Meet Sandra Teepen of SandiesLabel in Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sandra Teepen.

Sandra, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began to sew as a kid and in high school, I did costumes for theatre productions. In art classes, I was encouraged to apply to art school and I did go to Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My idea of a career as an artist, as a newly married woman with a child, was not in focus. I wasn’t a trailing spouse. I found employment as a costume assistant in 3 major theatres — the Guthrie in Minneapolis, Long Wharf in New Haven and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

I found clients for dressmaking and special projects. I was also a sales rep for a fabric company. In Atlanta, I took a class at SCAD, the continuing ed segment offered a college class. I had my collection of fabrics and paper and paint and eventually created art quilts and quilted collages, mostly as wall pieces. I began to enter exhibitions and got into shows – including my first solo show in 2018! I found groups of creative people and volunteered for cultural and civic events.

Has it been a smooth road?
Considering yourself an artist, it’s just finding the time and being able to focus have been the major obstacles.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I produce one-of-a-kind pieces. I do not use patterns, but I am definitely influenced by traditional quilting elements. Current artists and pop culture, museums and global influences are part of my experience as an artist. I specialize in quilted collages, but I also have created wearable pieces (vests, jackets & belts), table enhancements and pillows. I even had a commission to create a chuppah from fabrics a couple had collected.

About a year later, the couple returned to have their chuppah turned into a bedspread! I am working on developing a full-fledged business, but it depends on sales and marketing. In the meantime, I keep entering exhibitions, giving talks, taking workshops, meeting other artists, adding customers and taking commissions. I go where I’m invited and spread the word about fiber art.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Metro Atlanta is such a diverse area, there is plenty of room for more working fiber artists. As with all artists — and small businesses — just getting known is the major hurdle. But social media, art guilds, workshops and exhibitions all help make connections.

Fulton County does a good job promoting the arts, including funding a public arts acquisition program, which I’m proud to say acquired one of my pieces for a public building.

Pricing:

• Biggest under $1,000
• Most in collection are under $500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sandieslabel.com
• Phone: 404-874-1421
• Email: sandy@sandieslabel.com or sandyteepen@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandieslabel/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandieslabel/

Image Credit:
Barbara Senftleber

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