The Art Journalist's Interviews & Reviews

Crutch: Romantic & Ruffled Fashion

Crutch

who the artist is:   My name is Abi McCannon and I am a fashion and accessories designer. I live in Oakland, California, originally from Iowa.

what's your story: I am working on producing my own line, but I needed a way to earn some money to get it started. I had a fashion show and I knew I really wanted to make a stand out piece. Without funds, I had little fabric choice. Around my apartment there were tons of old clothing and fabric scraps, so I knew I had to come up with a solution using what little I had. The result is my Ruffle Drama Mama Dress in white. That piece took so long to make that I knew I had to come up with something using the same technique that didn't take hours upon hours to make, and the ruffle drama collar was born!

where:
www.yourcrutch.com (where I will be showing my new summer collection soon!)

www.crutch.etsy.com

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Crutch/99605668443?ref=nf and facebook, of course.

why this artist stands out: Abi’s designs are romantic, modern and wearable for the drama mamas in all of us. Creative people are always looking for ways to express themselves and I think simply wearing her designs is a great start. Not all could pull these dramatic treasures off but I would certainly like to try. The artist adds: My passion for clothing came pretty late in life and my admiration only after I didn't know how I could use my talent to make a living, I just chose clothing. I went to school to learn basic sewing and construction and quit when I had enough knowledge.

how to make a ruffle drama collar:

1)      First to make a base, I make a pattern of a scarf.

2)     Then you will need around 2 yards of similar colored fabrics.

3)     Rip the fabric into 3" strips (Doesn't need to be perfect.)

4)      Then sew the strips onto the base gathering as you go.

5)      I usually line the whole thing with silk to cover up any stitch lines.

6)     Then sew a snap on and you are ready to go!

CindyG: Collaged Canvas Creations

CindyG’s Quirk’s of Art

who the artist is: I'm Cindy Gillick from CindyG's Quirks of Art, creator of original mixed media collaged canvas creations and bracelets. I live in beautiful Vancouver, BC Canada (10 min walk to the beach) with my hubby, my adorable 1 yr old daughter and my 5 yr old Labradoodle (also known as my "other kid"). I have been creating since forever, but I opened my etsy shop in 2006 and haven't looked back!

what's your story: I LOVE to create...I NEED to create!! I grew up in a home where the appreciation of the arts in it's many glorious forms (music, theatre, sculpture, pottery, painting, & photography) was instilled in me at a very young age, so it's only natural that I have continued that passion of the arts to this very day! I was working in the cosmetic industry for the last 15 years, and recently took a hiatus to start a family. With more free time and a new house with a lot of bare walls, I was able to incorporate a few of my passions (art, fashion, travel, photography) into one medium...collage art! As a makeup artist, faces, moods, expressions and colours are what intrigues me, and is often a focal point in a lot of my pieces. Vintage images, portions of old documents and images from my vast collection of rare, foreign fashion magazines, are also often combined in my work (hubby is now glad that I am able to do something creative with the ever-growing piles of magazines and that I have managed to fill up our once bare walls)! As a "girly girl", adornments like Swarovksi crystals, metallic/opalescent paints and gold leafing, are common elements in my works. As a result, I like to call my canvas pieces "jewellery for your walls"!! They are sure to add a touch of elegance and sparkle into your home! And my new collage art bangles...well, I simply consider them "art for your wrists"!!

where: www.cindyg.etsy.com

why this artist stands out: {cassandra’s words:} The use of her secret transfer technique is one to experiment with. Image transfer is always tricky, but is done so romantically well here! The artist adds... The end result is a creation which tells a story, a beautiful dichotomy of old and new. I always leave my special mark with a bit of whimsy, style, and a touch of sparkle.

tell us about your creative process: I don't feel comfortable giving too much info away on my process, as that what makes my work unique. After experimenting with so many techniques that are out there and common, I finally found a transfer technique that works for me, a technique I can't share unfortunately. But having said that, one should think outside the box and experiment with many different tools and materials, as you never know what the end result will be until you try it! As I mentioned in my bio info, I often use images from fashion magazines, usually a face or a mood it evokes will strike me and I will start from there. I will often use foreign/vintage script as a background, laying the transferred image of a face on top, allowing the script to show through...I typically work with metallic acrylic paints, crayons, and gold leaf. Swarovksi crystals, vintage ephemera and dried flowers are commonly used as a finishing touch. My works are all one of a kind, finished by hand, no digital process is used.

Cultivar: Reclaimed Fabric Flowers

Cultivar

who the artist is:    Hello fellow craft lovers! Cultivar is created by me, Katie Reim, in Philadelphia PA. My wonderful boyfriend, Steve, and awesome dog, Hazmat, have managed to find space to live in our art-craft-supply-explosion of a house. I went to University of Delaware for Illustration and usually call myself a Freelance Illustrator, but Cultivar has managed to take over most of my creative time since February.

what's your story: Cultivar was pretty much a happy accident. I had brain surgery in January 2009, and wasn't permitted to do much of anything during the first 6 weeks of my recovery. Sitting on the couch got boring real quick, and painting wasn't really an option. I began to cut up some formal dresses I had hanging around from high school and experimented with turning them into hair accessories for my short new hair-do. Pretty soon I had a living room full of fabric blooms and decided I may as well try to sell them on Etsy. To my surprise, I sold quite a few very quickly and things just evolved from there.

where: www.cultivar.etsy.com , illustration prints: www.katiejeannereim.etsy.com , my professional portfolio www.katiereim.com

why this artist stands out: {cassandra’s words:} Katie has reclaimed romance with her fabulous unexpected eco layered floral accessories.
The artist adds... All of my blooms are made by recycling fabric, so there is little waste involved. Turning out-of-style blouses, most likely never to be worn again, into beautiful accessories is something I can take pride in. My favorite part of the business is working one on one with people to create the perfect custom piece so they can feel special on any occasion.

how to make a simplified handmade recycled poppy flower:
1) Take a scrap piece of synthetic fabric and cut out three circles, each a slightly different size.
2) Burn the edges carefully using a candle.
3) Sew the three layers together, adding some fun beads to the center.

Fishstiks: Hand Painted Paper Mache

Fishstiks

who the artist is:    My name is Debi Harris Babcock and I live in Las Vegas Nevada. I have been dabbling in artistic endeavours for most of my life and even did a number of years airbrushing t-shirts in the mall. I never really got a 'direction' until I discovered ATC's which are Artist Trading Cards. I then branched out into canvas work and my current love which is paper mache.

what's your story:
The big eyed bird was born one day when I was doing a page for a tip-in page for my swap partner in Spain. It was a simpler cruder version of my birds I have now but I loved him all the same. She adored him and has asked for me to do a newer version for her.

where:
http://fishstikks.etsy.com
http://fishstikks.blogspot.com/ Is where I keep track of my life’s musings.

why this artist stands out: {cassandra’s words:} Paper mache is a difficult medium to master. It takes a love of detail and sculpture. The beauty of it is that it allows you to create your own forms to embellish and lots of room for personal expression. Debi’s houses show how one can make so many different designs for the same form.
The artist adds...: I've had people tell me that the most striking thing about my birds are their eyes and also that my creations are rather quirky. I'm pretty sure that was a kind way of saying that Ralphie the cat had that look on his face that made people...nervous, but thought he was adorable all the same.

How to make a simplified paper mache heart:
1) I always start with a basic form by crumpling up newspaper into the shape that I like and taping it down with masking tape.

 

2) I then cover my form with my mixed Celluclay and if I'm in a hurry to paint I usually pop them into the oven to speed my drying process.

3) I then gesso my hearts and paint them. I usually add many layers of different colors, scrubbing them on and wiping them off to give lots of depth and character.

4) Then it's off to my vintage dictionary for a great word to add. I use modge podge for this step.

5) After that is dry I them use my colored pencil to give my text some life and a little character too. Sit back and enjoy!

FunkyJunky Art: Refashioned Treasures

FunkyJunky Art

 

who the artist is:    Kerri Anderson.

I’d say I’m a mixed media artist. I love to work with paper, buttons, jewellery, anything vintage, and I look for funky cast off treasures to refashion and recycle into pieces of art.

Growing up in Iowa influenced my drawing, being surrounded by nature and wildlife, which I still enjoy drawing today. I love living in beautiful, sunny California, but you can never take the mid-west girl out of me. A wonderful Great Grandmother's collection of vintage buttons sparked a young girls’ imagination and has never left me.

what's your story:
I studied drawing, painting, jewelery making, and I am formally trained in graphic design.

With all of my art influences, I love to combine them all and be creative. So I started making gifts for family and friends, who encouraged me to sell my items. It has turned into an exciting adventure that keeps me busy!

where:
funkyjunkyart.etsy.com
www.funkyjunkyart.com

why this artist stands out: {cassandra’s words:}It takes a an especially creative mind to refashion, recycle and transform cast offs  into these marvelous treasures.
The artist adds: I am always creating something, I enjoy making each piece using all of my art influences.

how to make a simplified heart:
I used card stock to make two hearts, attach two sides to make a pocket, then cover in fun papers. Cover a small match box with similar papers and glue in the middle of the heart. Add some glitter on the edge, and punch holes at the top for ribbon to hang.

Tabi Designs: Textile Artist

Tabi Designs

who the artist is: I’m Tabitha, a 22 year old artist/designer/student from Sydney, Australia. I am an illustrator and I also sew various textile products including bags, purses and tea cozies. I am also studying graphic design and working casually at a fabric store in Bondi.

what's your story: From a young age I have always wanted to do something creative. My mum is an artist, she designs wrapping paper and cards. So my brother and I grew up in a very creative environment as she worked at home and we would do a lot of craft and painting.

I did art, design and textiles in High School. I really enjoyed textiles and decided to go on to study Fashion and Textile design at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney.

Not long after graduating I discovered etsy. I had some bags I made years ago for a school project and thought I may as well try selling them on etsy and it has grown from there. My range then expanded into clothing and art as well. Although, the bags and purses are still my most popular items.

At the beginning of 2008, I decided to go back to college. I have been interested in Graphic Design for a while and thought I would use the opportunity of not being committed to full time work to learn it.

So my work has become a combination of the two things I love, art/graphics and textiles.

I started my business in March 2007. After graduating fashion college, I worked part time in the industry for a few months. It was only a temporary job and I found it difficult to find full time work in the industry afterwards. I soon discovered etsy and decided to have a go at selling my wares, as I had dreamed of starting my own business, and it seemed an easy way to get started.

where: You can find me on etsy at http://tabidesigns.etsy.com
I also have a website http://tabithaemma.com and a blog http://tabithaemma.blogspot.com.

why this artist stands out: {cassandra’s words:}She shows us how to combine simple fabrics and graphics to create a stylish look and into sweet ornamental art pieces that would be a great thank you gift.The artist adds...My work is unique, whimsical and playful. It evokes childhood memories. It is also very feminine. It appeals to a wide rage of age groups.

Tell us about your design process: My process usually starts by sourcing inspiration, being constantly on the lookout for ideas and keeping up with trends. I think it is really important to keep designer mode constantly switched on and never stop looking and taking in your environment.

I then start sketching ideas, writing down words and thoughts. Once I have a design work out and drawn up, I then work out the logistics of it all, creating a pattern and sourcing fabric (sometimes an idea stems from a fabric I find).

I then create a mock up to make sure it works, if there are any problems I fix them up, then go into producing the final design.

You might find this post I did a while back interesting, a bit of a glimpse into my process. http://tabithaemma.blogspot.com/2008/07/behind-scenes.html

 

Matilou: Flowing Illustrations

Matilou

who the artist is:    Hello Anne Cresci, french freelance illustrator, I live in Lyon, France. I have 2 kids.

what's your story: I studied 4 years in a graphic design school in Lyon, then spent 7 years working in Paris for many Editors, then moved back to Lyon and opened a "shop/atelier" there where I work as a freelance still.

where: www.matilou.etsy.com .......www.dessin.fr

why this artist stands out: {cassandra’s words:}She reminds us of our inner child with her flowing illustrations. Her use of a limited palette on a larger piece seen in her alphabet art above is one challenge worth trying. The artist adds...It's hard for me to work in "monochrome" but it usually make softer illustrations which I tend to.

how to make a simplified alphabet art project: Choose one color and work from there. I usually work from the heart so it's hard to explain the process. I'm always experimenting new ways so I don't really know ....

Decora: Animal Ornaments

Decora

who the artist is: Cynthia Elliott, currently in Upstate New York, but always moving.

what's your story:  I started sewing professionally at University, working part-time for the University's costume shop, while earning a degree in Environmental Science. I knew I had always loved sewing, but it never occurred to me to change majors.

After college I joined the Peace Corps and served two years in Suriname, South America with my husband building a school in a small isolated community. At the same time I was helping the woman's group sew mosquito nets to sell and teaching women to make quilts and jewelry.

It wasn't until I moved to Japan to teach English that I really started to realize how much sewing made me happy. The Japanese have a special respect for artists and I fell in love with the Japanese crafting world, their attention to detail and the overwhelming world of "cute".

where: www.decora.etsy.com

why this artist stands out:  {cassandra’s words:} My son and daughter both want matching kitten clutches!  The artist adds... I use recycled or eco-friendly materials as much as possible and am always looking to develop my art to become more "green". Crafting doesn't necessarily take skill, it takes desire. Be proud of what you can create and accept the imperfections that come with learning.

how to make a simplified cat or rabbit ornament:
What's so great about these ornaments is that you don't need a pattern. Choose scrap fabrics in colors that you like and cut out your shapes.

You will need:
4 x ear shape (triangle for cat, long rounded shape for a rabbit)
2 x body shape
1 x oval base (recommend felt)
Tail for rabbit: yarn, tail for cat: 2 x tail shape
ribbon, beads and embellishments
stuffing (or fabric scraps to stuff)

1) Sew body pieces inside out using a straight stitch or machine
2) Place oval base onto bottom and trim as needed. Sew using a whip stitch but leave a small opening, stuff and then finish sewing.
3) Sew ear pieces using a whip stitch or with a machine and stuff lightly
4) Sew ears onto body
5) Sew tail or make a pompom tail and attach to body
6) Embellish with ribbon, buttons, beads or fabric details and add eyes and a mouth.

You can always hide your knots under a large ribbon or bow. :)

Melissa Sue: Art Dolls

Melissa Sue

who the artist is: Melissa Sue Stanley - Fiber and Fine Art. For now located in, Chicagoland, IL (moving soon!). I work a lot, eat well, and travel the world.

w  what's your story:  I've been drawing forever, painting a long time, crocheting amigurumi for 3 years, and I taught myself to sew 10 months ago. I really started pushing my business around December last year, so it's been a fun year. I love to make little things to amuse myself, and I'm glad they seem to amuse other people too.

where: EVERYWHERE! I'm all over the internet. Here's a sampling!
Website: (pretty much all the links in one place, very handy) www.melissasuestanley.net
Etsy: http://www.melissasue.etsy.com
Blogger: http://www.melissasuestanley.blogspot.com
Livejournal: http://art_lurker.livejournal.com
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/melissastanley727/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Melissa-Sue-Stanley/52585000660?ref=nf
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MelissaSue
Travel Blog: http://edandmel_travel.livejournal.com

why this artist stands out: {cassandra’s words:} Her distinctive cuddly designs illustrate her creativity and remind us of the beauty of handmade: personal expression.
The artist adds: Hmm... I dunno - I work hard to keep my stuff really unique and expressive of myself and in my own voice. I only make stuff I really love, and I really love to make these things. I'm very happy doing what I do, and I hope that shows.

how to make a simplified bird stuffie: The birds were what I taught myself to sew plush with - you should see the horrible first few.

1)      I think everyone should sit and get in some serious trial-and-error with pattern drafting and see what they come up with. Sketch out what you think is right on paper.

2)     Transfer it to the felt

3)     See what happens when you sew it together.

4)     Then, tweak the drawing and do it again, until you start getting 3-D shapes that you like. If you make horrible scary things, keep them to remind you of how you started :)

Individualbaby: A Fun "How To" For Recycling Old Clothes

Individualababy

who the artist is:  My name is Susan Ness and I am located in Fountain Valley, California. I used to sew, knit and crochet for a home decor business that I had on the Central Coast. I have been working with fabric and yarn most of my life.

what's your story: When I closed my store, I found Etsy and the opportunities it gave me to express myself with my sewing and needlecraft. I love going to thrift stores and that is where I found wool sweaters and blazers that could be used to make my Bag Bunnies, Bag Kitties and Bag Critters. It is such a fun way to recycle old clothes.

where: http://www.individualababy.etsy.com
http://www.posypalettes.blogspot.com

why this artist stands out: {cassandra’s words:}I love the sweet handmade simplicity of Susan’s designs. The artist adds: I feel that I stand out by the unique use of old sweaters. I create my own pattern for each animal.

to make a bag kitty
1) Take a wool sweater and wash it in very hot water with some towels. Dry it in a hot dryer. You can repeat this process which felts the sweater. You can then cut the sweater without it fraying.

2) Draw an animal pattern that you would like to use for the kitty. Take the sleeve of the sweater and cut the bag out of the bottom portion of the sweater where the cuff is. Be sure to check that the kitty pattern and bag will fit on the sleeve.

3) Adjust the pattern as necessary to fit the sleeve.

4) Cut across the sleeve where marked for the bag and then turn inside out and stitch across the bottom.

5) Turn the bag right side out. The bag is now done and it is time to cut out the kitty.

6) Place right sides together, pin together and sew a seam around the kitty pattern leaving an opening in the middle of one side.

7) Turn the kitty right side out and fill with batting through the opening.

8) Sew up the opening. The kitty is done and ready for any embellishments you would like to use. You can simply tie a ribbon around the neck for a very simple kitty or embroider on a face. The kitty loves to be stored in the bag.