Meet The Maker: Anna Descartes

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Meet Anna

If you've ever thought that accountants aren't creative, think again! Anna grew up on a functioning farm with a family that loved to do things with their hands. She learned woodworking, sewing and paper crafting at an early age and spends much of her free time now honing in on those skills. Her analytical side has come in handy as she and her sister have started a side business revolving around their creative skills. Read on to learn more!

Have you always considered yourself to be a creative person?

Yes. I was lucky enough to grow up in an environment that nurtured creativity. It's also a natural result of being raised on a working farm where one uses your hands daily. There was a great local library with many craft and home books. PBS only drove this further.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find a lot of inspiration in nature or pictures of nature. But also museums, other people's artwork, books, and colorful patterns.

How were you organizing your tools and supplies before the WorkBox?

I used bookshelves. For many years I had knee-height bookshelves and would sit on the floor to craft. More recently I purchased full-sized bookshelves but everything still looked cluttered. The depth is too short, there's not enough workspace, and it looks messy. I did eventually buy a deeper shelving system with canvas cubes for storage. But it was nice to move up to the Workbox.

Tell us about the behind the scenes. What does a typical day look like for you?

Until Ida Rose Stamps becomes self-sustaining I have a day job as a Construction Controller. Once I come home I am able to play around with different card ideas for marketing on social media. If we are near a holiday or special occasion I'll make hand-made cards.

What are some of your other hobbies or interests?

I love gardening, cooking, decorating, reading, board games, home improvement, music, animals, technology, politics, self improvement, local tourism...it's a long list.

How have you made your creative space all your own?

I have a cartoon I clipped from a newspaper that shows the never-ending stages of creativity. That brings me relief when I feel I'm not living up to my fullest potential. Organizing my stash in color order brings inspiration. I've switched out some of the tapered bins with straight bins that fit my stamps perfectly. And some of the shelves I've removed to customize the cubicles to my needs.

What is up next for you?

I'll continue working with my sister on new stamps sets in hopes that one of the major sites such as Ellen Hutson or Simon Says Stamp carries them one day.