Featured Artist: Julianne Sudbrink of Inky Binky Productions

This week’s featured artist is fellow EtsyNJ team member Julianne Sudbrink of Inky Binky Productions. One peek into Julianne's shop proves she’s got a way with crochet. (Check out these photos for a sampling of her amazing work.) Specializing in three-dimensional designs, Julianne creates pieces that pop with style and personality. Read on to find out more about how she works her magic. And don’t forget to visit her shop for those last-minute holiday gifts!

1. The Tote Trove (TTT): Tell us about the inspiration behind your whimsical Etsy shop name, Inky Binky Productions.

Julianne Sudbrink (JS): Inky Binky is my granddaughter’s nickname; I named my shop after her.

2. TTT: Most of the creations in your Etsy shop are designed for children. How did you become interested in making children’s clothing?

JS: My main inspiration is my granddaughter. I’m also a mother of four, so I’ve always been interested in creating children’s clothing.

3. TTT: How did you decide to turn your passion for crocheting into a business?

JS: I opened my first shop, Earth Water, back in the 1970s in North Bergen. There I constructed patchwork items for locals and local celebrities such as the Isley Brothers.

4. TTT: When did you begin crocheting?

JS: I’d already opened Earth Water when a couple of neighbors, Irma and Irene, took an interest in my crocheting and decided to pass on everything they knew. Since then I’ve continued to develop my craft, creating wonderful one-of-a-kind gifts that are anything but your grandma's style of crochet.

5. TTT: What is your favorite item in your shop?

JS: My favorite item is my A Walk in the Woods Coat, which has animals worked right into the coat.

6. TTT: What items, if any, would you like to add to your shop?

JS: I’d like to add more items for men.

7. TTT: Describe your creative process. Do you follow a routine, create when inspiration strikes, or a little bit of both?

JS: I usually see an expensive machine-made item in a magazine and think, “Hey, I can make that even better by hand!” Or, I’ll see something that a child would feel very special wearing and go from there.

8. TTT: What is the best thing about running your own business? The worst?

JS: The creativeness is the best part. The worst part is making the photos look good. I’m not great with a camera but am getting better.

9. TTT: How did you discover Etsy?

JS: I was looking for an online place to sell my items and stumbled upon it.

10. TTT: Do you sell your work in venues outside of Etsy (i.e., other sites, craft shows, etc.)? If yes, then how does selling online differ from selling in person?

JS: I sell at craft shows too but prefer selling online. Every time I make a custom item it turns out better than my original.

11. TTT: Who is most (emotionally) supportive of your business?

JS: My daughter Maggie, who also sells on Etsy. Maggie is a creative genius and artist who inspires me all of the time with her suggestions. You can see some of her work at www.hardcorecandy.etsy.com, which includes links to her 2 other stores as well.

12. TTT: Are there any new artistic/creative skills you’d like to learn?

JS: Yes, I plan on learning how to knit next year.

13. TTT: Tell us about life outside of Inky Binky Productions. Do you have a job in addition to your business? Hobbies? Family? Pets?

JS: I work part time, love to landscape around my home, and have three wonderful pets. I adopted a 225 lb-Newfoundland, a golden retriever, and a new golden retriever puppy. Whew!!! They keep me busy. I also do promotional work for the best rock band in New Jersey, The Spider Daniels Band. Although my four children are grown, I'm still very involved with their lives. My oldest daughter is in the Air Force and has served tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq. My oldest son has worked with President Obama and is currently finishing college, and my youngest son is studying nursing and currently works with the elderly. I am very proud of all my children.

14. TTT: What are your hopes for Inky Binky Productions in the future?

JS: My hope is that my granddaughter will find me through my work on the Internet. I have not seen her since 2006 and hope to be reunited with her soon and to someday present her with the trust fund formed from my earnings.

15. TTT: BONUS QUESTION. Just for fun, if you were stranded on a deserted island and had to eat the same thing every day, what would it be?

JS: I could probably live on mashed potatoes or anything made form potatoes. Yum, carbs!

Thanks for getting to know Julianne and Inky Binky Productions. Need more Ink? Find it on Facebook.