Thursday, December 10, 2009

TDIPT Presents......

Mandy Broome
of
Fiddlestix Studios



Mandy with one of her favorite papier mache dolls from circa 1870


We asked Mandy:


Where do you live?
I live in Dalton,GA~the Carpet Capital of the world! The Chenille bedspread industry was also founded here by a woman named Katherine Evans Whitener in 1895 at the age of 15.
Can you tell us a little about your family?
I am married to my husband of 16 years,we have three children ages 16,7&4.My husband also loves to create. He works in custom cabinetry,but also makes furniture and wooden dolls.
Do you work outside the home?
No,I am so fortunate to be able to stay home with my children,and do what I love.
Napoleon, the newest member of the Broome family

Do you have any hobbies/what do you like to do when you're not creating?
I LOVE books.Books about History,art,creating&old homes.

What are some of your favorite things?
DOLLS! I love to collect antique dolls,especially the tiny bisque dolls,as well as the old papier mache dolls.I also love old dollhouses,and the joy of collecting furnishings for them.
Mandy's China doll collection helps to gussy up her mantle for the holidays
How did you get your start in your creative business? When?
I've always loved to create,and I've always loved dolls,so about eight years ago,my love of collecting dolls just sort of lead to me making dolls.I eventually discovered the prim world,and have been in love ever since!
Tell us how you got your business name?
My business name is very special to me.My Great~Grandmother that I absolutely adored,and was an amazing woman,used to always say"Oh Fiddlestix!",and I just remember her saying that all the time.So when I was trying to come up with a name,I kept thinking of her,and it just came to me.

The tiny doll in the sleigh was Mandy's Great Grandmothers

Is it in the genes......does anyone in your family, now or generations before create?
Yes,I owe so much to my Great~Grandfather! I spent so many wonderful weekends at my Great~Grandparents home!He made dollhouses,and had so much love for making them,and all things miniature~I know that's where I got it!He built me an amazing two story house,filled with hand made wooden furniture,and every little accessory you could imagine!Every Christmas when I was little,he'd give me a new piece of furniture that he'd made for me.He also loved collecting little curiosities,that he filled little wall cabinets to the brim with!
How do you keep ideas coming?
I love art & doll magazines,they are great for inspiration,and to keep my ideas fresh and changing.
Who/what inspires you?
Antique dolls and toys inspire me the very most.

Do you have a studio or do you work in different parts of your home?
I have a very large art cabinet that my husband made in my bedroom that is overflowing with fabric and art supplies! My big farmhouse dining room table that my husband also made is where I do all of my sewing and creating.I hope to turn a barnwood building in my backyard into a studio very soon.

A peek at Mandy's workspace

How do you organize your supplies?
I organize my fabrics by season,and my ribbons and trims are seperated into the drawers of a wonderful antique cabinet that someone was throwing out!

Do you like to listen to music while you work, if so what ?
Absolutely!Loreena Mckennitt (medieval Celtic style music)is my absolute favorite.It's very peaceful,and easy to create to.

Do you have a favorite piece of art that you've created?
One of my favorite pieces would be a Santa and witch riding a crow.


What have you learned about marketing?
Advertising is very important,and like it or not,you have to incorporate what's popular at the time into your artwork.It's also very helpful to join websites that have a high traffic volume to give yourself good exposure.

What keeps you motivated ?
Simply the strong need I have to create!


Do you have any tips you would like to share?
Create what you love,and if it is a passion,don't give up,just keep working,and your art will evolve into something you're very proud of!

A big Thank you to sweet Mandy for letting us put her in the TDIPT Spotlight!

14 comments:

  1. Mandy..I thoroughly enjoyed reading and getting to know more about you. Thanks for sharing...you are truly a talented lady as your creations are totally delightful
    I will try and take your tips about marketing as I know nothing about this subject matter.

    Peace be with you,
    Barb

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  2. Mandy you are a doll yourself! I loved reading about you and seeing your pictures.You have a great doll collection.
    Hugs~~Pam

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  3. Mandy, I loved reading about you and your warm fond memories of your grandparents! There is just nothing in this world that can ever take the place of our grandparents who helped to shape who we are. I miss ine terribly. I am just picturing in my mind how magical Christmas must have been for you as a child while you waited eagerly for your new piece of handmade furniture for your doll house.
    You are beautiful, inside and out.

    Thank you :)

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  4. Wonderful stories and christmas memories, love the antique decorations and your creations.

    Debbie

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  5. ...lovely to here about your grandmother, your doll collections & what inspires you!~! susan

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  6. Mandy what a great spotlight, I loved seeing you and getting to know your world a little bit better! You inspirational!
    Hugs, Lynn

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  7. Hi Mandy!
    You sure are a lovely lady!

    Isn't it wonderful to have those memories of those that we love and it sure is a bonus if we pick up something from them, to use in our future.

    So glad you shared!
    Audrey

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  8. You are just a fantastic young eoman Mandy.I so enjoy getting to know you better.I Make dolls and really appreciate thoses who collect and cherish them.Recently I inherited some old dolls,mostly from the early fifies and dolls from around the world.I love the Christmas vignette you created with them.
    I want to wish you the Merriest of Christmases, and May God bless you.
    XXOO Marie Antionette

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  9. Thank you all SO much,for your wonderfully kind compliments!Patty,I miss my Great~Grandparents terribly,too!This time of year,my mind is filled with memories of them!Thank you sweet gals!
    Hugs:-),
    ~Mandy

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  10. First of all, I want to look like Mandy when I grow up! OMG you are BEAUTIFUL!!
    Love the doll collection, and also reading about your Great Grandparents....
    Thanks for letting us know a lil more about our Mandy :)

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  11. Oh Mandykins what a wonderful write up. You are beautiful inside and out! Your dollie collection is fabulous. I know your great grand parents are lookin' down on you and smilin'. ♥
    ~Peanut
    P.S.
    Napoleon is quite dapper.

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  12. Mandy,
    I am your 'neighbor' of sorts - I
    live in Chatsworth. Although I don't have the talent to make primitives, I do cross stitch and
    I enjoy reading and seeing what
    wonderful things you primitive
    craftswomen make! Keep up the good work!

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  13. What a grrrreat write up on our own (Very Adorable) 'lil Mandy Pandy! Luv your beautiful creations! You are sooo talented! I too love to listen to Loreena McKennett. The Mummers Dance is my long time fave. Thanks for sharing your life w/ us, Mandy girl! Hugs, Starla

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  14. Mandy, Love the mantle display. So pretty and old fashion. I think I might do this next year at Christmas. You are gifted. God Bless.

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