UK Edition: Interview With janinebasil

janinebasil

Story by janinebasil

Published on June 28, 2010 in Read

Photo by janinebasil

North London based janinebasil‘s work is unmistakably hers. The very moment she revealed her creations in person back in April, I put a beautiful face to her shop.

Janine’s confident, striking pieces span several styles of classic design, yet her personal approach to branding in every one of her listings grabs the attention in a way that only real passion can. I do believe that Ms. Basil has, perhaps serendipitously, stumbled upon a most perfect combination of enthusiasm and gumption which we can all take inspiration from.

Tell us a wee bit about yourself.
I’m Janine, I’m 37 and I’m originally from Devon. I’ve lived in many areas, but now I’ve ended up in North London and I really like it. Most people do it the other way around and leave London for the countryside!

How did you begin your foray into the world of creating hats and headpieces?
I’d first dipped into millinery at the age of 18 when I was doing a BTEC in Art and Design, specialising in fashion and textiles. I did a week-long mini course and made one hat that was a giant wrapped sweet,

the other a huge rippled crisp top hat. I wish I had some pictures now! Stupidly I didn’t take up millinery then, even though I thoroughly enjoyed it. Many years later, after wishing I could find some hats I liked in the shops and not just a bunch of feathers (nothing wrong with them, it just wasn’t what I wanted), I decided to do a millinery course at London College of Fashion. That was last summer and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Educate us on your artistic methods: What’s the physical process like and why do you love it?
There are several ways of making hats, but I do like blocking with buckram, which is a loose weave fabric coated with adhesive. Two layers of this damped down and blocked make a wonderful shaped, stiff base for fabric-covered hats. I also use machine embroidery and computers for my embroidered headbands and embellishments. I find this quite a satisfying way of getting my artistic vision onto fabric, as my painting and drawing skills were never the greatest.

I love millinery because hats can be as complex or as quick and easy as I fancy — I can satisfy my instant gratification side as well as my more patient side. I often start on a whim, like my Queen of Hearts Crown. I woke up wanting to make a crown, so I did!

Tell us about your love for all things vintage and retro. Can you pinpoint a moment in time that awoke this passion within you?
I started watching old movies when I was little. We had a black and white TV for several years, so they didn’t look a lot different from modern films, but I can remember liking the ladies’ hair, hats and dresses even then. In my teens, at around 15 or 16, this turned into an odd hybrid style of dress, somewhere between goth and ’60s mod, to hippy with Spanish flamenco dancer hair. I’m not sure it worked when I think back, but we had no camera at the time so I can’t check any photos. I’ll choose to believe it worked wonderfully!
Does this style cross over into your home’s decor?
In many ways, yes. I don’t have as much vintage as you might expect, though. It’s more of an eclectic mix of objects that my boyfriend and I love, from video game action figures to a huge French-style bed.
In your opinion, what is the value and appeal of the handmade movement?
More than anything it gives me, and all of us, more choice and the chance to find that special something that speaks to us. Mass-produced doesn’t always have as much of that appeal.
What does an average day in the life of janinebasil entail?
I wake up anytime between 6 to 9, with 7:30 being most common. I get up, have a shower and then get straight into making! I’ll set my embroidery machine working while I get on with other things. I generally find myself like this all day long until my boyfriend gets home around 7 or 8 and one of us will make dinner. Then maybe some more work. All the while I’ll have old movies or South Park on — what that says about me, I’m not quite sure!
What handmade possession do you most cherish?
I wish I had something that my mum crocheted back in the ’70s or a sculpture by my grandfather, but sadly I don’t. I have many items that have been sent to me by friends and sellers on Etsy and they’re all cherished.
Do you have any advice for artists starting out in their career?
When I’m not feeling like I’m still starting out myself, I’ll let you know!
Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’m very glad to have Etsy, it’s made selling a lot easier and a lot more fun.
Name your top 5 Etsy sellers…

 

 

suzedablooze: I love the use of silver in this shop, especially the statement necklace that looks like a scientific drawing or planets in orbit! Sterling Silver Statement Necklace.

 

 

 

Molda: I love this sellers use of colour in her crochet. Pop Pink and Yellow vest.

 

 

 

fabgabs: I love the hats and dresses this seller finds, I’m so jealous of her! Vintage 1950s Vanity Nightgown.

 

 

 

OxfordHeaven: Embellished shoes!  Do I need to say more? Alvescot Marie Antoinette Mint Pink Pumps.

 

 

KatherineCooper: More jewellery, this time vintage and modern at the same time. I’m saving for the daisy chain (well adding it to my christmas list)! Daisy Chain Vintage Repurposed Charm Bracelet.

 

 

 

Many thanks to Janine for taking part! Find some of her wonderful creations in the Seller’s Items below.

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