We interview Rachel James
Aussie scientist turned cross stitch designer and Etsy queen Rachel James tells us about her colourful career in and out of the lab…
When Rachel James was little, she loved making things and dreamed of becoming an artist. As she grew up, she decided to study science – but has recently let her creative side flourish too. Her Etsy shop FuzzyFoxDesigns is one of the best in the business and we were so excited to chat to Rachel about what inspires her and how a new year’s resolution changed her life…
What’s it like being a crafter in Tasmania?
Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I love the combination of wild and rugged scenery, crisp winter mornings and a culture that celebrates its makers and creatives. Tasmania has a thriving art scene: Deloraine in Northern Tasmania is home to the biggest working craft fair in the southern hemisphere!
Has making things always been close to your heart?
I’ve always really enjoyed being creative. When I was little I spent all of my pocket money on markers and sketchbooks. Mum taught me to knit and cross stitch before I was 10. These days I dabble in many different things: I taught myself how to make tatted lace and to crochet a couple of years ago (thank goodness for YouTube!) and recently have been experimenting in hand-dyeing embroidery fabrics and learning a few embroidery stitches. But I always come back to cross stitching!
You’re a scientist too! How does your science career inspire your creativity, and vice versa?
I actually studied science to have a ‘sensible’ profession, thinking I could never make a living from an artistic career. I have a Master’s degree in Human Biology and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology. I’ve worked in laboratories of all types for most of the last 10 years; recently I moved into more of an IT/business role. I find
my creativity complements my scientific career wonderfully – it allows me to express myself
that my creativity complements my scientific career wonderfully – it allows me to express myself and to wind down after a mentally demanding day.
How did you turn your love of stitching into a business?
I don’t know that I ever really ‘decided’ to start a business! It was my childhood dream to work as an artist, but as I grew older I noticed that many very talented people were struggling to make a living from their art. I also knew I’d lose the joy of making if I did the same thing all the time. My New Year’s Resolution for 2016 was to design a few cross stitch patterns, publish them online and watch what happened.
What was your first design, and which is your favourite?
My first published design was ‘Lily the Fox’ – I still keep her listed as she has a special place in my heart. My Nativity Hoop Series is probably my favourite – I have a bit of a thing for Christmas generally (my house still has six Christmas trees up!).
You’ve created an amazing 90 designs so far – what keeps you inspired?
I’ve got a very vivid imagination, so coming up with ideas isn’t a challenge for me. I try to strike a balance between designs I think will sell well and enable me to pay for my materials, and things I need to design and publish just for me. I have a sketchbook that I keep updated with my own (sometimes crazy) ideas and the many suggestions by my lovely customers and social media followers.
We’d love to know more about your stitch-a-longs, how can people get involved?
I have two at the moment. One is called ‘Prickly but Cute’ and features 15 cute cacti in a border. Designs can be purchased individually from my Etsy shop. The other stitch-a-long is called ‘Pretty Little Produce’. It features cute fruits and vegetables, and runs until December.
I release one of those designs for free on my social media every month, but two additional designs every month and the border are exclusively for people who subscribe to the SAL: 36 designs in total.
Do you still enjoy stitching just as a hobby?
Yes I do. I find stitching relaxing, and it gives me something to keep my restless hands busy while I’m listening to music or watching TV. Also, no matter what’s going on in life, cross stitch is methodical enough that however you’re feeling, you can make progress and create something beautiful – there’s something lovely about that.
What are your future dreams for your business?
One day I’d love to be able to earn enough designing that I can drop days at work and have more time for designing and stitching. I’d love to make designing and running stitch-a-longs an annual thing, and to run some classes. My ultimate dream is to be a regular designer for a cross stitch magazine.