The Story Behind the Quilt: Bluebird Home Decor

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I'm so excited about today's interview!! 

I get to show you how talented my sister-in-law is! 

Below is my sister-in-law (Jill) and my brother! They are the sweetest people you'll ever meet.

...and Jill makes quilts. AWESOME QUILTS!

Jill and my brother married a little over two years ago. One of the first Christmas gifts she gave my brother before they were married was a quilt that she handmade specifically for him. It was so well made that we were shocked to hear it was her first quilt. She truly enjoys sharing her craft with people, and her quilts are top-knotch! She started an Etsy shop called Bluebird Home Decor where she lists some of her quilts. Find out more about how she got started and the process behind her custom quilts!

Store Name:  Bluebird Home Decor

Owner: Jill Holdorf 

Product: Handmade gifts, sign, pillows, monograms, quilts

Tell us a little about how you decided to open up your shop!

I opened my shop because I enjoy expressing myself through art. It allows me the opportunity to be creative while also making a little money at the same time.  he primary goal of my Etsy store is not profit but to provide an outlet for sharing my crafts.

Where did the name for your shop come from?

I see the glory of God revealed in the beauty of creation. For this reason, I have always loved the outdoors and find that my art gravitates towards nature themes. In looking for a name, I wanted something that reflected my love for nature but also had a warm, country feel. I used a couple of different names before finally settling on Bluebird Home Décor. 

When did you start sewing? How long have you been making quilts?

Sewing has always been a part of my family, so I started at a very young age. When I was growing up, my mom made all of our clothes. When she completed an outfit, she would give me the leftover fabric to play with. I would use the scraps to make stuffed animals, outfits for them, and even handbags. For a period of time, I stopped sewing, but I was inspired to pick it back up when I enrolled in a textile design class at the University of North Georgia. In that class, I learned how to dye my own fabrics and combined that with sewing. 

I made my first quilt Christmas of 2011 as a gift for my future husband.  One day, he casually mentioned to me that he liked quilts, so I decided to surprise him by making a quilt for him. A family friend that makes the most beautiful quilts helped me get started. She allowed me to go through her fabric stash and pick out all the fabric that I needed. Then, she walked me through the process step by step. It was an incredible feeling of accomplishment to complete it and even more exciting to give it to him. (Quilt pictured below.)

How long does it take to make a quilt? (baby or queen size) What are the steps involved.

The length of time it takes to complete a quilt depends on the size, intricacy of the pattern, and the number of other projects I have at that particular moment.  To give you an idea - on average, a baby quilt will take 1 to 2 months, and a queen size quilt could take 3 to 6 months.  I have one quilt that took about a year and a half to finish.  The quickest I have ever made a quilt is probably around 1 month.

When making a quilt, the first step is to decide on a pattern, size, and colors.  I lay out most my quilts on the computer using a special quilting software called Electric Quilt 7.  In EQ7, I can design a pattern and change the size, colors, and details of a quilt with just the click of a button. The program allows me to add borders or sashing (the fabric that separates blocks and frames them).  I generally play around with the quilt in EQ7 until I am happy with it. 

After I pick the pattern and colors, it’s time to select the perfect fabrics.  This is my favorite part of the process because this is where much of the creativity comes out.  It is important to choose fabrics that match the style and desired look of your quilt.  Most of the fabrics that I use are made by Moda.  They offer a wide variety of modern and traditional fabrics, and Moda fabrics are sold at virtually every quilt shop.

Once I purchase fabric, the first thing I do is wash it. Fabrics should be hand-washed with a gentle soap (like Eucalan) and hung up to dry.  After the fabric dries, I start cutting out the pieces that I will need.  I have a wide assortment of rulers to help keep my cuts straight.  I use a rotary cutter and a mat to get clean even cuts. 

After I get all my pieces cut out, I start sewing them together to make blocks.  I like to finish all of my blocks and lay them out to get a better feel for the overall appearance of the quilt. The blocks are then sewn together to form horizontal rows.  The rows are sewn together to make the quilt top.  The last part that I sew onto the quilt top is the outside border. 

For large quilts, the backing may need to be pieced together. With the quilt top pieced, I am now ready to sandwich it all together.  I like to use 100% cotton batting because it is easier to work with and provides a more traditional appearance.  The three layers of a sandwiched quilt are the backing, batting, and quilt top.  I use a basting spray and special safety pins to hold the layers together.  It is now ready to be quilted.

Once the quilting is complete, the quilt needs a binding.  The binding finishes off the edges of the quilt.  The backside of the binding is one spot that I always hand sew so that the stitch is not visible.  The last thing I do is wash the finished quilt and hang it up to dry.

Will you do custom quilts for people? What does that process look like?

Yes, I am always open to doing custom work, and I am actually working on two custom quilts right now.  The first step is to find out what the customer envisions for the quilt. So, I ask questions like: Where will the quilt be used - a couch or a bed? What room will the quilt go in, and what are the colors in that room?  Are you looking for something more traditional, like a star pattern, or something more modern, like a chevron or herringbone?  

Once I have a grasp of what they are looking for, I draw up a few examples, develop a color pallet, and present possible fabrics to be approved by the customer.  About half of what I charge for a quilt is for the cost of fabric and materials, so I require a deposit before I actually purchase any fabric for a custom quilt.   Obviously, the cost and time required varies based on size and pattern complexity.  I like to take pictures of the quilt at different stages and share them with the customer to keep them updated on my progress.

What is your favorite quilt you’ve done so far, and why was it so special? 

I love all my quilts, because they are an expression of who I am.  But, if I had to pick a favorite, it would be “Vintage Christmas.”  It features fabrics from the Winter’s Lane Collection by designers Kate and Birdie for Moda fabrics.  The first time I laid eyes on this collection, I absolutely fell in love with the fabrics.  Although they are not traditional Christmas colors, the light blue and vivid red complement each other beautifully.  My favorite fabric in the collection features scenes of red birds in the trees.  Every quilt block is shaped like a Christmas ornament, and each ornament has its own unique pattern.  This variation made piecing the quilt more exciting and really adds interest to the quilt. (Quilt pictured below.)

Do you have a favorite Etsy shop to visit?

Honestly, I don’t have a favorite shop that I visit regularly.  When I am shopping on Etsy, I am normally looking for new fabrics or fresh ideas (and cute, rustic décor items). 

You also have a lot of photography skills! What is your favorite spot in Georgia to take pictures?

My favorite spot in Georgia to take pictures is CallawayGardens because it offers some of the most beautiful scenes found in Georgia - from the picturesque chapel to the lush, lakeside gardens.  I have always been captivated by the beauty of butterflies, and Callaway maintains a large, indoor butterfly sanctuary that is open virtually year round.  My second choice would be Tallulah Gorge State Park because of its incredible views, numerous waterfalls, and mountain scenery.

Jill, thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions!

All photos courtesy of Bluebird Home Decor.

Click HERE to check out Jill's Etsy Shop.  
If you are in need of a custom quilt, feel free to send her a message through Etsy.

Have a great day!
-Emily

Adding a Little Craftsmanship: Landon Lacey Jewelry

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We are so excited for the chance to showcase Landon Lacey Jewelry on our blog! If you remember, we included one of her necklaces on our blog's summer wish list. She had such an interesting story, we thought it would be fun to do an interview with her on the blog! Check it out below.

Store Name:  Landon Lacey Jewelry

Owner:  Landon Lacey

Product: Handmade Necklaces, Earrings & Bracelets

TDC: How did you get started making jewelry?  
Landon: When I was in high school, a friend’s mom taught me how to make glass beads by melting glass onto little sticks under a torch.  I loved watching the glass melt into red-hot globes, and I loved stringing my creations onto wire for necklaces. But my hard-earned little gems were less than beautiful!  I decided to forgo creating my materials from scratch, and instead began a now decade-long hunt for stunning materials made by regional artists to incorporate into my own designs.  Melting glass was my starting point, and it has evolved into the Landon Lacey line I have today.

TDC: You have such an interesting story about how your travels and homes have influenced your designs. Can you share a little bit of that with us?

Landon: Yes!  I feel like my style is a perfect reflection of three of the places I’ve lived.  Twenty-two years in the South left me an appreciation of pearls, pastels, and old gold.  I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and went to Wake Forest University, a preppy southern school. I first began selling jewelry in college and was blessed by an extremely supportive system of sororities who encouraged me during my initial hurdles. 

After undergrad, I moved to Thailand to work in an AIDS orphanage called Agape Home.  I didn’t drag my jewelry supplies across the world, so this was a hiatus from actually creating jewelry.  Instead of making jewelry, I allowed myself to be inspired by the delicate Asian symmetry, minimalism, and attention to detail.  I remember paying $2 for some of the best street food I’ve ever had, and being shocked at the way it was presented: a pair of perfectly placed purple orchids, slightly off-center, at the top of my plate of fried rice.  I developed an appreciation for all things sparkly and understated. 

A year and a half after moving to Thailand, I headed back home to get a Masters in Speech-Language Pathology.  I pulled my tools and supplies out of the storage unit, and began creating again.  I went to UNC Chapel Hill for grad school and was again blown away by the network of females around me who supported my growing business.  Southern prep met Asian minimalism in a pretty burst of delicate gold and pastels.

While in graduate school, I met the love of my life who was wrapping up medical school.  He wound up matching for his residency in Chicago; we graduated on the same day, rented a U-Haul, and moved everything (beads and pliers included) to the Windy City.  I fell in love with Chicago the second I saw it.  Gorgeous architecture, killer style, extreme seasons, delicious foods, killer concerts and comedy… this city has everything.  I live downtown on the 28^th floor of a high rise next to Navy Pier right on the river.  Looking out my window, I’m reminded why my jewelry took an edgy turn when I moved here: this city is full of sharp angled buildings, shiny glass, fancy cars and high heels.  Bye bye pearls, hello spikes!  You can see all of these places reflected in my jewelry line.

TDC: What is involved in the process of creating and designing jewelry?

Landon: A new piece can be born in a variety of ways.  Sometimes I’m inspired by something I see: a sunset on Lake Michigan can turn into to an ombre fire opal necklace.  Sometimes I’m inspired by other jewelry, like Gwyneth Paltrow’s gorgeous horn necklace she seems to wear daily.  Sometimes I’m inspired by a pendant or stone that may sit in a box or my desk for months until I finally decide how I’m going to use it.  Occasionally I’ll doodle sketches completely from scratch and set out to find the supplies I need to bring it to life.  I try to keep my jewelry relevant and trendy, but also personal and unique to my line.

TDC: Which item in your store is your personal favorite?

Landon: Oh goodness this changes every week!  Right now, I have a gold horn necklace that I hung from a black onyx rosary chain that I just posted to Etsy today.  I wore it to my cousin’s engagement party this past weekend with a funky dress and got a million compliments!  I think that’s my favorite, but I’ll change my mind next week : ) 

TDC: What part of the job do you love the most?

Landon: My customers.  I love how jewelry has opened me up to so many people I wouldn’t otherwise know!  There are people in Chicago who have found me through Etsy, have come over to hand-select their pieces, and we’ve begun a friendship.  Shop owners, bloggers, brides-to-be, book clubs, trunk shows, craft shows, and Christmas parties are all ways that I’ve been able to branch out and meet new people.  Seeing my jewelry on someone’s smiling face is priceless!  It’s an amazing feeling being able to share my art and see it appreciated by so many other people.

TDC: Do you have a favorite Etsy shop to visit?

Landon: Yes!  I love supporting other artists whenever possible, and Anna Woolf at WildCardPottery does great work!  I recently sent my dad a barnacle coffee mug, and he loves it.  Her product is truly unique! I’m also a big fan of SucculentSalon – I can’t get enough of succulents and hers are some of the best.

TDC: You make all of your products in Chicago, IL. Can you share with us some of your favorite spots in the city?

Landon: I’ve been here for a year and feel like I haven’t scratched the surface!  My two favorite restaurants are probably Café Baba Reeba and Purple Pig.  Both have fabulous tapas-style bites.  For dancing, I love Untitled and for comedy I love Second City.  A fabulous jewelry supply show called InterGem comes through Chicago a few times a year to Rosemont, and I’m able to stock up on new little treasures.  Right now, I’m trying not to repeat places because there is so much to experience – but the one place I keep returning to is Yolk for brunch.  Their coffee is the best!

Tea and Work! Follow Landon Lacey on Instagram here!

Landon, thank you so much for your time! We love your shop and your beautiful craftsmanship! Visit the store here and like Landon Lacey on Facebook to check out more images of her products! 

All photos courtesy of Landon Lacey Jewelry.

Add A Little Craftsmanship: Salt & Light Designs

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I love seeing people doing what they love and using their creativity to make a living. We are so excited for the chance to showcase Salt and Light Designs and their beautiful wood signs on our blog! It was a joy to interview my dear friend and owner, Kait Waggoner. Check our her answers below!

Store Name: Salt and Light Designs

Owner: Kait Waggoner

Product: Hand Crafted Pallet Art

TDC: How did you get started making wood signs?

Kait: We got married in May 2012 and had a DIY rustic wedding. We had tons of extra handmade decor after the wedding so we had the idea to open an etsy shop to sell the excess. It started out with simple wood slice chalkboards and only one wooden sign. Things started to sell, and we were both jobless at the time, so we figured- what the heck, let's get creative. We started by pulling apart pallets and redesigning them. Once we realized what a pain it was, and that pallets contain mold and harsh chemicals that you don't want hanging around your home, we decided to go a different route. We explored options and our first two signs were born, "home is wherever I'm with you" and "all you need is love". They started selling and as sales kept increasing, we realized this turned into our little business. Never in a million years did we think we would be doing this, but we love it and we are so humbled by all of the awesome customers. 

TDC: What does the process of creating signs look like?

Kait: First, Chris collects the wood and measures, cuts, and cleans it up. Anything with serious imperfections or big cracks will get scrapped. After this, we put the wood through a natural staining and aging process to give it the rustic feel. I put everything together and bring it up to the office for painting!

TDC: Which sign in your store is your personal favorite?

Kait: I really love the colorful "let your light shine" sign. It still has that wooden/rustic/vintage feel but incorporates fun color at the same time.

TDC: What is your favorite part of the job?

Kait: I love my job. God is really so wonderful to give me the opportunity to do what I love, which is work with my hands and be creative. Honestly, my FAVORITE part of the job would have to be the fact that I get to meet all of these people from all over the world. Without etsy, I would never come in contact with any of these awesome people. Etsy is pretty amazing.

TDC: We know you recently had a baby, so the shop just re-opened. (Congrats on baby Noah; he is beautiful!) Are there some new products we can be on the look out for?

Kait: Thank you! Yes! I really am excited about re-opening. There are lots of new signs, and I'm super excited. I've been using some new materials, which has been fun. It's really great to have this time to create some new things since I've been making a lot of the same things over the past year. Hopefully the new items are as loved as the other signs. :)

TDC: What is your favorite Etsy shop to visit? 

Kait: I love Katie Daisy's work at The Wheatfield. I have some of her art in my office and if I had more wall space I would have more!

TDC: You make all of your products in Charleston, SC. What is your favorite activity to do there?

Kait: Charleston is awesome. As a northern transplant, I really love it down here. The weather is beautiful so I pretty much enjoy anything outdoors. The beach, parks, scenic walks, all of that is fun. :)

Kait, thank you so much for your time! We love your shop and your beautiful craftsmanship!

Visit the store here and like SaltAndLightDesigns on Facebook to check out more images of their products and updates on the store! 

All photos courtesy of Salt And Light Designs.