It was a hot summer day in July and I was just about to experience the phenomenon of love at first sight. As I strolled along the talented makers’ booths at the SouthSide Works Exposed Festival, something beckoned and I slowly gazed to my left. In that moment, time stopped and the hustle of the city was muted. The only thing that mattered was the love connection.
Some things are meant to be together: thunder and lightning, campfire and marshmallows, me and the vintage chenille pillow. It’s basic science. The woman behind the science of my most recent love affair is Shelly Picard of Neighborhood Blonde. As a teacher by day and a crafter by night, Shelly is a woman after my own heart. Her business, Neighborhood Blonde, is known for recycling and repurposing items to create eco-chic wares that we can be proud to use. Shelly has participated in numerous markets with I Made It!, and we are lucky to have her. Read on to find out about where she gets inspiration, her goals, and why we call her Neighborhood Blonde.
How did you get started?
I began crafting at a young age. Both of my grandmothers and my mom were always creative people – sometimes out of necessity and sometimes for pleasure. They were my earliest influences, inspiration, and teachers.
Why do you craft?
Since I grew up with such creative and resourceful women, crafting became part of me. I started with needlepoint, embroidery and sewing, then learned knitting and counted cross-stitch, and more recently, paper crafts. I’ve always enjoyed having an outlet that was completely different from my job, and making handmade gifts for friends and family is always such a joy!
What challenges have you faced in making your company?
A few years ago I started Neighborhood Blonde, and crafting has become an even more significant part of my life. It’s been an interesting change – I still create because I love it, but there’s also the “need to produce” side of it that’s taken some time to get used to. And creative businesses also require a balance between the time you spend creating and the time managing the business side. It’s something I’m still trying to master. And of course there’s also my full-time job!
Where do you get inspiration?
Since I started Neighborhood Blonde my creative process has changed – I’m more inspired by trying to make something new and useful out of something old or recycled. I’m continually amazed by the different products my fellow crafters come up with using repurposed goods. It’s a wonderful time to be part of the crafting community; not only is there a growing appreciation for handmade goods, but there’s increased demand for environmentally responsible products.
How did you come up with the name Neighborhood Blonde?
A friend of mine came up with it in a dream. We have talked about having a business together and that was the name above the store’s door in her dream. Strange, but true.
What makes Neighborhood Blonde special/stand out?
I believe that just because an item is recycled or repurposed, it doesn’t have to look that way. So I strive to create goods that are healthy for the planet and attractive; it’s what I call eco-chic. For example, I make pillows from vintage chenille bedspreads, fabric, and trims. Lately I’ve been working with old books; I use them to make cards, gift bows, flowers, and wreaths. I also have knitted and felted cup cozies, recycled notebooks, dishwasher magnets, and knitting needle flowers. I like to offer a variety of products for people to choose from.
What are your goals for Neighborhood Blonde?
My hope is for Neighborhood Blonde to continue to grow and become more than a side business. I love the way crafting has brought strong, creative, and entrepreneurial women together. Becoming part of this community is a perk that I never expected when I first started to sell my crafts. And I have I Made It! Market to thank for much of it. Carrie and Nina have established a successful venue for independent crafters to sell their products while also benefiting different groups and neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. We’re very fortunate to have such an organization and so many people willing to come out and support us.
What avenue works best for you in terms of item sales?
I enjoy the marketplaces the most. It’s such a pleasure to meet people and see them get excited about something that I made.
Where can we find and buy your work?
I participate in as many of the I Made It! Markets as I can, and I’m trying to get some gigs in Ohio so I can expand my market. My work can also be found on Etsy and my own website – NeighborhoodBlonde.com.
For more Neighborhood Blonde, check out: I Made It! Market, Etsy, NeighborhoodBlonde.com
