What do you make? What do you make it out of?
Products I make include scarves made from T-shirt and tote bags, and aprons and coasters made from fabric purchased at The I.D.E.A. Store. Also, gift bags and boxes made from catalogs and magazines.
Do you have an art background/education? Or are you self-taught?
I would say I’m self-taught. I went to college with a major in fashion design, but with no intentions of creating the products myself. It wasn’t until after college that my mom turned me on to etsy. I thought this could be the perfect way to use my interest in fashion without moving to a big city. I quickly began studying my favorite sellers and collecting books on sewing. I spent several years learning how to sew and deciding what kind of products I would like to make and sell.
What originally inspired you to start making art from stuff that others may regard only as potential landfill fodder?
It was The I.D.E.A. Store itself that gave me the initial inspiration. A friend introduced me to the store, where I started buying fabrics and craft supplies to experiment with. Shortly afterward, I heard the store was hosting its first craft show. I signed up for the show (“Merry Treasures”) and came up with a few repurposed products to sell. My ombre infinity T-shirt scarf was a happy accident that has now become my best seller.
I would say I’m self-taught. I went to college with a major in fashion design, but with no intentions of creating the products myself. It wasn’t until after college that my mom turned me on to etsy. I thought this could be the perfect way to use my interest in fashion without moving to a big city. I quickly began studying my favorite sellers and collecting books on sewing. I spent several years learning how to sew and deciding what kind of products I would like to make and sell.
What originally inspired you to start making art from stuff that others may regard only as potential landfill fodder?
It was The I.D.E.A. Store itself that gave me the initial inspiration. A friend introduced me to the store, where I started buying fabrics and craft supplies to experiment with. Shortly afterward, I heard the store was hosting its first craft show. I signed up for the show (“Merry Treasures”) and came up with a few repurposed products to sell. My ombre infinity T-shirt scarf was a happy accident that has now become my best seller.
Ever been Dumpster Diving? Stopped the car to grab something from the curb?
I haven’t, but my husband has. He’s picked up a few things for my craft room. A white wire bookshelf that I stack my fabric on, and a black table that holds my printer are two of the things we still have from his finds.
Do your friends leave junk by YOUR door?
I have received several donations from friends and family once they know what I use to make my products out of — things like T-shirts, magazines and fabric.
Where DO you find your best source materials?
Goodwill for T-shirts, The I.D.E.A. Store for fabric, and friends for magazines.
Do you have a favorite piece — or body of work — you’ve created from repurposed/upcycled materials? Tell us about it!
I love the tote bags I’ve created out of recycled fabrics like curtains. They are the first product I’ve created using my new serger.
How do you think your work makes others feel when they experience it — in ONE word?
Modern
Where can people see your art and learn more about it?
I have a Blog, Facebook and Pinterest that they can follow. I also sell my products online in my Etsy shop.
Cassie will once again be a vendor at The I.D.E.A. Store’s “Merry Treasures” DIY bazaar on Friday, Dec. 13 and Saturday, Dec. 14! The sale takes place in the store’s classroom; hours are 4-7 p.m. Dec. 13 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 14.
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