| I've never given a second thought to being an artist. It's really who I am, and what I enjoy. I'm inspired by my surroundings, my friends, my family, nature, and the rich textures of everyday life. I was never much on following trends. I like to remove myself from the cultural influences and design from a very intimate point of view. I collect vintage fabrics and use them in all of my work. I love the hunt, I love flea markets and shops and traveling abroad to find inspiration.
I started making small passport sized bags while living in Kansas City in the late 80's. There was a great energy about it. I sold to small boutique shops around the country, basically by hand-picking stores that I loved and making personal introductions. David and I moved back to Ohio (my home) in 1992 and started our little Art of the Midwest studio with two cats and about $1,200. Time was spent chopping wood for the 150-year-old cabin/house that we had rented on 190 acres of rural farmland, tending chores, and making art. I started creating surface designs for a friend who went into business as a design rep. in NYC. This I did at night mostly. We loved it.
After years of hard work fixing up two houses, and having been a contributing editor for Country Living magazine, I started thinking about those little bags that I had made less than 10 years ago. I wanted to create that feeling again so I started my sewing pattern business. My company, my brand, is really just a great vehicle to share my work. I love meeting other artists and trading notes. I love the process. Everybody has a personal story, and a personal creative voice. I just want to help my "friends" realize it.
BTW: It's not all me!
Understand that designing fabrics and sewing patterns, making books and all the other great things that happen here at the studio are not done by me alone! It would be impossible. With that said, I would like to introduce and give my most heartfelt thanks to the people that work everyday to ensure we make not only the most wonderful and creative designs, but also keep the business running smoothly.
DIANE CAPACI - If you call the studio you'll likely talk to her. She helps to run the business and has already transformed our 'vintage bookkeeping' style to today's standards. She's sweet and smart. Cool and collected. Just like Dianne B.!
DIANNE BARCUS - Dianne basically helps me create and write every pattern and oversees their production. She's a gem! Now that Diane C. is 'in the house' it's freed Dianne B. up to concentrate on the patterns, so you may not get her on the phone.
JAKE REDINGER - our Jake. He's the designer that creates the production art for the patterns, helps keep the website humming, and keeps David in line. He designed the Birdie pillow too! He works with David to interpret my scribbles and emails into the creative products and ideas that you see.
KIM VENTURA - A most amazing seamstress and creative fire. She works with me and Dianne to develop new pattern designs, write, and test them out.
NAN STEYN - Our "go to gal" for Trunk Shows and Promotions! Thanks for your great energy.
MATT FOX - Our web genius. He sets up our website to keep the creativity and info flowing.
CHUCK & KATRINA and the staff of PRINTING ARTS PRESS - They print, ship and inventory our patterns. They have from day one, and they are amazing at it!!
www.printingartspress.com
DAVID BUTLER - My husband. He designs my product packaging, he takes all the photos you see on the site, he designs the logos, the website and I love collaborating with him! We've been married for 17 years, and worked together daily since 1990. He's a wonderful husband, guru and amazing designer. We keep very busy together!
Here is a list, in no particular order, of the best, creative, warm and loving sewers that help me write, test, develop and tweak the sewing patterns... Thank you all!!
NICHOLE REDINGER
SUZANNE ASCHENBECK
DOROTHY HUGHES
TRACY SWISHER
JOANNA MCDADE
HOLLY KEELER
ANNA ASCHENBECK
SHARON SINSABAUGH
DONNA THOMPSON
JOY JUNG
ARLEEN DONNELLY
TAMMIE HEDGLIN
THEA LEWIS
PAULA BEVIER
KATHIE HARDING
KIM REDING
JOYCE BURROWS
COLEEN SAYERS
Thanks to Barbara Franks at Footloose for loaning us the fun vintage clothes for our photo shoots.
Foot Loose
121 South Prospect St.
Granville, OH 43023
These women are beautiful inside and out. As a result, I've recruited them to model for me on several occasions. They are my good friends. Thank You!
NORA CORBETT
SHARON SINSABAUGH
MONIQUE KEEGAN
MARIE SHUTTLEWORTH
JANIE AND KATIE SHUTTLEWORTH
AMY AND LILLY HAMILTON
DELLA COCHRAN
LAURA SOMMERS
ANNA ASCHENBECK
LIBBY EWING
ANYI OHYIDE
SERENE MORRIS
ROWAN FABRICS - It's such a pleasure and an honor to get to create fabric collections with this fine group of people. I'm inspired and proud to be able to collaborate with such a beautiful brand and company. Thank you Joyce, Sarah, John and Ken for being so supportive and enthusiastic!
Special Thanks to Akiko Miyamoto for her clear thinking, wisdom and guidance in my relationship with Kokka.
And Giving back.
Here at the studio, we firmly believe that you only get out of life what you put into it. Being generous, fair, and honest in business and in life rewards you with grace and it's own success. Giving back to your community is sewing what you reap (sharing the love). It comes back to you in the form of a healthier local economy, enriched lives and dignity provided. We donate time, materials, and funds to our regional food pantry and Women's shelter. We also support a local educational program for middle and high school kids in Granville for sustainable gardening and environmental science. Know that a goodly portion of your proceeds are going back into the life stream that takes care of people. We feel that it is a privilege to be an American small business, not a right, and with privilege comes responsibility to help. Care for YOUR community and it will take care of you.
If you would like to send Amy a note, she'd love to hear from you and especially loves seeing what you've created using her patterns and fabrics. You may write to her at amyb@amybutlerdesign.com. |
