Today we chat to crafter and maker of cute custom-made collars Emma Morgenthaler from Fairytale collars. Emma shares her future ambitions, inspirations, and what she’s learned about finding that creative streak and keeping it, with Bibelot.
1. What’s the first piece of art you can remember making?
The first collar I made was a Disney princess inspired Snow White one, but I think my first make was a purple cat at primary school. It was made from a scratchy tweed material and it wasn’t nice to cuddle at all!
2. Describe your working routine – studio, kitchen table, caffeinated beverage of choice, music, silence?
I work from a spare room in my house. The morning starts with coffee in bed, where I check emails and catch up on Instagram, and when I do go to work, music and lots of singing along is a must!
3. Do you think living by the sea in Devon has helped shape the kind of work you do?
The sea is extremely inspiring to me – it de-stresses me and helps me to stop and think. I often get ideas on my daily dog walks by the sea.
4. Nature and the changing seasons influence your work. What’s your favourite season of the year and why?
I love the change in seasons. I get bored quickly so I love how each season is a new thing to get enthusiastic about. Food, fashion, accessories, nature – they all change. Autumn is my favourite season and the one I get most excited about.
5. What’s the hardest part of what you do?
The hardest part of having a creative business is to constantly have to be creative. I find I go through stages. I also find it frustrating when ideas don’t go to plan, and I hate wasting time when ideas don’t work, but I’ve learnt it’s all part of the process.
6. Are there any crafters/blogs you always keep an eye on?
I don’t get too much time to look at blogs these days, but catch up mainly on Instagram where I’m always inspired and encouraged by lots of accounts I follow.
7. What’s your biggest ambition as a maker?
I would love to see one of my makes in a magazine or used for a fashion shoot. Or maybe do a collaboration with a fashion company to design a collar for a dress or top – that would be my dream.
8. Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day would start with lots of sunshine and chocolate cake. The end of the day would depend on the season – in the Summer it might end with a beach bonfire, in Autumn a cosy pub with a log fire.
9. What 5 things can’t you live without?
My family, the sea, music, red lipstick, tweezers!
10. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start exploring his or her creativity but doesn’t know where to start?
Try lots of things – there are lots of short courses around. I did dressmaking, mosaic courses, and a glass jewellery course. Or just get a pen and paper and start writing or drawing ideas. I tried so many things until I found felt and discovered it was my passion.
Emma Morgenthaler
Fairytale Collars
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/fairytalecollars
www.instagram.com/fairytalecollars
Chloë Owens
