SuezyBees Designs

Interview with Sue

Sue of SuezyBees Designs is a well-known artist/designer based in Brighton, UK. In addition to being mentioned on many blogs, she was featured in the affa craft book. Her cheerful handmade creations are available on Etsy. She says her work is inspired by, “. . . trees, birds, houses, beach huts, sailing boats and ice cream.” You can see more of her work at her Etsy store and her blog. I loved her cell phone sleeves and gadget pouches. They turn cool/cold pieces technology into something you can hug.

suezybees little house

2012 Update

SuezyBees is still going strong. Her Etsy shop now has over 3000 admirers and still has many beautiful pieces.

Interview

1. Sue, thanks for joining us today. Please tell us a little bit about your work and anything else you would like our readers to know about yourself.

I design and create one off pieces using a variety of techniques such as freehand machine embroidery, hand embroidery, applique and print. I make all sorts of things from digital camera cases, iPod sleeves, mobile phone cases to felt postcards and embroidered pictures. My work combines both practical and decorative qualities, and each piece is one of a kind due to the very nature of hand crafted art. My favourite materials are felt, thread, buttons and beads.

2. I see that you have a degree in Design. Please tell us a little a bit about your creative process and how you come up with such lovely and charming pieces?

I graduated in Surface Pattern Design a few years ago and have always had a keen interest in textiles and art. My degree taught me to be a lot more experimental with the creative process - working with illustration, various types of printing, applique and embroidery. I am particularly inspired by anything with a whimsical and quirky theme, pattern and shape, colour and texture - hence my obsession with beads, buttons, and scraps of vintage fabric!

sailboat cell phone pouch

3. On your blog, you have a lot of pictures of Brighton with colors similar to what you use in your pieces. Do you just like those colors or does being in Brighton influence your choices?

I would say that my surroundings definitely have a big impact on my work. I especially love the contrast of bright colours against the background of the neutral coloured felt, which features quite heavily in my designs. Seaside towns are full of inspiration - deck chairs, cream teas, ice creams, cafes, birds, flowers, fishing boats... the list is endless!

4. You mention a few other blogs in your shop's profile and your own blog. Has having your blog and shop allowed you to connect with other artists and bloggers?

Having a blog can be time consuming - I can literally spend hours looking at other designer's blogs! But yes, it's a great way of networking with other like-minded people. The internet is the way forward if you want to get your work out there and shops such as etsy and folksy make it easier for artists and designers to make a living from something they love doing. I have been very lucky to have been featured on some really great blogs including Craftysynergy, Modish, Funky Finds and Cuteable.

cupcake cell phone pouch

5. I see you joined Etsy more than three years ago, which I think makes you one of the earlier members. How would you describe your experience and what are your plans for the future?

It feels like I have been on Etsy for a long time! It's been a great experience for me, and has been a very simple tool for helping me get my work out there and the costs are relatively low which is always a "plus" point. I also sell my designs on Folksy - which is a British based web shop. I would really love to have my own online shop one day. I just need to make more hours in the day to do it!

April 13, 2010

Thanks to Sue for brightening our day! Please take a moment to visit the Suezybees Shop on Etsy or Folksy. You can check out more of her work on her Facebook page.