Artists ~ Nancy Ratte ~ Chepachet

Name: Nancy Ratte
Shop name: Nancy Ellen Studios
Website: NancyEllenStudios.Etsy.com
Twitter: twitter.com/NancyEllenSt
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Nancy-Ellen-Studios
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/nancyratte/

1. Tell us about your work
I've been sewing since I was a little girl. My Etsy shop is filled with handmade sachets, pillows, journals, gift bags, purses, and more.

2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?
When I first opened my shop on Etsy in 2009, my shop was called Nancy's Bags etc. I changed it a few years when I expanded my line to pillows, and other home decor items.

3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer?
I started sewing many, many years ago. I made most of clothes growing up. Later on when my children came along, I started sewing for them. I was also doing some tailoring for friends. I've always loved to give my handmade items as gifts to family members. When I heard of Etsy, I knew it was the perfect place to sell my items.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration?
I get inspired from fabrics, my love of color, from nature.... My mind never stops.

5. What’s your favorite item to create?
I don't have a favorite item to make. I love creating new items and I enjoy using some of my older patterns with newer fabrics.

6. What’s your best seller?
I make a variety of items, it's hard to say what my best seller is. I would say my purse organizers are the hardest to keep in stock.

7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?
I moved to Rhode Island when I got married. That was 38 years ago. We love it here.

8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?
I love the seasons, I love the people, my family is close by, the beaches are awesome! We live in a wonderful town (Chepachet), out in the woods - I love country living!!

9. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?
My advise is always - do what you love, love what you do.