Featured Blogger Interview with Jessica of Indie Icing
January 25, 2010 | By
Happy Monday everyone! We’re starting this week off with an interview with Jessica, the editor and creator of Indie Icing. There are so many amazing and interesting posts on Indie Icing, it can be hard to keep up! Let’s learn what Jessica has to share with us today.
For our readers new to your blog, please tell us a little bit about yourself and Indie Icing.
Hi everyone! I'm Jessica and I'm the creator/editor of Indie Icing, a blog dishing up a delicious dose of indie handmade. I'm a full-time mom to two little ones, but when they give me a break, I sneak some time in to get crafty, blog, and browse all the handmade goodies on the web.
When did you start Indie Icing and what inspired you to do so?
I started Indie Icing back in November of 2008 as a way to support indie artists and crafters. Sometimes I get quizzed about why I do it and it really just boils down to the fact that I'm a firm believer that we all should pursue our passions. Life is too short to do anything but -- and we don't get a reset button. Indie Icing not only gives me the opportunity to pursue my own passions (arts/crafts and writing), but allows me to support others who are pursuing their own.
When did your blog branch out to include several writers other than yourself?
Life gets busy as a mom so I reached out in the summer of 2009 and expanded the blog to include contributing writers. Christen, Robin, and Alison have done a wonderful job bringing their perspectives and favorites from the world of indie handmade.
I love that your blog works to deliver, “unbiased handmade goodness” by not receiving kickbacks for featuring artists on the blog. Do you feel that more handmade or indie blogs are starting to take this stance?
I'm not sure if more are taking this stance or not. For me, it's just a personal choice about being honest about the things I like and want to spread the word about. I think I'd feel like I lost my authenticity if I started taking kickbacks from the artists and essentially just posted what boils down to paid advertorial content. I wouldn't feel right about that.
Looking forward, where do you see Indie Icing heading in 2010? 
In 2010, you'll see more artist interviews -- particularly those who are fairly new to the scene. You can see the first one in this series -- called "Introducing" -- by checking out my interview with Small Adventure. I also plan to continue sharing tutorials, books, and lots of photos for inspiration.
Tell us a little about yourself. When did you first discover handmade and indie?
Wow, now that's a question! I really can't say that there was a moment in time that I discovered handmade. It's in my blood -- I've been raised with it. My grandmother is a quilter and an amazing cook. (And yes, I consider food part of the handmade world.) I can't remember a time growing up when my mom wasn't introducing me to some new art or craft. Sewing, quilting, basket-weaving, drawing... the list goes on and on.
What’s a fun fact most readers don’t know about you?
When I was in elementary school, I was runner-up in a regional "Save the Wildflowers" poster contest. I was incredibly proud of myself. I won a gift certificate to JCPenney and spent it on a little Casio keyboard. This is bringing back fabulous memories. I'm beaming right now. (Wow, am I a dork or what?!)
Last but not least, why do you believe that supporting handmade and indie is important?
I tried to come up with a clever answer to this, but I have none. I support handmade because it's like supporting a million little dreams.
That , and the fact that it feels like being a little art collector. (Every piece has its own story and provenance.)
Thank you Jessica for sharing with us today!
Be sure to visit Indie Icing if you haven’t already for more Jessica’s writing!
Sara Moore is the Head of the Content Department on ArtFire.com.
All rights reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior
written permission of HandmadeNews.org.
