2008 Crafty Bastards Vendor Spotlight: THEMBE Fashions

Get to know this year’s Crafty Bastards vendors! We’re posting a series of interviews of crafters who will be at the CB festival Saturday, June 28, at the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD.

Thembe Fashions handmakes classic, unique, and original accessories and clothing. Philissa Williams, the mastermind behind these ultra chic designs, has made a name for herself in the DC area creating wearable pieces of art with vintage materials. According to Williams, Thembe speaks to those who have a strong sense of self. Get em’ while they are hot!

1. Using just three words, how would you describe your work?

vivid, original, unique

2. What are you doing to prepare for Crafty Bastards? Are there any new products or techniques that you will be trying out for this show?

To prepare, I am just trying to make everything better and more eye catching.

3. Is your craft widespread in the handmade community? What makes your stuff different from others in your craft genre?

My craft is know though in the DC fashion scene. My things are different because they are wearable pieces of art.

4. Starting an independent shop takes a lot of dedication, planning and hard work. At what point did you realize you had the chops to start your own indie craft business?

I just figured since I love creating so much, why not. If it makes you feel good while creating, then why the hell not.

5. Where are your favorite places to find your supplies?

I like to go to the thrift store for vintage material, G Street, Michaels and friends hand me downs.

6. Crafting is a grassroots revolution of sorts. It’s catching on as people appreciate all things handmade, original, recycled and environmentally/socially conscious. Does this influence/inspire your work? If so, how do you incorporate it into your craft?

I started making clothes by remake my own things and then from there I just started reconstructing. Now, I use new and used material which I feel is the only way to create. I like to incorporate recycled anything in my craft.

7. After seeing your work, many would-be crafters are inspired to start their own creations. Will you have any DIY kits available for sale at Crafty this year?

No kits. Maybe tips.

This entry was posted on Friday, June 27th, 2008 at 11:43 am and is filed under Crafty Bastards Arts and Crafts Fair, Crafty Bastards Vendors. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.