Interview with the artist - Jenny from Jenny Karlsson Design

One of the first people I met when I started my online selling adventure was Jenny. I can't believe how long it took for me to convince her to do this interview.
I own two of Jenny's purses myself, what I like is the unusual combination of materials, stamps on little sachets, a picture of a 20s beauty on a bag, Jenny's muse takes her along interesting paths.
Let's give the word to her now.

Handwoven purse with fish

Tell us a little about who you are and where you come from.

I'm Jenny, I live and work in a town called Linköping, Sweden. Um ... yes. Brought up in the countryside, but living in town now - a lot of trees here though, so it'll do for a while.

What's your craft/art and how did you get to do it in the first place?

I work with textiles, using mainly techniques like sewing, embroidery, weaving and crochet. I make bags, accessories and things for the home. I think that I have always liked to create things with my hands. When I was younger, I always wanted to make things and then play shop and sell them. Later, after academic studies, I realised that I really need to use my hands more and my head less. Well, a combination is to prefer ...

I think this is one of the most asked questions - where does your inspiration come from?

There are some things that I seem to return to when it comes to inspiration. Magazines like Selvedge & Country Living (UK), books with lovely illustrations like the ones in The Country Diaries of an Edwardian Lady.  Costume dramas - Downton Abbey, Mr Selfridge, House of Eliott, Elizabeth ... Then there is nature, with its swirly ivys, trees and chirping birds. So genuine handicrafts, nature and times past are the general things ... Methinks ...

Flowery blue bird with linen wings

Tell us a fun thing about yourself.

I was in a youth circus when I was younger, doing a bit of acrobatics dressed up as a Native American. My Mom made me a costume out of brown flannel with fringes at the sides.

Do you do other crafts, if yes, what?

I seem to do a lot of textile thingies at the moment. But other than that I like to do wire crafts, simple jewellery, drawing, weaving ...

Which one of your pieces is your absolute favorite? Which one was the hardest to make and why?

I don't know, I think I like the ones that have more intricate work where I have done a lot of embroidery for example. Maybe it's just that I want to do that more. I do have a few pillows that I have woven, and one is embroidered, too. I like those - and I have kept them on the top of my sofa, I don't keep that many things for myself. Um, ask me this again in a few years' time :)

Shoulder bag with Anita Page

Is there someone whom you admire and who inspires you?

I often feel inspired by people who are who they are and do their thing and don't care about what other people think. I don't always agree with them or want to do the same, but their strength is something to take in and get inspired by. I do seem to have a thing for Tasha Tudor - her lifestyle and wonderful garden and crafts. Beatrix Potter (who was over 30 when she published her first book). Poppy Treffry and other creative women who started their own business, believing in their creativity.

If you had free choice of just one suppy you can use for your craft, what would you be dreaming of, no matter how expensive?

Harris tweed!

Hand embroidered and sewn lavender sachet

Do you sell online, if yes, where can we find you?

Well, indeed I do! Jenny Karlsson Design on Etsy is my main shop at the moment - trying to stop spreading myself too thin ...
I have a website as well where you can have a peek at things that I have made in the past and now. 

Is there anything you feel you need or want to tell the world outside now?

Follow your dreams and passions. Rethink your stand now and then, try and see where you are heading and aim somewhere. I am easily distracted and tend to forget where I am heading now and then, so I have to force myself to focus sometimes. Be in the company of other creative people (whatever kind of work they do) with positive energy - they see things in a different light and make you see the roads ahead that might've been clouded by your own feelings and thoughts. And you get a real energy boost!
There, I think that was all for now.
So you just take care now and laugh a lot!

Best wishes, sincerely yours etc.
Jenny :)

Like so often I learned something new which makes these interviews just as interesting for me as they are for you, I hope.
Please also hop by Jenny's blog and have fun browsing through her pages!