Michelle:
I ran across Emajane's work on Pinterest and love it. Her work is very different from mine, more whimsical (as one might guess from her name.) I also checked out her work on Etsy and am super impressed. I asked her to write a guest blog post and share her work and she said yes!
Emajane Pixie Rainbow:
My creative journey began as a small child when I was taught in my early years to sew. Continuing to teach myself and develop my creative skills, I believe that there are some paths that become our life purpose.
I design and create Whimsical Eco Friendly Wearable and Useable Art.
All my designs are created and made by myself. I am a self taught artist / designer, and I create all my own patterns for these garments, bags and accessories.
I first became inspired to customise and upcycle my own clothing during my teenage years, back in the 1980's... I found this to be a perfect way in which I could combine my love for creating and experimenting with my own personal self expression. I was asked many times where I bought my clothes... but at this point in my life I didn't know that one day I would be creating a business and making clothes for others...!!
When I became a mum I proceeded to make clothing for my children, I found such an importance in reusing what we already had. During my early adult life I found myself making dance costumes for the stage and theatre, only to move back into designing clothes again... which I have found to be my true passion.
As I got older I used to ask myself why adult clothing couldn't be as playful as children's...?! I wanted to create designs in which we can all express our playful, fun and quirky personalities no matter what age we are.
The clothing, bags and accessories are all made from preloved garments - knitwear, cashmere, wool, denim jeans, corduroy, tweed, tartans, checks and any other wonderful materials that I might find. I adore bringing a new life to unwanted items, using the process of recycling and upcycling.
There are an enormous amount of wonderful preloved clothing that I discover.
I source this clothing from Recycled Clothing Banks, Thrift Stores, Charity Shops and sometimes I receive pieces from friends. The appliqué fabric art designs I create are from using the left over scraps pieces from my clothing creations, so nothing goes to waste.
These designs are all made with the importance of longevity implemented into each item, ensuring that they are made to last. Each creation that I make is a unique one of a kind piece of art, both wearable and useable. I make each design in a playful and whimsical style... including an element of quirkiness with a unique twist, which I feel gives each item a personality of it's own... whilst still ensuring that are comfortable and practical to wear and use. 
The Inspirations for my designs come from the beautiful surrounding landscapes where I live, nature, my love of folk art and folklore, whimsical themes and anything else that is a little bit different...Oh and of course " Colours '' with the limitless choices and endless combinations, each colour when put together sets the theme for each design.
Feeling very blessed to be living with my Husband in Carmarthenshire, South West Wales in the United Kingdom. A beautiful part of the UK, where I have been selling my clothing locally for sometime. I began receiving many requests to ask if I would sell online and an Etsy Shop seemed the perfect way to offer the opportunity for everyone to purchase my creations.
When we create with LoVe... we bring JoY into the World...
Website - www.thetopianden.uk
Etsy Shop - www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheTopianDen
Facebook - www.facebook.com/thetopianden/
Instagram - www.instagram.com/thetopianden/
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/thetopianden/
Twitter - www.twitter.com/TheTopianDen
Michelle:
Thank you Emma Jane for sharing your journey!
Happy upcycling to all!
