Arts & Entertainment
At the Rust Belt Market: Lizzy Jeanne Handmade Designs
Lizzy Jeanne Handmade offers a fabulous array of purses and headpieces. If you're looking to add some beautifully unique style to your wardrobe, check her out this weekend at the Rust Belt Market.
The offers a unique experience for patrons as well as vendors. The new market hosts more than 60 artists every weekend. Each week, Patch will feature one artist and get a closer view of what the heck each does.
Ferndale Patch: Who are you and what do you do?
Liz Coyle: My name is Liz Coyle, and I'm from Grosse Pointe. I graduated from University of Detroit Mercy with a degree in liberal arts. I have been working in the marketing field for the last 15 years. I was just recently been laid off. The job hunting was brutal, and I could not find a position worthy of my qualifications. So I decided to take on my hobby of knitting full time and start branding myself.
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Ferndale Patch: How did you get your start?
Coyle: I taught myself how to knit about four years ago. I found a knitting book in a box in my basement that I had bought years ago. I made my first "shag" bag. I took a fringed scarf that I made, sewed it up the sides and threw a strap on it. I could not leave the house without getting stopped at least once by someone complimenting it or asking me where I got my bag. So in my spare time, I made about 15 more. My girlfriend, who owns Sole Sisters Detroit, took them on consignment. That summer, I also did my first art show at the People’s Art Fair at the Russell.
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Ferndale Patch: What inspires you?
Coyle: Hmm, inspiration … well, I grew up listening to a lot of eccentric hair/glam rock bands like Motley Crue. I also loved Madonna and the iconic style of Stevie Nicks. I guess I kind of adopted their eccentric styles.
Ferndale Patch: What is it about the Rust Belt that attracted you to it?
Coyle: I fell in love with it within the first five minutes after I walked in. I saw a lot of other vendors that I’d done past art fairs with. And the energy is great in there. The owners, Tiffany and Chris (Best), could not be any cooler, laid back and helpful. But what really sold it for me was the fact that you can decorate your space and leave your wares and not have to set up or tear down every day.
Ferndale Patch: Tell us one thing about your work that would surprise us.
Coyle: Well, I just learned the pearl stitch about six months ago. I don't know how to read patterns and do not understand the knitting lingo. I just make up my patterns on my own.
If you are interested in seeing more styles from Lizzy Jeanne Handmade Designs, stop by her booth this weekend at the Rust Belt Market. Lizzy Jeanne Handmade Designs is a permanent vendor at the Rust Belt Market. Lizzy Jeanne Handmade Designs also has a text message club for those who are interested in following the business and learning about upcoming shows and sales. To join, simply text LJHM to 368638. Special pricing will be available for text club members in September.
