Northwest Folklife Vendor Spotlight: Ornamental Things
The wonderful Natalie of Ornamental Things was so kind to take the time for my interview. Take a look at her answers below to learn a little bit more about the maker of these beautiful Ornamental Things.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? How did you get started doing what you do?
OT: I am a jewelry designer from Austin, Texas. I love to collect beautiful objects and experiences and turn them into jewelry. I got started about 18 years ago when I went into a bead store to try to learn how to string all the random beads I had collected. Since then my hobby has become a full time business and jewelry journey. I’ve since learned so many skills including metal-smithing. I love learning and thinking about jewelry.
What would we find in your refrigerator right now? Be honest! :)
OT: Brussel sprouts and hummus!
Who has been most influential/supportive in your craft?
OT: My husband, James. He is the person I go to when I need to hash out business issues, get encouragement when I am stressed out or feeling burned out and to celebrate each new exciting venture that happens for my business.
If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpowers to be? These can be crafty-powers too!
OT: Without a doubt, I want to fly!
How do you find inspiration and/or get out of any creative slumps?
OT: I find inspiration from taking a break and getting out into nature, going to flea markets, looking at design blogs and from travel – getting out on the open road for a long trip and seeing new places.
I usually find that when I am in a creative slump it’s because I am judging myself or my work to harshly. I try to get in the moment and have fun with what I am working on. Save the critique for later.
Aside from being a creative master, what other hats do you wear?
OT: I am really into my business and spend a lot of my life working and thinking about it. But I also know that it is important to take a mental break and come back at it fresh. On my days off I like to work on projects around my house like working on my yard or painting my kitchen cabinets. I also love to take my dogs (two Labs, Zaphod and Molly) out for adventures at all the great dog parks around Austin. They love getting out in nature and that makes me really happy.
If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional. With whom would it be?
OT: Dorothy Parker
Is there a handmade item that you cherish most? If so, tell us about it
OT: I cherish my collection of handmade jewelry from other amazing jewelry artists like Kristin Laing, Laura Gibson and Kari Stringer.
Is this your first time at UCU?
OT: Yes, this is my first Urban Craft Uprising show. I am really excited to be part of such a fun show that I have been hearing about for years. Can’t wait to bring my jewelry to Seattle!
Tell us something unknown about you/your company... Let's hear a random/fun fact!
OT: When I was 20 years old I got my Realtor’s license. I was working at the time as a receptionist in a real estate office in Dallas. I loved seeing the houses and working with all the eclectic realtors in the office. Unfortunately, I was just too young for people to trust with such a big life event as buying a house so I gave it up but not before I helped to sell two houses! I’ve always thought I might go back to it if I ever decide to give up the jewelry business.
