With Christmas on the horizon it has been impossible to ignore the amazing and magical gifts that are on offer. This is certainly true at Studio 7t7, a beautiful studio amongst the trees and greenery that is a haven for creativity.
Working to her own designs and to the exact ideas, themes and colours of her customers, Emma Brassfield weaves, moulds, glues and stitches leather and fabrics together to make stunning one of a kind pieces. Then the sparkle comes alive, attaching itself to all the petals, elements and pieces that make up the amazing creations. Emma has had a fascinating career in TV and film, but is now concentrating on creating unique gifts for children including magical fairy doors and personalised crayon rolls.
Emma: Mother and Founder of Studio 7t7
This is how Emma describes herself: “I’m an artist, designer, and guerilla knitter. When I’m not working full time making creatures and costumes for films, I like to nestle in my garden workshop and make jewellery and children’s gifts for my small business; Studio 7t7, or I run around after my 2 year old.”
1. How are you leading a life ‘doing what you love’?
I really love being creative… so for me, I have to be doing something creative in my job. For as long as I can remember I’ve made things. I started Studio 7t7 as a way to be able to design my own range and to make gifts that people will love to give.
2. What did you do before this?
I was (and still am!) a creature effects artist. I basically do the sewing and soft sculpture side of creature creation and animatronics for films, TV and theatre. When I was about 14 I saw a TV programme about special effects for films and fell in love. From then I honed all my schooling to get into The London College of Fashion’s costume, makeup and technical effects degree. I was a trainee on the 3rd Harry Potter film (Prisoner of Azkaban) and have been lucky to be working pretty constantly every since. Creating things for films and seeing them on the screen is really fantastic. My proudest moments have been helping to create Iggle Piggle, and the Batsuit.
3. How did Studio 7t7 come about?
Since the birth of my daughter I’ve reassessed everything and doing long hours on films is not too mummy friendly! I’m hoping that in a few years when Leila is at school I’ll be able to greet her at the school gates rather than her having to meet someone else… but it’s still early days for me! I started off making leather flower accessories – mainly for the wedding market. However, I quickly realised that although lots of people were saying how beautiful my makes were, I just wasn’t happy in the wedding industry. Children, gifts and jewellery are my passions when I make things so it was only natural I guess that Studio 7t7 would lead to this.
4. Why do you do what you do?
So that I can create to my own design and so that I can be able eventually to stay at home and work rather than working really long hours outside of home. Unfortunately working in the film industry doesn’t really allow part time work or school friendly hours, so Studio 7t7 will help me to stay creative whilst being available for my family.
Emma’s personalised crayon rolls
5. What inspires you to create?
I’m not one to sit still and just watch TV or sit on a train journey… if I’m sat still I’m usually crafting or designing or thinking of new ideas. Lots of things inspire me – definitely other artists inspire me and definitely my colleagues. I work with some really talented people so I’m lucky to have a lot of inspiration around me on a day to day basis.
A magical ‘Fairy Door’ – where does it lead?
6. Has your toddler influenced and inspired your more recent creations?
She definitely has! I wanted to have beautiful personal things for her and things to spark her imagination. That’s where the fairy doors and crayon rolls came from. One of a toddlers’ favourite games is to put things in and out of packaging or pots. The crayon rolls are perfect for this and are great to take out with you on the go.
The fairy doors are amazing for encouraging role play and fantasy. When I place a fairy door myself, I try to put it up when the child is out. Then, when I see them I talk about fairies and that I saw a trail of fairy dust fly past and perhaps a tiny wing. When they find the door with a little bottle of fairy dust waiting outside it helps to cement the folklore and they get really excited. It’s such a magical moment when their face lights up and they really start to believe in fairies.
Someone told me recently that they really nurtured the fairy folklore and even set up a fairy trail with hidden tiny letters and little gifts in the forest from the fairies! I love that! I’m hoping to do something similar for my family and to encourage folklore more. In this age of extreme technology everywhere I think that fantasy and creativity can be lost so I definitely want to nurture and encourage it.
Range of ‘Fairy Doors’
7. Where do you turn for inspiration when creating a piece?
If it’s for children I always think what I’d like to buy or own or what my other mummy friends would like. This helps to hone my ideas into being suitable for lots of different tastes.
8. Which of your creations has surprised you the most?
The crayon rolls. Before them, I never realised how popular personalised items for children are. I’m so pleased with the success so far. It’s hard to tell though as of course it’s the busiest time of the year. I have a few more ideas up my sleeve for the new year though, so I’m hoping that will keep pushing the business into 2014.
9. Considering the time of year, what is on your Christmas list?
Time off to spend with my lovely family and for Studio 7t7 to grow in 2014. The children’s gifts side of studio 7t7 is still in early days so I’m hoping it’ll grow more in the new year.
10. What advice would you give to somebody who wants to be continue doing what they love, while also being a parent?
It’s hard work for sure but really fun and so rewarding when you have lovely feedback and ultimately are able to spend more time with your little one.
If you would like to find out more about Emma and Studio 7t7 you can visit her website or you can follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
