L.A. artist Amanda Winter combines graphic design, clay, and fabric to craft cute home wares. In her Etsy shop Clay & Fabric, Amanda demonstrates her passion for design through her handmade goods. From wall hangings that incorporate woven backgrounds with ceramic pieces, to handcrafted bowls that are both functional and whimsical, Amanda’s art is certain to add to any home’s beauty. Read on for more on Clay & Fabric!
Tell us about yourself!
I like to call myself a clay and fabric artist. They are my two favorite mediums. I have been quilting for over 20 years and doing ceramics for about 10 years and it’s only been recently that I combined the two. I was formally trained as a graphic designer and always had a love of quilting and pottery. I try to incorporate all three mediums in my work.
How did you get started?
I’ve always been making things and I love doing it! Now I want to share my art with others and make a living out of making things too. I am compelled to craft and make art. It goes along with being an entrepreneur – making everything I already make wasn’t enough, so I went and made a business as well!
What’s inspiring you right now?
I usually think of the function first. I like useful things. So far as the design elements, I’m very inspired by nature. Most of my designs feature plant or animal life. I’d say there is some Zen influence as well, as my aesthetic is fairly minimal. I also design sets of things, such as a table runner with matching flatware, so one product might be the inspiration for another.
Any advice for those starting out in the handmade industry?
The biggest rule to starting your handmade business is that you must love what you are doing. You will have to motivate yourself to work on your business and if you do not like what you are making or selling you will not get vary far. Read a lot of books! There are so many ways to start your own business these days and there are a lot of books on the subject. Find one that you relate to and that will really help.
What are you most looking forward to at the BUST Craftacular in Los Angeles?
I love meeting my customers!
If you like Clay & Fabric, you’re going to love the BUST Craftacular in LA! We’ll be setting up shop at Mack Sennett Studios in LA’s Silver Lake ‘hood from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM next Saturday, June 21, 2014.
Stop by for 45+ makers, free DIY flower crowns and nail art, all-vinyl DJ sets, FREE custom-engraved charms from our friends at Brooklyn Charm, and more. We’re also giving away amaaaazing swag bags to the first 100 shoppers!
Plus, clean your closet for a cause: we’ll also be collecting gently worn clothing donations for LA’s Downtown Women’s Center–plus sizes are especially needed, but all sizes are welcome!
For more info, visit our site and follow #BUSTcraftacular on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
All photos courtesy of Clay & Fabric.
