Mini interview: Michelle from Bubbly Shnooks

Tell us a little about yourself and your shop.
Hi! I’m Michelle Clement, and my shop – Bubbly Shnooks – is a little place where I share my playful super-cute handmade goodies! I create everything by hand on my own, bringing doodles from my notebook alive as sewn creatures, folded notecards, prints, and everything in between! 

How did you come up with your name?
One day, I drew a smiling orange octopus – I can’t remember which came first, now, the shop name or his, but he became Shnooks. And he sure is bubbly! Both in personality and, well, as you can see, sometimes – actual bubbles.

When did you first become interested in your craft?
I’ve been crafty since I was really little – with my mom always taking me to sewing, ceramics, and drawing classes starting at a young age. I was really into scrapbooking for a while when I went through film school a few years ago, and drawing a lot + paper ended up becoming a line of cards that I decided to try to sell. And it’s grown from there! I’ve since expanded to plush goodies and pouches based on my drawings, too.

What inspires you?
I’m constantly being inspired – sometimes it’s overwhelming! I see it in everything, now – from the thrift shop, nature, the magazine section, crafty bloggers, a nice vintage fabric, yarn all piled up together in colorful bunches…it’s everywhere! 

What is your work space like?
My work space is a very well-lit spot along two large windows in my living room. It’s a really colorful place with inspiration pin boards leaning on the sills, crocheted garlands strung about, and my sticker-adorned sewing machine set up between yarn, fabric, and paper scraps.

Any tips or advice for anyone wanting to be in your shoes?
To anyone who aspires to own a crafty business, I say – follow your heart! But be realistic, too – things won’t just fall into your lap, and you’re going to have to work really really hard over any long hours, so make sure you love what you’re making, and make it for yourself. 

If you had to pick any item from your store to be your favorite which would it be? 
I really love my Peter Pan cards – I made the original illustrations on a larger scale, drawing the happy little guys first, and then making them from a fun combination of hand-stitched embroidery and textures. I love how they turned out!