Editor’s note: This year, I want to do something different… as the holidays approached, I had this icky feeling in the pit of my stomach because I knew I didn’t want to do the standard-issue blog gift guides full of affiliate links and totally void of any meaning/feeling. Instead, I wanted to feature amazing artists, designers, and makers in the hopes that you will feel compelled to give gifts that are way more meaningful. And thus, The 12 Makers of Christmas was born! Every day for the next 12 days, we will be profiling one amazing maker and their holiday story. Be sure to follow along because we’ve got some gooorgeous work to share.
So without further ado… let’s kick it off with my good friend and one amazingly talented lady, Rebecca Atwood!
Tell us a bit about what you do – your process, your materials, what inspires and drives you.
I’m a textile and home product designer living in Brooklyn, NY. I grew up in Cape Cod, MA and the coastal landscape is a big part of my aesthetic.
Painting, drawing, and experimenting are the foundation of my process. I work with gouache, watercolors, ink, fabric, dye, cut paper, and various mediums that excite me at a particular moment in time. I love working with my hands and finding ways to express my ideas – from the fleeting thoughts on color and shape to longer held interests. Liveable pattern and calm environments are at the center of it all. I like to think about what I’d actually use in my home — how we live and what we want to be surrounded by.
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
My favorite holiday tradition is probably just spending time with my family and having good food and wine. My parent’s own a restaurant, The Red Pheasant, and so food is a big part of how we celebrate.
What’s your favorite gift to give?
My favorite gift to give would be our cedarwood and lavender candle. The scent is pretty gender neutral, so it’s a gift anyone can enjoy. I always have it on hand, and it’s comes in a dip dyed bag with patterned matches so you don’t really need to do any gift-wrapping either.
How do you maintain your creative process through the hectic holiday season?
For me, maintaining creativity is all about planning ahead. My schedule this year has been pretty hectic all the way through. I block out certain days or mornings for creative work – otherwise the emails, bookkeeping, production prep, and general business to-do’s can just take over.
Any resolutions for the New Year?
I hadn’t thought about this yet – but yes! This past year I took on a lot in addition to regular business (the book and another big collaboration that I can’t share just yet) — so the first few months of 2016 I actually want to take things down a notch and make some time for myself. I’m thrilled with the opportunities I got to take on this year, and I can’t wait to share them, but I need a more manageable pace for a few months to catch up.
images via Rebecca Atwood.
Check out all 12 Makers of Christmas: all roads | candelles | colore´ grace | friedasophie | même | moulton | morning ritual jewelry | paper and clay | rebecca atwood | suite one studio | third eye assembly | yield design co.
Also, be sure to follow along on Pinterest as all 12 makers share even more of their amazing work!
