Photography courtesy of Amber Marlowe Blatt and heybrooklyn.com

Following yesterday’s Midsummer’s Eve Affair we spent a few minutes with Handmade Weddings coauthor Shana Faust, and let readers ask the artist about her creative process, to find out how this busy stylist is able to Do Something Creative Every Day.

Question from Nicki: What is your favorite thing about styling?

A: I love using objects and their placement to create arresting images that tell a story and evoke a feeling.

Question from Nicki B: What spurs your creative blocks and how do you get out of them?

A: I definitely can get stuck sometimes. Usually at the beginning of a project, when I am searching for the genesis of a concept, a blank canvas with infinite possibilities can be daunting. But once I’ve got an initial idea things tend to flow from there.

I’m lucky to live in New York City because it is such an inspiring place. If I’m ever in need of a spark I usually head outside for a walk (and coffee!) and a trip to one of my favorite stores. Kinokuniya Bookstore, NY Art Central, Pearl River and Economy Candy are some of my favorite haunts.

Question from Jennifer F.: How do you organize your work space to balance necessary supplies with an effort to still find things at your fingertips!? And keep it good looking?

A: Since I am a visual person and I like to see all my stuff, I use clear container drawers (usually from the Container Store) to house my collections and supplies. I organize everything by color, so things are easy to find and look tidy in a small space. I do the same with my paper and fabric. Clear tubs and bins help me to see everything, and since it’s already contained my things are always ready to be shipped off to a shoot!

Question from Natalie: Where do you draw inspiration from?

A: Everywhere and anywhere. Yesterday’s trip to Prospect Park, a subway ride, some old books I bought on the street, a movie I just saw, illustrations, printed fabric, paper, candy wrappers, old school supplies, vintage gift wrap, photographers work I like, people working in creative fields….I could go on and on.

Question from Pegg: What trends do you love right now and which are tired of?

A: Right now, I like the use of neon color in really delicate ways. Like a neon pink ribbon on a navy envelope or as type on a wedding invitation.

I love the classic silhouettes and patterns borrowed from menswear. My grandfather was a tailor and had his own suit shop. His storefront was a mess of pinstripes, suiting and other crisp and tailored details, which I never grow tired of. I also enjoy prints of all sorts, on fabric and on paper. Oversized and geometric, teeny tiny florals, botanicals, damasks, stripes, dots…I’ll take it all!

As for what am I tired of… I can’t think of anything right now!

Question from Mai: What inspired you to collaborate with the Hello!Lucky founders to create a great DIY book such as Handmade Weddings?

A: Eunice and Sabrina Moyle and I worked on many projects together for Martha Stewart Wedding Magazine, including my own wedding. We always wanted to do a book together and, as if by magic, we were able to make that happen. Chronicle Books was looking to publish a book about handmade projects for your wedding, and we were the people to do it! The three of us all have different but complimentary skills and expertise in this arena, so the collaboration was an obvious one. Plus, they are super fun sisters who are a lot of fun to work with.

Question from Hawaii P.: What’s next? Are you going to make more Handmade___ books?

A: Yes! We do hope to publish a follow-up to Handmade Weddings. We just all need to find the time!

Question from Chastity: Having a small child and a husband, as well as a demanding career, how do you manage to keep it all going?

A: I keep a lot of lists. I work many nights, and I accept that I can’t always do everything. Also, the life of a freelancer allows me a flexible schedule, so I can often make time to be with my family.

Question from Kathryn: What is the best way to go about locating a stylist in my city that can help me transform my thoughts into reality?

A: Why not place an ad at local art schools? Describe what you are looking for and interview candidates to see if you connect with anyone.

Question from Paper Source: How do you stay committed to doing something creative every day?

A: It’s easy when you have a 2-year-old, who always wants to make something. It’s usually messy!

—Shana Faust, freelance stylist
PS colors: blossom & peacock
Latest fave: 4″ Round Printable Labels

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