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 Tell
us a bit about your background -- what led you into art and embroidery?
I have always been interested in textiles and crafting, even as a child.
I can remember trying embroidery when I was about 8 years old and
finding it too tedious a task for me. Now that I’m all grown up I find
that tediousness has turned into more of a meditation and relaxation.
About 8 years ago I went to college for fashion design. I quickly
realized that although I love to sew and make clothes, I didn’t want to
pursue a career in the field. Shortly after that I was looking for a
small gift for a tattoo artist and all of a sudden it hit me, I could
embroider the design he had tattooed on me. That was a life changing
moment for me, and I haven’t stopped since. Over the next couple years
I’m hoping to be able to build up my
Etsy shop and start working on a brick and mortar store of my very
own.
 Tell
us a bit about your design and the project behind it.
This design is based on some vintage tattoo flash. I’ve always liked
goofy looking skulls and skulls in general so when I saw the original
drawing for this one I knew I had to make my own version.
What inspires your designs?
My designs are inspired by the things I see in my daily life, tattoos,
antiques, fabric, art. I am especially interested in tattoo imagery from
the 1900s-1970s; most of the tattoo embroideries I do are based on
things from that time. I also find a lot of inspiration from the fabric
and threads -- sometimes I’ll see a certain colour and know I have to
use it in something. I also do machine sewing and make clothing and
accessories so I take a lot of inspiration from city street fashion.
Basically, I like to sit back and take it all in. You never know what
will turn into your next project.
 What’s
your studio/workspace like?
My workspace has been described as looking like a tattoo studio. There’s
artwork and vintage things covering every inch of wall space. I have
lights all over the place so that I can sit anywhere in the room and
still work. There’s sewing machines, books, fabric and all kinds of
craft making things everywhere. My studio is in my home and also doubles
as my dressing room and doggy suite. So needless to say I spend a lot of
the day there. I’ve even got an en suite bathroom, so I really don’t
have to leave! I like having it in my home because I can work whenever
the inspiration strikes, whether it be 5pm or 5am, it’s there waiting
for me.
 Finally,
if you were a thread color, what color would you be?
This is a hard question. I guess I’d have to say black because like me
it is versatile. I think I’ve used black in almost every embroidery I’ve
done, ever. Plus most of my wardrobe is black!
If you’d like to check out more of Ursula’s work and keep up on her life
and art, you can check out her blog at
www.thread-wizard.com or if you
want to buy some of her hardcore stitchery, you can check out her
Etsy store.
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