We love all of the amazing independent designers out there. In order to find out more about just what makes all of these creative types tick, we present to you an ongoing segment called Indie Designer Interviews.

Today's interview is with Louisiana artist Jodie Flowers Santora. Jodie creates quirky accessories to brighten up your home as well as fun monster patches your kids will love to wear.

Tell us a little about yourself and your work. My name is Jodie Flowers Santora. I am an artist and stay at home mom. I make all kinds of art. I am constantly using different mediums and love change. I have been making and selling my patches on Etsy since March 2008 and have done quite well with them. I have picked up a few wholesale accounts with the patches too from Etsy. I also make beautiful polymer clay bugs and have been doing so for about 10 years now. I have them in craft galleries in 35+ states and growing each day. Etsy has opened the doors for me internationally as well.

How did you get started as a designer? I have always been an artist and a designer, but after having my son, who is now 3, I began to sew and make cool clothes for him and his friends. A jewelry artist friend of mine turned me on to Etsy and at the time, I didn't have the time for it. Now that my son is 3 and playing more on his own, I can actually promote my shop and get some business done on the computer through Etsy. As far as my bugs go... I was commissioned to make some bugs for a few purses that were displayed in Mignon Faget in New Orleans. That was back in 1998 and I have been making them ever since.

What inspires your work? Other awesome artists, children, books, poetry, my son, the world around me. It just comes from everywhere. Etsy too!

What are your top fashion & beauty must-haves? Black wide leg comfortable pants (they go with everything), mascara (to make me look awake) and my Feltathome.etsy.com monster purse!

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers? Make what you love, pay attention to craftsmanship and detail. Be happy and make others happy and the rest will follow. Be true to yourself.

Where can people find your work? www.jodieflowers.etsy.com

Anything else? I love Etsy! My life is Art and Art is my life! oh and I am a ceramic teacher 2 days out of the week, so you can expect to see some new stuff in my shop soon.