With cuff design in mind...(Part 8)

Like a mermaid resting in the cool sand, this eco-friendly needle felted cuff still manages to look oh so warm and cuddly.

Turquoise Felted Wool Cuff Bracelet w/Needle Felting by Needles and Kims

Straight out of Louisville comes an artist taking upcycling to a new heights. Kim, the designer behind Needles and Kims is an Etsian and long time needle arts aficionado --- getting her kicks from creating OOAK needle felted and embellished purses, home accessories, and cuffs (bien sur!) from old sweaters she's machine felted herself. All in lovely muted colors, they are extremely soft to the touch and comfortable to wear (Kim will actually size the cuff to fit YOUR wrist at no extra charge). Her cuffs remind me of my favorite stuffed animals...only all "growed" up! Read all about this eco-friendly crafter in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?
Everything in my shop is made from repurposed wool (sometimes cashmere) sweaters that I machine felt. My shop is ecofriendly—I love to “reuse and renew”.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?
Just since February! My focus for the last year has been on felted wool purses and I just decided a few weeks ago to branch out a bit.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)
A natural look with a bit of glitz, eclectic, sometimes romantic, sometimes with a nostalgic flair. I embellish my cuffs with vintage buttons, yarn, interesting fibers, wool roving, and/or repurposed jewelry. I needle felt the yarn, fibers and roving into the felted wool. I like to add embroidery sometimes.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)I imagine women who wear my cuffs like to have a fun touch in their wardrobes. They are women who have a sense of adventure and aren’t afraid to be themselves.I can easily see Ashley Judd wearing my cuffs. She’s a natural beauty, confident in herself and not afraid to do her own thing. I can also see Sandra Bullock wearing my cuffs. She has a casual look and a fun attitude.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...they’re just so much fun to wear! The ones I make are very soft and comfortable too.

With cuff design in mind...(Part 5)

Soft Cyprus green flowers seem to dance with joy on this demure hand embroidered felt cuff.

Queen Anne's Lace Green Silk Embroidered Wrist Cuff by Waterrose

Waterrose is a refreshing sight on the vast Etsy landscape. Designer Rose's intricately embroidered cuffs made of hand dyed felt and lined with linen or silk are a delight. So soft and feminine, they make me ache for something hand crafted --- an heirloom only a grandmother could concoct. Read all about an artist taking needlework to new heights in this week's artist interview...

Q: What makes your shop unique?

I think the type of embroidery designs that I create make my shop unique. Embroidery seems to now be making a comeback, just like knitting. This comeback is important for all arts to keep them alive and appreciated.

Q: How long have you been designing cuff bracelets?

Three years.

Q: Describe the cuffs you design (materials, style, special features etc.)

About three years ago we were traveling down the Pacific Coast Highway and we came to a quilt shop. I'm a quilter as well. As I walked around in the shop I found the most amazing bundle of felted wool. I didn't know what I was going to do with it. It sat on my design table for about three months and then I had an ah ha moment. I had been doing some embroidery and was wondering how to turn it into wearable art...well the wool felt was the perfect canvas.

Q: What type of woman do you imagine wearing your cuffs? (Include the name of at least two celebs that you think would love to rock your cuff and tell why...)

My buyers range in age from 18 to 80. Also a mom or two who have purchased a piece for their younger daughters for special occasions to keep as heirloom pieces. That is quite a question, what two celebrities I think would rock my cuff. While she isn't alive, I think that Katharine Hepburn would have been a perfect candidate. She had such class and style and was never overstated. And, also Katherine Heigl. I think that she is fun and spirited and appears to appreciate beautiful accessories.

Q: Finish the following sentence: "I consider myself a cuffie (lover of cuffs) because..."
...for me these cuffs are an extension of an art that I love doing. So I create cuffs because I want a customer to look at the piece of art and think about the design and the love that has gone into making this special accessory.