Inside the Crafters Studio: April Scott

April Scott grew up in Lynchburg and came to Richmond in 1991 for college. After moving away for a few years, Scott came back to stay in 1997. Her “delicious handmade baby and toddler dresses” can be found on her Etsy site. Here she tells us a little bit about her creative process and what we can expect from her at this year’s Spring Bada-Bing, the much-anticipated craft show produced by the Richmond Craft Mafia.

April 16, 2010; 11:10 AM • by Marge Weimer

Have you always been an artist/crafter? Do you remember your first creation? If so, what was it?

Well, I think I’ve always been crafty. I remember going to a craft store with my mother when I was 6 or 7, and I wanted to get some of those little plastic googly eyes to make pom-pom Tribbles (like on Star Trek.) My mother also taught me to embroider and sew when I was in elementary school.

When/how did you get started?

After my daughter was born, I designed a little sleeveless dress for her, with a tabbed front closure and big buttons. A friend suggested that I stitch up some more dresses so we could share a booth at a craft show. After I sold a few more dresses to friends and acquaintances, I decided to open an Etsy shop, and it just sort of evolved from there.

What types of materials/patterns/shapes/etc. do you prefer to work with and why? What is that process like for you?

I like to use really fun, bold graphic prints and bright colors. I enjoy repurposing fabrics that were never meant to be worn, such as sheets, curtains, dishtowels with odd graphics, as well as using vintage fabrics. Sometimes I’ll use 3 or 4 different fabrics in a dress, or I’ll make the front and the back of the dress out of completely different fabrics.

Was creating children’s clothing a specific goal you set out to achieve or is that something that has just evolved?

It was a goal that has definitely evolved. After a short stint working in an alterations shop, I was convinced that I would be happiest in a job where I could sew and create things. Over the years I had tried making different products such as hats, jewelry, women’s clothing, etc., but was never able to achieve any real focus or momentum, partially because I had no idea how to sell my work. Discovering online sales via Etsy was a huge revelation- it gave me easy exposure to a worldwide audience of lovely folks who appreciate and buy handmade goods.

Do you create items by request? If so, have you ever had a strange or interesting request?

I do a fair amount of custom work. Last Halloween a customer asked me to make a child’s dress that looked like an Apple iPod. I made the dress front from light grey fabric and the back from black fabric, and the customer stuck the Apple icons on the front. She sent me some pictures, it was a really cute costume!

Would you say there is a common theme in your work?

Clean and simple silhouettes, and fabrics that I love or that make me laugh a little bit.

How did you become involved with Spring Bada-Bing?

This is the third Spring Bada-Bing in which I’ve been invited to participate, and I am so happy that the Richmond Craft Mafia liked my work enough to invite me back this year!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I have a 4-year-old daughter, so I spend lots of time with her, going to the park, playing make-believe, doing art projects together. She is truly the most delightful little companion! I also have a part-time job, aside from my business, so I stay pretty busy. I like to do the usual stuff – read, cook, eat, take naps in the middle of the day, drink pina-coladas, knit, and sometimes I still even get a chance to sew things for myself!

What items can people expect to see from you at this year’s Spring Bada Bing?

I will have the big button dresses and some capes as well as something new I’ve been working on – reversible kimonos.

Thanks to April for talking with us! To see a full list of vendors set to appear at Sunday’s Spring Bada-Bing, stop by their website.