Interview - Handsome and Lace

Dotted with Hearts interviewed Handsome&Lace!

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and Handsome & Lace:

Handsome&Lace started with the reconstruction of ties. I have always loved neck ties so to reconstruct them into beautiful things for women makes me feel productive and excited! I have made things such as hairbands, necklaces, earrings and more all from preserved ties! I have been dabbling in some other upcycled accessories... all with a very classic feel to them. My favourite era's are the 30's and 40's and tend to bring these elements into my designs.

Q. Where in the world are you based?

I'm based out of my home in Toronto, ON. Canada has shown me some really universal styles that make it very easy for me to create very unique things without being frowned upon. There are so many talented people in this city so you have to be on top of your game or you will end up blending in. That challenge for me is a great one! It keeps me innovative and on my toes at all times.

Q. What made you get into crafting?

I have always been creative and was nurtured as a kid by my mom's side of the family...They are all neurotic but creative. It kind of goes hand in hand.lol I started redesigning neck ties in 2007 and still find new ways to reconstruct them!; ) I have so many ties in my home that they take up about 30% of the space in here! It's very exciting to look at them every day. Very motivating...I can tell these ties are not happy as ties and make promises to get to all of them eventually.


Q. What are your favourite items to make? Do you make custom pieces?

I LOVE making hairbands in particular...I started with hairbands as one of my first accessory projects. I ended up selling 10 the day after making a few and knew that I had a market. Something about a good hairband really makes someone stand out as confident and for the most part you have to be when wearing Handsome&Lace. It is one of my personal missions to help women gain confidence in any way I can. I also LOVE challenges so custom orders are my pride and joy. I recently just make 10 velvet bowties for a woman's wedding and she loved them! There is always that worry that they get rejected.lol


Q. What are your most popular items?

Hairbands are number #1 with Handsome&Lace right now. I would love to be the IT place to shop for hairbands...eventually...I also get a lot of sales on my tiny tie earrings which I haven't made in a few months...I guess I should get on that! I also see that my newly designed guitar straps are becoming very popular with bands! Tokyo Police Club and Oh No Oh My have been known to wear Handsome&Lace reversible guitar straps..also made from neck ties!


Q. Do you wear your pieces yourself?

ALWAYS! I wouldn't sell something if I didn't love it myself. My hope is to stay true to the uniqueness and quality of my pieces while keeping them true Handsome&Lace originals. I also feel super cute when wearing my designs. Why not feel good when you can, right?


Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

Silverscreen movies play a HUGE role in my designs. I love the strong black and white ensembles that say 'classy'. I actually came up with my collar necklaces from watching The Three Stooges...I love this show plus love manipulating what the stooges are wearing by coming up with the feminine version for modern times is really fun!

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in five years time? I'd love to have my own little boutiue, and sell all around the world. I don't need to be rich or wealthy. Just a leader in unique accessories : )

Please add any links you would like included :-)

Website: http://handsomeandlace.ca/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/HandsomeAndLace?ref=ts
Handmade Gift Guide: http://www.thehandmadegiftguide.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/HandsmAndLace
Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/HandsomeAndLace

Interview - Silk Seduction

Dotted with Hearts interview the multi talented Burlesque artist & pin-up model, Silk Seduction!

Q. Greetings Silk Seduction, please tell us who you are and what you do?

Hello there, my name is Silk Seduction and I am a Burlesque Artist and Pin-Up Model. I originally trained as a classical ballerina at Liverpool Theatre School and am also trained in Musical Theatre, Commercial Dance, Classical Acting and Opera. My circumstances changed and I completed a BA (Hons) Event Management which I am following with an MA Public Relations due to start in October. Career wise I had completely changed path but my passion for dance remained. I found a Burlesque school called the Fantasy Showgirl Academy lead by Miss Fan-Teasy and the rest as they say is history. I am about to graduate and be unleashed into the big wide world of Burlesque, with a tour of our very successful show 'Rocky Horror with a Teasy Twist' about to commence, and several modelling assignments planned, life is very exciting right now :).

Q. Where in the world are you based?

I am based in the sunny seaside town of Bournemouth.

Q. What made you get into the modeling and burlesque scene?

I have always danced, my mum claims I used to steal her scarves and danced before I could walk. But I like many dance professionals completely lost my confidence and vowed to leave dance as a sad memory. I found the Fantasy Showgirl Academy by accident and am so glad I did. It restored my confidence and even persuaded me to revisit the stage, now the girls can't keep my away! I am sponsored by the amazing Tassels and Trinkets and my next show is 'Freak 'n' Tease' at The Winchester, Bournemouth.

In terms of modelling, it is something that preceded my discovery of Burlesque but had never really taken off. I had done a nude photo shoot for a photographer friend, and a couple of burlesque themed photos hoots for a local photographer, but it is only in the last year that interest has been growing rapidly. I have found Pin-Up to be the genre that's suits me as it fits my love of vintage, cheesecake pin-up and of course burlesque. I am honoured to be one of four models representing Juliet Killed Romeo and Juliet Loves Romeo.

Q. Are there any photographers, clubs or other models out there who you would like to work with?

I love the use of colour by Black Orchard Photography, the unusual location ideas from Dark slide Photography and will always adore the timeless images produced by Eddie Ions. In terms of performing I would love to perform in as many different locations as possible, both in the UK and Worldwide.

Q. You list costume construction as one of your passion, what do you make?

I worked for a local dance shop, which had a bespoke department. I took this over and loved the excitement of producing garments from fully crystallized ballroom gowns, wedding dresses and cheer leading catsuits, to tutus and carnival costumes. The world really was your oyster and no day was ever the same. I now use these skills to construct and develop my own costumes although there have been enquiries about designing independently so watch this space.

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

My aim to is to create the most enchanting most memorable performances possible and am constantly inspired by Miss Fan-Teasy and my fellow showgirls, who's creativity astounds me. I am also inspired by the classic Pin-Up images by Gil Elvgren which never age or lose their charm.

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?

I would like to have built a successful brand in 'Silk Seduction' and hope to continue with the Fantasy Showgirls alongside performing internationally. I would also like to have built up a strong portfolio and continue to represent several independent brands.

You can find Silk Seduction on the following websites...
http://misssilkseduction.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/misssilkseduction/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001265854455

Interview - Dreadlocks on the Rocks

Dotted with Hearts got to interview the lovely Cristina of Dreadlocks on the Rocks!

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and Dreadlocks on Rocks

Hi! :D My name is Cristina, I'm a 22 year old Graphic Design student with a passion for tangling hair (not the most glamorous hobby it's true). I moved to the UK about a year ago when I started University and I noticed that there was a bit of a niche in the dread locking business, so I said why not put my "gift" to good use? And that's how Dreadlocks on the Rocks was born...

Q. Where in the world are you based?

I am based in the centre of Birmingham - the home of all things weird and awesome.

Q. What made you start this business?

Well, I come from the eastern part of Europe, where dreadlocks are quite popular, therefore 10% of the population knows how to make them (more or less :P ) so it was fairly easy for me to learn - it's like a trade secret, you have to pick it up from watching other people do it and eventually doing it yourself . When I moved to Birmingham I noticed that there weren't many people who did dreadlocks, and even less places where you could go to get dreadlocks if you have Caucasian hair. So I started my little home-run business in order to provide for the people who wanted an awesome set of locks on their head. I also offer maintenance sessions to those who need to tame their locks and help people remove their dreadlocks so they won't need to shave their heads :P

Q. Do you have any advice for anyone thinking about getting dreadlocks?

One very important thing about dreadlocks is that they're not your average funky hair-do, you can't really get them today and take them out 2 weeks later (well you can, but why would somebody go through all that trouble). Getting dreadlocks is a commitment, so I advise anyone who wants to get them to do their research. Also, they don't look perfect from the beginning - as they mature they start looking better and better. I sometimes compare the whole process to having a baby - when you have them done it takes a good few hours and it hurts a bit, but once you're done with that you're so happy that you forget about everything else. The only difference is that dreadlocks don't grow into teenagers who start arguing with you :))


Q. Do you have dreads yourself? And whats your favourite things about them?

Yes, I have had my dreadlocks for two years now and I can honestly say that getting them has probably been the best hairstyle related decision I have ever taken - they don't pee on the rug and they don't keep you up at night...hell, I'd pick dreadlocks over a hamster any day :) But if you have a hamster you can still get dreadlocks he-he! Seriously, dreadlocks are the best thing ever.


Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

This might sound like a cliché but I guess I'm inspired by the people around me. I wish everyone could just calm down for a moment and just...relax and take it easy, maybe that sounds too easygoing but really, I think the world needs less things to worry about; with dreadlocks at least you don't have to worry about combing or styling your hair, so one less worry in the world :) People should be happier :D


Q. Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?

I'd like to open my own little shop, somewhere on a narrow little street, where I could sell funky little handmade things and continue making dreadlocks. And I would have lots of beanbag chairs...definitely.

For people who are thinking of getting dreadlocks or just want to have a chat and find out more about them - you can find me at:
http://dreadlocksontherocks.blogspot.com/ - Website
http://www.facebook.com/dreadlocks.on.the.rocks - Facebook
or just e-mail me at dreadlocks@live.co.uk

Promote yourself

Please just click on the little box below to show of your latest handmade items! :)

Interview - Creaciones Alraune

Interview with Creaciones Alraune

Q. Tell us a little and yourself and Creaciones Alraune

I come from Spain. I was born in Cádiz, and since I was a child, I felt attracted by crafting, it was one of my favourite sunjects at school. Through the years, it has became my way of living...

Q. Where in the world are you based?

I live in Galicia since 1992, it,s placed on the northeast of Spain. There are strong Celtic roots in this country, and it is reflected on the arts in general.

Q. What made you start dress making and crafting?

Since I was a child, when someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I used to say "fashion designer", I wanted to create beautiful clothes and accessories, so I was always making clothes for my dolls, and painting dresses. I think I had it really clear.

Q. What are your favourite items to create?

I enjoy a lot when making corsets and mini hats, I love to see their creation, what they become when they're finished.

Q. What are your most popular items?

I could say corsets, girls love it, even though they're not the cheapest products amongst my creations..... I guess that it is because they can be made at the wish of the costumer, and choose fabrics, colours, embroideries, embellishments....

Q. Where can people buy your creations? Do you do custom orders?

My creations are not found on stores, sorry! Anyone interested can contact me and order anything. And yes, I do custom orders. On the fact, the immense majority of the things I do are requested by my costumers. They ask me something, and generally, they accept suggestions, I guess I'm lucky about it...

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

It may sound as a topic, but inspiration is everywhere, and it comes when it's less expected! It may be a film, a book, a vintage image, generally I love to take a look at some of my books about history of fashion, and look for details. So, the results can be both Gothic, Steam punk, Victorian, Retro or vintage.... but never the things you,ll find on an ordinary store.

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?

On a backstage, looking at models dressed with my creations on the catwalk. Or creating clothes for a historical film, or doing historical reproductions for a Fashion museum.... who knows!! Anyway, I can't imagine my life and my future without a nail in my hand....

Links to Creaciones Alraune

http://www.creaciones-alraune.es/blog

I'm on facebook too. Just search for "Creaciones Alraune".

Interview - Frock on Vintage

Dotted With Hearts interview Pam from Frock on Vintage!

Q. Tell us a little about yourself and Frock on Vintage

My name is Pam Cheema and I am stylist and Director of Frock On Vintage. Frock On Vintage specialises in affordable, high quality and all-round fabulous vintage items for all fun-loving fashionista's. From Avant Garde sequin tops and leather jackets; to kitsch dresses and statement bags, the brand offers something for everyone!


Q. Where in the world are you based?

I am based in Birmingham but travel all over the UK with Frock On Vintage.


Q. What made you start this label?

Spending time out in Kenya doing charity work with the Masai inspired me to set up Frock On Vintage. I supported street children, AIDS and HIV sufferers and taught English in local schools. I learnt so much from the experience that when I returned to the UK I decided that it was time to pursue my real dream. I began my new venture by juggling my full time job as a TV researcher with running a stall selling vintage clothes every Saturday at The Custard Factory in Digbeth. The feedback I was getting from customers was amazing so I decided that it was only natural progression to set up my own website. I launched www.frockonvintage.co.uk in August 2010 and its going great so far :-)


Q. What are your most popular items?

The gorgeous vintage sequin garments I sell are really popular! They are so beautifully made and the designs are to die for! Every girls likes a bit of sparkle in her wardrobe for parties, weddings, events etc. Aside from that vintage bags also go down really well with my customers as do the fur coats....especially now with winter slowly looming!


Q. Do you wear vintage clothing yourself? Whats your favourite style?

I adore vintage clothing and wear it all the time, hence me setting up Frock On Vintage! I just love the fact that vintage clothing is totally unique and that you know that you wont see 101 other girls wearing the same. I tend to mix Vintage pieces with those off the High street for a modern but edgy look. I don't have a specific style as such, its always evolving and what I wear often depends on how I'm feeling on a certain day! If i did have to to choose my favourite style it would definitely be rock chick/Gothic Glam! I love silver and black and cant go anywhere without my cropped leather jacket!


Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

This sounds massively soppy but its my friends and family are the ones who truly inspire and motivate me. The love and support of my nearest and dearest is so special and nothing beats that. I am also inspired by the people who are not afraid to make a statement with what that they wear and are fashion slaves! Most of these people are the ones who wear vintage and are not afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to embracing their own personal style.


Q. Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?

I would love Frock On Vintage to become a household name and own my own shop in Birmingham. I think the city has very little to offer vintage fashionista's and for that reason I would want to bring them something really special! I already have a mental image of what the shop would like...crazy but true lol! Aside from this what I ultimately what I do is continue putting smiles on people's faces and providing them with amazing Frock On Vintage garments!


You can find Frock on Vintage on the following sites...

website: www.frockonvintage.co.uk

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49946478717&ref=ts

Sutton Arts and Vintage Fair (Midlands), 17th October 1-5pm : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sutton-Vintage-Arts-Fair/132825093424878

Interview -The Deity Chain

Dotted with Hearts interviewed the lovely Soo of The Deity Chain!

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself and The Deity Chain

A: My name is Soo, and i am a 44 year old mother of 3. I've always been what you could describe as 'arty'. and i just love making things! whether that be a piece of jewellery, a painting, or as i have done more recently, a bag!
I founded The DeityChain in 2008 and it consists of me and my children..well, when i say children, my boys are men now, lol! They help in lots of ways, with the packaging, marketing, etc...and making me lots of cups of coffee when i am busy making orders!
My daughter is incredibly talented: watch out for some of her work appearing in the 'art' section of The DeityChain website! :)

Q. Where in the world are you based?

A: I am based in the North-West of England, near Manchester.

Q.What made you start making jewellery?

A: about 5 years ago i started making my own cards to send to friends and family: i used to attach little charms and pieces of jewellery to them, and after lots of suggestions to sell them, i started doing just that!...at craft fairs, car boots, etc.... then in 2008 i started The DeityChain: by this point i had already started to make jewellery which was selling faster than the cards(!), and i built a website which i have just recently updated as i thought the old site was looking a bit tired and jaded!

Q. What are your most popular pieces?

A: My bag charms are very popular, understandably(!!), the faerie necklaces and wraparound bracelets have always sold well and the little heart boxes i have just introduced seem to be going down well too!

Q. Do you wear the jewellery you make yourself?

A: of course! promote, promote, promote, lol! ...but seriously, yes, the great thing about being able to make it yourself is you can make exactly what you really like, and change it as often as you like! I also always, always have my bag charms and fabric hearts attached to my handbag.

Q. Who or what is your inspiration?

A: well now, that is an easy one! F-A-E-R-I-E-S! yeah, i know, I'm a middle-aged woman who is STILL hung up on faeries, but what can i say? i love them! ...i just love the whole romance of them, the idea that they are watching, protecting and causing mischief....yeah, faeries definitely... .....and hearts .....and flowers.... I'm just an old romantic at heart! :)

Q. Where would you like to see yourself in five years time?

A: gosh...well....i would love love LOVE to be running The DeityChain as a full-time business.
i am certainly happiest fiddling about making pieces of jewellery or painting..
My dream is for The DeityChain to be a recognised name..... a label... something people would know just by looking at it...that would be great!



www.thedeitychain.com
email: soo@thedeitychain.com