T.E.S.T. Interview: Afrodelik

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 70th in our series and is with Desiree from Afrodelik:hand drawn funky t-shirts who was interviewed by Amy Eaton of NightlyOwlKnit.

When did you open your shop? Why did you decide to open? 

I opened the AFRODELIK shop on etsy this year, 2014. I have an Afrodelik online store and wanted to introduce my tshirt brand to a bigger audience 

How long does it take you to design a new piece? 

It varies. I am a bit of a perfectionist, and am meticulous with my art. Because every design is first hand drawn with pencil, I spend a lot of time making adjustments to the design...thank goodness for erasers. The design can vary from 3-4 hours along a 1.5 week period. I rarely draw a design within the same day. I prefer it that way as I get a fresh look every time I revisit it. 





What is your background/what do you do for a day job? 

Aside from running and drawing for Afrodelik, I work as a Video Editor at one of the biggest broadcasting companies in the country. 

What brought you to Etsy? Where else can we find your products? 

 I have purchased products off of the Etsy website, because of their uniqueness, and I couldn't find it anywhere else. Etsy has some of the most creative products I've ever seen, and the best quality. You can find Afrodelik on my website at http://www.afrodelik.com/ and you can purchase it in person at Brimz Hat Boutique on Queen St West in Toronto.

What inspires your work? 

I am a huge music fan and I enjoy images from the African diaspora. I am inspired by African images, African art, music, culture and spirituality. I love art and enjoy going to galleries and checking out some of the local artist in Toronto, or any other city that I might be visiting. I am definitely inspired by fellow artist. The depthness of rhythms and melodies in music inspire me. It's about the flow that I feel and I go with it. 

What are your goals for your business in the coming year? 

I am looking to draw a new collection of tshirts that will be accessible to an even bigger audience, keeping true to Afrodelik's message. I will be adding more designs on the etsy store, and as well, I would like to make Afrodelik my full-time gig. 

What memorable responses have you had to your work? 

My customers and admirers of the brand love the bold colours that I use, and comment on the colour combos that I put together. They love the images uniqueness and comment how they can distinctly recognize an Afrodelik tshirt design. 

What's next for Afrodelik? 

More designs, Bigger shows and more time on making Afrodelik full-time. 




Check out the other items available from Desiree in her Etsy shop. You can also find her on these other social media outlets:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/afrodelik 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfrodelikDesigns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/afrodelikdotcom

Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/1976Dezi  
AFRODELIK Commercial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Blw-U4HW8Ww

Desiree was interviewed by Amy of  NightlyOwlKnits, December 7, 2014. 
 

T.E.S.T. Interview: Fabric and Felt

We hope to introduce you to all the great etsy sellers to be found right here in Toronto. Here at the T.E.S.T. blog, we plan to interview them all. This is the 68th in our series and is with Ivona Olszewska of FabricandFelt who was interviewed by Melissa Fournier of PenelopePixelArts, December 15, 2014.



Tell me a little about yourself and your shop.
 
I have been creating for about 10 years now,I started with jewelery then took a break to take care of my family and had my two kids. While being stay home Mom I needed something to work on so I started cross stitching just for fun and that got me into needle works. I tried crocheting, knitting and then sewing and fell in love with the last one. My Etsy store is just the beginning of my life adventure with sewing. 

You have some adorable stuffed toys! Tell me a little about your process -- from coming up with a new idea to completed product.

Every few months I feel the need of creating something new. I usually start with searching thru my books, magazines and the web, then I make few drawings, transform them into templates and start working on the first toy, then the toy goes to my kids for testing while I look out for anything that needs improvement.

What got you into working with fabric and felt?

I love the endless possibilities when working with felt and all the different patterns in fabrics.  

What's your favorite experience related to creating felt products or opening this shop?

I love working with felt because I don't need to worry about fraying.  

Is there anywhere else customers can find your products?

I do only craft shows for this moment but beside my Etsy store I have Facebook page and a Fabric and Felt blog.  

Any new products in the making? If so, can you give us a sneak peak by telling us a little about it?

I started working on few new toys, there is a moose, a mouse and a penguin in works.

Check out the other items available from Ivona in her Etsy shop. You can also follow on Facebook, and read more on the Fabric and Felt blog.

Ivona was interviewed by Melissa Fournier of PenelopePixelArts, December 15, 2014.

TESTy Blog Make-Over

We're making a few changes around here and we hope you enjoy the new look! Team Leader and graphic designer extraordinaire Michelle of thunderpeep has come up with a design to reflect the team. You might recognize it from the Toronto Etsy Street Team tent at QWAC. I love the cityscape and modern look and the way the flowers suggest to me both nature and traditional quilting motifs. It's no mean feat to try try and capture everything this team does from art, to design, to fashion, to jewelry design, to vintage sales, to supplying artisans (and more). I think her design hits the right note. It says urban handmakers and Toronto Etsy sellers. It says TEST.