EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DIY DARLING KIRSTEN [STUDS & PEARLS] | Blog | The Style Net

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: DIY DARLING KIRSTEN [STUDS & PEARLS] Posted 9th May 2011

We recently featured a Sass & Bide DIY by Kirsten of studs and pearls, a DIY darling with passion for fashion, art and photography. By browsing her blog you will quickly see that she is a hard working, determined and lovable girl simply following her dreams. So lovely in fact she has invited us on a Fashion DIY day when we visit New York in a few months time [we will be sure to keep you updated on this]. We had a chat to Kirsten to find out more about her inspirations, DIY disasters and what it is like to be 'Kirsten' for a day.... enjoy!

Where do you look for inspiration for your DIY projects?

Absolutely everywhere. Sometimes I find inspiration in the people around me and what they’re wearing, sometimes I find it in nature, home décor, etc. Once in a while I like to flip through magazines or browse through designer shops. My favorite kind of inspiration is simply looking through what I already have; it’s amazing how looking at the same stash of fashion/DIY supplies at different times can spark different ideas. Thrift shops and antique shops are also a great place for inspiration.

What is your favourite DIY project to date?

As of now, it’d have to be the Knuckle Duster Eyeglass Case Clutch [see pics below]. I love using items for things other than their intended purpose.

Have you had a major DIY disaster?

Nothing too crazy yet. So far, the worst that has happened is accidentally stabbing myself with pliers. Also, considering how many times I’ve dropped containers full of jewelry supplies…I think every apartment I have ever lived in will forever have some kind of odds & ends hiding in the corners somewhere.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

Enjoying life, meeting amazing people, and staying actively involved in the fashion/DIY world. Hopefully I’ll have an apartment that’s not only the home to my very own studio, but to a dachshund puppy as well.

Describe your personal style?

Equal parts bohemian and edgy. I love mixing and matching, and adding an unexpected edge to things.

What is on your fashion dream list?

Someday, I want every piece of clothing & accessory in my wardrobe to be handmade or altered - either by myself or someone else. If not, then it needs to at least be a vintage or thrifted item. I’m slowly getting there.

Are you a tea or coffee kind of girl?

That’s a tough question…but I’d have to say coffee. I rarely start a day without making a huge cup.

What music is playing on your iPod?

A lot of indie/rock and a lot of hardcore/punk. There’s some acoustic, r&b and alternative thrown in there, too. A few favorites – Explosions in the Sky, Cat Power, Janelle Monae, Black Flag, Glassjaw. Music is a very big part in my life, and many of my friends are in bands of various genres. This heavily influences my DIY projects, as well.

What is a typical day in the life of 'Kirsten' like?

A typical day for me is very unpredictable. Since I go to graduate school and work from home - every day is completely different than the day before.

It usually starts off with that huge cup of coffee I mentioned earlier, along with checking and replying to e-mails. Then, I either try to get some school work done, or do some fashion research & writing for my job at About.com. At some point during all of this, I’ll either work on DIY’s for Studs and Pearls - or make jewelry for my online shop, Limette. Depending on what’s going on at the time, I might also take a few hours to work on side projects and collaborations with magazines, companies, websites, etc.

Towards the end of the day, I usually exercise and run errands, and sometimes grab coffee or food with a friend. My weekends are typically are spent out of town, visiting friends and going to their shows.

My days don’t have any real structure, but it leaves so much more room for creative opportunities. And - in reference to the question above – let’s hope I can say the same in five years!