An interview with Laura Fisher: adorable hand-made home comforts

California based Laura Fisher, 24, is studying for a major in design studies with a minor in art history, but mostly focusing on graphic design. Having only opened her Etsy shop in August of this year, Fisher still has a long way to go with her Fluffed Animals company and her Woodland Creature creations, but these kind of products are extremely popular at the moment, so we can see a good future for the brand.

Are the designs all your own?

The designs are all my own, with some input from my husband.

How would you describe your own style?

I would have to say quirky and colourful. I do think this is somewhat reflected in my designs, though the things I create are a bit more on the simple side.

What has been the highlight of your career?

My first sale! It feels really wonderful to know that someone else likes and wants something that came from me and that I made. My first sale actually happened on my birthday, so that made it extra special.

Who would you like to collaborate with?

I would really love to work with a product photographer, because I have a hard time properly photographing my products in order to list them online. I would also have a lot of fun collaborating to create a children’s book based on the personalities I’ve created for my animals.

Would you say your work is directed at a particular trend or group?

I think the stuff I make would probably speak to people who are like me, who like to smile at the sweet little things in life. I feel like I have something of a child-like view of the world, so I guess my pieces would be perfect for a child’s playroom.

What is your favourite thing about your job? Any negatives?

My favourite thing is boxing up one of my products to send to someone in another part of the world. The only negative is not getting to spend as much time as I’d like doing the work I enjoy – school and my boring day job take up a lot of my time.

Have you ever produced bespoke items for Etsy customers?

I once made a door draft blocker for a customer who liked my fox design. It turned out really cute, like a long, stretched out version of my fox.

Please tell me about the creative process that went into your current collection.

I usually begin with my sketchbook. I use combinations of fleece, felt and flannel, depending on what I’m making, and I work mostly with hand-stitching and my sewing machine.

How do you feel Etsy has helped your business?

I’ve been an Etsy shopper for a few years now. I really love how, even though sellers are technically “competing”, many are very willing to help other sellers succeed. There’s a sense of community and a value for handmade that I haven’t seen anywhere else.

Have you any plans for the future?

In five years I would love to be hand making items of my own design as a full-time job. I can’t imagine I will ever stop making things by hand, I find it so fulfilling.

Right now I’m working on creating sew-your-own woodland animal pillow kits. I hope to be offering them in my Etsy shop soon.

To see more of Laura Fisher’s work, take a look at her Etsy Shop by clicking here

Elizabeth Finney