I know you have seen me mention
Lori Plyler of
Waterstone here and
there. I bought one of her bags as a surprise birthday present for Lorelei back in May and that is when I found out Lori lived in my backyard. Or my neighbor's backyard. Ok, it's four miles farther than my neighbor's backyard. But still close enough to qualify as my neighbor in my opinion. Since then, I have been invited into her home and studio, shared a couple of dinners and found out that her
model makes for the perfect babysitter.
I told you earlier this week that I was totally rude when Lorelei and I visited by ignoring the conversation and snapping pics out the wazzoo. Well, here are the pics and her answers to my questions. So now, I would like to introduce you to Lori...
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Gastonia, NC - the third of four children. We lived on a dirt road. I only had boys to play with, so I enjoyed motorcycles, acorn fights, tree houses, and eating cucumbers and radishes while standing in the garden. We always had dogs, cats, once we had a goat named Rosebud.
When did you start sewing and why?
My mother taught me to sew when I was a teenager. I honestly can't remember whether she forced me to learn or I wanted to. Since my older sister can't sew a stitch, my guess is that I asked. Since then I've sewn clothes for myself and kids, slipcovers, drapes, and believe it or not, children's pageant dresses. Don't ask - it was a low point.
What do you love most about what you do (sewing, hunting down the bargain fabrics/supplies, photography, blogging, etc)?
I think the great thing about what I'm doing now is that I love every aspect of it. I love thrifting and shopping. My photography still needs work, but I love it. I guess besides creating things, I'd have to say that my favorite is the computer aspect - from blogging, to graphics and web design. Since the advent of the desktop computer, I've been a gadget freak.
Is your closet as neat as the rest of your house and do you color code your hanging clothes (cause I'm really neurotic OCD like that)?
Well, dearie, you must remember that I knew you were coming - so I cleaned. I laughed at this question and said, "Ha! I'm not OCD!" Then I realized that my closet is, indeed, color coded. Egad. Not only color coded, but sub-divided into sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, and long sleeve. Of course, that's just the shirts. Enough said.
What do you like least about what you do?
When the creativity well dries up at the worst possible time. Not having enough hours in the day.
Have you found others trying to copy you and did it bother you/how did you handle?
No, but I used to look at the Sundance catalog and scream, "They copied me!".
But seriously, I've not really discovered anyone, and yes, it would bother me. On the other hand, I have to tell myself that each thing I make is one-of-a-kind. On top of that I keep reminding myself that imitation is the highest form of flattery. Is that how it goes?
What is your favorite food/where is your favorite place to eat?
That one is too difficult. I love too many things. A few of my favorites are summertime tomato sandwiches - southern style, pretty much anything chocolate, and french fries. Terrible, right? Hey, you asked for my FAVORITE.
What do you do to relax that isn't craft related (is there such an ability?)?
Read. Read blogs, magazines for ideas and inspiration - is that craft related? Spend time with friends and my family. I LOVE old funny movies and really old, stupid scary movies. I have a ridiculous sense of humor - Monty Python and the Holy Grail - Mr. W. and I can quote it.
How did you come up with the name Waterstone?
Hubs and I came up with the name when I only created jewelry. My main focus was to retain a feeling of earthiness, organic, natural, etc. Next step was to go through our narrowed down list. Probably one of the main factors was to look at godaddy.com to see what was already taken on the www.
Who/what influences your work the most?
The materials I have to work with.
What do you do when stuck in a creative slump to get yourself out?
Walk away, look at pictures, online, magazines, etc.
What are your top 3 fave blogs?
Oh dang. That's tough. I have categories and don't think I can answer that question either. For sheer pleasure of reading, I love to get a laugh from Vodkamom, The Art of Doing Stuff, Pioneer Woman, and Scary Mommy. For great stories, I like My Life, Lived My Way. For artists, I'm loving AlisaBurke right now. Ornamental is beautiful and poetic. I've always loved the… oh wait, you said three. Sorry.
Is there something about you that most people don't know but you are willing to share?
I'm an extreme introvert, very shy, and have always fought low self esteem. I'm practically a hermit. I began to create jewelry while attempting to entertain my daughter who became very sick and was practically bed-ridden for 7 months followed by years of related illnesses and relapses. Creating was an amazingly therapeutic activity.
How/why did you get started blogging?
I started the Waterstone blog in November, 2008 after opening my Etsy shop in October, '08. I think it was because it seemed liked a natural progression. Since then, it's been through such evolution! I've struggled and almost quit. Ironicaly, once I decided to quit, I almost immediately knew the direction I wanted to take; I decided to stop trying to please everyone and stress about what readers wanted. I narrowed my focus. I still need to set up a blogging schedule. That's my all-time objective, but I don't think I'll ever make it because my mind is too scattered to stick to a schedule.
Thank you Lori, for answering all of my nosy questions, letting me take pics without permission of your home and studio and for becoming my friend! I have truly enjoyed your company and your sense of humor over these past few months of getting to know you better through your blog and in person.
And so you don't feel alone in your OCDness, Lorelei can attest that my closet was organized by color and also shirt sleeve type. Tanks, three-quarters and long sleeves simply have no business being mixed together in my closet.
Don't forget to go to Lori's blog to enter for your chance to win one of her newest clutches
HERE!
