I recently graduated from fashion design school in December. I had a three month break between transferring schools the previous summer, which was when my passion for self-employment really took form. I finished my degree and do intend to work in the design field, but I have realized it’s time to follow my heart and continue growing my jewelry business as much as I am able to!
Victoria Camp
I'm really petite - an entire foot shorter than both of my siblings! I like to think this works to my advantage when making tiny and intricate designs.
I have a dachshund/jack russell mix doggie that everyone who meets him falls in love with!
I've never tried a craft or art I didn't end up loving!
I'm a huge perfectionist and have immeasurable patience- I never get bored creating a piece of jewelry and always finish it before starting a new one.
What got you started crafting?
I'm pretty sure it's in my blood. It's genetic, I assume! There were many women on both sides of my family who are and were both artistic and/or crafty, and I don't think I could avoid crafting if I wanted to. I'm constantly thinking of crafts I want to try, designs and ideas that need to be made, and always have a huge list of things I want to learn! Even as a little girl I was always doing arts and crafts with my friends. I still do now, too. I doubt that will ever change!
What is your source of inspiration?
I get inspired at the most random times, usually when I'm thinking about something else. One thing leads to another and it's like a jolt - a lightbulb goes off in my head and suddenly on a whim I just *have* to make whatever it is. During the off-times, I like to dig around through my bead and gem stash and play mix-n-match until something strikes my fancy. I like to see, touch, and feel the items I will work with before I think about beginning a project, so it helps me to have it all out on the table to play.
What have you made recently?
I've recently added a line of Map Locket Necklaces! I found some really great HUGE vintage lockets, and I already have a gigantic collection of maps and atlases. My map cuff bracelets are one of my best sellers, but I wanted to offer a style for those who don't wear bracelets or prefer necklaces. I absolutely love them! They're very feminine and pretty, and I like that you can tuck away a photo or little note inside of them.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I sell primarily through my shop on Etsy, as well as have some of my designs available directly through my own site. I also do the occasional craft fair, and have my work in a few boutiques in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
Why not?! I love to buy something that was not made in a factory whenever possible. I believe in fair labor and I like to know the person behind the item, and why they do what they do. If I can buy it handmade before looking in a big store, than I most definitely will. (Then again, I was always one to prefer cakes made from scratch than from a box, and our mom always encouraged us to make handmade gifts when we were growing up!)
Find Me
LocationOakland, CA
Email Address
Victoria Camp
Personal Website
http://www.victoriacamp.com
Store Website
http://vsc83.etsy.com
HH10PERCENT
@vsc83
http://facebook.com/victoriacampdesigns