waysideviolet - cozy, lovely things

I’m always being inspired by people in the handmade, Etsy, DIY communities. I had another wave of “this is so cool!” as I read the answers that Amie, from theif & bandit, put together for today’s interview. Her work is gorgeous!

Q. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Amie Cunningham and I live in Richmond VA with my husband Johnston, my eight month old baby Wolfgang, and my shepherd mutt, Leroy. I was born in British Columbia and raised throughout Canada living in nearly every province. I moved to NYC in 2002 to study art at Parsons School of Design where I met my husband, Johnston and the most amazing friends! We then moved back up to Canada to chill from big city life and make art. Richmond came calling when we both had opportunities to teach sculpture at VCU. It’s a great city, we love it here!

Q. How did thief & bandit get started?
Well, I’ve always been obsessed with fashion but almost failed my high school sewing class so I really focused on drawing and pursuing a career in art. A couple years ago a friend asked me to design a t shirt for a show here in Richmond and it was so fun, people really loved it so I taught myself how to silk screen and it sort of took off from there. The jewelry really evolved from the misprinted t shirts. I knew I had to use the awesome fabric so I started shredding and braided it.

Q. Your shop is gorgeous! what is your creative process like?
Drawing is the starting point. I collect tons of source material and just sit and draw. I make screens and stencils from the drawings and print various color combos on fabric. I usually end up using it all one way or another. It’s an interesting way to create because I have this personal inventory of patterns and colors that I can combine to make super unique items.

Q. Do you have a favorite piece to make?
The string necklaces are super fun to make because they are so immediate. I also LOVE to braid, it’s super meditative and relaxing.

Q. What’s a normal day in your life like?
During the day I hang out with Wolfgang and we play and go for walks with Leroy. When he naps I go into crazy warrior mode and try to get as much done in my studio as possible. Pack orders, make stuff, etc. When I put him down for the night I get a few hours to design new stuff. It’s kind of insane trying to run a business with a new baby but it’s so amazing to spend each day with him and I’m excited that he sees his mama being creative every day, hopefully it will inspire him!

Q. What inspires you most of all?
Honestly, these days Wolfgang is the most inspiring thing in my life! I never thought I’d want to made baby clothes but just seeing him in my prints makes me so happy. Looking for boy baby clothes is strange…there’s not too much cool stuff out there. We made some leggings the other day for him that are so rad! Thief&Bandit baby gear coming soon!!!

Giveaway: Cheetah Denim bracelet!

To enter just visit thief & bandit and leave a comment here about your favorite item. The giveaway will be open until October 27th. Good luck!

Tags: etsy interview, giveaway, handmade, thief&bandit