Leanne has a vacuum that cries when its turned off, and is on a mission to find the most expensive gin and tonic in the World. We completely agree that handmaking something for yourself is the perfect way to accentuate your personal style and stand out from the crowd.
Leanne Smith
Random Facts About You?Swam with whale sharks in Mexico and almost drowned.
On a mission to find the most expensive gin and tonic in the World. Venice wins so far - £20. Mind you, it was a 90/10 split in favour of gin! Plus, it has to be Bombay Sapphire with Schweps full fat tonic. I cannot tolerate Britvic.
I love spending hours wandering around the V&A sculpture rooms and visiting their fabric archive, dreaming of being an 18th Century muse draped in hand embroidered silk.
I recently cleaned up some polystyrene and now, when I switch off my hoover, it wimpers like Peter Griffin.
What got you started crafting?
I have experience of working on magazines, compiling shopping spreads, calling in products etc. I realised how shoddy some of them were for the price! I was able to take some time out and study fashion design and construction and learnt how to sew and create to a high standard. I was going to a special event and wanted to accessorise my hair with something, so I made a feather hair comb which got heaps of compliments! I made some cushions and corsages for friends for Christmas and it has grown from there really. I just love faffing about with ribbons!
What is your source of inspiration?
My inspiration comes from my love of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, of how things used to be done - a sense of make do and mend, tea dances and talking over the garden wall. A lot of my ideas come from my buying trips, finding an amazing vintage button and creating a piece around that.
What have you made recently?
I found a lovely woven heart and check print cotton ages ago and had been thinking about what to do with it. On a buying trip I found a fabulous bracelet made from cream moulded roses which just worked with the fabric. I made the fabric into a boudoir cushion (what else for a love heart print!) and embellished it with a faceted love heart button and corsage made from gold double backed satin ribbon with a cream rose at the centre. The corsage is also removable so you can wear it on anything! All my pieces have interesting embellishments which are usually one-offs or vintage. Coming from a design background I love to play with colour and texture to create something unique, yet elegant.
Where do you sell your crafts presently?
I currently sell my creations on my website - www.loulouspangles.com
Why are handmade crafts important to you?
I have never wanted to look and dress like everybody else and handmaking something for yourself is the perfect way to accentuate your personal style and stand out from the crowd. Handemade items are produced with care, attention and passion, which mass produced items are not.
Find Me
LocationSurrey, England
Email Address
Leanne Smith
Personal Website
http://www.loulouspangles.com
Store Website
http://www.loulouspangles.com
http://www.facebook.com/loulouspangles