Meet The Maker – Bebe Bradley
Please tell us who you are and what you do?
I’m Bebe Bradley and I am a Scottish designer-maker living in Dorset on the South Coast of England. I make a range of accessories – from corsages to purses – but never restrict myself if something else takes my fancy, so the occasional tea cosy or illustration might pop up in the mix as well.
When did you first realise you this is what you wanted to do for your chosen career and how did you get started?
I always wanted a creative job but I fell into designing and making when I realised that I could still be creative whilst staying at home and looking after my children.
What kind of formal education / training or experience do you have that applies to what you do?
My degree in Graphic Design certainly has a major influence on the way in which I approach my work. I have an unfortunate habit of needing to be precise and have spent many an hour unpicking and unravelling work that hasn’t measured up to my expectations.
What steps did you take to create to turn your art/craft into a business?
I went on a business course to reinforce my own confidence that I could potentially do it. WIRE (Women in Rural Enterprise) are always good for advice and I’d thoroughly recommend them. I also did a fair bit of online research into the handmade market and potential selling sites.
Do you have a studio? Please describe your work setting?
I have my own (very messy) work room at home but in a couple of week’s time, will be moving into my own specially built studio in the garden. When I’m ‘at home’, I find it fairly difficult to switch off from the usual daily household distractions so am really excited about being away from it … even if it is only a few feet away from it! I‘ll be able to listen to Radio 4 uninterrupted by demands for underpants and biscuits.
What are your tools of the trade, do you have a favourite?
My sewing machine and perhaps, my collection of crochet hooks and wooden knitting needles. I do love my sewing machine and don’t know what I would do without it. With knitting and crochet, I’m always amazed that sticks and yarn can create amazing textures and fabric. In fact, when I get a hankering, it’s usually to knit or crochet.
Do you ever have creative slumps? What do you do to get inspired?
The good old Scottish Protestant work ethic in me has instilled a stubborn ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish’ approach that helps keeps me motivated. I do suffer from creative block occasionally and there’s nothing worse than trying to visualise a design and facing that big blank blackboard. I generally console myself with a glass of wine, a bag of crisps and another glass of wine.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Still making and designing but a bit higher up the tree where the nuts are.
What advice would you give someone starting out on their own?
Go for it! I always say that if you don’t try, you’ll never know but be prepared for hard work, and the ups-and-downs that go with running any business. I’m fortunate in having a very good friend and fellow maker (Anne-Marie of Meninafeliz) on my door-step to offer support and the occasional ear-bashing. There are lots of talented makers out there and the market for handmade is growing by the day, as does the competition. Make sure that you have your USP (Unique Selling Point).
Who are some of your favourite artists/designers/makers?
There are lots of artists, designers and makers whose work I covet and probably far too many to mention here. I have quite an eclectic taste and if I like something enough, I’ll buy it.
If you had time what new skill would you like to learn?
Bookbinding. I’ve been surrounded by books for as long as I can remember and they are very important to me.
What is the best part of what you do, and the worst?
The best part is when someone loves something that YOU have made and actually wants to pay you money for it. The worst part is keeping up momentum. It’s so easy to fall by the wayside.
Tell us what your perfect day would be.
A productive day making, then dinner in the garden with my boys and a walk down the beach watching the sun set and the gulls wheel above the sea.
Buy Bebe’s beautiful purses at Makers-Online
http://www.makers-online.co.uk/artist/bebe-bradley
-
Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover, Parkside by Bebe Au Lait (289) Buy new: $36.95 (Visit the Most... Read Full Story » -
Hooter Hiders Nursing Cover - Nest by Bebe Au Lait (34) Buy new: $35.00 $27.19 12 used & new... Read Full Story » -
Bebe Dubon Fork and Spoon with Travel Case, Blue by Bebe Dubon Buy new: $4.49 (Visit the Hot... Read Full Story » -
Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover, Ascot by Bebe Au Lait (289) Buy new: $35.00 $26.00 10 used & new... Read Full Story » -
Bebe Dubon Fork and Spoon with Travel Case, Blue by Bebe Dubon Buy new: $4.49 (Visit the Hot New... Read Full Story »
