard on the business side to grow it and have it play a more significant role in our household income.

How do you promote yourself?
I stay active on Etsy, through the forums and I'm also on the Minnesota Etsy Street Team. It's a great team full of lots of advice and everyone helps to promote everyone else. I've also done some blog advertising which really does help drive traffic.

Any tips for fellow crafters/artists?
Enjoy what you're doing and it will show through in your items. Be sure to set aside time each day or week to work on the business side of your craft/art.