Peek-A-Boo Kids

Meet Jennifer!

http://www.peekabookids.etsy.com/

1) What are your name, Etsy name, profession and location?

Jennifer Philley
Peek-A-Boo Kids
My degree is in Piano Performance, I teach piano lessons, but what I love most is being a stay-at- home mama!
Crosby, TX just outside of Houston

2) Married? Single? Do you have children? Do any animals dwell with you?
I am married to Lee. He's an astronautical engineer for NASA and we have two beautiful little girls. Ann Alyse is 2 1/2 and Avery is 10 months. We have a yellow lab named Dixie who is almost 5 years old.

3) What medium/s do you work with and where did you learn how to do this?
I have a habit of wanting to know how to do everything. Right now my main focus is sewing and embroidery. I love fabrics - all kinds - ribbon, buttons, and trims. My mom, who is an excellent seamstress, tried to teach me to sew when I was a teenager. It lasted for one outfit and I was done. I then became interested again after I got married and wanted to recover a couch that had been given to us. My mom did the sewing and I did the planning. I watched her and thought it really couldn't be as bad as I remembered. My hubby bought me a sewing machine and I just started practicing and teaching myself to do new things. I would check out books from the local library to get tips and ideas. I started by making curtains in my house. Then, after making baby outfits for a friend of mine, I really discovered what I loved to do and didn't know it. From there, the rest is history, I started making children's items and it keeps growing.

4) Do you have a specific area you work in and how much time per week do you devote to your art/craft? I share an office in our home with my husband. I have a 6-foot table with my computer and sewing machines on it. I also use the entire closet in that room for organization of all my supplies. I work Monday through Friday on my business and every day is different. I do not work in the evenings or on weekends because that is my family time. The time that you can be sure I am working is during my girls' nap time. That's really when I get the most done.

5) What inspires you?
I have to say my kids inspire me the most. Many items that I make are for them or similar to something I make for them. I also get inspired when I have to make a baby shower gift because I like giving handmade, unique gifts.

6) Is there a medium you haven't tried that you'd like too?
Right now I'm learning to crochet and then I'm going to try my hand at smocking.

Now some questions from our fellow Etsian's.

7) Question by www.luluvillage.etsy.com :

Would you rather be a small fish in a big pond or a big fish in a small pond?
It depends on the day and what I am doing. If it's something I am familiar with and good at, then a big fish. But, if it's something I'm just learning or not good at, a small fish. Does that make sense? I have to say overall, I'd rather be a small fish in a big pond because that means more ideas and more friends!

8) Question by www.Marysusan.etsy.com :

If you were trapped in an abandoned cave, and could only have three artistic materials with you, what would they be, and why?
This is a hard one. I guess since I have to choose it would be a needle and thread (that's one, right?!), scissors and a camera.
Needle and Thread obviously to make clothes out of fig leaves! Scissors to make fun eco-friendly crafts. And...a camera to take pictures to show all my friends on Etsy!

9) Question by www.luv4sams.esty.com :

What is the one item you created that you are most proud of?
I would have to say my hooded towel(s). I love the concept and I love using them. It is by far the most used item I have made for my girls. I also give them to all the new babies our friends/family has.

10) Question by www.AriaImages.esty.com :

What are five of your favorite Etsy shops?
http://www.pursenalityplus.etsy.com/ - great crocheted items
http://www.nappyrae.etsy.com/ - great baby maryjanes
http://www.knottybabywear.etsy.com/ - great baby booties
http://www.jochris12.etsy.com/ - beautiful glass jewelry
http://www.thekeepershouse.etsy.com/ - can't wait to order some fabric baskets

11) Question by www.Damselle.etsy.com :

What is your worst time wasting habit?
Not being organized. When I don't have a plan or a list, I feel like I just run in circles. I am a very list driven personality and when I just try to go at it on my own, things don't get done, others only partially, and then I get frustrated.

Thanks, Jennifer!