Please join me in welcoming JessPGH of Consume or Consumed, who recently had the chance to interview Amy Lumsden of Redraven Studios. Ms. Lumsden’s work is carried at Anthropologie and I always love hearing more about the artists behind the designs and pieces we love! Take it away Jess…
As a resident of Pittsburgh, I was lucky to get to speak with fellow Anthro-phile, Amy Lumsden of Redraven Studios in person. When I realized that the pretty porcelain bib necklaces being sold at Anthropologie had a local lineage, I became even more enamored. Pittsburghers have strong senses of hometown pride so I am thrilled for the opportunity to share what I learned with Effortless Anthropologie readers. Thank you to Roxy for the opportunity!
Describe your brand.
Redraven Studios is handmade porcelain jewelry and accessory line developed by Amy Lumsden, and is based in Pittsburgh, PA. The Redraven brand is best known for porcelain goods that are finished with vintage ceramic decals. The feminine designs are paired with whimsical and romantic patterns to create timeless pieces.
When did you begin making jewelry and creating wearable art?
The line was born out of a necessity to create, but with limited means. In 2006, I was five years out of college and without a studio. I was teaching wheel throwing ceramics classes at a community studio, but I didn’t have a workspace to call my own. I began making small pieces in my kitchen that I would sneak into the kiln when firing the work of my students. Jewelry seemed like the perfect fit. The transition from making functional pottery to small, wearable pieces was a strange one for me, but after some exploration of what type of pieces I wanted to make, the rest came naturally. Having studied both painting and ceramics, I was obsessed with the surface treatment of both my ceramics and jewelry. I started experimenting with vintage ceramic decals. I was immediately taken by the beautiful floral patterns, and knew it was how I wanted to finish my pieces.
When and why did you begin Redraven Studios?
My jewelry was becoming fairly popular, so in 2008, I opened an Etsy shop and began to vend in local craft fairs. The response to my work was overwhelmingly positive, and I quickly moved onto larger craft fairs and trade shows. Four years later, redraven can be found in roughly forty boutiques and stores around the country, including Anthropologie stores. My porcelain bib necklaces were part of Anthropologie’s summer jewelry collection this past year.
Working with all of my boutiques is rewarding in it’s own way, but having Anthropologie carry my line was one of the most validating experiences for my business. From the very first pieces that I made six years ago, I would think to myself, ‘this is something I could see Anthropologie carrying in their stores’. I made the commitment to myself that I would make that happen. It admittedly took some time and refinement to become noticed, but it was incredibly rewarding to see my pieces on anthropologie.com and in retail stores.
What are your inspirations?
My primary influences for my jewelry are vintage patterns and textiles. I love loud patterns, florals, and color. I never tire of opening the kiln and seeing the bold colors against the clean, smooth porcelain. I also love timeless fashion. Vintage dresses, Orla Kiely, Liberty of London fabrics, letterpress packaging, grey paint on a wall, distressed wood furniture, and over the top, loudly printed home accessories.
Who are the Redraven clients in terms of style?
They are women who appreciate finely crafted, handmade items, as well as those who have similar vintage and unique fashion interests. My pieces have been purchased by teenage girls and career women alike. All of who outwardly possess a defined sense of style.
Do you have any plans to expand the line? In what directions will you take it?
Yes! I am currently in the process of creating a bridal line. The line will include both jewelry finished with finer metals, as well as bridal hairpieces. A home and bridal décor line is also in the works.
What are your creative goals for Redraven?
Creatively, I would like to design and add more items to my brand overall. The additions of the bridal and home line have proved to be challenging thus far. It has been fun and rewarding for Redraven to explore new directions. It will also be interesting to see where the addition of these lines will take me as a business owner and an individual.
These are statement pieces. Do you have any suggestions for styling them?
My personal style is one of simplicity. If I am wearing one of my bib necklaces for example, I will typically do so with a little black dress, or a solid top with skinny jeans and a great pair of boots. I have seen some ladies however, pair my pieces with bold prints and colors, and pull it off quite nicely.
Thank you to Amy and Roxy! Visit Consume or Consumed for the chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Redraven Studios.
