How would you describe the art/craft you have for sale in the Indie Made Boutique?

Handmade with love. I make things that I would want to own. I love to use interesting and vintage-inspired fabrics for my women and children's clothing. I love to give old unwanted items new life like with my children's toys made out of cashmere sweaters. Everything is made in small careful batches, and it's all carefully sewn to last a lifetime.

How did you choose your shop name and where did you learn your craft/ art?

Mockingbird just kinda came to me one summer day. I liked it, and I went with it. I've been sewing since I was a kid. Never satisfied with department store clothing, I started making my own clothing in high school, which led to me making clothing for my friends, which led to purses and bags, which led to this crazy creative life I now live. Both my mother and my grandmother are amazing seamstresses and I owe a lot of my wisdom and inspiration to them.

What inspires your art/craft?

Inspiration comes from everywhere. Like I mentioned, my family has been an amazing source of it. My daughter inspires me to make cutesy children’s dresses, as well as my soft and cuddly plush animals. I am extremely inspired by the other members of Indie Made. And I’m a magazine/blog/DIY/internet junkie.

Which item in your shop do you enjoy making the most and why?

I enjoy making my plush creatures the very most. They often create themselves and are always different depending on the materials I have on hand. I usually start with a general idea about how I want them to look, but the finished product always surprises me. There is a lot of time and detail that goes in to each of them. And then I get to send them out in to the world. Pure joy.

What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?

Delight, intrigue, surprise, humor, happiness.

How long have you lived in the Treasure Valley and how long have you been in business doing your current type of art/craft?

I’ve been in Boise on and off my entire life. I come and I go, and then I always come back again. I started Mockingbird Clothing Co. almost seven years ago. Sewing has always been a hobby, but I thought I should at least give it a respectable name. I started out just selling in booths, but with etsy.com and Indie Made my customers can now come to me.

What do you do when you’re not working on your art/craft?

My life is so full. I love spending time with my adorable daughter and fantastic husband. I love to be outdoors, which is why sewing is such a winter sport. During the summer you will find me on or next to a really big river, camping, hiking, biking, cooking, eating, and growing.