EAST Interview: Amy Barber's Sweettooth Bags

East Austin Studio Tour
Saturday, November 22 - Sunday, November 23
Various Venues (Austin)
free, 10am-5pm both days
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A couple of years ago we stumbled into Pink Salon on South Congress in search of, well, we're not really sure what we were looking for, but what we found was a tiny birdie barrette that would spend the better part of the next year secured firmly to our unruly, cowlicked bangs. Little did we know that the little bird on our head represented a burgeoning business of fashion-forward accessories called Sweettooth Bags, headed up by the endless font of creativity that is Amy Barber.

Enterprising and adorable, Barber has created a fancy-pants empire out of her kitchen, which you can visit this weekend during the East Austin Studio Tour. Located at 1402-A Kirkwood Rd, Barber's studio is also her home (#141 on the E.A.S.T. map), and is sure to be a real charmer.

What first got you started in creating accessories and handbags?

Scissors and glue have been my favorite tools since about age 5. As a child, I realized the Tooth fairy didn't leave enough change to cover the make-overs I felt my Barbies deserved. I later revisited those accessory-making skills as an adult when I noticed the Easter Bunny was cheap as well & I needed to be creative to cover my own wardrobe ideas and make-over needs- boutiques came after that...

I always am interested in seeing what time has done to my creations. When I encounter something that has clearly been worn every single day for a year, it makes me feel the owner really loves it and I have done my job. My impulse is to get them to try out one of my new pieces and drop the lived-in looking accessory off at a dry cleaner.

Do you look at your creations as more of a business endeavor or as artistic expressions?

I try to juggle both. I almost always approach everything I make envisioning it for sale in a boutique or an art show with a price tag attached. There is quite a bit of play involved when I am developing something new. I will stay up late working and allow myself to get into a weird mindset. Like many other things, it is usually apparent in the morning whether my choices were a good idea or a mistake.

What pieces of yours have been the most popular? Do they align with the work that you are most proud of?

My hair accessories seem to win the popularity contest, withstanding time & trends. Everyone from grandmas to little girls seem to find a favorite. I am most proud of my accessories that are one-(or 2)of-a-kind type pieces. I get attached to bags and hair accessories with elements that cannot be replicated. That might be something made from a polyester scarf from the seventies with a photographic forest scene of pine cones & needles or a hair accessory involving vintage flowers with plaid petals from the 1940s.

I seem to be constantly organizing & rearranging furniture in mine and my friends' homes.
I also secretly fantasize about becoming a ping pong shark one day.

When you are not designing, what do you do with your time?

I seem to be constantly organizing & rearranging furniture in mine and my friends' homes. I also secretly fantasize about becoming a ping pong shark one day.

You have done an excellent job of getting your art to the marketplace. What insight do you have for aspiring creative types regarding distribution and promotion?

Don't take anything personally when it comes to selling your work. Pretend you are working for someone else, discussing someone else's products when the "heart-on-your-sleeve" meeting time rolls around.

What is something that you haven't done with your creations that you are interested in exploring?

I am interested in taking some of the materials that inspire me to create wall props & decor. I would also like styling sets and accessories for photographers and magazines.

You are an ally of the Austin Craft Mafia and other local design collectives. Could you tell us a little about your artistic affiliations and what those have meant for your business?

Knowing & working in collaboration with other creative people has been the fuel that keeps me inspired, encouraged and sane. Stylists, artists, and designers propel me to continue over the speed bumps that present themselves running a creative business.

What are some of your favorite materials to work with?

I love items that can be glued onto other things. It gives me the instant gratification I yearn for. I especially enjoy shear and textured materials such as netting & flocked fabric, fake birds & vintage hat supplies from the WWII era.

What will people be able to see when they tour your studio?

Amy Barber is Adorable.

How do you deal with the idea that by creating wearable art, your creations will eventually degrade due to everyday use?

I have a live-work space, so feasibly one may be able to determine what sort of milk I put in my coffee by glancing at the recycling bins. My studio itself is an explosion of color and texture. The living and dining area will be emptied to make room for my work and a collective of 4 other artist/designers selling some of their pieces. I have created new wall decor/props have never been seen by Sweettooth fans. These pieces are collections which are exaggerations of things that inspire me: incorporated items such as fake fruit/insects, various found objects, feathers, home-made fabric puffs & trim. I will also be clearing out lots of Sweettooth items- ON SALE for holiday gift giving...

What's next for you and Sweettooth?

Sweettooth wants to grow. Hopefully to bigger and better deals...wider exposure, interiors & travel.

Finally, if you could only visit one other studio during E.A.S.T. which would it be and why?

I want to see Ian Shultz's resent work. His painting is exquisite, a little dark and is always full of surprises...

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