03.05.08

My Interview with Sara, Owner of Sara’s Texture Crafts

Posted in Uncategorized, jewelry, fun, hand crafted jewelry, shopping, site promotion, interviews, fiber art at 8:09 am by KellyM

Meet Sara Millis, Owner of www.SarasTextureCrafts.fusiveweb.co.uk

Where are you located?  London, UK
What do you design?  I design jewellery, bags and accessories inspired by texture…although you will find a lot more in store.
Where/How did you learn this?  I learnt most everything I know from my mother, who is a very talented craft artist.  Beyond that, I studied at the London College of Fashion and am a member of the Embroiderer’s Guild, where I have the chance to develop my skills further.  I am a Fashion Designer by trade, so I also try to pick up new techniques from pattern cutters and machinists.  The backbone of any great fashion house!
Favorite Artist who inspires you?  This is a difficult one…and is awlays difficult to answer.  I guess a process, or thought that an artist/designer has insired me.  For example, I love the way Vivienne Westwood cuts a garment and plays with construction processes.  I also love Issey Miyake for the fabrication vs. form idea.  I enjoy Annemeike Mein’s textile work for the incredible textural detail and I enjoy Alfonse Mucha for the fluidity of his illustrations.  And I could go on…!
Where does your inspiration come from?  I’m inspired by anything textural, could be something I’ve seen in a book, could be an exhibit, or even something in nature.
What do you do to combat creative block?  I usually try to get out and see what is happening in the world.  Maybe stroll around a museum, or hit the markets.
Where do you design your creations?  At home, surrounded by music and crafty books!
What does your work space look like right now?  A bit of a mess!  I’m exhibiting at the end of March, so there are various piles of “development stage” work, snowed under in my own production line!
How does your family feel about what you do?  They love it.  The girlies get to buy stuff and have the odd thing made especially for them and the boys get somewhere to shop for their girlfriends.  A limited edition can do wonders I’m told!  (Well, if it helps boys?!)
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method?  My advice would be to experiment with cheaper materials first and don’t be afraid to try something.  Once you start to feel more comfortable and you have found your own style, you can substitute for better quality materials and start to finish your work to a higher standard.
Best advice you received when starting your business venture?  Don’t give up easily, a business takes time and energy.
Favorite part of owning your own business?  I get to make the decisions that feel right for me.  I guess the sense of control of my art is my favorite bit.
Least favorite?  Accounting.  Creative types just don’t like looking at numbers!!
How do you relax?  I spend time with my boyfriend of 12 years, just hanging out and catching up.
Favorite color?  Hard to say.  At the moment, I’m working with hues of antiqued pinks, greens and blues.
Does this color show up in a lot of your work?  They will for this season at least, and then maybe adapt slightly for Fall.
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing?  Making and promoting!

A sample of Sara’s Texture Crafts products.  For all products, please visit Sara’s website.

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