MAKER: TIFFANY RAMSDELL

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO CREATE TERRIBLE TIFFANY

My full time job is in technology, I love it, but it only fulfills a part of what I need to live a full life. My husband is a woodworker, seeing him create and problem solve with his hands on a daily basis planted the seed that I needed something more. I too needed to start exploring a creative outlet in order to feel fully satisfied. I saw a trend happening in macramé but I also saw room to really make it my own. I started by making Christmas presents for my family, and hit the ground running from there.

WHY DO YOU CALL AUSTIN HOME

I did not grow up too far from Austin, but I still could not get here fast enough. I moved here to go to school and just stayed, Austin has been home for going on 12 years.

HOW HAS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU

I initially started selling my work through East Side Pop Up, run by Terra Biddelman. Terra is nothing but supportive and accommodating to local artists, she works really hard to help people get their work out there.

FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/ALBUM FOR A SPARK OF CREATIVITY

Right now, I love the new album from Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile, Lotta Sea Lice. However, Jenny Lewis, Fiona Apple, and Neko Case never let me down.

BIGGEST DEBATE OF ALL: COFFEE or TEA, BE SPECIFIC ;)

Most days it’s coffee at home out of my French press. When I’m feeling like something special I go out for a green matcha tea latte.

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW FOR INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

For macramé, @frompiper, her color palette evokes feelings of comfort and home for me. She also incorporates organic elements in a way I have never seen before. I also spend a lot of time revisiting @sarahbahbah photography. Her work is so personal and yet the subjects and text feel so universal. It makes me feel reminiscent for a moment I never experienced.

GO TO MID-DAY SNACK or ROUTINE FOR CREATIVE FUEL

Equinox drink at El Tacorrido. It’s horchata and espresso, best thing ever!

WHERE DO YOU FEEL THE MOST CREATIVE? EX: HOME, STUDIO, NATURE, SHOP, ETC.

I converted a spare bedroom in my house into my studio. Not only is it wall to wall rope and glassware, but it also holds three vintage industrial grade sewing machines that my husband inherited from his grandmother who was a seamstress. It’s messy, my music is always loud and it brings me so much joy.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENT SO FAR OF TERRIBLE TIFFANY

Being accepted to vend at the Boss Babes CraftHER market. It was the first time I applied for a market and I knew there were a lot of very talented applicants. Outside of being grateful to be chosen, I was also proud to be included in such an important female led organization.

HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR BRAND STANDS OUT

I spend a lot of time individually staging all of my pieces to make it easy for buyers to envision it already in their home. I’m really proud of my full display and I think the experience makes a difference for shoppers.

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST CREATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE

My mother and grandmother, I come from a family of crafters. I grew up watching my mother hand make my Halloween costumes every year and always trying out a new hobby. I also used to sit with my grandmother while she sold her ceramics at local craft fairs.

HOW HAS SOCIAL HELPED TERRIBLE TIFFANY

Since the majority of my pieces are one offs, it is really hard to keep up with updating my website. Instagram is my primary means of displaying, it’s not only the most convenient but it also allows for people to see the person behind the work.

WHAT OTHER ARTISTS HAVE YOU LOVED COLLABORATING WITH

I have yet to collaborate with anyone yet. I wouldn’t mind working with a potter or someone that makes concrete planters to incorporate into my hangers. I’ve been looking at geometric shapes recently and changing some of the plant vessel silhouettes.

HOW IMPORTANT IS SHOPPING LOCAL TO YOU

The impact that shopping local has on a community is palpable. The reason why I believe Austin has been able to remain so special is due to the amount of local shops, and the people that are committed to supporting them.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE LOCAL CUSTOMER/SHOP EXPERIENCE

Being able to meet the makers and the buyers!

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT TERRIBLE TIFFANY

I am terribly clumsy, hence the name Terrible Tiffany. I break a lot of glassware while I’m working!

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO BUILD A BRAND AROUND ETHICAL VALUES

There is so much waste that comes with being a consumer. I try to use as many upcycled materials as possible and create a quality product to deter away from the throwaway culture.

AUSTIN LOCAL INSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS

FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK(S)

I consume a large amount of my food in taco form, that said I have two favorites: Morning- El Primo, Late night- Bomb Tacos

FAVORITE LOCAL CURATED BOUTIQUE(S)

My favorite right now is Dylan Wylde on S. Lamar

FAVORITE LOCAL COFFEE SHOP(S)

I have spent a lot of hours at Cenote on Cesar Chavez.

MUST-SEE RECOMMENDATION(S) FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO AUSTIN

Grab a coffee and take a stroll around Town lake (ladybird lake). The people/dog watching and city views are unbeatable.

WHERE CAN SUPPORTERS FIND YOUR LOVELY DESIGNS

You can find my latest creations at terribletiffany.com and my Instagram :)