We love connecting with our customers. There are so many talented and creative people out there and we feel so lucky to be able to see their handwork every single day. Plus, we get to ooh and aah at all the beautifully designed labels, hang-tags, ribbons and stickers being ordered – it's really fun!
This got us thinking. How can we share these beautiful things with others? Wouldn't it be even more fun to share and inspire?
That is how we came up with our new blog feature: Customer Spotlight. Each blog post will feature one of our awesome customers and their unique story. Of course we'll have lots of pretty photographs and hopefully loads of inspiration to go along with it.
Our first Customer Spotlight is Lisa from Bashful Birdie Handmade. Her custom printed logo label is absolutely adorable and suits her brand just right. We love the vintage vibe her pieces lend and the earthy colors she uses. Lisa's creations are lovely and it doesn't hurt that she has a gorgeous baby boy to model those sweet bonnets.
Introducing Lisa and Bashful Birdie Handmade!
Bashful Birdie's printed label displayed on a baby quilt.
Tell us about your shop Bashful Birdie Handmade.
I mostly make things for babies such as hats/bonnets, quilts, and fabric toys. I’ve been sewing for a long time, but I started making things for babies shortly after I found out I was expecting my son. There was actually a spurt of babies among family and friends and I loved making handmade gifts for all of them. I made a few quilts and bonnets for the new babies while on maternity leave. I have both sewn and crocheted things in my shop. I have slowed down a little since I had my son, but I get a chance every now and then to bust out my crochet hooks or my sewing machine. I started this brand way back in 2009 making weird stuffed art toys and now I’ve shifted gears and I’m moving towards gifts for babies/toddlers, specifically hats and eventually quilts and toys. Unfortunately, I don't have much on my shop now since this is a fairly recent shift, but I'm still creating when I can.
Retro inspired fabric and style make these bonnets something special.
What keeps you inspired to create?
Honestly, I just love handmade gifts. I love receiving them and also making them for others. So I was inspired to offer my skills to those who want to also gift a handmade item, but just don’t have the time or skills themselves. Completing crafts has a real sense of accomplishment. I work as a front-end developer/designer which means I’m on my computer all day, so getting away and actually making a physical thing is a joy. When I'm not working, but still attached to my computer, I'm probably on Pinterest getting inspiration (I mean for hours. Who isn't?) or designing some patterns to get printed on Spoonflower. I have several fabric designs that I've used in quilts or to make bonnets and tote bags. That is another level of accomplishment for sure. It's so amazing to take a fabric I designed and turn it into something then add a label with my brand on it.
Lisa's bonnets are customizable on Etsy. The leather ties are a nice touch.
What does labeling your handmade items do for your business?
I believe labeling has created a solid brand and makes me seem more of a professional. When I see my label on a finished item I made, I feel like I could see that item in a store somewhere. One thing I’ve really wanted to do is to be in a craft fair and I think labels are very important to success in that market. If someone buys one of my items and they take it home, they won’t forget where they bought it. They can look me up online long after the fair, long after they tossed away any printed material I gave them because that label is there as a reminder. I wanted to add a label to my projects because I felt like I needed to “sign” them much like you would a painting. Most of the things I make, especially the quilts, are heirloom quality and are meant to be passed along through generations. Sewing and quilting is an art just like painting and I want people to know who made that quilt or hat for many generations.
Adding the right label can help your brand in so many ways.
You can find Bashful Birdie Handmade on Etsy, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. Make sure to check out her retro inspired custom fabric designs at Spoonflower – you won't be disappointed!
Thank you so much for sharing with us Lisa.
