Today, we bring you a giveaway from SouleMama Sponsor, OTTOBRE design. In Tuula 's words:
"We are a family business operating globally from Lapland, Finland. We publish OTTOBRE design@ kids and OTTOBRE design@ woman magazines. They both have 20 to 40 trendy designs with complete patterns and sewing instructions. We have readers all over the world!Check out our blog. You’ll find sneak peeks of the magazine, fun editorial stuff and links to our Etsy-shop and Facebook pages."
SouleMama: Tell us about the beginnings of your business.
Tuula: I started my career as a freelance-designer working for several larger companies. I had a working space in our basement, where my four kids would always follow me. I would work and they would draw, cut patches and sew little pillows for their dolls. I also designed and drew patterns for my own Vattumato childrens’ collection. My friend would then sew the clothes.
About 20 years ago, I was asked to design clothes for a children’s magazine. Gradually, my little one woman’s business grew into a publishing house.
SouleMama: What artists/crafters/teachers have inspired your life?
Tuula : I have always admired Vuokko Eskolin-Nurmesniemi, who is a Finnish textile and clothing designer. She first worked for Marimekko but eventually started her own business, Vuokko Ltd in 1964. Vuokko’s designs are graphic and very visual. She has always had a strong vision of what she wants to do. She also emphasizes that one cannot create a personal line by following this or that trend. One has to think with his or her own brain. I agree with her 100%.
SouleMama: How do you come up with new designs and ideas?
Tuula: I have a habit of reading massive amounts of magazines and books. I also love movies form different epochs. Some ideas always sink into the subconscious. Of course I also receive a lot of inspiring mail and requests from our readers.
The idea for the latest OTTOBRE design@ children’s collection came when I was listening to a children’s song. The song was about a bunch of kids traveling around the world with only some bread and sour milk in their bags. I began to think what they would do during their trip and whom they would meet.
SouleMama: What's the product or offering that you are most excited about in your shop/class right now? Tell us about it.
Tuula: Right now I am really excited! From the beginning of 2013, OTTOBRE design@ magazines are being published in seven different languages. We have subscribers in over 130 countries around the globe. I am thrilled for each and every one of them!
It is unbelievable that my little one-woman-company has grown into a global enterprise. It seems we have succeeded in spreading the message: sewing and making things with your own hands can be really fun and rewarding.
SouleMama: What's your greatest craft/art skill, and what's something you'd like to learn more about?
Tuula: During my day at work, I find myself being a boss, a secretary and an errand girl, all at the same time. But I can cope with that.
It is easy for me to understand the essence of our business and see what things need to be done. I know all the million little details which have to come together before an OTTOBRE design@ pattern is in our reader’s hands.
I wish I could speak at least some French and Russian. It would be fun to speak with our customers in their own language!
SouleMama: What advice do you have to a new artist/crafter/maker looking to make a business out of their passion?
Tuula: High-quality craftsmanship and determination are really important. But just as important it is to follow your heart in everything you do.
Don’t give up easily, and be prepared to sometimes work 24/7. Finish things in such way that you can be proud of what you did. Oftentimes, when you are proud of your products, other love them too.
For today's giveaway, OTTOBRE design is generously offering the following gifts to THREE winners:
~ OTTOBRE design® subscription for 2013!
(The subscription includes four OTTOBRE design@ kids magazines and two OTTOBRE design@ woman magazines.)
To
enter today's giveaway, please leave a comment (one entry per person,
please) in today's post. I'll close comments by 9am EST on Sunday, and
announce the winners, chosen via Random Number Generator, shortly after. Comments closed! The winners are:
Wow, what cool patterns!
Posted by: Heather Mentzer
What a great giveaway!!!
Posted by: Claudine
Oh me, oh my, what an awesome giveaway! Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: ines
Thank you, OTTOBRE design!
