Tuesday is Craft Crush day! Today, we love love love the sweet designs of Leah Duncan. Read on to see what makes this Texas crafter’s world turn. Oh, and guess what? Leah’s work will be on display at the Renegade Handmade booth at Design Harvest this weekend! Check it out!

When did you first start crafting?

I’ve probably been crafting since I was first allowed to hold scissors. I’m not sure if “crafting” includes giving my barbies different hairstyles, occasionally unflattering, or making new outfits for my little ponies, but a girl has to start somewhere! I didn’t start using my craft skills in my art and as a profession until very recently when I taught myself to sew and felt myself being drawn to other mediums besides simply drawing on paper.

What is the story behind your business name?

I was born with it. Then my husband took over me with his last name. : )

What is your creative process?

I try my best to stay inspired so am always watching, contemplating, and absorbing things that could spark new ideas. I’m not the best at saving them for later, so when the lightbulb goes off it’s important that I get it down on paper. My process starts with a sketch, then I clean it up, scan it in, and start to color my drawings which could turn into a print, a pillow, a tea towel, or any other item I feel like breathing a little bit of life into.

Do you have a best seller?

I have a few! My hills print has been very popular, along with my rooster tea towel, doily throw pillow cover, and blooms summer scarf.

Are you working on anything new that you’re particularly excited about?

I have a lot of new projects I’m excited about! I have my first tabletop collection in collaboration with an extra special company coming out soon. I’m working on a ceramics collaboration as well with a fellow indie artist. I’ve got a group show coming up which will be the first time I’ve ever shown originals. Other than that, I’m really excited to have launched my first wholesale line this year where I’ve ventured into textiles and other useable goods. So far it’s been a great year with a lot of new adventures.

Who are your favorite artists and designers?

I have a craft crush on those Swedish ladies! Camilla Engman, Elisabeth Dunker, and Sandra Juto are my latest loves. I dream of sitting down to tea with them in Gothenburg and quietly absorbing all of their amazingness. I’d probably be very shy and unable to form words, but just sitting there would be enough for me.

What’s a typical working day for you?

I wake up in the morning, make a fresh cup of coffee, and stumble downstairs to my studio in my favorite pajama pants. After waking up a bit, I get dressed and take my pit mix Oslo for his morning walk. Once my animal duties are over, I start on my daily tasks. Sometimes it’s packaging etsy or wholesale orders. Other times it’s drawing, working on a commission, or new products for myself. I find the seclusion of working from home can sometimes be overwhelming so I’ll often step outside for a walk, a bike ride, or a run so long as the Texas sun isn’t threatening to melt me.

Can you tell us something silly about yourself?

I’m really good at dancing badly in my living room. And studio. Only occasionally in public!

Thanks, Leah! You’re awesome! Check out more of Leah’s lovely work here and here. Itchin’ to see it in person? If you’re in Chicago, stop by the Renegade Handmade storefront or the Renegade Handmade booth at Design Harvest! It’ll be fun!

Today’s Craft Crush is all about Sarah Fox of Cursive Design. We’ve been crazy for the sweet, ladylike jewelry from Cursive for quite some time, and we’re especially fond of her newest styles. Sarah kindly gave us a little peek into her world o’ craft, and we like what we see.

When did you first start crafting?
I’ve been interested in making things for as long as I can remember. My parents really fostered my creativity which I think is very crucial for little ones.

What is the story behind your business name?
Initially, when I first started my business and making jewelry in 2005 I was only using lace and chain so I wanted to pair that idea with an elegant word. Cursive came to mind and I liked it. I also love that it reminds me of being a kid in school and learning how to write this very special way. Even though I’ve moved on to incorporating other materials in my jewelry and the pieces now are more playful that overly feminine I still love the name because it reminds me how I’m constantly learning and exploring.

What is your creative process?
My jewelry design process usually starts with looking at and playing with color swatches and then I narrow in on the material choices for the piece. I’m interested in combining color and transforming materials. One thing I’m starting to do now while I design new work is to absolutely stay away from the design/art/fashion blogs. For me I get too distracted and it’s important for me to really distill what it is I’m trying to say/make. I need to lock myself away in the studio with my own ideas. Then when I’m done I come out again and see what the world is up to.

Do you have a best seller?
It varies from season to season. I’ve been selling a lot of the color theory necklaces this summer. It’s exciting to me, because I think those necklaces are a pretty bold choice. Yes, embrace the neon yellow and hot pink.

Are you working on anything new that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m fine tuning new jewelry designs for the fall/winter that will be debuting in early October and I recently made a large art installation that is hanging in the shop window of Orange Beautiful (up until October 15th). I’m particularly excited for that since it’s a total childhood dream come true and I hope to have more time/opportunity to do more of these large scale art works in the future. I need to make more time for art making. It always influences/informs my ideas and design work.

Who are your favorite artists and designers?
Tord Boontje
Dan Flavin
Joon + Jung
Josh Blackwell
Collina Strada

What’s a typical working day for you?
I usually work on emails and maybe a blog post in the morning. If I’m feeling up for it I’ll work out, if not and I’m feeling low energy I’ll cuddle with my cat for a bit and try not to judge myself. At about noon I hop on my bike for the 5 minute ride to my studio where I work there until about 6 or 7. These days I’ve been filling a lot of shop orders and in between that time I work on new designs/projects. I come home and make dinner with my husband. We might meet up with friends in the evening or watch a documentary on Netflix. But there are also lots of “non-typical” days. I really love the days where I’m material sourcing/buying. Three times a year I go to a gem/bead/stone show at Rosemont Convention Center to stock up on beads and pretty things. Those days are so intense and fun. You’re making quick decisions and you are designing in your head on the spot. I always go with my friend who also makes jewelry. At the end of the day we pull out our treasures and treat ourselves to crappy food and drinks at the Olive Garden. It’s so awesome.

Can you tell us something silly about yourself?
Well, I actually love to be silly. I have a private/locked Twitter account where I like to tell pretty ridiculous jokes and write ditty’s. It’s like brain farts.

Thanks so much, Sarah! See more of her crafting awesomeness here and here. And stay tuned for a special surprise from Cursive later this week!!!