An Interview With Dana From Wynzia

I first "met" Dana from Wynzia a few years ago when we drew each other's name in a Valentine's Day swap.  The parcel I received from her was so sweet and included so many little endearing touches, like a tiny linen sachet stamped "lil fish", and a flower brooch made of recycled fabric, and it was a special treat to discover.  That's kind of how I think of Dana herself; each time I talk to her I feel like I'm getting a glimpse at someone who truly is a treat to discover.  I have a feeling you'll feel the same...

Tell me about you:

Hi. My name is Dana, and I live with my husband and two daughters in a little town just outside of St. Paul, MN. It was so hard for this city gal to move here a few years back, but we found a quirky old house to make our own, and I’ve found so very many kindred spirits amongst the artists, environmentalists, gardeners, readers, and overall good folks who call this place home. It’s a good place to be.


What do you make?

I make accessories for the person and the home. A friend described my work as “whimsical, handmade necessories,” and the phrase has stuck. I have always been creating something since I was a little person and inspired by the creative people in my family and immediate world. When I became a mom of a daughter, I started making hair accessories for her and her friends. And then the moms. And then the teenage sitters. And now brides and their parties. It is such fun making pretty things for others.

Is there a particular theme in your work?

There is a bit of yin yang in my work. Flowers in vibrant colors play a prominent role in what I’m currently making. However I’m also strongly drawn to natural fibers, muted colors, and simple forms; an aged piece of linen can take my breath away.

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Where do you find inspiration?

It’s probably trite to say “everywhere.” so I’ll try to expound a bit. I adore walking the grounds of my humble home and seeing new things growing in my garden. Or seeing the outrageously colorful clothing ensembles put together by my daughters. Or finding a lovely piece of cloth with great texture...I can’t walk past fabric without touching it.

What do you love about what you do?

I love creating something pretty out of something old and forgotten. I love feeling the connection with something that was previously loved. I love imagining the stories that could be told by an old piece of fabric. I love getting to know my clients and knowing that they appreciate my work. I love hearing my daughter gasp at something I’ve made and say, “Oh, that is so pretty.”

Tell me about a favorite piece that you’ve made:

I recently created a lovely big flower brooch in vibrant red. I did a photo shoot with a beautiful friend, and when we pinned it onto her black-and-whte striped t-shirt, the result was absolutely lovely and funky. It’s my favorite accessory at the moment.

What do you do when you’re not creating?

I am trying to raise my daughters to be amazing people, so that takes quite a bit of time and energy. I pay attention to local and world issues, and try to do my part to make a difference in my world. I can often be found in the garden, in the dance studio, or in a friend’s living room for book club. Laughing is one of my favorite things to do...if you crack me up, I just might be a friend for life.


A favorite quote, a good recipe, a funny story?

Oh, the list is long of my favorite quotes. I rather enjoy this lighthearted one from author Agatha Christie: “It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them.”

How can people find you?

I’m sprinkled throughout the internet:

Etsy shop: wynzia.etsy.com

Facebook: facebook.com/wynzia

Twitter: twitter.com/wynzia

Blog: wynzian.blogspot.com

Flickr: flickr.com/wynzia

Website: wynzia.com


Is there anything else you would like people to know about you that I haven’t asked?

Hmm...I’m an INFP, a returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Nepal, and a fan of the blue sky at dawn.