Q&A with Kristin of Inspired Designer Blog
For the second installment of our series on the Handmade movement, today we present a Q&A session with Kristin Montgomery, author of one of our favorite blogs, Inspired Designer. With her experience blogging on the industry and as a professional interior designer, Kristin has a great perspective on the handmade movement and all things design.
In our interview with Kristin we learn her opinions on the movement, where it’s heading and, not to mention, she lists a slu of her favorite designers and blogs that we are excited to start following.
Home Intel: As a professional interior designer what are your opinions on the handmade movement in the industry?
Inspired Designer: The handmade movement has in some ways enhanced the quality of merchandise and art. I find there is better craftsmanship when it comes to décor or furniture goods, and there are so many talented artists who are now becoming mainstream because it is so popular. The creation of a one of-a-kind item is so much broader, and there is so much out there to be seen and used.
HI: Does the handmade movement and the idea of handmade objects and designs affect your thinking and work in the industry, if so how?
ID: I think it helps you decide what might be a better use of a client’s budget for art, décor, etc. If you can have something handmade and even local versus objects that are mass-produced then you are helping them obtain something of better quality and uniqueness. This helps clients feel pride in the things they own, rather than it just being stuff.
HI: The handmade movement has seen a lot of quick growth in the past few years, how do you see it developing in the future? Do you see it gaining a more influential role in mainstream design?
ID: I believe it will continue to create new outlets for unknown artists, and it will create ways for companies who design fabrics, lighting, furniture, etc. to hire new designers. There are so many amazing items but they can also be so similar, so it has to be the proper use and design to win over the masses. I think a great example is fashion. It is one of the best niches in handmade because you can see the difference of ideas in their designs.
HI: Who would you identify as leaders in the handmade movement? Are there any figures that you have a particular passion or interest in?
ID: I would say the leaders are those who promote handmade including websites and books devoted to selling or featuring those people. I would say Etsy.com is the main engine fueling the handmade popularity. It is a community the sellers can relate to. The Renegade Craft Fair, which happens in several U.S. cities, is something that seems to also draw a lot of talented people. Their list of vendors is always to-die-for. Pledge Handmade is also a great website including everything related to handmade and they promote those who are proud to buy handmade.
HI: Have you ever worked on any handmade projects for your personal entertainment? If so what was the project or what are you planning to do?
ID: I do work on several handmade projects my favorite is making Christmas gifts for my girlfriends. My plan this year is to make more felt or pom-pom wreaths, and I also would like to start making some fun re-purposed clothes. I recently took a pair of corduroy pants and turned them into skirt.
HI: At Home Intel and Green Intel, we think the handmade movement can often serve as a way to approach green design. Do you see handmade design as a way to bring eco-conscious elements into the home?
ID: Handmade has become a great way to approach green design, there are so many designers who are so innovative in the way they can recycle or up-cycle items into beautiful everyday things. I think buying repurposed handmade items for the home, especially those from local artists is what is most important about the whole movement.
HI: Who are some of your favorite handmade designers or what are some of your favorite handmade products?
ID: I would say my favorite handmade designers at the moment are:
- Yellow Owl Workshop
- AphroChic
- The Time Is Now
- Aunt Bucky
- Miss Pickles Press
- Bailey Doesn’t Bark
- Lost Bird Found
- Whitney Smith
… and many many more! I love gorgeous pottery, unique recycled gifts, hand printed linens, stationary…etc.
HI: Where do you shop or search for handmade creations? Are there any particular websites or blogs?
ID: I like to search like everyone else on Etsy.com for new artists and for items to buy, but I also read the following blogs to see what’s new and fun.
- Scoutie Girl
- Lovely Clusters
- Creature Comforts
- Freckled Nest
- Where the Lovely Things Are
- And of course… Design Sponge
Thanks for the interview, Kristin! For more on Kristin’s work and latest finds, visit Inspired Designer, and of course stay tuned for future installments of our Handmade Nation series.
