First, let’s meet Erica:
What is your background? Have you always been so creative?
Yes, I have always been crafty. I’ve styled props, ad campaigns and editorial spreads for Kate Spade, Tumi, J.Crew, Anthropologie and more. I have always made everyone’s birthday gifts, too. I believe that one can find inspiration anywhere and transform what one sees into something fabulous to wear, use or look at.
Where do your best ideas come from? When you are feeling a little “stuck” what helps you get back to being creative
My inspiration come my everyday life, really. I see it, I like it, I make it. IT comes from being in LA and NYC, watching runway shows. Fashion designers work really hard and are a constant source of inspiration. They are expected to change their designs 2-4 times a year. They forecast what we are wearing. Without them it wouldn’t get me that excited to create let’s say a necklace out of straws. If I feel like I am getting stuck, I walk away. We are all so busy, and if it is not working out, you can’t will it to happen. I have an expression “pencils down” – the things that are taking way too much times usually are not meant to be.
What are some of your favorite tools/supplies?
My gold tools are my staple. I dip all of my tools in gold. I love spray paint, I am a huge fan. I also love neon matte color paint. Oh, and I love colored tape (neon tape, artists tape) you can do so many things with it! And, of course Sharpies- I write my business cards with them- they are like an extension of me.
What is your most favorite thing you have created and why?
I love making accessories. I buy clothes and it is not like I am home cobbling shoes. But the project I just did with Dasani to create a hat out of recycled items was pretty cool. I had never made a hat before and I love a challenge.
Your favorite shops/online destinations for supplies?
Hands down, I have to say hardware stores. I am like a socialite in Bergdorfs when I am in one.
We are seeing a huge DIY trend right now, why do you think that is?
I think the past 2 years, everyone has felt the economic pressure. In general people had to pull back and were forced to be creative. When people realized they couldn’t buy everything but wanted new things, they had to get creative, and realized that crafts are not just for the stay at home mom and grandmas. It is actually cool. Everyone is always going to want new stuff. What’s changing is how we are going to get it.
I don’t know a mother or girl-about-town whose got a few items in her diaper (or handbag) with some stains.
Whether you have some not so clean one-zies, burp cloths, or even super cute patterned clothes that your little one has outgrown- here is a great way to reuse, repurpose, and recycle those items laying around the house.
Use these scraps of fabric, scrunch, twirl, and sew into rosettes with a few stitches and attach to a ribbon for a headband for your bambino or yourself. Its a convertible accessory that can double as a cute belt for dresses or you can adhere a pin backing to make a mini brooch as well.
Super cute for spring and makes a great mommy and me accessory that wont leave you feeling guilty for getting over those stained, outgrown, items!
