HI. MY NAME IS KAMBRA. I MAKE THINGS.
My love for crafting started in grade school with "friendship pins,” tiny safety pins with different colored seed beads and little star sequins. So simple, so fun. Then in junior high, it was friendship bracelets made with embroidery thread. If you are a child of the 80’s like myself you are probably very familiar with these.
During my high school years I discovered bead shops and my Dad's tackle box. The beads went on the bottom of long tiny braids at the base of my neck (hidden from the Catholic school gestapo) and the fishing supplies provided materials for my first two "salvaged" wears; a bracelet made from swivels snapped together, and another made with a fish-shaped brass lure tied up with a brown shoe lace. I still have that fish bracelet. I was also enamored with my Mom’s costume jewelry that reminded me of Renaissance queens. An inspiration that drew me to the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements.
Those movements spanned the years 1880-1914 and included the growing Bohemian lifestyle of some early non-conformist 20th century artists and writers. This era charmed me. Perhaps it was the high regard for individualism, self-reliance and craftsmanship, while sniveling at the rise of industrialization and those who became rich at the expense of the crafter. Or maybe it was my discovery of the 1960’s San Francisco music scene with it’s ethereal Art Nouveau style posters, beaded jewelry and non-conformist way of life.
Without a doubt the philosophies and art of those times have resonated with me. I grow the flowers and herbs for my tinctures in my garden and use them in my home crafted, all natural perfume blends you can find on my website. And I let Art Nouveau inspire and influence my jewelry designs. Ultimately, I remain completely enchanted with this artistically and sociologically significant moment in time.
It’s an era that offers limitless inspiration and musings for reflection and gratitude. A timeless Bohemian spirit that continues to transcend generations. Timeless Boho.
Organic homegrown lavender
Lavender extract