What inspired you to open Coral and Tusk? I come from a long line of Appalachian women who could make something of nothing. I've always particularly loved embroidery since it is drawing with thread. Drawing is my passion and embroidering those drawings makes them come to life. The tactile quality of stitches on cloth adds such a special spirit. Years ago I set out to buy a memory game for a friend's child and was dismayed to see what had come of a beloved childhood game! I decided I would make an embroidered game, all nautically themed, A-Z. About half way through, I realized it was going to take FOREVER to make all 52 pieces (alphabet x 2!!). I was looking through Martha Stewart magazine and saw all the different machines in her sewing room. After a lot of research, I discovered a machine that had software that would allow me to maintain the mark-making when creating the embroidered design. And that was it!
How would you describe your wares? We make pillows, artwork, tabletop and kitchen, small accessories, pocket dolls, stationery and women's accessories. I begin my creative process with a story; one day it's a gentleman penguin with a crab best friend and the next, an arrow-slinging champion red panda. Each story is expressed as a pencil drawing which is then scanned and redrawn in stitches using special software, a days-long evolution of inital research, sketching, choosing colors and final compostionand then prototyping. Every embroidered character, from Snake Charmer, to Peg-legged Pigeon, retains the integrity of my style of mark-making which is essential to the innate charm of Coral & Tusk products.
What is Coral and Tusk's aesthetic? Our designs are genderless and ageless. We make you laugh. Every image tells a story.
Who shops at Coral and Tusk? A large cross section of people shop at C&T and that makes me really happy--- I am a huge believer in having fewer, nicer things...and that the things that we experience during our days should be well designed and bring continued joy to look at and to use. Because there is a timelessness to what we make we hope that people will live with them for a long time-- and pass them down. I am lucky enough to see a kid light up looking at a merit badge thinking about what he or she will do to earn it--- or the squeal of an adult taking out the plains fox from his tipi to see the interior decorating---or a woman who carefully selects the pieces of jewelry she wants to add to her collection!
What inspires you? My inspiration comes from everywnere!! But mostly, animals and feelings. It may sound silly, but I love love. And loving things and being loved makes me want to make things!! I am lucky enough to be in a constant stream of feeling inspired and so excited to make the next thing. Everyday brings such magic-- and I love being able to experiece and enjoy all that magic!
What is your design and creation process? My process is very hands-on. I design and prototype each embroidery in my Brooklyn studio using special software that combines my own illustrations with machine embroidery. This can take days beginning with the development of my initial idea to gathering research and inspiration, to sketching, composition and prototyping. Once my design is complete I then collaborate with the production and cut-and-sew workshops I set up in India, as well as some here in the States. I’ve traveled to India frequently for many years which enabled me to develop really strong working relationships with incredible artisans there. Without these bonds I could never do what I do.
What are your favorite materials to work with? Fabric and thread. And paper!
Describe your perfect Saturday. My husband and I start every Saturday with taking our darling Cane Corso Mastiff, Paco, on a long walk in Prospect Park near our home. Then we go to the farmers market at the entrance of the park. We go home- have a great breakfast, listen to the radio, drink lots of coffee and chat over bunch- generally catching up from the week. From there- to make it perfect-- we would head to the beach for the rest of the day!! Come home at sunset, have a cocktail, and enjoy the evening!
Shop Coral & Tusk here.
Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 5:00AM 
