Making Crafts to Relieve Stress

Making stuff was a wonderful way to relieve the stress I experienced in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I needed to focus on something fun and to show that NOLA would return. Therefore, with my husbands support, Art Of Sole Designs was born. Through this outlet, not only did I learn to create wearable art and crafts for fun, I could sell them too!

If you don't know much about New Orleans, let me just say, I personally feel like it is the capital of FESTIVALS. Especially in the Spring, there is literally a festival occurring in the metroplex EVERY weekend. So naturally, we wanted to get in on this action too. Why not do something you enjoy, sell it and listen to great music and eat tasty food in the process???

At these festivals I began fine-tuning my style. Art of Sole Designs became known for its funky, colorful beaded jewelry but after seeing all the unique artistry around, I began focusing on less beaded and metal mediums. I found at the time that customers really loved the newer pieces I threw in from time to time made of leather and fabric. These items along with mosaic jewelry and accessories, were more unique and a lot of fun to create, allowing me to express more or my drawing and artistic talents. My current focus for the last few years has been hand-painted, hand-carved, and/or burned leather and fabric earrings using recycled and new textile swatches. Since this time, my line of products has been described as cool, fresh, and eclectic.