Hi, if you're reading this, welcome!
I wanted to make my first blog post to introduce myself, and go over some of my goals with this site.
My name is Christie and I've been making things since I was little. I currently work for a large company as an Administrative Assistant full time. I'm naturally introverted, creative, and curious. People say I'm quiet when they first meet me, which is true since I tend to prefer listening and observing. I'm really good at reading people. I love animals and have three cats, and am married to my best friend. If I could have any job, I would want to be a historic clothing conservator although that seems to change year-to-year. 😊 I also love to surround myself with pretty things which is probably why I like design so much.
In my free time, I like to work out (HIIT and strength training is usually what I focus on), make things, draw, read, shop, paint, spend time in nature, travel, and do research on whatever I'm interested in at the moment. There usually isn't enough time in the day to do all of these things, but I do my best. 😊
I have both my Etsy and my Poshmark shops to supplement the cost of the hobbies that I would normally do anyway. Initially I had big dreams of making these side businesses my full time job, but I realize that I'm happy with this being a part-time hobby. If it progresses naturally, though, I would be happy to grow it.
I'm not sure if this is the same with all creative people, but as a person if I want something, my first thought is "can I make this"? This goes for everything from clothing to journals to furniture to homes. As a child, I remember wanting to be a car designer, an author, an architect, an interior decorator, and a fashion designer. When I was about six I started writing my own picture books and drew constantly. I sewed clothes for my dolls, and picked up crochet for a bit. When I was in fifth grade I made a wallet for my dad with some scrap faux leather and plastic cord, which he apparently still has. When I was around twelve I designed a robot of my favorite Pokemon (Jigglypuff) but never ended up making it since robotics was -and still is- a bit outside my expertise. 😊 I somewhat successfully made a very rough pinball machine out of cardboard boxes as well a a board game which I called "Christiopoly" (very original, I know 😊). In 6th grade I started drawing designs for water parks, and then in high school I started designing clothing and also got into cosplay. In college I made a few of my own designed clothing items and dabbled in jewelry making. I also started painting using mainly gouache, which is my favorite medium. A few years ago, I got really into bookbinding which has introduced me to utilizing recycled textiles and then adapting them into my craft. These are just a few of the things that I remember, but at my heart I am a designer.
Before I started these side businesses, I was having a difficult time justifying the purchase of the necessary materials to pick up new hobbies, or to buy better supplies for the hobbies that stuck. Since I started earning an income from them, it has allowed me to feel comfortable picking up new hobbies, and purchasing the more expensive materials and products to produce new items (like a Cricut and a high quality color printer). I was also finally able to justify the cost of building this website, thanks to these income streams and look forward to seeing where it takes me. I'm excited to continue picking up new hobbies while improving my craft in the ones that hold my interest, and look forward to taking you on the journey if you'd like to follow along. I also should make a note that I am a huge believer in equal rights for all and make it a point to donate at least 5% of my Etsy profits to the ACLU. To date, I have donated $100 to the American Civil Liberties Union and look forward to continuing doing my small part in making the United States a better country to live in for everybody who calls it home. Over the past few years, I've also started trying to think more about sustainability and reducing waste in order to lessen my environmental impact.
Getting back to this blog - to be honest, I'm not sure what I'm going to post on this blog, but knowing how I am, the topics will range quite a bit. I have an avid interest in fashion, especially fashion history and garment construction, sewing, painting, sustainability and general design. As my naturally curious mind wanders, I'll probably make posts about the things that I'm learning or researching, and probably product reviews when I buy new art supplies (like handmade watercolors). I am a naturally introspective person as well, so some of my posts may be a bit more abstract or philosophical although I will try to keep things light. 😊 I already have plans to post some DIYs and will likely also make some posts for both my customers and fellow creatives so I hope you stick around. Thanks for reading if you got this far, and I look forward to interacting with you!
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