Etsy-Maker Feature: Sew Blonde Studio﻿

Etsy-Maker Feature: Sew Blonde Studio

9/24/2016

Well, let's get the first thing out of the way on this post: SEW BLONDE STUDIO is the cutest name EVAR.

Ok, now that we have that out of the way...
As you know, I have been featuring artisans who create pieces I am obsessed with! Today I bring you another one of those talented makers: Sew Blonde Studio from Tennessee!

I've mentioned on several occasions that I am redoing my office space; because I work from home it is important to keep my space fresh and unique, making sure that there is a marked difference between my living and work spaces (even though they are under the same roof). I promise to tell you all about how it turns out, once it is completed! However, one thing I can tell you is that one of the elements of this office makeover is a gallery wall. I wanted to be able to utilize wall space in a way that uniquely reflected who I am and what I love. I wanted to include bright colors and pieces that generally made me happy and motivated me. Big box store artwork is not for me. It never has been and it never will be. Maybe this is because I was lucky enough to grow up with a mother who is an artist and a father who also appreciate art. As a result, we always had beautiful and unique pieces in the home when I was growing up. So, I went on the hunt for some pieces that fit the bill of what I was looking for for my office, with all of this background in mind.

I came across Sew Blonde Studio and instantly fell in love with the string art created by Amanda. I love how the pieces that she makes are able to be rustic, vibrant and out of the ordinary, all in one piece. I particularly loved pieces that included bright colors, as they stand out so beautifully on the distressed white wood. As you can see, I chose a flamingo. How fun is this?! And, every piece is customizable based on your color preferences. These make for great gifts, great home decor and I think they would really be spectacular and a baby nursery as well. The 3-D and tactile nature of this art makes it stand out as a definite conversation piece.

SEW, who is it that makes all of this? How did she get started? Here is what Amanda had to say about her business:

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My Etsy shop opened in April of this year, and since then, I have had a great time creating new pieces and home decor items for customers from all over the country! In my shop, I mostly focus on string art, wood signs and picture frames - each with a unique, rustic and farmhouse feel! Growing up and living in Tennessee, I have inspiration all around! The scenery is beautiful here, with the country homes and barns everywhere, it definitely has laid the foundation for the items I create. I grew up in church, and continue to play the piano for a church that I have attended since I was very young. My faith, hymns and the meaning that they hold, have a very special place in my heart. You will see this reflected in some of my hymn art pieces, with my most popular being the "Amazing Grace" string art. I love working with others to create something special - whether for themselves, or as a gift to someone else.

A recent change in my shop is a transition to more eco-friendly materials. This came about one day at my local hardware store when I was choosing a new stain and just happened to read the back of the can. The details and hazards were scary! I put it back on the shelf and went home to find that all of my stains that I had been using for months carried the exact same warning labels. I thought there must surely be a safer alternative - for both me and the recipients of my signs! Thankfully, there were! There were options for odor-free, non-toxic stains and paints out there. After some research, I chose a brand and have been using them on my signs since. I can now stain in my home without the worry of hurting me, my husband, or my precious Simon (our resident cat)! I was afraid that I would hate these stains and was prepared to dislike the colors and to even be tempted to go back to the chemical-heavy, toxic alternatives. But, the opposite happened! I honestly love them more and feel that they do a better job! The stains and paints that I use now are free from heavy metals, VOCs, animal products and phthalates. They do not release harmful chemicals into the environment, which I also love!

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What's not to love about that? A driven, mindful, creative, cat-loving lady boss who makes incredible art? How could I not be #dbsobsessed?!