{HANDmade Fix!}
The Shop: annabear studio
Designer: Leslie Homback
Why we made it a favorite: Because we almost died when we saw the bikini onesie! It doesn’t get much cuter! Check out Sadie, sunning in her incubator during her stay at the NICU. All the nurses were swoonin’.
annabear studio is filled with whimsical sweet tees, onesies and handcrafted perfection. Bringing a touch of vintage to her modern designs, Leslie’s passion shines through in everything she creates. We are thrilled to have stumbled upon such a oh-so-sweet shop filled with perfect pretties for your Littles. Make sure you “heart” it on Etsy now.
{1} Tell us a little about yourself & your Etsy shop, annabear studio!
I am a wife and a working mom of two. I have been practicing Optometry for 8 years. I love my job!
About five years ago, as my close friends began having babies, I was searching for the perfect baby shower gift. I wanted a unique gift, something that would stand out in the sea of gifts and before I knew it annabear studio was born when I made my first baby blanket. Annabear is a nickname I have for my daughter, she loves to inspect my work so it was only natural that my new venture be named for her and now she is my unofficial CEO! After being encourage by my friends that others would like my products, I started my Etsy shop. With my recent maternity leave with my five month old son William I was inspired again and found time to start sewing. My sales have really picked up but, still are mostly through word of mouth. I love to do custom orders and hope that in the months to come my Etsy shop will be better known. Many people wonder how I have the time to sew while working and with two young kids. It is my release, my stress reliever and right now my kids are in bed early (by 8pm) which gives mommy enough “me” time.
{2} When did you realize you wanted to open a shop an Etsy?
A few years ago I tested the market on Etsy. Then, this spring, I decided to reach out to my friends and the response was amazing! I get a lot of orders from personal contacts but would really like to expand my Etsy market.
{3} When did you begin to sew?
I learned how to sew from my mom. She is amazing!! She sewed her own prom dress, clothing for herself and my sisters and even my junior prom dress. A few years ago, I started making custom baby blankets for my close friends baby showers and would camp out at my mom’s house with her sewing machine and guidance until each blanket was finished. I learned more and more with each one we did and finally found myself doing it all on my own! I even figured out how to tread the bobbin without a frantic phone call!! My grandpa was a tailor by trade but he didn’t live long enough to see my creations. He and my grandma could have been the founders of Etsy. My grandma knitted hats, booties, scarfs, mittens and my grandpa sewed most everything else they sold. I remember spending summer days at their house glueing, cutting, etc to get all of there goods ready for the local craft fairs. I find a lot of peace at my sewing machine and like to think I have a little of my grandpa’s skilled guidance from above!
{6} What is up next for your shop?
So many ideas for the future. I’m really excited to start sewing pillowcase dresses and custom fabric covered canvases with monograms for room accessories!
We hope you head over a make annabear studio a favorite on Etsy. Make sure you follow Leslie on Twitter and check out her blog too!
Casi,
Thanks for the AWESOME feature article!! And of course Sadie looks adorable in that bikini!! Can’t wait to get busy sewing!
Thanks again!
Leslie
I love everything Leslie has created through Annabear Studios! She is so talented! All the items I have purchased have been gifts for family and close friends and they all love them! I look forward to buying more soon :)
Everything I buy from Leslie and Annabear Studio is so special and “wows” anyone I give them to. Most recently she made t-shirts for 2 of my sons’ birthdays that had their ages on them. They made their day and my oldest felt like such a big shot in his #5! Everything is created with such love and attention to detail. I highly recommend this site.
I’ve known Leslie since birth and her talent is inherited.
She’s a talented young woman w/ imagination and drive.
For Christmas gifts, I asked Annabear to create a couple of shirts for my grandchildren. My oldest granddaughter was really really thrilled with her shirt! It was so beautiful. My youngest, who is a bit too young to appreciate the art work, but she loved the design. My daughter, however was delighted beyond words. I know whatever Leslie creates is done with as much love a w/ close attention to detail. If you want something unique, if you want something beautiful, if you want something special, check out this site! You won’t be sorry.
I’m lucky enough to have Leslie as my sister-in-law and the lucky recipient of some of her clever creations. There is no end to her talent and creativity. She always does a nice, neat, job with beautiful presentations. I have some baby shower gifts to purchase soon (heads up Leslie) and I know her ideas will be better than anything I could ever come up with on my own. Check out annabear studio and you won’t be disappointed.
My friends and I just love all of Leslie’s creations, from her beautiful one of a kind blankets to her fantastic tutus! I am so happy you featured Leslie and her shop as your readers need to see to believe how talented she is:)
I too have not only been the recipient of, but have also purchased many things from Annabear Studio and I can’t get enough. Every time I need something special for someone I always look to Leslie to come up with something adorable and unique and I’m never disappointed. Everything is always handcrafted with the same love and passion Leslie puts into everything she does and I look forward to seeing what creative designs Annabear Studio will bring in 2012!
I would highly recommend this website to anyone looking for an adorable and one-of-a-kind children’s item. Everything I have ordered has been great quality and shipped in a timely manner.
I purchased the butterfly shadowbox for my daughter’s room and she absolutely loves it! I highly recommend Annabear Studio for unique, one of kind, quality items. Leslie, the designer, does a fabulous job! I can’t wait to order more :)
The creations of Annabear studio are a hidden gem. All of Leslie’s work are truly creative and one of kind. Everything that she has made for my son are handcrafted with love. I receive numerous compliments on how creative everything is.
My husband is a former classmate of Leslie’s. He purchased an adorable onesie for our new baby girl. It is absolutely perfect. I was so suprised that my husband took the initiative to order from Leslie. He must have been really impressed with her work, and I can understand why. Many more orders to come!
I was lucky enough to receive the onesie featured above for my daughter, Veronica. We love it!! Leslie is so creative and I love the style of Annabear studios…kinda
Vintage, shabby, chic. I also got a long sleeve tee for my son that is now his favorite shirt. It has an old school Phillies “P” on the front and his last name on the back. We get so many complements. Order from Annabear and you won’t be disappointed!!
There is nothing sweeter than tucking my sweet Lola into her bed at night with her hand-made Annabear blanket to keep her cozy and warm. It’s so divine, I wish Leslie would make them Queen sized! Every baby needs one. Seriously.
I have turned to Leslie and Annabear studios numerous times over the past few years as my friends have had babies, and every gift she has created has been unique, adorable, and LOVED by my mom-friends. Psyched to see what new ideas you come up with in 2012 Leslie!!
I have been thrilled with the items I’ve ordered from Leslie! Very unique, and nicely-made …. now my “go-to place” for baby gifts. The items are shipped in gift-ready packaging, and have been a big hit with my friends and family. Ordering online through Annabear’s Etsy shop could not be easier – I will be back for more!