Thursday, August 21, 2008

Interview with Meg from Brassy Apple & Giveaway

Where were you born and raised? I was born and raised in Idaho. After a brief move to Arizona and back again when I was young, I married an Idahoan and we have settled in Idaho for now and are raising our family.
How many children do you have? My husband and I have 3 children and one on the way due the end of October. I have a stepson age 14, a daughter 7 and a son 4. We didn't find out the sex of the new baby so it will be a surprise to all come October!
What are your hobbies (besides designing and sewing)? Photography! That seems to almost go hand in hand with designing, sewing and selling doesn't it? I grew up loving the arts so I took many classes and study courses in drawing, painting, artwork, musical instruments and dance. I love to sketch now and then and help teach my daughter the basics of drawing, etc. Oh and Blogging! Can blogging be a hobby? It sure is fun to me! I love to share my photos, tips, tricks and especially tutorials of fun projects I come up with!
How did you come up with your name? is there a story behind it? I wanted something that reflected my designs and style. I've always considered them a bit bold. Whether it's the color combinations or the design elements in them. I like to have something a bit "unexpected". After searching through the Thesaurus for words that would describe bold "BRASSY" seemed to fit me just right. But Brassy what???? After going through several options of things I loved to associate with Brassy I loved the idea of the forbidden "apple" if you will, from the Bible story of Adam and Eve. Seems to fit my designs. Tempting style………….so Brassy Apple was created!
Where do you sell your designs? I sell them on my website, which is having a makeover and it will debut shortly (if it hasn't already by the time this interview is posted) www.brassyapple.com. I used to sell on Ebay and have toyed around with the idea of selling on Etsy too instead of just being a customer there! How long have you been selling your designs? Hummmmmm……………..not sure I remember! LOL. I think I have been selling my designs on and off for around 4 years.
What got you started? I've always like to be busy with my hands and creating something makes me even happier. Once I plunged into motherhood I felt the urge to create with paints, fabrics, etc – anything – to get back to the "roots" of who I was while still being a Mommy.
Do you remember the first set you sold? The first set I sold I believe was a pair of cowboy overalls which sold for about $30.00. I was thrilled of course to have someone want to buy what I had created!
Have you noticed a change in your designs from when you first started? I have gone through several different style changes and ideas trying to my niche and what I really enjoyed creating, designing and sewing. Learning new skills along the way and really getting it down to a few "signature" items rather than spreading myself out like I did in the beginning helps to make my designs better. What type of designs are you working on now? Women's aprons, lots of DIY kits, skinny scarves and patterns!
What is your inspiration for your designs? Mainly my love for the taking the ordinary or "off the rack" style and putting a twist to it. Giving it a little originality and having a customer just love how it looks on her or for the person she bought it for!
Is there any other designers you admire? Several! Too many to list!
What is your favorite design you have created? Probably my Shaggy Mosaic Jeans. They can be done up so many ways and they really started my business off and going. Now I offer the DIY kits so you create your own!
Who is your favorite fabric designer? Again, too many to list but I really love the sincerity and down to earth personality of Jennifer Paganelli. She is so sweet and I treasure the relationship I am able to have with her. She is a great mentor and always willing to give advice and friendship.
If you could max out your credit card at one store, what store would that be? I have to pick just one? That's a toughy!...................... First one that comes to mind is Pottery Barn! I would love to completely re-do my entire house with their furniture and accessories from the towels to the sheets, dishes and furniture!
What can we expect from you in the future? Patterns! It's been a long process of researching, sketching, asking questions, finding good resources, then throw 5 months of pregnancy sickness at me plus a family that still needed me. BUT it's something I feel driven to do and would love to complete. I'm working on it. It's fun to be able to share a design pattern that comes from your head to your sketch pad and then printed out on big sheets of paper with everyone to enjoy.
http://www.brassyapple.com/
http://www.brassyapple.blogspot.com/
***We also want to thank Meg for offering this great giveaway from BrassyApple, a Girls Sweet Tangerine Shaggy Mosaic DIY kit (as seen above). This giveaway will last one week, so post a comment and Meg will draw a winner next Friday!***

51 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your jeans!
I have long been an admirer
of your designs!

Lee Anne

Megan/Brassy Apple said...

Thanks to the ladies of the Boutique Buyers blog to the chance to be interviewed! Good luck to all on winning the DIY kit! :)

Sarah Taylor said...

I love all of these designs! Could those little pirate outfits be any cuter?! Great interview!
Sarah

kim said...

Your designs are fantastic and I love your DIY kits!
Kim

K Hutchinson said...

Your design are so cool! I love them all! The DIY kits are so fun!

Anonymous said...

Great interview! Cannot wait to see your new site! I'm sure it will be fabulous as always!

Joanna said...

Wow great interview - I feel like I know you just from that!!! Love your designs, and love your giveaway - it would be so perfect for my daughter. I would have so much fun re-inventing a pair of her jeans with it for the new school year! She would indeed be the most stylish girl in her class lol!!!

Allison S said...

All of your designs are fabulous! And I also love your kits!! You are very inspiring Megan:)

Annie Scarlett said...

I follow Megs blog, and I am so glad you decided to interview her. She does great work.

Mickey said...

I love Meg's work and am loving her new strip scarves! Thanks for the great interview.

Mickey

Mimi from Peachy Papaya said...

I love your designs. Great work

Deanna said...

I love all your stuff especially the shabby mosaic jeans! I purchased the instructions from the youcanmakethis website and have since made 2 pairs for my kids. Keep up the awesome work and I am thrilled to get my hands on your new patterns! :)Deanna

stephanie h said...

I remember you once upon a time at Here comes the Stork. You have come so far since then and your stuff is FAB! I have yet to try the DIY kits but will have to get one soon. Love all your stuff! :)

The Hoffman Family said...

Great interview! Thanks for being so candid in your answers! Also a fan of your designs-can't wait to see patterns!

Anonymous said...

I love your mosiac jeans...they are just so different & you never see another like it!!!

I can't wait to see your patterns!

Cinnamon*Sticks Boutique said...

LOVE your designs so full of life!
Lovely interview
Canela

FeatherBunkle said...

I love all of Megan's stuff... I hope these new patterns include some aprons!

Gumdrop*Shop said...

Oh I cant wiat for you patterns I LOVE your JEANS!!!

MElissa

Tina said...

Love all you do and you seem very genuine too.
Can hardly wait till the new site is up and running.

Tina

Anonymous said...

Great interview! :D
Love the pirate!
Red

Tattered Tulips said...

Great interview, love your designs!

couture*4*my*cutie said...

Great interview Meg! Good luck with your upcoming arrival! The suspense from not knowing the gender must be killing you! Do you have a closet full of both girls and boys outfits, LOL?

~Michelle

Anonymous said...

OMG I love love love your jeans! I've been reading your blog Meg, for a while now and I think your style is just gorgeous. You look fab in the pictures with your skinny scarfs, by the way!

The Eagars said...

I love you stuff. I am SOO excited for the new website!

Mary Elizabeth said...

YEAH MEG!!! Great interview and can't wait for neew website top open!!

Sheyb said...

Great interview! :) I LOVE those jeans! I could so see myself in some!

Helz said...

Meg those Mosaic Jeans & your Half Apron both Downright Gorgeous !!!

Bretta said...

I love reading Meg's blog and being inspired by all the great colors and fabrics and ideas! Great stuff!

It's Me: Jennie said...

Loved reading this interview & finding out more about Meg!! She does amazing work!!!

Jennifer

Dina said...

What a great interview! Very inspiring.

Anonymous said...

Your jeans are fabulous!! I love your color combos and fabrics too! I haven't bought a DIY kit yet, but I will have to get one soon.

Molly O Designs said...

Loved the interview! You are such a chic role model for all the WAHMs. Keep up the amazing work!

Anonymous said...

Love the use of such fun fabrics and colors!

Unknown said...

Great Interview! Great giveaway too - love your jeans!

Anonymous said...

Who could not love Meg's designs!?!?! They are fantastic! I always love her use of color and the way she uses prints together. I am loving the give away too! PICK ME! ;)

P.S. Meg blogging is TOTALLY a hobby! :)

Woodards said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Woodards said...

LOVE your BLOG!!! I think I am addicted!!! Thanks for all of the great tips and ideas!!!

Jenni

Jill said...

Love your DIY kit and have been dying to try one.

gina said...

I love the mosiac jeans! Very unique.

Chey said...

Great interview Megan. I love the apron you are wearing in the Santa photograph. Very fun!!

Cindy said...

Great interview. I love your designs, just haven't had the courage to try one of your DIY kits yet. My daughter loves the HSM kits.

AnnieJackDesigns said...

Love those jeans! Can't wait to see the new site too!

Unknown said...

I love your ideas and admire your ambition to do what you really love to do.

Bobbi Jo Nichols said...

What a great interview! Love the pictures especially the one with Santa. TOO CUTE! You are an inspiration to all of us who do crafts and especially sewing.
Take care of yourself.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo-AZ

Ronda said...

So many exciting things happening for you Megan! Congratulations! I have always admired the way you combine colors and fabrics. Your designs always POP! Can't wait to see the website!:)
Ronda

Unknown said...

Great interview! I absolutely love all your designs. Everything is so unique and cute.

Talia

vada0427 said...

Yay - patterns in the works! I love Meg's designs and have been following her work (and ordering her great DIY kits) for a couple years. I bet she's already working on decopaged onesies for her upcoming arrival :)
Great interview!!

Karen G.

Becky said...

It's great to learn more about your history and what you're about - inspiring.

Becky

Anonymous said...

It was fun reading about you Meg! You're belly is the cutest thing ever:) Good Luck with your delivery.

XO,

Chelsea

© Eclisse Creazioni Art & Photography said...

LOVE MEGAN and her stuff are GORGEOUS!!!!

Anonymous said...

I enjoy Meg's blog and love the inspiration!

Patty