Amelie Jo says:
I am a stay at home mother, faithfully tending to my muse, sweet Amelie Jo. Not so long ago, I owned a web boutique, where I sold American made and handmade children’s clothing by many talented Etsy artists. I had an epiphany, one sunny afternoon, when I found a vintage portrait of a wise, old owl and a blank, white tee in my baby girl’s closet. I was soon lost in creativity, carefully adding colorful buttons and a bit of hand embroidery. I fell in love with the result and had much too much fun with the process! I realized that I had just created a piece that I had been searching for since my child’s birth – an affordable, organic, vintage inspired tiny bit of heaven, punctuated with a little flair and a whole lotta love!
Regarding the materials she uses: I prefer to use organic cotton for the shirts that I make. I am very interested in living an organic lifestyle – I make my own cleaning products and purchase organic or locally grown food - and feel that organic cotton is the best material for baby skin. Plus, I tea stain most of my items and organic cotton is the perfect material for doing so. I love adding vintage buttons because they make my items one of a kind. I would like to use more upcycled materials in the future.
About buying handmade: People should buy handmade because a lot of love and care goes into each item that an artist sells. Handmade is sweatshop free, out source free and the customer can be satisfied that they have not taken advantage of another citizen of this world in order to wear a fancy t shirt. Handmade keeps art alive and growing. Most handmade artists give back to their communities in small and large ways, which helps future generations.
A few days ago, I was able to ask Amelie Jo a couple of questions:
E: You have said your muse is your daughter, Amelie Jo, which is where you got the name for your shop and blog– does anything else inspire you?
A:I love vintage, french and shabby chic.
E: You had a web boutique before you started Amelie Jo where you sold handmade children’s clothing by other artists – what made you switch to selling your own work and do you think you’ll go back to the online boutique ever and sell your work there as well?
A: I couldn't find an audience for my web boutique and I, frankly, wasn't making any money. Once I started making my own shirts, the ideas just kept flowing and I was encouraged by Justine Smith, from Handmade Blogger, to open an Etsy shop. She is also helping me wholesale my work. I haven't seen much out there like my line of shirts and onesies, and now hats. Nothing that combines organic materials with authentic vintage embellishments and images.
If you would like more information on Amelie Jo:
lovely work! thanks for sharing. that is just the most adorable onesie-the ruffle is so cute!
ReplyDeletexoxo, juliette
Thanks for the beautiful post!
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