Last weekend was the launch party of Ellbie Co., a Brighton based company which puts on workshops and has an online store selling craft kits for a the new generation of crafters. Copperdollar Studios was proud to host the event and after a busy first week of the website being up and running, we caught up with Ellbie Co.’s founder, Becci to find out a little more about the brand.
How did you hear about Copperdollar Studios and what made you decide to use it for your launch party?
B: I walked past the studio on my way home (I live 5 minutes away) and I was intrigued so when I got home I googled the space and decided to send KT an email. Once I met up with KT and saw the hayloft with my own eyes – I knew it was the right space for me. I was looking for something that would feel intimate and friendly but that was also a bit of a blank canvas that I could put the Ellbie Co. stamp on for the day. The Hayloft fitted that.
Can you tell us a little bit about why you decided to create your own collection of craft kits?
B: Well I’ve always liked making things and when I was teaching in South Korea, I was inspired by all of the colourful and cute Kawaii type designs and packaging – it just all looked so exciting! When I came back to the UK, I realised that there aren’t really any DIY kits that offer an alternative to traditional crafting (crochet, knitting etc.) so I decided to try and fuse my love of unusual crafting with Kawaii design – thus Ellbie Co. DIY kits were born!
What drew you to using Kawaii inspired designs?
B: I think to be honest I’m just a bit obsessed with anything that is cute, happy and brightly coloured. And Kawaii fulfills all three of those things. I like the sense of fun and excitement that Kawaii designs create!
What is your favourite product on the website and why?
B: Oooh that is tricky – as they are all kind of my babies! But I would have to say probably the Unicorn Neon light Kit – it was the first kit that I decided to make and it took the most amount of work. I just love the end result and the moment when you get to press the button and see it all come to life. I love it so much that I have two neon unicorns hanging on my wall at home!
The workshops you put on sound like a lot of fun, are you planning to run some in Brighton any time soon?
B: I might be making an appearance at Sewmance festival – although that is still in the works – so not definite yet! But the next few workshops I have are actually in London. Although I would love to get some workshops organised in Brighton when I have time – this city is brilliant for arts and crafts!
Check out the Ellbie Co. website here: https://www.ellbie.co/
Ellbie Co.’s Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Ellbieco/
Ellbie Co.’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellbieco/
P.S : This post is the first in our new blog series, ‘Behind the Scenes’, where we will be showcasing some of the amazing artists, performers, makers, photographers, videographers (you name it, the list goes on!) who have been in the Copperdollar Studios. We hope you enjoy the sneaky peaks. Feel free to leave us a comment and let us know what you think.
