Meet the Maker is a new series of features highlighting some of the most amazing makers across the North Shore! We will be featuring a handful of new makers every Monday to hopefully help mitigate the added financial strain that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the creative community. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook as well!
Meet Alex of Crafty Queer Studio
IG: @craftyqueerstudio
FB: facebook.com/craftyqueerstudio
Etsy: etsy.com/shop/craftyqueerstudio/
In your own words… what do you do? Describe the thing(s) you “make/create.”
Crafty Queer Studio is a small but mighty queer-owned and operated business that focuses exclusively on LGBTQIA+ jewelry and accessories. These currently include earrings, necklaces, and bracelets, as well as buttons and magnets. It is run almost entirely by myself, with a little help from my wife. Everything at Crafty Queer is individually handmade with love, even down to the buttons. I plan to continue expanding the products we offer as time goes on, something I’ve continued to do since I launched the business in late 2018.
The world is curious — what inspires you to “make/create”?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and maker, and I wanted more products that catered exclusively to the queer community. Specifically, all of the communities inside of that who are often overlooked. It’s very important to me that everyone in the LGBTQ+ community sees themselves in the products, and so it’s paramount that I offer a wide selection for everyone.
Roughly how much are you expecting in losses over the next month?
$2500
What measures are you taking to reduce lost revenues?
I am just applying for any kind of artist funding I can find. So far this has included the Mass Cultural Council’s emergency grant funding that just opened up as well as artrelief.org which is offering larger amounts of aid for eligible artists.
What do you think could help everyone in this challenging time?
Any cancelled events could really help out their vendors by holding online versions of the event, much like Daughters of Darkness in Salem just did. I think this would really help artists like myself who are facing cancellation after cancellation, and feeling rather abandoned by these events who are choosing to just give up rather than try everything they can to still support their vendors. As for the artists and small businesses, promoting each other’s businesses, coming together collectively and trying to support each other any way we can definitely helps. Urging the general public to shop online with small businesses. And of course, any orgs or larger bodies who can afford to give out literal dollars to struggling artists and businesses.
FEATURED ITEM!
Trans flag leather snap bracelet
$34.99
This genuine leather bracelet is made up of two pieces, an aluminum back piece and a front piece made of shrink plastic with the transgender flag printed on it that’s been cut out and shrunk down to fit just right for the metal piece behind it.
Get Featured on Creative North Shore’s Meet the Makers!
Are you an Artist or Maker on the North Shore or in the Greater Boston area? Fill out this form to be considered for our Meet the Makers series.
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