What do you create? How did you get started and what motivated you to start?
I create handbags, backpacks, totebags just to name a few from old denim jeans.
It all started by me taking an old pair of jeans that I was going to toss out but then decided that I would make a handbag which turned out pretty good for a beginner. Then one day I was standing in line at store and a lady asked me where I got my handbag, I told her that I made it, she then asked me if I make them to sell.
That got my creative juices going and started to make different items and now I have a website.
Which item do you have the most fun making (please attach photo if possible)
To be honest, I enjoy making all my items but Tote bags and Carry-on bags are fun to make.
What are you doing when you're not creating?
When not creating, I take breaks and love to go biking, so fare this season since the beginning of April, I have cycled just over 3100km.
I also love to hike.
being outside and exploring whether cycling or walking it's not just the exercise but it helps with my creative thoughts.
I feel that no matter what projects you are working on taking a break during the day even if only for a 20 min, walk is good for you.
I create handbags, backpacks, totebags just to name a few from old denim jeans.
It all started by me taking an old pair of jeans that I was going to toss out but then decided that I would make a handbag which turned out pretty good for a beginner. Then one day I was standing in line at store and a lady asked me where I got my handbag, I told her that I made it, she then asked me if I make them to sell.
That got my creative juices going and started to make different items and now I have a website.
Which item do you have the most fun making (please attach photo if possible)
To be honest, I enjoy making all my items but Tote bags and Carry-on bags are fun to make.
What are you doing when you're not creating?
When not creating, I take breaks and love to go biking, so fare this season since the beginning of April, I have cycled just over 3100km.
I also love to hike.
being outside and exploring whether cycling or walking it's not just the exercise but it helps with my creative thoughts.
I feel that no matter what projects you are working on taking a break during the day even if only for a 20 min, walk is good for you.
Where do you work on your creations?
I have a one bedroom apartment so my work space is my dining area. I have it set up so that there is storage to put everything away when needed and it matches my furniture.
How do you occupy your mind while working?
I like to listen to the radio or watch TV while sewing.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from different places.
I will look at items in stores and think to myself, I could make something along those lines but make it my own design.
Sometimes I will look at items on line just to get an idea but then I will think about how I want to make it different from what I have seen.
All my items are one of a kind.
I have a one bedroom apartment so my work space is my dining area. I have it set up so that there is storage to put everything away when needed and it matches my furniture.
How do you occupy your mind while working?
I like to listen to the radio or watch TV while sewing.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from different places.
I will look at items in stores and think to myself, I could make something along those lines but make it my own design.
Sometimes I will look at items on line just to get an idea but then I will think about how I want to make it different from what I have seen.
All my items are one of a kind.
What's the most difficult part of the process?
For me the most difficult part of the process was coming up with a business name and logo.
I wanted it to mean something to me but yet make sense to the public.
I did a lot of research on who to work with to help with the design.
The next difficulty was working on my website but happy to say that after hard work, I am pleased with the end results.
For me the most difficult part of the process was coming up with a business name and logo.
I wanted it to mean something to me but yet make sense to the public.
I did a lot of research on who to work with to help with the design.
The next difficulty was working on my website but happy to say that after hard work, I am pleased with the end results.
What memorable responses have you had to your work?
When I first decided to start making items, it was my very close friend who lives out in BC that encouraged me to not to give up. She was actually the person who helped me with my logo.
Now that I have a website and facebook page, I have friends contacting me to say that they had no idea of how creative I am and that they love my designs.
What else should readers know about you and your creations?
Each creation is a one of a kind. if someone sees an item that is no longer available I will make them the same item and can make it their own by adding a personal touch.
Where else do you sell your creations?
Since I have just started to sell my creations, my website is where I sell my items.
I am so happy that I now have enough inventory that I can be a part of a local Artisan Fair and meet people and sell my products.
Meet Joanne Bratton on Dec 11th at the Neilson Park Creative Centre in Etobicoke at 56 Neilson Drive, 10am - 3:30 pm!
When I first decided to start making items, it was my very close friend who lives out in BC that encouraged me to not to give up. She was actually the person who helped me with my logo.
Now that I have a website and facebook page, I have friends contacting me to say that they had no idea of how creative I am and that they love my designs.
What else should readers know about you and your creations?
Each creation is a one of a kind. if someone sees an item that is no longer available I will make them the same item and can make it their own by adding a personal touch.
Where else do you sell your creations?
Since I have just started to sell my creations, my website is where I sell my items.
I am so happy that I now have enough inventory that I can be a part of a local Artisan Fair and meet people and sell my products.
Meet Joanne Bratton on Dec 11th at the Neilson Park Creative Centre in Etobicoke at 56 Neilson Drive, 10am - 3:30 pm!