In such a time of economic uncertainty comes the overwhelming need for re-invention. That is, one must find a way to express ones self and take on the burden of independent creation. In lamens terms – you must adapt to survive by creating for the masses something new and exciting which will be sought in high demand and thus spoil you with riches OR in the very least, help you pay you rent. The latter is what my endeavors usually lean more towards! BUT, with this talk about re-invention and discovery, comes my main purpose with sharing my voice with you today. That purpose would be an advantageous and imaginative Vanessa of Crafturday.
Re-purposing and creating jewelry since college, Vanessa has taken her craft in a new direction combining her love of vintage aesthetic with modern details such as fringe and studs. While this may sound familiar to you, Vanessa’s jewelry, unlike many other retailers, is not crafted for the usual limbs such as your ear, finger or neck, but for a more unlikely culprit – your arm. Yep, that’s right, your soon to be tanned bicep is getting a makeover. And why not? You accessorize every other part of your body! And Vanessa’s fringed armlets are the PERFECT summer accessory. How stellar would you look sporting your crop top and high waisted cut off vintage Levi’s with one of Crafturday’s studded fringed armlets? Or perhaps strutting on the sand with your new ruffle top bikini with a dyed fringe armlet? I mean, who wouldn’t shoot you a look and ask you where you got that fabulous piece of jewelry on your arm? I know I would!
I know I have you interested now or at least curious enough to keep scrolling down to view some of Vanessa’s creations and my interview with her! Enjoy!
When did you get the idea for Crafturday?
I came up with the idea for Crafturday while in college at UC Santa Barbara. My favorite days were always the ones spent making things with my hands. In the beautiful and always sunny Santa Barbara, I’d spend hours outside on the lawn with my friends letting my creativity run wild. My boyfriend and I dubbed my Saturdays spent crafting as “Crafturday”.
How long have you been making jewelry?
I’ve been making jewelry since junior year of college. It started out as something just for fun, and then by senior year I was doing consignment at a local boutique. I love taking trendy elements and twisting it into something new. It makes it unique, different, and have a one-of-a-kind feel.
How did you come to the idea of armlets?
I’ve always felt that armlets are very bold and powerful looking. They draw attention to a woman in a good way when wearing a tank top!
What materials inspire you the most?
Right now I’m feeling fringe. I love using recycled materials as well—old chains, stones and shells. I really am getting into dying as well. It’s been so fun thus far mixing different colors together and dip-dying the ends of the fringe for an ombre look.
Do you have a “creative process” or do you prefer to just begin creating and see what your project turns into?
I usually start with a basic idea, but it often transforms. I think it’s important to set a couple hours aside to just create and try out a bunch of different concepts.
What do you want your jewelry to say to your customers?
I want it to say above all FUN, whimsical, and light-hearted. I’ve never been a believer in fashion being super serious. The best part about fashion, to me, is the creative and handmade aspects involved. I love figuring out different ways to pair accessories and knowing that an individual made it with their own hands is a huge plus.
Who do you see wearing your armlets?
These armlets are best for girls who are fashion-forward and fearless! They are also a great look for festivals because they’re bold and bright. Look for me at Sasquatch at the end of May!
Where do you see Crafturday going as a company?
I would like it to evolve. Armlets are a style I’m digging right now, but in the future I’d like to incorporate different materials and expand my accessories line to jewelry as well.
The Turban, to me, is versatile. It can be sophisticated and elegant, as many stars such as Selma Hayek and Sarah Jessica Parker have been seen sporting them to Award Shows. Or it can be Downtown, relaxed and hip, as our star hippie twins, the Olsens, love to wear them. Now, I much prefer the later, but if I was in need of something to add a bit of eclecticism to my dressed up self, I would totally grab for a bright colored turban. I always love to be able to mix things up and catch people off their guard.
With its mysterious, middle eastern structure, turbans are my new accessory! (They’ve probably been yours for a while, but I’m a little of a late bloomer!) I have to say though, that I don’t think that I could pull off the taller or more voluminous turbans (such as the gold one to my right). My turban of choice would most likely have to be similar to that of the first photo from designer Vena Cava or the more subdued, conformed black one from Jason Wu. I love the open effect of the former, as it is just a modified version of a headband (so sleek) and Wu’s reminds me of a uber-fabulous sister of the beanie, which I wear in the winter at all times! Speaking of which, you could wear Turbans no matter the weather! Oh, I love it! I swear, this discovery just keeps getting better and better! Check out some of the Turbans I happened to stumble upon:
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