An Interview With Elisa From PeskyCatDesigns

It's hard to say when I first noticed Elisa from PeskyCatDesigns' work, but I'm pretty sure it was her semi-circle purses that first drew me in.  I thought her use of line, texture, and natural elements was really interesting.  After a chat on twitter, I discovered that this talented purse designer was also a talented painter, and all-around interesting person.  Read on...

Tell me about you:

My name is Elisa and I'm a New York City-based artist and designer.

What do you make?

I create one-of-a-kind and limited edition bags, purses and wristlets. All my bags are made from patterns I design and draft myself and are created by hand from start to finish in my studio. My fabrics are purchased in small quantities to keep my work fresh and unique.

Is there a particular theme in your work?

The natural world is a theme in my work. My applique designs are inspired by plant and animal life. In my shop you will find bags adorned with seahorses, birds, leafed branches, flowers and more.

Where do you find inspiration?

A trip to the beach might inspire me to create a seahorse applique or work with fabric in the colors of sea blue or sand. The warm sun makes me think of linen and cotton while a winter day will inspire wool and corduroy creations.

What do you love about what you do?

It's wonderful to make an income from it. I love the entire creative process from selecting fabric to drafting my ideas and constructing them.

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

I am always creating new things and my favorite pieces are constantly changing. At the moment I love the shape of my latest bag design, The Jewel Cut Purse. It was inspired by the shape of gem stones.

What do you do when you're not creating?

I love long walks, hiking and trips to the beach.

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

When I first starting sewing on a regular basis my kitty Anni was very fascinated by the movement of thread on my sewing machine. Often she would be so bothersome I could not work. That's how the name of my shop evolved. These days she is completely bored of the machine since it's become such a routine. Now squirrels climbing trees and other outdoor events she can view from the windowsill are much more interesting!

I also paint. You can view my works on paper at http://www.elisanadzieja.com/

untitled 34" x 36"

I don't have much time paint these days since I have my Etsy shop and also work part time at an outside job 3 days a week.

How can people find you?

My Etsy shop: http://www.peskycatdesigns.etsy.com/

My blog: http://www.peskycatdesigns.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeskyCatDesigns

Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/peskycatdesigns/

I hope you'll stop in and check out Elisa's amazing work.  Happy Thursday!