Inspired by strong contrasting colors and textures, my current collection of scarves and neck cuffs combines luxurious wool and acrylic yarns accented with vintage buttons to create wearable works of art. I begins by selecting a yarn or button that inspires my unique creations, diligently working fibers into one-of-a-kind accessories. Recently I have started creating pieces using hand spun yarn from various etsy artists. They are so soft and delicious!
I also love making custom pieces based on individual needs. It is so fun to take an idea and make it a reality, it's like sculpting with yarn. If you have something special in mind shoot me a email and we will bring it to life.
So Mindy...What's your creative process like?
I love to sit on the couch with my husband John and my chihuahua Monkie after a long day at work and crochet cowls while we watch TV together. I like to make a ton of items and then do the finishing work on all of them at once. Usually, I listen to swing music while I do this part, it really helps pass the time. I love to crochet in the evenings and sew early in the morning. John and I are usually in bed by 9:30pm and up around 5:30am, so early mornings are a great time to get things done.
Before you settled on Tangent Designs, what other names did you consider?
Initially, I created a shop on Etsy.com called Mashartstudio, for my paintings. My last name used to be Ashcroft and everyone used to call me Mashcroft, so it seemed to fit. When I got married in August, and changed my last name, I started trying to figure out something that worked better. I usually paint circles and wanted to name my business something having to do with them, so I came up with Tangent. Only the math geeks, like me, really get it, everyone else just thinks it's catchy.
What are your favorite materials, why?
Right now my favorite material is yarn! Thick, yummy, bold colored yarn. I am really into hand spun yarn too. I feel like I am painting when I crochet with it.
What's your favorite thing to do when you're not working on your art?
I love going to the movies, dancing, and eating new foods.
Tell us something most people may not know about you?
I used to dye my hair a different color of the rainbow every week. Ok, maybe you could have guessed that.
What 3 things would you absolutely have to take if you were going to be stuck on a desert island, Survivor style.
a) My husband
b) My Monkie
c) Crochet hooks and drop spindle. I would spin yarn out of the fibers on the island and crochet them into everything I could think of.
OK, I know that was four! I am not the best at following the rules.
What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
Coconut Bliss ice cream! It is so amazing!
What can we not tell by looking at you?
That I am terrified of roller coasters.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can make a three piece suit or a ball gown from scratch one day, and then, take out the power tools and build a stage the next.
What's your favorite quote or saying?
Dance like no one is watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like no one is listening, Live like it's heaven on earth.
What celebrity would you like to see wearing one of your pieces?
Any of them! It's crazy how if you put something on someone famous, everyone else wants one.
Where's the farthest you traveled or sought out materials for your art?
Fort Worth, Texas is the farthest I have gone, but I have purchased hand spun banana fiber yarn from Nepal. One day, I will travel all over the world.
Why buy Handmade?
Why not? It is so much fun to buy work from other artists. It's like starting your very own mini gallery. I would much rather support someone who puts there heart and soul into making something.
