love you deer loves B.Kao

Q: Name: Brenda Kao
Age: 26
Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland
Current location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Occupation: Hair stylist by day, closet basement crafter by night.

Q: Anything you want to add about yourself. School, jobs, goals, your past, or whatever you feel like sharing.
I like to work with my hands and I enjoy learning new things. I make a mess of my basement when I sew. I want to do something big in life, but I haven't figured out what yet.

Q: What type of tools do you use to help create your designs?
I have two sewing machines: one regular not-so-fancy one that has a great stretch stitch and another fancy embroidering machine that doesn't have a great stretch stitch. The seam ripper is one of my handiest tools because it can get you out of almost any scary sewing situation. Right next to my fancy sewing machine is my computer and a cd player which helps to get me motivated (but also lets me procrastinate). I also use a variety of reclaimed materials.



Q: Who/what inspires your art?
Vintage fabrics, unique textures and intricate patterns. I try to go thrifting when I can - so when I find something I really like, it makes me want to go home, wash it, and make something. :)

Q: Do you have a creative process?
When I sew, it's usually because I've been inspired by something. So I'll just start ironing and cutting fabric. I rarely work off patterns and just go from memory and feeling.



Q: Who are your favorite indie designers?
I'm one of Cut + Paste's Partners In Craft (http://www.cutxpaste.com), so I'm exposed to a lot of great designers and crafters. My favorites are Roxy Marj, Michele Lau, and Genevieve Dionne. I think Wendy Mullin of Built by Wendy (http://www.builtbywendy.com) is really creative as far as her line themes go. She's also really smart to have created her own sewing patterns for sale as well.

Q: What other types of art are you interested in, why?
I've been going to a lot of gallery openings lately with my artist friend Victor. I like looking at new things and seeing what the DC art scene has to offer. Victor's work is also something that I love looking at because it's so different from what I do. He does a lot of mixed-media digital work. You should check out his website: http://www.unconstruct.com.



Q: First handmade item that you made and bought:
I did a little bit of sewing here and there when I was younger. I had this idea that I'd make like 500 scrunchies and sell them at a flea market when I was about 10. I had so many, it was ridiculous. They never made it to the flea market, but my older sister Sandra was kind enough to use a few. Okay, so that probably doesn't count, does it? About nine years ago, I mustered enough motivation to make myself a black pencil skirt with red trim at the bottom. It was simple, but it made me want to make more clothes for myself. As far as the first handmade item I purchased - I can't really remember. I've gotten lots of things from Roxy Marj over the years, so we'll just say her! She thinks outside of the box and is a fantastic illustrator.

Q: Where do you find subject matter?
Anywhere. I was on a big nature kick a few years ago, but lately I've been focusing on patterns rather than tangible objects.



Q: How long have you been interested in creating your own line of handmade items?
Probably since around 2002 when I stumbled across Cut + Paste. I had been sewing for a few years and was only making things for people I knew. So I decided to see how consigning would be and it's worked out really well. I was one of the first Partners In Craft and I've been consigning with Cut + Paste for about five years now.

Q: What got you interested?
Positive responses from others. Even now, it's nice when others show interest and appreciation for my work. It makes me want to create more things! So thanks for taking an interest in my work. :)

Q: Your style moto is:
I don't think everything has to be matchy-matchy. I get yelled at by a friend of mine because she says I never match. But I'm more into complimenting and coordinating, not so much matching things perfectly. I love using lots of colors in my work because it makes me happy.



Q: Favorite food, tv shows, movies , book, magazines, and music?
Favorite food: Maybe sushi. That's a really hard question because all food is so amazing.
TV shows: By far, LOST is my favorite show ever.
Movies: Together just might be my favorite. I just saw The Science of Sleep which was also really good.
Book: My Chinatown, Blu's Hanging, The Unbearable Lightness of Being.
Magazines: N.E.E.T., BUST, Lucky, Jane.
Music: Sappy indie rock.



Q: 5 websites you visit daily/love:
1. Wikipedia.org
2. Lostpedia.com
3. Myspace.com
4. Cutxpaste.com
5. Ebay.com

Q: Where can we find your art work/contact information:
My website: www.b-kao.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/handmadebkao
Cutxpaste.com: http://www.cutxpaste.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=422
Email: info@b-kao.com