Mini interview: Lesa of Lesa Likes

Tell us a little about yourself and your shop.
My name is Lesa, I work full time as a medical research scientist but spend a lot of time daydreaming about what I can make when I get home. My lab has paper garlands strung across it made out of old scientific catalogues and I often cast my eye around thinking how much fun it would be to use the items scattered over my bench to make crafty things. My shop, lesalikes, is in its infancy as I figure out the things that I enjoy making a few of, and the items I want to take further. And no, there isn’t any scientific overtones in my etsy shop. When I get home, I just immerse myself in the joy of making pretty things.

How did you come up with your name?
Well, I wanted a name that would accommodate my experiments (sorry…crossover from work) into all sorts of items, fitting into different categories, an umbrella for my forays and prototypes. The one common thread I thought, was they would all be things that gave me joy, things that lesa likes.

When did you first become interested in your craft?
Oh, I have been a crafter ever since I can remember. My craft projects would take over the house. Screen printing on the dining room table, cutting out stencils on the lounge and slipping to create a few hard to hide nicks that weren’t there before. Haranguing my sisters into photographic shoots where I managed to convince them to perform all sorts of dress ups and poses.

What inspires you?
Other crafters and artists. I love making treasuries on Etsy cause it gives me the excuse to look at beautiful things. I am most inspired by people creating something simple but to the best of there ability be it making the most beautiful scarf you can create, to the most delicious cookie possible. The ideas and beauty that comes from artisans blows me away.

What is your work space like?
Mmmm…it’s a little short on space. As I look to my left I see the spare bed piled high with washing ready to be folded. We have just bought our first home and when we move in I look forward to making sure I have lots of storage so I can get organised. It is hard to create when things are messy.

Any tips or advice for anyone wanting to be in your shoes?
Do what I should have done….don’t talk yourself out of it, and start early. I have always known I am good with my hands, but have doubted my ability to make a full time job out of it. Well…I just love that Etsy has given me the opportunity to dip my toes in the creative pool and see if I have what it takes to one day become a full time crafter. Do it, setting up your own Etsy shop is easy!

If you had to pick any item from your store to be your favouties which would it be?
I really love creating brooches and one of my favourites of the Sea Green and Aqua Brooch

I love going to my local antique shop, they a big room of antique buttons, trims and ribbons. I love foraging through them, them coming home and playing with richly coloured felt to create something I hope people will enjoy wearing.