Demimonde by Rachael Donaldson

Rachael Donaldson, Portland Oregon, USA Brand name: Demimonde Shop: demimondejewelry.etsy.com Seaplane and Idom... both in Portland

I first discovered Rachael's work while putting together the Fierce in Feathers editorial piece. I totally dig her style - her pieces have so much strength and movement! By the way, Demimonde (French for "half-world") is the polite 19th century term often used the same way we use the term "mistress" today.

“I find that trying to force through any creative hold ups only frustrates me more, if I can't muster the creative energy for anything I do, I embrace my need for the time off.”

1. What do you call yourself? (e.g., Independent designer, crafter, maker, artist) I call myself an artist. I have a Fine Arts Degree: I paint, make assemblages, and dabble in ceramics.

For me jewelry making is like small scale sculpture.

“I work 30 hours a week making cocktails to pay the bills. But the rest of the time I work towards combining all my creative outlets into one gorgeous empire so I can someday call that my full time job.”

2. What inspires you? How do you get past crafter's block? Inspiration comes from everywhere, for my painting I am inspired by industrial decay, rust and water stains and old paint chipping off walls. For my jewelry, inspiration comes from unlikely places... like a Calder mobile or an old leather skirt.

Whenever I feel like I have lost my inspiration I redirect my energy into another project, like putting down the paint brush and picking up some beads or some clay. I find that trying to force through any creative hold ups only frustrates me more, if I can't muster the creative energy for anything I do, I embrace my need for the time off.

3. What tool(s) can't you live without? I can't live without the Goodwill bins. It's a clearing house for all their donations and everything, from clothing to books and housewares, is sold by the pound. I find materials, inspiration and great stuff to sell or give to my friends. My best find was a large antique silk weaving from Japan, it's in my bedroom.

4. Who is your idol, current craft-crush? I can't answer this by naming just one person. I am so lucky to be surrounded by a community of talented friends that are making their living from their art. I am really inspired and blessed by this community of exceptional artisans. Trish Grantham, Amy Ruppel, Kate Towers, Holly Stalder...just to name a few.

5. How long have you been doing this? A little over two years ago, Kathyrn Towers and Holly Stalder, who own Seaplane asked if I knew anyone who made jewelry because they needed more for their shop, I said I would give it a try and here I am...

6. Where did you learn your craft? I am self taught. I got some wire wrapping tips from Holly and I just started learning from there. I am going to be taking my first jewelry class this summer, a basic Metal Smithing course.

7. Do you do this full-time? If not, what pays the bills? I work 30 hours a week making cocktails to pay the bills. But the rest of the time I work towards combining all my creative outlets into one gorgeous empire so I can someday call that my full time job. Painting, Jewelry and selling my really bad vintage shopping habit on Etsy.


8. How would you describe your style? I love modernist craft, pottery and pattern design from the late 50's. I also love Native American craft, the patterns in blanket design, pottery and baskets. In my house it's sort of a blend of ethnic and mid century modern. As for my jewelry style, I think it's eclectic and evolving, so it's a little hard to pin down. Now that I have an Etsy shop, I think I can get a little more adventurous with my designs.

Thanks Rachael!