NEST Interview: Scribble Nation

Name: Mary Helen & Michelle (B.F.F.'s!!)

Shop Name: Scribble Nation

If you have your own web site – list it here too: Mary Helen's blog

Where are you located? Southwestern, CT (Danbury & Sandy Hook)

How did you end up in New England?
Mary Helen: I was born in Maine to a couple of wayward fish-folk. Later on, we moved to Yonkers, New York to taste the finer things of life. A few years later the wind swept us one state over and we settled in Connecticut, where I've spent most of my life.

Michelle: Born and raised by parents who were born and raised by their parents who were born and raised.

How did you hear about Etsy?

Mary Helen: I found out about Etsy through one of my all-time favorite websites, Craftster.org.

Michelle: Mary!

What do you make? Why do you make them? (what's your inspiration) How did you learn to do it?

Mary Helen: The inspiration for Scribble Nation comes from the cockles of our creative organs. Michelle and I are both compulsive crafters. I find that the I am happiest when I am creating, and not worrying about what will or won't sell. I make what I feel like making when I feel like making it. Scribble Nation is more like an adoption agency to me than a shop. I can't keep all of this stuff myself - so I'm happy to see my crafts find good homes.

My mom was born and raised uber-crafty and when my three sisters and I were growing up she made our clothes, our toys, she baked bread, the whole shebang. We couldn't help but pick up a thing or two. Each of us ended up crafty. For me, it's an obsession. I live to learn new crafts, I am always on the lookout for new things to try out.

Next on the chopping block is making glass beads. I just got my blow torch and I am psyched! The next big thing you can expect on Scribble Nation is Michelle's gloriously cute collection of cocktail hats. We'd like to release the first batch together. We're hoping to get them online in September.

Michelle: I make everything, whatever I can get my hands on. My inspiration? Whatever inspires me! LOL! Scribble Nation allows me to make whatever I happen to feel like making or dabbling in. I learned how to craft from mom, friends, art school and myself.

Something, a tip? Motto?, you've learned about your craft, selling online or at fairs you'd like to share with the world.

Mary Helen: Never ever stop crafting. I totally believe in "creative inertia". If you don't keep creating you lose momentum and it gets harder to create. The end result doesn't even really matter as long as you never stop making things. Don't be discouraged by the occasional flop or disaster. Even the best artists have to create piles of mediocre work before getting to a masterpiece. Besides, you can always practice and get better at something. Hard work almost always guarantees a better result but what you can't guarantee are ideas. You can't count on creativity to be there when you need it if you've left it in the back shed for the past six months. And you can't put a price on imagination so BUST that stash and USE your materials. Don't wait around for inspiration or that "perfect" project - make your own.

Michelle: You never know what people will like so dabble in everything.

Are you a vendor at any upcoming shows/events? Are you teaching any classes?

Mary Helen: We are going to attempt our first craft fairs this year - but we haven't nailed down any solid dates yet. It's a little scary, but I bet we'll rock that Mary Helen: We are going to attempt our first craft fairs this year - but we haven't nailed down any solid dates yet. It's a little scary, but I bet we'll rock that $&!%.


What's the difference between Art & Craft? Which are you?

Michelle: Do I have to decide? I am a crafty artist!

Mary Helen: To me they are one in the same. Anytime you create something from nothing it is art - because there is a piece of you in it regardless of whether it is one of a kind or straight from a pattern. And if you are an artist at heart, forget it. I can't make a sandwich without putting my own spin on things.

Favorite midnight snack? Comfort food?

Michelle: Anything chocolate. Chocolate always makes things better.

Mary Helen: Anything sold in brine or double churned - but not together. (Well, not ALWAYS together)

What is the best thing about Etsy?

Mary Helen: The best thing about Etsy is the amazing wealth of talent showcased in one place. From soap to prints to jewelry, the artists on Etsy are just sensational. At any given time I could pop on and find at least one hundred things to make my heart skip a beat. It's wild to think that there are so many talented people out there - and it's mind blowing to see so many collected in one spot.