What art to wear
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is the next installment in a series of articles highlighting local artists who create wearable art. These Fashion Friday features will be published each month on First Friday.)
Miranda Sarbaugh is a 30-year-old former hair stylist from Jersey Shore.
She left her job as a stylist when her first child was born and began to make accessories with yarn.
Her accessories and pieces are crocheted works of wearable art.
Tara D. McKinney: How did you learn your craft?
Miranda Sarbaugh: I taught myself to crochet by watching YouTube videos and lots of practice. I learned to make fabric flowers and bows from books and online tutorials.
TDM: Where do you find materials?
MS: I buy most of my supplies online. They’re not expensive.
TDM: Can you describe the process of designing a new piece?
MS: When I make something I make sure it is comfortable, affordable and something I imagine a kid would like to wear.
TDM: From where to you find inspiration to create?
MS: I find inspiration everywhere! I love retro greeting cards and vintage children’s books. I love the colors and illustrations I find in them. I also draw a lot of inspirations from my daughter and the things she likes.
TDM: Can you give me a price range and description for your pieces from least to most expensive?
MS: My work is sold anywhere from $1 to $25. My handmade bows and clips start at $1 and go up to $6. Headbands are priced from $3to $8. Hats sell for $12 to $25.
My most expensive items are my crochet character hats such as a sock monkey, owl, or bear hats, to name just a few.
My line of handmade children’s clothing and aprons go for $18 to $25.
TDM: Do you incorporate style trends as they come or stick to your own style ideals?
MS: I do choose trends to a certain extent, but I try to make everything wearable and somewhat simple – more classic than anything else.
TDM: Can you describe a piece that embodies your signature style?
MS: I love to make headbands with lots of bright colors, lace flowers and a little bit of glitter and marabou fluff.
TDM: How do you push yourself creatively?
MS: I try to push myself to make new things and try not to get stuck in the same design rut. I really like to challenge myself by learning new sewing techniques.
TDM: Do you have any sales or new designs you would like people to be aware of?
MS: In honor of my daughter who has Down syndrome, I am donating 21 percent of every sale to Reece’s Rainbow. Reece’s Rainbow is an adoption agency that helps find homes for special needs children in other countries. My newest creation is a clip-in hair extension.
Right now I have some made in hot pink, but will be working on more colors soon.
This allows girls to try a fun color without having to dye their hair permanently.
The clips are made from 100 percent human hair and can be styled with a curling iron or flat iron just like your own hair.
TDM: What do you enjoy most about living and working in the Williamsport area?
MS: I love the atmosphere of downtown, especially on First Friday.
I love being a vendor and seeing all the art downtown and all the people enjoying it.
Her designs can be found at www.etsy.com/shop/SweetandSimple and on Facebook search for Sweet and Simple Boutique. To contact Sarbaugh, email her at sweetandsimpleboutique@mail.com.
McKinney may be reached at life@sungazette.com.
To submit an artist for consideration, email jreppert@sun gazette.com or call 326-1551, ext. 3109.