AlyTheRed, owner/artist, of Bliss Monkey Studio

Welcome to AlyTheRed, owner and artist, for Bliss Money Studio. Her real name is Alysse Hennessey, but she says, “Who knew the pirate name I signed up with to SHOP at Etsy would have to be kept as my seller’s name! But it’s cute at least.” AlyTheRed “makes cozies to warm your soul and keep your hands happy- most famous for my coffee cup cozies.”

AlyTheRed’s career started in theatre. She reports, “I have a degree in Theater Arts, with an emphasis in costuming. I love theater, studied in London for a term, which included attending 43 plays!!! I’ve worked in theater on and off in Oregon and on a few movie sets. I’ve sewn for other small businesses (learning what to do and what NOT to do!) I worked for a futon company for four years, sewing all the custom covers and pillows. I’ve had very different sorts of jobs as well, such as Licenses Body Piercer. I’m good with needles you see. But, I always go back to sewing and creative work. And, a surprise talent is that she is an art quilter, but only has listed one art quilt in her Etsy store which has been sold. One of the reasons that I AlyTheRed was one of the first people that I asked to be a part of Something Just To Start is because of her engaging personality and extraordinary talent in sewing. She takes such detail and care in everything she sews and they are absolutely perfect.

Two years ago, I was making coffee cozies for friends and family and people wanted to buy some for their friends and family. I had decided to open my own online shop as my New year’s project, and decided to put Plush Monsters and Coffee Cozies in it. LUCKILY, I found Etsy. Oh how I love Etsy! How could I live without it? The coffee cozies took off. I still make and sell plush monsters, but coffee/tea products certainly took over! I love original artwork, and have been happily working on my own screen prints for coffee cozies and Bliss Bags, using my print Gocco. Look for those products coming out this summer.”

AlyTheRed also has a Secret Club and these are the details from her Etsy shop. “Who doesn't love to be in a secret club? Join in the fun of a three-month subscription to my coffee/tea cuffs! First, sign up and fill out my questionnaire. I will choose coffee cuffs based on your answers, and the surprises will start arriving at your door. The first cuff comes right away (who likes to wait??), then one each month for three months. This will include one wrist and cuff style. It may include personalized art or original one-of-a-kind cuffs. Who knows what designs, and surprises your answers will inspire! This makes a great gift for a coffee-loving friend or relative. Be sure to add his/her address to the questionnaire you fill out for them. Four cuffs for one price, which includes shipping, of course. This Club price is offered for all US located customers only. If you are out of the country, please contact me, and I will make arrangements for you.”

Some of AlyTheRed’s inspiration comes from here home that overlooks the gardens in lush, green, western Oregon. She states, “my art is inspired by my ever-active brain, my children's art, animals, hiking in Oregon, mind trips to exotic locations of the world I haven't yet visited, and those I have, and coffee. I am a avid coffee and tea drinker. I love the ritual of it, sharing with friends, or taking that quiet ten minutes to relax and sip a lovely warm drink. I enjoy coffee and tea cups iconically, and all they represent. I adore making my coffee/tea cozies and accessories, and sending them out for lovely people all over the world to enjoy.”When asked about her favorite piece AlyTheRed, replied, “Oh that’s hard. It changes. That would be the Coffee And Cream Bliss bag. It’s a new product. I have always loved making purses and am happy to introduce a line of finely crafted, coffee and tea inspired, Bliss Bags to the shop.

What AlyTheRed likes most about her work is that, “I LOVE designing: touching the fabrics, deciding what will go together nicely, and while I sew the coffee cozies, a GREAT name always comes to me! So much fun.” The least thing she enjoys is “anything repetitive isn’t my favorite. I spent many years sewing for others, and making the same things over and over. Designing is where it’s at!”

“My own interest in getting away from “paper OR plastic” has led to a line of recycled t-shirt market bags. I make and carry two styles. People get very excited when they see them, a light bulb goes off about how easy to use, washable and environmental these bags ARE! They make sense. I love that. I love to use vintage, upcycled, and repurprosed fabrics when I can, and I always use envioronmentally friendly inks and art supplies. I recently added a line of (no paper OR plastic please) recycled tshirt market bags to my store. Also, people adore seeing the cute and fun cozies on my cup when I go to the coffee shop. It’s fun to talk about and give cards out. For so many of us, the coffee or tea ritual is a lovely part of our day. I like the way my coffee cozies add to that.”

“I get many reports of how well they went over as a gift. Now if only I can get my customers to send me PHOTOS of themselves using the cozies for my blog. (oops, better get that picture over to her) That’s one thing about selling online. I want to see people smile! I have gained so many lovely friends through my shop on Etsy!” Oh, she spoke of a blog. Well, I just happen to follow her blog and it is quite fun. It is called Bliss Monkey Studio and is at http://blissmonkeystudio.blogspot.com/. Check it out and see what is new before it goes up in her shop. Also, be on the look out for promotions and contests. I like the articles with inspector 86. To figure out who that is you will have to visit the blog.

Besides AlyTheRed’s business and arts & crafts, she has a very full and busy life. “I keep quite busy with my two young sons, two new kittens, one year old chocolate lab puppy, partner, hiking, dancing American Tribal Style Belly dance, gardening, letterboxing, blogging, and building Legos with the kids! Also, I’m a little shy about this, because the books don’t come out till next spring so it doesn’t seem concrete enough yet to talk about, but my designs are getting published in two Lark books: The art of Fabric Jewelry, and Pretty Little Cozies.” I think that is fantastic and well earned and deserved.

What are AlyTheRed’s hopes and dreams for her business? “I was laid off my part time job last February, which forced the decision: go full time artist?? YES! And it’s been a delightful three months. I love being home for my kids, of course, and planning my day. Love working in Bliss Monkey Studio, located a few steps off my back porch. I am working my way towards making enough, so I don’t need to go back to an outside job. I adore my wholesale accounts- keep ‘em comin’. And have been initiated into the world of street faire selling. It’s a very different experience than online, with very different product packaging and selling needs. I didn’t expect to love it so much. My hopes are to keep expanding my business, and keep the abundance flowing!”

In parting, AlyTheRed added, “thanks so much, this was really fun! Thanks for all your sweetness!” Aw, shucks…turning a shade of red. You are very welcome AlyTheRed. You are really great to work with and I love what you create. There is always something different and NEVER boring.

Please to see more of Bliss Monkey Studio product take a look at the slide show above AND visit and purchase her items at http://AlyTheRed.etsy.com. Don’t forget to visit her great blog at http://blissmonkeystudio.blogspot.com/