Ericca Heim of Bellybaloo is a maker at our July 31st show at PRI.

You can find her work here.

Meet Your Maker (MYM): Describe what you make and how you got your start.

Ericca (E): Mostly I make fabric hand bags, tote bags, pouches and change purses. I like mixing new and modern fabrics with vintage fabrics. I love finding tablecloths, bedspreads, and curtains from different eras with big, bold, colorful designs on them and mixing them with contemporary patterns and motifs. I also make hair clips and hair bands with fabric covered buttons. Great way to use up the scraps from the wonderful fabrics that I can't waste an inch of! Some of my other creations are decorative bud vases using antique bottles and recycled materials, creative name signs made with paper covered wooden letters, and funky aprons.

I feel like I've always been crafty. I loved art in school and I always remember liking to make homemade gifts for people. I guess that's where the hand bag making started. For like 4 years in a row, for Christmas, I made my sister a different bag. People would constantly ask her where she got them, and she really pushed me to start making them and selling them.

MYM: Is this your largest source of income or do you have another job?

E: This is mostly a hobby....something I can't stop doing......
I am a full time student, getting my degree in Elementary Education. I also work PT at an insurance company as as Admin Assistant.

MYM: Any advice to someone about making the leap from hobby crafting to selling?

E: Hmmm.....not sure.....I still think of it totally as a hobby. I think for me, that keeps it really fun!

MYM: Have you had any big breaks? How did they happen?

E: No, none that I can think of....I'm just grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of Meet Your Maker.

MYM:  Where else can we find you online?

E: I just started writing a blog.

I am so grateful and thankful to all of those who have ever purchased one of my creations! What a great feeling it is to share my creativity with others.