Saturday, November 20, 2010

The Creative Hands behind Rachel Darling Girl

This week the BrisStyle team was lucky enough to catch up with Rachel, the creative talent behind accessories label Rachel Darling Girl.


How would you describe your work?
My work is all hand-sewn. There are no machines employed in my making! I hand-sew small pleated 'flowers' and use them to make jewellery and hair accessories. I think my jewellery is fun, pretty and colourful!


How did your Etsy shop come into being?
Well, I have a small confession to make. I heard about the BrisStyle Twilight Markets first and then I decided I wanted to be involved in BrisStyle, so I set up an Etsy store! I am slowly discovering more and more about Etsy and am really excited about expanding my store.

Who or What inspires you?
I am primarily inspired by my materials. I LOVE ribbon and lace. The possibilities are limitless and that inspires me. I am also inspired to pursue my passion for making, designing and creating things by my Dad, who passed away in 2007. His illness and experience reminds me that life is short and doing the things we enjoy is really important.


Do you 'reduce, reuse, recycle' as part of your creative process? If yes, how is your art/craft eco-friendly?
I use buttons on some of my chokers and headbands. I have a few bottles of old buttons from my Gran and my Mum that they have collected over the years and I try and use them wherever I can. I would love to use more re-purposed ribbon, so if you have any old ribbon lying around, I would appreciate any donations!


Can you describe your studio/work area?
I live in a little blue house with my boyfriend Nathan, and our guinea pig, Trevor. I do all of my work in the sun room of our little worker's cottage. My desk is a spray painted old door and my cupboard is my grandparent's old laundry cupboard. It is a little make-shift but it is my own and I love it.

What is your favourite thing in the shop at the moment?
I love taffeta ribbon. My favourite thing in my shop at the moment are the pastel taffeta ribbon earrings. They are really pretty and spring-y. I am going to expand my shop really soon, and include some of my other products, including headbands and necklaces.


Do you have any other places that people can view/purchase your work?




Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Rachel!

3 comments:

Unknown said...

nice photos!

dash robin said...

Beautiful photos and I am sure your dad would be very proud of you, well done Rachel, xkate

KerrisHangups said...

I was lucky enough to see Rachel's goodies up close and personal at the recent Twilight Market. They are so cute and delicate, she is one talented young lady!