Crafty Bastards Vendor Q&A with Peacock Blue Design Studio
Last year, we didn’t get to post all the Q&As of vendors who participated in the 2007 Crafty Bastards fair, so here they are now!
This blog is no stranger to the exuberance that is the Peacock Blue Design Studio. The studio is known for its gorgeous collection of feathered hairpieces, cocktail hats and flamboyant coutures. Though the pieces can range anywhere from goth to cocktail to burlesque to pretty in pink, they are unified by a touch of class that makes the accessories downright fit for royalty.
Wendy took a moment to chat with us, and even provided an update in her own words about her upcoming shows!
“Right now my primary project is creating a new line of lavish couture burlesque ensembles for the Convergence fashion show in Ybor City Florida this August. The theme for the outfits is a secret at the moment. I want to make everything a huge surprise for the show.
I also have some local events coming up over the next couple of months. One is vending at DC’s “Goth Prom” on May 22nd at the TOWN nightclub. Another is a fashion show for Exposureon June 5th at club LIV.
My newest lineup on the table for the boutique is a limited edition series of handmade latex millinery flowers for fascinators and hats. I had a recent client request some hairpiece and wigs with latex floral elements to match the latex clothing that was being made for her. So, I transferred what I usually do with fabric to a latex format. I am really excited about the results, and I’m looking forward to unveiling them on the website very soon.”
1. How long have you been making things?
I have been making things since I was at least three or four years old. I come from a pretty creative background. My grandmother sewed clothing for her family and people in the community, and I used to watch her while she made things on her sewing machine. My mom also did a lot of sewing for us as kids, and she has also done ceramics, rubber stamping, tole painting, etc. My Aunt Lynn makes handcrafted cards and jewelry, and has done handmade candy, decorated cakes and all sorts of other fabulous things that have inspired me all my life.”
2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
The thing I recall doing first is making little illustrated books. I would write little stories and then draw illustrations to accompany the stories and bind it all together. Since I was only almost four years old and still learning how to read and write, most of the first stories were spelled phonetically. The spelling improved quite a bit after first grade, though!
3. Why do you make things?
It’s my creative outlet. My day job is kind of dry and very scientific, so making accessories allows me to express the more
imaginative side of my brain. It helps me feel balanced as a person. I consider my creations to be my children, so it is often very hard to part with them for the boutique. I always want to make sure that my creations get good homes where they’ll be appreciated and well cared-for.
4. What sort of things do you make?
For the boutique I create outrageous ornamental accessories, ranging from huge sculptures of hair and odd adornments to cocktail sized hats decorated with feathers to wee little pasties with tassels. I also do some card making around the holidays and for special occasions, because a handmade card really expresses how much you care about someone. I also make clothing for myself and a couple of my friends, although I’ve never ventured into a retail market with my clothing designs because I’m finicky about fit and sizing. I prefer to create and market accessories because they’re usually one size fits everyone!
5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
One of my wigs was featured with an article in Italian Vogue magazine in 2006, which is a pretty neat accomplishment.
6. Inspirations?
My hero is Elsa Schiaparelli. She was one of the most innovative, creative and courageous designers in all of history. Schiap pioneered the fashion show as we know it today, with all of the wild and crazy antics on the runway. I also draw a lot of inspiration from historical and vintage clothing. I have a shamefully huge collection of books about the history of fashion.
7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
I always need hair, feathers, fabric and Swarovski crystals.
8. Describe your work area (photos please!)
Well, it’s definitely too small, mostly due to the fact I’ve decreased the room size by installing wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling cabinets around the room to store all of my supplies. Despite the cabinets, it still isn’t enough storage, as I’ve been crowded out by supplies and finished pieces that I’ve been compelled to keep. I’m also a packrat and compulsive “nabber” - anytime I see something with potential for a project I tend to nab it and hang on to it until I’ve found the perfect idea for it. One of these days I hope to have a larger studio.
9. Family? Pets? Plants?
I have a younger brother and a younger sister, but no pets or plants.
10. Favorite color or pattern?
My favorite color is peacock blue.
11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
The September 2007 show was my first year as one of the Crafty Bastards.
12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade
purchases.
One of my favorite purse designers is Jenae Michelle of Range of Emotion. I purchased one of her bags from her Torpedo Factory studio. It has the most amazing construction! It is so sturdy I would feel confident carrying a few bricks in it. I also love how she uses recycled and vintage fabrics to construct her bags.
Another favorite of mine is Ellita’s Flying Snail. She makes the most exquisite hand-knit collars, hats and scarves. I’ve collected quite a few of her pieces, and I am looking forward to adding more to the growing collection.
13. Would you like to include a HOW-TO for the blog?
I would absolutely love to write a HOW-TO for the blog as soon as I think of something really nifty with widespread appeal. I’m one of those people who is better with a demonstration than a written description of how to do something. So, it will have to be a pictoral demonstration of the how-to!
14. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
Everyone should know how to sew on a button and hem a pair of pants.
May 15th, 2008 at 11:50 am
I will see you at both events! I loved your work at Crafty Bastards, Goth Prom is the perfect venue for it!