Interview with Rebekah L. Smith
Posted by Deirdre Quirk on Mar 28th 2017
Rebekah Smith is the author of best-selling Wool Appliqué Folk Art and upcoming Seasons of Wool Appliqué Folk Art. She's a wonderful wool worker, but she also paints furniture, stencils, and murals in the style of early American folk art.
What’s your favorite project that you’ve made?
This was a project that was a year in the making. It began as an idea for my blog, but a friend asked me to participate in a Stitch Along that would run for a year. I realized that this would be the perfect project to share in such a way. So not only is it a subject matter that really inspires me, it was stitched along with so many wonderful people. I do not keep a lot of my work on display in our home, but this piece has become a favorite and hangs in our living room.
Where do you find your quilting or sewing inspiration?
Our home is filled with artists. My husband and our three daughters are all artists, as well as myself. We find that working together at the table, out of doors, or even riding in the car, our creative juices are always working. We do many projects together and are always the better for the joint effort. My work is much more fulfilling because they are all a part of it.
What are your go-to colors?
The term I like to use when describing my array of colors is "time-worn." Those soft earth tones and subtle hues are what really add dimension to my designs and give them life.
Where do you shop for fabric?
Shopping for fabric is a must in my business, but it is also just plain fun. While I frequent a lot of quilt shops and home decorating fabric stores, I really enjoy the hunt for just the right antique and vintage textiles. It is not easy finding pieces that you can incorporate into your work. I prefer not to use anything in good condition but am on the lookout for "cutters." These are badly damaged pieces that are still beautiful, but falling apart. They can be given a new life and fashioned into objects that can be enjoyed for new generation.
Thank you, Rebekah!
