Amber Dickinson | Fiber | Mesa, AZ
Artist Statement
The only thing better than a bottle of wine, is a bottle of wine in a gorgeous and unique handmade wine bag! I’ve been making and gifting these unique packages since 2008. I use upcycled fabric from discontinued memo-samples, old clothing, and scraps from other sewing projects to make the wine bags. It makes me happy to be able to utilize material that may have otherwise made its way to the landfill.
Crafting and sewing have been natural extensions of my work in the interior design industry. Originally from Utah, I’ve loved living in my Arizona community for the past 15 years. I’m active with several nonprofit organizations here in the Valley, and have worked to bring excellence to the IIDA Couture Fashion Show in years past as well as current Connect 4 Build-Day events by serving on the event planning committees. I encourage you to check out these great events and feel free to bring along bottle of wine or bubby in a one-of-a-kind handmade wine bag!
Q&A with Amber Dickinson
What process/materials did you use to create your artwork? I use upcycled fabric from discontinued memo-samples, old clothing, and scraps from other sewing projects to make the wine bags. It makes me happy to be able to utilize material that may have otherwise made its way to the landfill.
What inspires you to create and what inspires your work? Crafting and sewing have been natural extensions of my work in the interior design industry. The only thing better than a bottle of wine, is a bottle of wine in a gorgeous and unique handmade wine bag! I’ve been making and gifting these unique packages since 2008.
If you had to describe your artwork in 5 words or less, what words would you use? Reusable, Customizable, Fun, & Beautiful
What other artists inspire you? What's your favorite artwork? There are too many to count! I love and appreciate woodworking, metal work, stained glass, jewelry, and especially painting, watercolor and oil.
What do you want your viewers to know about you as an artist (if anything?) I enjoy creating practical and reusable gifts from scraps of fabric that would otherwise be thrown out. It pains me to throw away fabric.
What's the best advice you've ever been given? I can't think of any at this moment.
What is your favorite artist tool? My sewing machine.
What is your dream project? I would love to learn to paint with watercolor.
What do you like about your work? It gives me something to do when I'm bored and creates less waste for the landfill.
How has your practice or process changed over time? I am more resourceful in sourcing fabric.
What memorable responses have you had to your work? I've had several people say they still have the bags I made for them because they are too beautiful to give away. They want to keep them for themselves. I love the feedback it hear when I gift these reusable gift bags at housewarming, graduation, birthday, holiday, or anniversary parties I attend. My friends rave and can reuse them themselves. A gift that keeps on giving! Favorite custom requests have been for weddings, fundraisers, special events and bulk orders for a real estate agent who sets herself apart by keeping a stack on hand to turn the standard “Welcome to your new home” bottle of wine into something memorable. I’m always looking for that next great custom challenge, large or small.