Laura Bucci Bags (july 20)

Laura Bucci Handmade is a wonderful Etsy shop. Laura is from Vancouver BC, and has had her shop on Etsy since June 2007. Laura has a BLOG that she updates almost daily.

How did you decide on your shop name?
I had a hard time coming up with a unique company name that did not involve using my own personal name. I think that's because back in 2006 I wasn't sure what my focus was. I used to use “Laura Bucci Bags & Accessories” but recently changed it to “Laura Bucci Handmade” as I felt the 'handmade' part would allow me to introduce more products without worrying of it not fitting my name.

When did you start sewing and who taught you?
I'm actually pretty new to the sewing craft, I started sewing in 2007 and I'm mostly self-taught –- I took one sewing class where we learned how to make pants. When I get into something, I can be quite determined and that has helped me to learn fast. There's nothing like practice though and a good eye for detail.

What or who inspires you?
There's so many wonderful textile designers today and that's who I look to for inspiration. A beautifully designed piece of cloth is quite exciting for me. Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry, and Etsuko Furuya are favourites as well as indie textile designers such as Lucie Summers (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6168430) and Danielle Smeets (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5094972). I love pattern, colour, and texture. I do have a background in Fine Arts and photography and I'm sure that exposure has helped me to find my style.

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I am very happy with sewing as there are still many products I'd like to make. But I would love to print my own fabric. I have already taken some steps to start this but it's hard to find the time to do it all. I would also like to return to fine arts somehow. I see small works on linen canvas in the future.

Is this your "full-time" job?
Yes, it is. I love being self-employed. It suits me perfectly. My Etsy shop sales are not a reflection of how busy I am. I conduct my growing wholesale business off Etsy and have clients in Canada and the US.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I especially love making the patchwork cup cozies. I started making these because I couldn't imagine throwing away all the little pieces of fabric that I was generating in my studio. So I started a few piles of leftovers. The patchwork allows me to work more freely and to pair fabrics together that I normally wouldn't, so there's always an element of surprise and playfulness.