Belgian Daphne likes to keep her Etsy shop both big enough to have something for everyone, and small enough to make only limited editions and to have the option of making products on demand.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
“I live in Belgium with my husband and two kids. I studied history, and I’ve been working part time in a bookstore for the past eight years. The remainder of my time I spend making little purses and accessories from home, which allows me to stay nice and close to my family.”
How did you learn how to do that, make purses?
“I simply watched a lot of online tutorials. I wasn’t very happy with my first attempt at a bag, so I kept trying, trying and trying until I finally came up with a purse I really liked. Bulky without getting limp and with a large opening.”
Why did you start making bags and why did you open an Etsy shop?
“Ever since I was a little girl I have enjoyed making things by hand. My hobby didn’t turn into a serious craft until I gave some purses to my kids’ teachers. They loved them! Not much later there was a little shop in Belgium that wanted to stock them. That’s when I started buying materials in earnest. I used Etsy a lot for that, so I decided to sell there as well.”
Where do you get your inspiration?
“The fabrics I use, I am a huge Melody Miller and Etsuko Furuya fan. The old granny purse in my attic, friends’ requests… Inspiration is everywhere!”