Meet the Maker – Kirstin Stride

This weekend I’d like to introduce you to another very talented designer-maker, Kirstin Stride.  But first I have a confession to make about my giveaway for copies of the Bustle & Sew Magazine.  I have not yet counted up the comments and worked the random selector to choose a winner.  I did mean to do so and had set aside time for counting – BUT –  because I am easily distracted I used this time reading everyone’s lovely comments instead of counting them, and happily making copious notes of interesting-sounding new books to try this winter.  I am very sorry about this and promise to announce the result tomorrow.

And now here’s Kirstin ….

Hi Kirstin, thank you for joining us.  I’d like to start by asking you how did you get into crafting?

My parents always encouraged me and my brother to make and draw things, I remember making fimo earrings when I was about 10 to sell at school! I went on to study 3 dimensional design at college and then a few years later someone gave me a sewing machine and I taught myself to sew.

How did your business come about?

I used to run a non-profit gallery/shop in Brighton called Handmade and at the time I made slightly strange plush toys and bags. One of the artists at the shop introduced me to the wonders of shrink plastic. I’ve been making shrink plastic jewellery for just over 3 years now, full-time for 2 years this Christmas. I mainly sell on Etsy, at craft markets and to a few shops.

I’ve just been lucky enough to be featured as an emerging designer at the Royal Academy of Arts as part of their RAted collection which is a big achievement for me.

Do you have a dedicated work room/crafting area?

I have a small but cosy flat in Hove. It’s basically one room so I have a table set up by a window overlooking the sea and I do all my making from there. Luckily I don’t need much space to do my drawing and plastic shrinking.

Can you describe your typical day?

It depends what time of year. At the moment as it’s the busiest time of year I’m pretty much drawing, firing, glazing and glueing from 9-11pm with the occasional trip to the post office and coffee with a friend.

Where do you look for creative inspiration?

Everywhere! Victorian nature books, I love the illustration style.

Describe your style in a few words

I’m not sure, I find that very hard. Cute and slightly vintage?!

Thank you so much Kirstin, it’s been lovely chatting to you.  And you can find more of Kirstin’s lovely work over on her website and in her Etsy store.