Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with imogene
This interview continues a series of Q&A’s featuring vendors who participated in the 2007 Crafty Bastards fair. Last year, we didn’t get to post all of the Q&As before the festival was upon us, so here they are now!
imogene is a two-person studio that uses metalsmithing to create precious necklaces, pendants and other crafts. Their delicate designs often are inspired by animals, as reflected in the whale and bird necklaces. According to Annie Chau, who runs imogene, her first true love is metal. “I also spend my days knitting, obsessing over pattern, reading and collecting both objects and hobbies.”
Based out of Baltimore, MD, imogene also carries creations by a number of other designers in their boutique. Steve, who maintains the website, emphasizes imogene’s focus on new and emerging designers whose handmade goods aren’t factory-stamped or production-lined. We were lucky to catch imogene and pick their brains about their crafts. Enjoy!
1. How long have you been making things?
As long as I can remember! As a child, I holed myself away to color, make latch hook rugs, and paper dolls.
2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
In second grade, back when “art day” was every Tuesday for exactly one hour, our art teacher came into the classroom with construction paper, macaroni, toilet paper tubes, scissors, and glue. She asked us to imagine that we were all little bugs and then to build ourselves a dream bug world out of the materials she brought. That is still my favorite craft project of all time.
3. Why do you make things?
I think it must be for therapy. It is a time where I am completely alone with my thoughts and materials. It is so meditative. And really - I’m not sure what else would I do with myself! . . . it’s just a compulsion!
4. What sort of things do you make?
I make and sell jewelry, but I am also a knitter and am experimenting with my brand new gocco! Recently I’ve been thinking that I don’t have to limit myself to just jewelry!
5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
I am utterly amazed every time I’m out and happen to see someone wearing my jewelry. WOAH.
6. Inspirations?
It can be anything! strangers, creatures, critters, ugly things, pretty things. DEFINITELY the craft community. Oh yes, and Aubrey Beardsley, Michel Gondry and Wes Anderson. I like them 
7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
Jeweler’s saw, torch, rubber cement, scissors, and sharpies.
8. Describe your work area (photos please!)
I just moved to a new studio space!! It’s a long, slow process so it looks a bit empty now. I love it! In the pictures you can see my jeweler’s bench, soldering area, shipping area, and computer area. I’d like to set up a little area designated for photography too. Oh and the thing I’m the most excited about- there’s a sink close by!! When I was working from my home, I used (and destroyed) the bathroom sink!
9. Family? Pets? Plants?
Two hilarious pit bulls, one boyfriend, many weird plants.
10. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
I am a first time crafty bastard!!! yeaaa! If at first you don’t succeed. . .
11. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
Of course I love all my charm city craft mafia peeps - they are all so talented, some of my favorite recent handmade purchases and favorite craftspeople include: a desk calendar by Something’s Hiding in Here , and my boyfriend has a T-shirt from We Are Campfire that I adore.
14. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
How to make French toast! Mmmm. Breakfast.
