Are you self-taught or educated more formally in the arts?When I was younger, I was extremely fortunate to receive nearly a full-ride scholarship to Barnard College of Columbia University in New York City, where I created my own double major, Women’s Studies & Visual Arts. I also minored in Political Science. Studying Visual Arts in New York City is an incredible experience, like having the world at your feet: while we would be studying the work of a particular artist or learning about a specific artistic style, my professor would often say things like, “... and you can currently see so-and-so’s work on display at such-and-such gallery....” My favorite art classes included metal sculpture and lithography – my teacher, Robert Blackburn, was an incredible printmaker who also pulled prints for Jasper Johns! While I was at Barnard, my work was displayed at over a dozen on-campus art exhibition, including one solo week-long show that served as part of my thesis requirement.
Two weeks after graduating from Barnard, I packed up what I could and moved myself to San Francisco, where I attended Golden Gate University School of Law. I received my JD with specializations in Public Interest law and Litigation. I spent many exciting years as a trial attorney before my children were born. Now that I’m a parent, I’m taking on much less trial work because I want to spend as much time as I can with my kids. So I’m a stay-at-home parent by day and a law professor in the evening, which is also when I try to find time to craft.
What is living in the Haight/SF like? Have you ever lived anywhere else? Wish you were anywhere else?Although I’m originally from New York, San Francisco has been my home for most all of the last 20+ years. I now live in the Haight Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco, a place that feels more like home to me than any other place I know. In 2010, after my daughter was born, I founded Made In the Haight to pay homage to the vibrant, historic San Francisco neighborhood where I work, play and live with my family. I named my work “Made In the Haight” in homage to the incredibly fun, funky, creative experience I’ve had raising a family here in the Haight.
Do you have another career or is handcrafting your focus (other than motherhood!)?I am a crafter, a lawyer, a law professor, a wife and a mother.
What materials do you like to work with most? Techniques.I individually hand-craft and design each piece of jewelry I make using an eclectic mix of components, including ribbons I’ve collected from all over the world, Thai mulberry paper, Austrian-made crystals, Ammonite fossils, vintage buttons, glass beads, feathers and otherfound objects. Each of my designs has a personality all its own, never to be repeated. I carefully assemble each piece by hand, paying attention to every detail such as adding velvet linings for a non-slip grip.
Who is your target audience? What is your price range?My designs are colorful and fun for a flower child, sophisticated and unique for a bohemian mama, and consciously and sustainably hand-made for everyone. My most popular designs are my unique velvet-lined double-pronged, alligator-style clippies, which are both fun and versatile -- kids and adults can use them to wrap a package, decorate a hat, bag or scarf, and adorn their hair! While each of my pieces are handmade and unique, they are each affordable, most costing between $5-20. Custom designs are available for weddings, performances and other fun, funky functions.
I see that you got a Green award. That's great! Is all of your work green?
Made In the Haight is a Certified San Francisco Green Business. The process of becoming a certified San Francisco Green Business was challenging and time-consuming, but ultimately well worth it! I'm so proud that my children will know their mother placed a priority on their future. Many of my supplies are green, including Thai-made mulberry paper. I use recycled and re-purposed packaging, including laboratory slide cases and other unique containers that would have otherwise ended up as landfill. I also use fine stationery - including gorgeous portrait cards by a German company called Rossler Papier – topackage my work so gift-givers can just write out the card: no gift-wrapping necessary! I purchase most supplies locally and I shop sustainably for ethically-produced supplies.
What are some social links you'd like to share?
Email: MadeInTheHaight@Gmail.com
Web: MadeInTheHaight.Tumblr.com
Facebook: MadeInTheHaight.SF
Twitter: @MadeInTheHaight