Featured Crafter: Tara from Elanvitalanthology

In this Featured Crafter, we hear from Tara from Elanvitalanthology. Read on to hear how Tara’s bedrest allowed her creative juices to start flowing and she was able to start creating items for her daughter.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
I turned thirty this year, and was overjoyed to find life didn’t end! I live in Bend, OR with my partner, Jeff and our beautiful daughter, Marley Skye.

Where can we find you?
You can find me on Etsy at elanvitalanthology.etsy.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/elanvitalantho
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bend-OR/Elan-Vital-Anthology/112002598669?ref=sgm
AND find other featured Etsyians as well as cool finds from the Web at my blog: http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com


What first got you interested in your craft?
I’ve been creating art since as long as my memory goes back. My childhood and adolescence was full of painting, drawing, photography, poetry, etc. There was a time when I was working very hard as an accountant, when my creativity seemed to disappear into a blackhole. While pregnant with Marley, I had to go on bedrest. Which meant shopping online for everything. I couldn’t handle the “girls are pink, boys are blue” philosophy of big merchandisers; and so I found Etsy. It was then that my creativity was renewed. I was so inspired by all of the wonderful artisans at Etsy (and still am), that I slowly began to delve into making clothing and toys for my daughter. Then I started making things for our home…and then I thought – I’ll give Etsy a try!

Please describe your creative process.
My creative process always involves music. When I’m shooting – the iPod is with me; when sewing, the stereo’s on full blast – whatever it is, I need the music. The rhythm channels through me into whatever it is I’m making. It affects how I feel, which affects what I make.
There’s also a lot of research that goes on for product development – as well as a lot of trial and error. I’ve been working on organic all-natural perfumes for a few months now – and JUST got it right!! It can be frustrating, until I think – I could be filing taxes right now instead of making perfume, taking photos, sewing, etc.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
Aside from being an artist, I really strive to be a wonderful, knowledgeable mother. This involves a lot of reading parenting books, education books, etc. I’m hoping that the Etsy shop has better sales, allowing me to home school Marley using the Montessori method. I’m very interested in education – I had a wonderful experience in school as a young girl, and I want the same for my daughter.
I also love to keep up with a daily dose of “Talk of the Nation” (NPR), follow politics, find new music. But right now most of my time is spent building up knowledge of my Etsy shop – which means NETWORKING!!! And lots of it.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I’d also like to add that 1% of sales from our shop goes towards Healthy Child Healthy World a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspiring parents to protect young children from harmful chemicals.