Featured Artist: Hill Top Creations

Tell us a little about your shop…

The name Hill Top Creations represents my family home. Our house was built on the largest hill in town. It was there that I first began my creative process. Paper craft was my first endeavor that paved the way towards many other mediums. After years of crafting, I finally found my home at the sewing machine. Through working with fabric and stitching I began to find direction in life!

How did you get started / become interested in what you do?

I started sewing in high school. I made a few quilts and odd projects here and there, but nothing too serious. In December of 2011, I was struggling with college and working a part time job. Christmas was less than three weeks away and buying presents was out of the question. I pulled out the sewing machine, and just never put it away this time! In January of 2012 I opened my etsy store, and the rest is history!

When did you first discover you were an artist?

I’m still an artist in training, but my end goal is to be a true sewing artisan! There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not learning, and exploring new techniques.

What / who influences your creative process?

My inspiration come from daily life. I enjoy making things that can be put to use in our every day living, with a little extra flair for fun! One of my favorite things is taking inspiration from vintage materials and stylization. I’m constantly on the search for new and fun fabrics for future projects. The best thing about working with fabric is that the possibilities are infinite! (and that’s just part of the fun)

Do you remember the first handmade you ever owned?

Yes! My mom sewed and embroidered my baby blanket, which I still have! It’s beautiful, and one of my most cherished possessions.

If you could meet any artist who would it be?

I would definitely choose Julia Childs. Her passion for food and cooking is infectious, as well as her zeal for life! I can’t imagine meeting Julia Childs and walking away uninspired, simply not possible!

How do you get over a creative block?

I call my mom. (seriously!) She tells me to walk away, and not take things too seriously. Sometimes a person just needs a break, and that’s okay! The sewing machine will be there tomorrow, and usually I come back refreshed and ready to go with new ideas.

What’s your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite thing to date is a vintage quilt turned Christmas stocking. I love anything that has history, and to combine my creativity with a piece of that history is pretty fun for me!

What is your most popular product?

My most popular product by far is the chevron business card holder! Chevron is crazy popular right now!

What’s your favorite color?

Pink all the way!!

What is your favorite food to eat during a studio break?

Yogurt or Cereal. Both are always on hand at my house, and super quick to eat. Which is necessary when creativity is flowing!

What do you do when you are not creating?

I love to spend time with my boyfriend, and two sisters who live in the twin cities with me! I watch movies, sift through thrift stores looking for that magic find, rock out to Johnny Cash on my record player, and ride my bike to and from. (Sneaking in trips to the local ice cream shop &

cultural hot spot when I can!)

Anything else you would like to share?

Yes! To all those out there afraid to try a craft or art form, go for it! I was afraid in the beginning. What if nobody liked what I made? What if I wasn’t good enough?

So what? -You get better as you go, and you’ll never know unless you try! There’s a quote out there by Ira Glass “On Creativity -nobody tells this to beginners” it has inspired me and kept me going on days of doubt! ( Type it into Google, it’s so inspiring!)

You can find Hill Top Creations on Etsy at www.meggiebabe.etsy.com