This week’s interview is with U.S.-based Lauren Mooney from The Eddy Line Co, who creates gorgeous art & accessories using a range of processes; embroidery, dyeing and weaving. The wall hangings in particular have really caught my eye!
Now I will hand over to Lauren to tell you more:
Tell us a bit about yourself...
How did you get started in your handmade business?
I actually got my degree in photography, but my process was dependent on having a dark room which I didn’t have after art school. I knew it was very important for me to keep making in some way after school and ended up ordering a loom on Etsy just to try it out. I made one small weaving and was immediately flooded with ideas. I kept experimenting from there and just continue making and trying new ideas out.
What first made you want to become an artist/craftsperson?
I have always loved making, but I don’t know that I ever saw it as a career that I could have. I think the feeling I get when I’m working is what has kept me on the path of being an artist. It is fun and freeing and ever changing.
Apart fom crafts, what do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m not making, I love to be outside. We live in the mountains right on the side of a river, so going boating with my person or hiking with our dog, Mabel, is at the top of the to-do list.
How long have you been creating art/crafts and how long have you been selling online?
I have been into creating and making since I was small, and have tried a few different mediums. I used to think I wanted to be a baker and did that on my own for a little bit, then tried jewelry making, went to school for photography (which I still love!) and right now I’m doing fiber/textile arts. We opened The Eddy Line Co. on Etsy in September 2016.
How many different places do you sell from?
Right now we only sell on Etsy at TheEddyLineCo.
In ten years, where would you like to be?
The Eddy Line Co. was originally started as an shared idea with my guy, Jonny. I was going to make art and home goods and he would make furniture. As we are just starting out, he is continuing his normal job while I work on the art side. The ultimate goal, however, is that we will be working together making our handcrafted art pieces and furniture. And hopefully in less than 10 years!
Have any pets?
We have a crazy, sweet french bulldog named Mabel. She is our third wheel and the sweetest studio assistant I could hope for.
Do you collect anything?
I collect river glass whenever we go hiking along the creeks or waterways where we live. I have jars and jars of it in our house.
How did you come up with your shop name?
The main stream of a river flows in one direction while the eddy flows in the other. The seam where these two opposing currents meet forms the “eddy line”. Our intention is to create handmade goods for your life that are one of a kind, well made pieces – just outside of the mainstream.
Do you have any particular sale that stands out in your memory? Why?
We were sitting on the couch one night and I just happened to check the shop to see if we had sold anything and we had! I looked over at Jonny and said “we sold a weaving!” He immediately hugged me, cried (although if anyone asks he may deny it haha) and told me that he was so proud and he knew we were going to make it. The woman who bought the piece sent us the sweetest message and even sent a picture of the weaving in her house after she got it.
That was a very special moment, but I’ll be honest, as makers I’m pretty sure we remember every one of those sales. There is always a happy dance involved. It means the world to us when people support the dream that we are trying to live.
^ And this is the very first weaving that sold!