Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar: Erin Cooper

My story about the Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar includes some quotes from Erin Cooper, but I thought I’d share her whole interview here because she has some clever things that made me smile.

So, without further delay: Erin Cooper of Oklahoma City.

Q: Tell me about your company and what you make.

A: My company is named Pippin + Pearl and we make handmade gifts & accessories. We specialize in items that are inspired by classic vintage styles and we try to incorporate vintage items such as jewelry, buttons, trim and even millinery supplies in our designs. We are currently transitioning from being featured in a local vintage shop, Mister Rabbit, to launching our online store at pippinandpearl.com, and, hopefully, being carried in multiple boutiques in Oklahoma City.

Q: Why do you do hand-made items? What do you get out of it creatively, personally, professionally?

A: I’m a graphic designer and I have always loved creating art. Crafting gets me out of the digital realm and allows me to create something tangible, and I find that super satisfying. It is also something that has brought me closer to the community here in OKC. I’m not a native of Oklahoma. I came here from Colorado and met Sara Cowan of Deluxe in December of 2008.

She was manning her booth at Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar and I instantly liked her “go get ‘em,” attitude and her funky panache… . She sort of “brought me into the fold” of the OKC indie crafting community. We started talking on Twitter, and through her I met a ton of amazing artists in the area. Deluxe provides that same collective attraction for most of the artists involved. Everyone encourages each other, and when we get together, it’s a little like a reunion, with all the coolest people you ever heard of. It is an awesome collection of people, and I feel lucky to be a part of the group.

Creatively – a chance to design and create my own accessories. I love making things and then having people come up to me at the store or the library and ask me, “Where did you get that awesome scarf/necklace/headband?” I read a ton of style blogs and fashion magazines for inspiration. I pay attention to the colors on the runway and the accessories being worn in magazines and movies. I love that being a handmade artist allows you to respond quickly to trends. I find it so gratifying to see something I like and come up with my own twist on a look or style.

Personally – I have made some amazing friendships through the crafting community. I’ve created an identity outside of my professional life, and I have hopes that one day I’ll be able to merge the two and you know… world domination and all that.

Red Dirt Ruckus

Deluxe Indie Craft Bazaar: Erin Cooper

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