A Conversation with Emma of Eejay Designs

I have heard it said that crochet 'hooks' you.  Excuse the pun but apparently it's so!  And when you look at Emma of eejay Design's work it's abundantly obvious that she has taken this versatile craft technique and put an entirely modern spin on it from funky slouch beanies to keep you roasty in winter, to intricate lacework pendants reminiscent of miniature doillies, to bead-rich wire crocheted necklaces, Emma has crochet well and truly mastered ....

Who is eejay Design?
I am Emma, a 21 year old emerging Artist and Designer living in Palmerston North. I come from a very creative family which has influenced me a lot. I always have a creative project going on whether it be a drawing, tapestry, a new hat design or jewellery!

What’s your “handmade groove ?”
Going against the flow. Anything different! I want crochet with a twist, It has to be unique, it has to stand out, and it has to be beautiful! I want my work to be stylish conversation starters. I'm so tired of all the mass produced stuff and I am not a trend follower. I want to throw in a bit of this and a bit of that, I enjoy experimenting. My current addiction is designing and making unique and stylish crochet hats and jewellery.. My Great Grandma taught me how to crochet when I was about 12 and I have been hooked ever since!

What’s on your bedside table right now? (hey, no tidying up or censoring)
I don't have a bedside table, I think it would clash with the "yellowish-rusty-mustard" coloured carpet, the lime green, blue and white striped wallpaper and the multicoloured curtains.

Who are your creative role models? What music, books, images, poetry spark your creative fire?
My role models are my Grandad who is New Zealand Artist, Jack Register, and my Mum, Dianne Register-Stout who is a Potter. I love to flick through the hundreds of crochet pattern books left to me by my Great Grandma for inspiration and seeing all the fabulous work people share on the internet just makes me want to get designing!

What could you talk late into the night about with like minded people?
Anything that gets me laughing and conversations that get us thinking outside the box.

If you could go to three free workshops/creative events this year which ones would they be?
What are they about? Well I would really like to learn more about jewellery making, working with metals and silver, art clay silver and how to make my own glass beads!

How do you balance your creative life with your family, life commitments?
I create whenever I can! I don't have a job to interrupt my creating however I do suffer from frequent migraines and anxiety which is a downright pain! I don't have too many family commitments either being 21, I live with my partner in a cluttered little flat :)

What is your favourite creative screw-up?
I don't have many but one that ended up being quite funny was a black lace choker necklace, I was quite proud of it until everyone started pointing out that when it wasn't displayed on a neck it looked like some sort of sexy g-string underwear.. oops!!
Kitchen table or studio? Oh boy I'm EVERYWHERE!

Do you have a wish list? Can you tell us what’s on it?
I wish to be migraine free so I can really focus on my business! I also wish to learn more about jewellery making and how to bring in the sales so that I can keep creating! :)

To see more of Emma's work, please click here