Fellow Etsian Interview: Flauxers

Today I've decided to interview one of my favorite artisans, Tanya from Flauxers !

I met Tanya through etsy and fell in love with her work, buying one one her pieces myself!

Hi Tanya, let's start off with the basics. How did you come up with the name Flauxers? and what inspires you to work with the materials that you use?

Faux+Flowers=Flauxers (pronounced "Flowers"). I love flowers but haven't had the best of luck keeping them alive very long. As a result, I decided to use artificial flowers. When I first started out, I was only doing arrangements, but as time has gone by, I've been inspired to create other designs as well. The jewelry idea came to me last summer, while sitting on my deck with my husband. The rest just flowed from there.

(I have to mention what a kind heart Tanya has. Money from each sale of the above flower goes to the MS Society. You may or may not know but I have MS so this is particularly special to me.)

What is your favorite piece or pieces? and why?

I have a few pieces that I've recreated for myself. The first was my Daisy Necklace, then followed by the miniature sunflower earrings, and a few barrettes and a hydrangea ring. They're great additions to many outfits and it brings a bit of warmth to my look - even on a cool day.

Do you mainly sell your creations online? Is this your full time job?

I currently only sell online. I have 3 shops - etsy, artfire and my own website. All items are made in my home, with love, and then sent to my customers. Many of the items are created after they have been sold, allowing me to create them, with you in mind. In addition to Flauxers, I have a part time job as a Web Administrator. This allows me to let my inner geek shine while still allowing me to focus on Flauxers.

What tool or item can you NOT live without when it comes to making your creations?

hmmmmm - I use the obvious items - wire cutters and needle-nose pliers, floral tape and other tools. But, I also have an item that's a little less popular, and that gets used in nearly every one of my items - clear thread. This allows me to both sew and glue my products together, allowing them to last even longer than with glue alone. This was a trick I learned from my grandma and mom, while creating barrettes with them growing up.

As we are both artists here, I'm going to ask you a tough question here. Personally I feel that choosing a favorite colour is like asking a parent to choose a favorite child...but what is your favorite colour to work with?

My favorite color is orange. But I also like yellows and purples and greens - the brighter the color the better. I enjoy working with many different colors, and combining multiple colors to create arrangements/designs.

And finally, do you come out with seasonal items, for holidays or seasons?

I do create seasonal items, but try to have them available all year long. You never know when an occasion will arise that will require something that is "out of season". For example, I created ornaments last winter and have had inquiries and sales of them since. I was pleased to see that even though I got my inspiration to do holiday ornaments, they're more versatile and can be used all year long.

Thank you for taking time to speak with me today Tanya!

Levi-Strauss Project

I am so proud to be working closely with Levi-Strauss on this project!


ProjectBackgroundLevi’s® is accessing it’s roots in craft, authenticity and self expression in a new project to discover how young women around the world are shaping the future–and who inspired them to be who they’ve become.

Eight professional book-binders, all members of ETSY, have created a total of 16 amazingly beautiful journalsand boxes that are being adored and adorned by creative young women around the world who have made a difference for themselves, their community or for the world only.

Each women who inscribes the book will provide a 4-6 page story, written and or illustrated, about who or what made a differencein their lives and what advice they have for other young women who will follow in their footsteps. Each women has one week to complete their assignment. A donation to a global women’s charity will be made in their name.

Levi’s® is one of 8 global sponsors of TED’s first Women’s conference, which takes place in Washington DC, December 7-8, 2010 –emphasizing our dedication to connecting with women.

A short filmwill be produced in November to tell the story of the books and the ideas that emerged. Some of the women who inscribed the books will be featured in the film. The film will be premiered at the first TED Women’s event, December 7-8 in Washington DC. The books and excerpts from their contents will be displayed and shared at a gallery event.

Contents of the book will also be shared with Levi’s Global Women’s Community.


Book Foreword for Those Who Inscribe
When we create, when we work for the new or push ourselves ahead insearch of fulfillment and change, we do so in a collective progress. Then, we step into the unknown together, ready to shape what’s coming.

Innovators, change-agents, artists, creative thinkers and progressives are the culmination of so many influential and inspiring people who have come beforeand opened our eyes to other worlds of thought.We look to our mentors, teachers, and peers who continually build us into citizens of the planet.

We walk with their energy and then add our own.

We, in turn, become mediums of what’s possible.

In sharing the expressions of your talents, experiences and the difference you’ve made within these pages, by describing who has influenced you and pushed you to be who you are, you also tell us who we are.

And thus, you inspire in us the passion to take action, have impact, find responsibility, help others, and move forward in the mutual endeavor of shaping what’s to come.

The boxes are almost gone!

The condo actually looks like a condo hahah. Ive even had guests over!

Ive been featured in another Etsy Treasury!!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c6bda7aa7328eeff5624c4b/im-falling-for-you

thanks so much bubbletub from etsy!