Member Interview

Hi! Who are you?

Ginny of ginnyhuber.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Born in Brooklyn, live in Seattle; one foot in the energy of both coasts! I live next door to several generations of my family members and their tenants who often serve as models for my shop offerings.

I make one of a kind hand felted art, most of it wearable, and enjoy evolving ways to combine color, texture, contrasts, connection and using supplies from etsy sellers! I'm very inspired by flowers. I love the immediacy of the “fiber miracle” of felting ... how wisps of wool and other disparate materials - just with soap, water and the work of one's hands produce a new fabric and a connection to thousands of years of history!

Another passion is the Italian language. When my next door niece married an Italian 6 years ago I started learning before we all went to the wedding in Assisi. As I am not a fan of classes I taught myself through movies, DVDs and Italian TV online. Italian conversations with my niece have helped too. I'm off to Italy in September for another family wedding and to try out my language skills.

 

How did you learn about Etsy Project Embrace?

Laura and I found each other through the treasuries. Well over a year ago I noticed her engaging style and all the loving supporters wishing her well. I was so admiring of her way of going public with the cancer she was dealing with.

I myself am a cancer survivor (times two). I had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, a blood cancer, in l996 and then a relapse 2 years later and went through chemotherapy treatment and baldness (times 2) . After an experimental vaccine the second time I became involved in local and national cancer awareness and support activities and then "took a break" from direct involvement in the world of cancer... When EPE got started it seemed natural to join in. It continues to be a touching, fulfilling and fun experience being part of this great, ever growing group. The bonds and friendships are strong; and Laura has forgiven me for "promising" her curly hair..which I briefly had post-chemo!

Please show us some favorite items from your shop.

What do you collect?

No "official" collections...I do accumulate stuff but tend to pass things along or include them in my art. I have, however, saved 20 art journals that I made during and after the second bout with Lymphoma...and peek at them sometimes. And I have other little inspirations from loved people and places that often turn up in my shop photos.

What is your favorite handmade possession?

The photo of me holding up the new shawl I have made is taken in front of a favorite painting of dancers that hung in our house when I was a child.

Where would you like to be and what do you hope to be doing ten years from now?

In ten years, like most cancer survivors, I hope to be in good shape (and present and accounted for) and pretty much doing what I'm doing now - making art, checking in with people I care about from etsy, from Seattle, from New York and from Italy. The pile of calendars in the photo is part of "Flowering Paper Arts", the home of my paper art that has been on hold for a bit. I've been thinking about finding a place for it on etsy...