Every Monday now through the end of the year I am interviewing other artists and crafters in the hopes of spreading some handmade love and appreciation. You can read more about it here. September features makers of baby/children’s items.
These days there is nothing like an adorable onesie to make me stop in my tracks. Lynsey Vanderbeck of Sweetest Hue’s gorgeous creations definitely caught my attention at a craft show this summer. Made with bold, beautiful fabric and the cutest handpainted designs, you can’t help but but go “Awwww!” when you see her designs.
As she states on her Etsy profile, she makes “wearable, functional art for yourself or a baby in your life!” In addition to items for babies, Lynsey offers a beautiful selection of shirts for both older children and adults, as well as tote bags.
Photos courtesy of Lynsey Vanderbeck
I started out thinking that I could stencil on onesies. (Why onesies, because they are so little and cute, no one can resist a onesie!) But I was terrible at stenciling. I was always a painter so it dawned on me why not just paint directly on the clothes. This was more fun, creative and easier for me.
What is the story behind your shop’s name?
I spent a long time thinking of a name and finally realized it was right here all along. My 8 year old son’s name is Hugh and I love colors so hence “Sweetest Hue”! So everytime I same the name I think of my sweetheart Hugh!
What do you like most about having your own creative business? What do you find most challenging?
What I like most is being my own boss and having weird, flexible hours, like painting at 10 at night after everyone is asleep. The most challenging aspect is sectioning time off in my day to paint, hence I end up painting at 10pm!
What inspires you to create?
Nature is so very inspiring. Also seeing kids faces get so excited when they see that I have a guinea pig, for example, painted on a shirt their size and the love it!
What do you think motivates others to buy handmade?
It is a much more personal experience to buy handmade and it feels good to support someone who is trying so hard to make things they love.
What is your favorite handmade item you have bought or received?
I have tons of handmade items that I have bought or bartered for at fairs. My most recent favorite is a handmade wrap around skirt by Mountain Ash Design in Vermont. The fabric is an amazing purple and it is right up my alley.
When you are not designing and creating handmade items, what do you like to do with your time?
I love to swim, walk, bike, and play badmitten with my son, Hugh. And I love going to Scotland to visit my husband’s family.
What is something people might not know about you?
That I love to buy local and eat local. I work one day a week at a CSA farm and I work for my food share instead of buying it. It is a dirty and fulfilling experience.
What is one piece of advice you would offer to others with their own creative business?
Not to get too discouraged and just keep going, even when it feels pointless, because people love the attention, care, and creativity that goes into handmade goods!
Thanks for being on my blog, Lynsey, and be sure to check out her shop!
Oh my Gosh, can you even stand how adorable this stuff is??!! I love that it is cute, but also you can tell totally practical and comfy! 🙂 Great job Lynsey!-Ashley
Beautiful! I love the designs. I love the idea of just painting right on and not messing with stencils. And I too carve out weird times a day to work on my writing/photography. These are seriously beautiful and I love the colors.
Those are so adorable!! Oh if only I had a baby to buy for….
Awwwwww. I wish I had those onesies for my boys when they were babies. So cute.