I thought i’d mix things up a bit this Friday and post a feature on one of my favorite small businesses (who also happen to be one of my favorite couples), Son of a Sailor. This husband/wife team may not work with fiber, but their craftsmanship is definitely worth a Friday spotlight.
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William Knopp and Jessica Tata revel in playful creation and collaboration. William is a graphic designer by trade, but has made stops along the way in the Navy, the oil fields of West Texas, and pilgrimages around the world. Jessica fancies herself a creative marketing professional with a background in art galleries and museums, photographing the world around her as she goes. Based in Austin, Texas, both continue to explore space and form through jewelry as just one of their creative outlets.
I met Jessica when i worked at the Austin Museum of Art, back in my Austin days. We immediately connected: both of us being art weirdos who loved to speed type back and forth at each other from our respective office spaces (often and inappropriately laughing aloud). Jess has traveled as much as i have over the years, living for a while in San Fran before settling back in Austin and finding her soulmate, William. I sent them a special wedding gift in lieu of my presence this Spring, don’t you think this is just a spitting image of them?
I had a lot of fun making this illustration for them, and recently worked on another special project for them: a commemorative Fiber Friend of Jessica’s dog, Jackson who passed away about a year ago. I felted mini-Jackson in trade for a personalized charm from Son of a Sailor: isn’t bartering fun? Here are a few of my favorite pieces from their shop, including the little charms i’m expecting in the mail soon (photos of my new goodies to come soon!)
Son of a Sailor offers great customer service along with their hip and unique jewelry and graphic design. Their policies are clearly stated on their Etsy page and your order is followed up with a convo to nail down every detail of your purchase. I chose an 18 inch chain with two charms, and had many other options to choose from, plus instructions on the care of my (new favorite) necklace. I hope you’ll check out Son of a Sailor on Etsy or at some of the trade shows they’ll be gracing this Summer. Brooklyn magazine recently proclaimed Son of a Sailor to be one of “The 10 best things we saw at Renegade Craft Fair!” How’s that for some great praise? The couple is in for some more travels this Summer and will be peddling their wares at Renegade SF (San Fransisco) Saturday, July 21 & Sunday, July 22; Renegade Chicago September 8, 9 (renegadecraft.com) as well as maintaining a consistent presence at Shatzelein, a sweet little boutique on south 1st street in Austin. You can find all of the boutiques and festivals that feature SOS here.
If Son of a Sailor isn’t visiting a location near you, you can always find them on Facebook, check out their pins on Pinterest, get their latest news and photos from Tumbler, sign up for their newsletter and of course browse their shop on Etsy. Yay!
Do you have a favorite local or boutique designer/shop in your area? Leave us a comment so we can check them out too!
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