Wednesday, December 31, 2008
I met Kacie Rushton at The Handmade Market this past fall where she was selling her gorgeous Heirloom Journals made from vintage books. Although I’ve seen (and loved!) her work at past craft shows, I didn’t know much about the girl behind them. I asked Kacie to answer a few questions for us, and learned all kinds of interesting things about her background and where she hopes to take her work next. Kacie’s shop is currently sold out, but more is on the way!
How did you get into design and crafting?
I’ve been artistic and crafty ever since I can remember, and always knew that I wanted to be an artist or designer when I grew up. My mom taught me to sew when I was younger, and I loved making bags and purses for myself and my friends. This ultimately led to art/design school and a degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Although I then decided that the fashion industry and living in New York City wasn’t really for me (at least not right now), I learned a lot of techniques in school that I want to further explore, like silk screening and surface design. My mind sees things in terms of design, and I really appreciate how good design makes us feel about the places and objects around us. And the bottom line is that I love working with my hands to create useable things, especially when I can incorporate vintage materials that I can’t help collecting.
What are you favorite sources for inspiration?
Although I don’t spend a whole lot of time on the computer, there are a few design blogs I visit a couple of times a month. Namely
designsponge,
decor8, and now
mint and indienc too! Books and magazines on home decor and D-I-Y, like
Readymade and
Domino, really appeal to my nesting side as well as my creative side.
Bohemian Modern by Barbara Bestor
also exemplifies an eclectic aesthetic that I really identify with. I prefer to incorporate something vintage into my work, so I love love
love getting inspiration from the flea market and thrift stores, which are where I often find the books I use to make
Heirloom Journals. Sometimes it just takes walking down aisles of dusty castoffs to generate lots of new ideas.
Do you have a job outside of your journals?
I work for a design studio in Raleigh called
Goldbug Studio. I help design and construct very whimsical, elaborate pieces that incorporate vintage ephemera and millinery. The line includes different items from small glass-glitter birds and butterflies to large, very elaborate wedding cake toppers, centerpieces, and other custom pieces.
What advice do you have for people who want to sell handmade?
Don’t undervalue your work. Really think about the time and effort it takes to make your product. Also, if you’re selling online, have detailed descriptions and good, simple photos. And if you get really sick of what you’re doing, stop. You’re allowed to move on, even if there is high demand. Just take a break.
I want to play around with embroidery, lino cuts, and dioramas. Stay tuned!
Thanks Kacie!
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