We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Peebles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.
Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I would say I’m self taught adjacent. I’ve learned a lot on my own but I also learned a lot from other people, tutorials, books, etc. It’s a continuous process though and I currently have no formal training or have taken any lessons, but I’m hoping to further my education in the future.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi, I’m Nicole! I am the person behind Cecelia & Mae. I have always enjoyed crafting and started sewing at a young age. In the past few years though I’ve really focused on a line of bags – tote bags, purses, fanny packs – with reuse in mind. This started as an idea for a going out bag and my mentor suggested tapestry fabric because of its weight and durability. I became obsessed with it, loving the textures you could find. I enjoy being creative in my work though and have made bags out of vintage pillow case cut and sew panels and curtain valances. My goal is to make something functional and beautiful from materials already here.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect internally is just the ability to create and express myself and make something with my own two hands. It’s a very therapeutic process for me. It’s gotten me through some rough times. Externally it’s knowing that these materials are being used and someone is loving the product. Making something I love that someone else loves enough to buy it? It feels great.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
There are so many resources and people out there to help you in your journey! Centers to find materials, workshops, online courses, markets with other creatives. It’s amazing once you find that world how much support and community there is. I’ve met so many amazing people and connected with so many amazing artists in the last couple years. You just have to put yourself out there. Find a market to vend at or attend a workshop! Just get out there and you’ll find community.
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