We’re kicking off a brand new series on the Mosaic Makers Collective blog and taking you behind the scenes with our makers! Today, Nathalie, creator of Fringe and Free, is sharing where she finds inspiration, walking us through a step-by-step process to create her incredible modern fiber art, and even giving us a few sneak peeks into what’s to come. So step behind the macrame curtain, and let’s learn more about Fringe and Free!
Hi Nathalie! Where do you find inspiration for your art?
I am mostly inspired by untouched creation, like a striking and simple landscape, a field of wildflowers, and definitely the natural and subtle curves that organically arise. I am constantly praying that God would show me what is beautiful and teach me to make things beautiful as He does.
What a beautiful way to find inspiration in creation! Do you plan for months before creating a new product, or do you create spontaneously?
I don’t have any consistent recipe for my creations. Some are very throughout and take many attempts to get right (like purses), others just happen and need no additional attention (most of my favorite dried floral bouquets have this story).
Wonderful! It sounds like a great mix of planning and inspiration! Can you please walk us through a step-by-step process for creating your product?
I’m excited about the purse-line launching at Mosaic Galleria. It has been a year in the making. I tested The Original Crossbody Purse daily for the better part of a year before bringing it to market. Now that I have made all of my design decisions, I can tell you specific details about this product.
It starts as over 70 meters of pure cotton cord. After a few hours of making hundreds of square knots, it quickly goes from a large and narrow wall hanging to a perfectly sized daily purse (perfect is relative, but for me, that means enough size for my wallet, keys, phone, and lip gloss). Antique bronze metal and a top-grain buffalo leather convertible strap are added to finish the purse. This is a special handmade purse, and I am excited for locals to get their hands on it.
Thanks so much for taking us through your process! We know MMC shoppers will love it! What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m a mother first, business owner second. I work on my business in the mornings, during nap times, and in the evenings and weekends. I’m so thankful that running a product-based business gives me the flexibility to be a mompreneur.
That sounds like a great schedule! Who’s the first person you show when you create a new piece?
My friend Kylee is the first person I usually show a new piece to. She has held my hand since the beginning, from helping me get my paperwork in order, to decorating her house with my Quade wall hanging and Marie plant hanger.
Everyone needs a Kylee in their lives! We love sneak peeks! Can you let us in on any future products we can look forward to seeing on the shelves?
There are so many new products that I am looking forward to bringing to market. The next new product will be a macrame light fixture…. no, a pillow…. table runner? Clearly, there are many items on the horizon.
Sounds like you’ve got some awesome products on the horizon! Light fixture, pillow, table runner… whatever comes next, we are so excited to see it! Thanks for being a maker at MMC and for sharing a little behind-the-scenes information about Fringe and Free!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Fringe and Free? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Shop Fringe and Free online
- Go Behind the Scenes with more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog