1. What is your name and where are you from?
Ciara LeRoy a.k.a Pretty Strange. I grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and currently reside in Lexington, KY
2. What is your craft? How long have you been crafting? And how did you learn?
I am a multi-disciplinary handicraft artist, which means I do A LOT of things, but all with my hands. I am primarily a lettering artist and I translate that into several mediums including painting, illustration and fiber art. Lately, my work has taken a strong emphasis in embroidery.
3. What is your favorite project?
My favorite project is my upcoming line of hand-embroidered clothing. Fashion has been a fascination of mine for many years, and I’ve always wanted to present my take on that as an artist. Creating sustainable art has become a priority to me, so this clothing line utilizes second hand and vintage garments, and turns them into something new with hand embroidered patterns and lettering. I hope this line shows folks that you can enjoy what you wear, be sustainable while doing it, and say something important while you wear it.
4. Who is your crafting inspiration?
Tie between Jen Hewett and Amber Kemp-Gerstel. Jen, because she is a wonderful fiber artist, printmaker and writer. Amber, because she makes fun, vibrant, and accessible craft projects that fill you with happy. Both of these ladies, because they are black women and I always want to see more of that in the craft community. WE OUT HERE.
5. What advice would you give a fellow crafter who has just begun her crafting journey?
Honor what your spirit compels you to create, not what everyone else is doing or what is popular. Practice creativity daily. Perfection is a myth.
6. How can we connect with you?
Facebook: Pretty Strange Design
Instagram: @prettystrangedesign
Etsy: PrettyStrangeStudio
Website: www.prettystrange.design
ItsReallyRelle 