DaWanda Backstage

Good morning everyone!

In today’s interview with a DaWanda seller, we have the pleasure of meeting Julia, the creative lady behind The Spotted Sparrow store. Julia’s beautiful shop features eco-friendly greeting cards and paper goods with a ‘modern-vintage’ feel. Her use of Victorian imagery and gorgeous silhouette prints results in the type of cards you want to put up and frame when you’ve received them. Check out her store, and read more to get a glimpse into the creative process of the seller herself…

Please tell us a bit about yourself:
Hi, my name is Julia, otherwise known as the Spotted Sparrow. I’m an American living in Germany with my husband and world traveling kitty named Zelda.

When I first moved to Germany in 2007 I was faced with a new culture and, more importantly, a new language. While this was daunting, I thought of it as the perfect opportunity to make a fresh start and do something I really love. And so began the Spotted Sparrow – a combination of my love of paper, vintage goodies, and the environment.

When I’m not busy in my studio, you can usually find me with my head buried in a book and a sleeping cat on my lap.

How did you discover that you have creative tendencies?
I grew up in a crafty household and have always enjoyed making things and learning new techniques. I was always drawn to paper, but didn’t realize how obsessed I was until I made my own wedding invitations. The process of selecting papers, color combinations and graphic elements really sparked something in me.

Where do you find your inspiration?
My items are definitely vintage inspired. I love vintage illustrations and photographs, particularly those from the Victorian era. I could spend an entire day at a flea market or second-hand shop digging for buried treasure.

Which materials do you use to create your products?
Paper, of course! I love paper, but not at the expense of those beautiful trees. I use only recycled, repurposed, and FSC-certified paper in my products.

Please give us a brief summary of your creative process?
I start by looking through my collection of vintage images. One will usually jump out and me and then I start playing with collage ideas. I generally work on several designs at once, switching back and forth as different ideas pop into my head.

How has your life changed since you opened your DaWanda shop?
DaWanda has helped me realize that I can actually make a living doing something I love. DaWanda has also introduced me to some great friends and has even helped improve my German.

Please give us the names of three of your favourite shops on DaWanda:
Arete
seasprayblue
milla body & bath


P.S. If you’d like to be considered for one of our Monday seller interviews, then please send a filled-out questionnaire to azra[at]dawanda[dot]com