Featured Artisan: PDDesigns
by Pamela Dempsey
Please start by telling us a little about yourself and your studio.
PDDesigns started by candlelight…literally. With no power after a storm, I picked up my crochet hooks and yarn and started crocheting a hat to pass the time….and never stopped.
I am a self taught crochet artist who always tended to stray away from basic patterns and started combining stitches with my own rhythm and ended up with pieces people wanted to wear.
My studio is in my home where I am constantly working & re-working new pieces. My family (3 teens and hubby) are my test pilots for many of the designs. I am blessed to have full support from my family and love that I can wake up every day and start working in an industry I love!
If there’s one thing that defines you, what is it?
Honestly, I don’t think there is anything that defines me. Every day is new and brings new experiences, new inspirations and new designs….although my friends would associate me with my favorite fix; Reese’s & Coffee.
Bohemian Lace Hat in Two-Tone *Made to Order*
What role does your family play in your art?
As stated above, my kids bear the brunt of “try this on so I can see the fit” or “hey, can we do a fewphotos? I need to publish this pattern”
Where do you live and what is it like?
I live in a very historic part of Salem, MA…and it is fabulous!! History everywhere…gorgeous architecture…beaches, parks…so much color!
Where did you learn your medium?
I was passed down vintage knitting needles and crochet hooks from my husband’s grandmother. I tried knitting but prefer using one hand, so I taught myself to crochet….
What are your goals with your ArtFire studio?
I love bringing my work to the public and ArtFire does just that…I hope to continue bringing fantastic Crochet Patterns & Crochet Pieces to people all around the world.
How did you come to selling online?
I wanted to expand beyond the normal craft fair market but couldn’t travel out of state…selling online is the perfect venue to reach thousands of people!
Tree of Butterflies Pocket Mirror
How did you come to find a home on ArtFire?
I wanted a unique artisan community that was dedicated to handmade and not mass-produced items.
What is the best piece of advice you can give other artists?
Advertise, advertise, advertise…and create daily….even if it’s a sketch on a napkin….your art is a reflection of you…stay true to it and the message you want to send the world through your pieces.
Why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?
Handmade items are so much more than an item picked up off the clearance rack…each piece is unique, made with someone’s hands, their time and solely for you….you don’t get that anywhere else…the personalization of the experience is so much more than Mall hopping!
