Angie S. of Mizusugi
September 17, 2009 | By
When I first saw these creations by Mizusugi I didn't know whether they were foam, polymer clay, or some type of delectable melt-in-your mouth confection. Turns out, it is ribbon and fabric being turned into these amazing hair accessories. Imagine the patience it must take to turn out one of these beauties. I was very thrilled when Angie, the owner of this shop, agreed to an interview. Let's find out a little more about the talented hands at Mizusugi:
Name: Angie S.
Location: Pennsyvania, USA
Shop Name: Mizusugi
How did you come up with the name of your shop?
It is my maternal grandfather's last name. It is also the name of a tree, Dawn Redwood. Dawn Redwood is one of my favorite trees, so I thought it would be nice to borrow his last name as my shop name.
Tell us a bit about your craft/medium:
Why you chose it? And did someone teach you?
I love the feeling of ribbons. It is so light and silky. Fabric is always fun to work with. I wish I could be a fabric designer when I grow up. LOL
When I was little, I used to watch my mother working on her fabric flowers. My mom did let me try once and I ruined the flower petals. The lesson learned: never rush your work. I was trained by watching and observing her work. In a way, yes, my mother was my teacher. Patience is a virtue.
What is the most difficult part of your craft?
I prefer to work slowly so to make my flowers and my ribbon ornaments to look right. I have to say the difficult part of my work is the patience and the precision required.
Where do you get inspiration from?
My mother had a small garden and she always used her own flowers for her flower arrangement. A lot of my flower designs are from her way of displaying flowers. The color, the shape and the light reflecting from the plants have left an imprint in my mind. And I try to incorporate that part of memory into my flower design.
Where can we find your work?
mizusugi.etsy.com
SweetOrange.artfire.com (I am re-stocking this shop)
What kind of music do you listen to (if any) when you create?
I prefer classic music than songs sung by human. It helps me to stay focus on my work. The reason, is because I cannot sing. Listening to people who can sing well, makes me jealous.
What are your most productive times?
I have a serious time management issue. I goof around a lot. But if I am focused enough, and am close to my stuff, then I can just sit and work. If I am not near my stuff, then I will just sketch my idea or write down what need to be improved on a piece of paper.
When you go on vacation, do you take projects to work on?
No, I do not take my work with me. I am sure they need a break from me, too.
Do you have your own workspace or has it taken over the entire house?
I am terrible. I work on either my dining table or my computer desk. I put my stuff into two or three shoe boxes so I can move from room to room, if necessary. You can call me a gypsy crafter.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you choose? And why?
It is hard to choose to be honest. I have traveled a few countries when I was younger and I think the best place for now, I think, is San Francisco. Why? Because it has plenty of sunshine and no snow to shovel.
How about some of your favorites?
Color? I love blue color. When the sky is blue, there is no worry.
Food? I like bread. Any kind of bread will make me happy. I know, I am weird.
Quote? I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him --Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
Holiday? I don't have preference. I love all the gift giving/exchanging holidays.
What is the best and worst thing about being your own boss?
The worst thing? I cannot turn in my time sheet.
Do you belong to any clubs, groups or guilds?
Etsy Mom, EcoEtsy.
What would people describe you as?
Maybe crazy? I hope not. Picky, I think that is what my friends said about me. That is fine, I take that as a compliment for my working attitude.
Photos courtesy of mizusugi
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