Meet the Maker - Bethany Kelman

Tell us a little bit about you.

My name is Bethany Kelman, I am 27 years old and I live in Cambridge. I love vintage glamour, but I often found it hard to find vintage pieces that fit well so I started making my own dresses from vintage patterns. People liked them and often asked me where they could buy them, so I decided to start making dresses for sale & Jezebelles Boutique was born! I now make bags and accessories as well as clothing.

Have you always been crafty, or is it something that you've picked up more recently?

I come from an artistic background as my Mum is very crafty - she worked as a dressmaker when I was little and is now a jewellery maker, so I was encouraged to be artistic from an early age and art was always my favourite subject. I studied Fine Art at University & spent most of my time making sculptural dresses from unusual materials. After graduation I decided to embrace my inner seamstress!

Have you been particularly influenced by any other artists or events?

All sorts of things inspire me and influence my work, including 1950s style, burlesque, the punk rock & psychobilly music scene, Vivienne Westwood and Japanese street style.

What other artists are you excited about seeing at Handm@de Cambridge?

I am really looking forward to seeing all the other exhibitors work as there's such a diverse range of artists. I am especially excited about sharing a table with PinkAppleJam!

What is your favourite piece?

I am most excited about the new 1950s style evening bags I'm making in a range of different colours and fabrics. I'm also working on some vintage style pyjama sets which I think will make nice Christmas gifts. http://www.jezebellesboutique.co.uk/pyjamas.htm

Are there any specific pieces you fancy that will be at Handm@de Cambridge?

I had the pleasure of seeing PinkAppleJam creating some tote bags with hand-drawn characters on them and I already have my eye on one of them in particular! http://pics.livejournal.com/pinkapplejam/pic/002p6rdf I am also very keen on Trash Chic's aprons! http://www.trashchic.co.uk/apronfull.htm And these Little Button Nose Notelets: http://www.littlebuttonnose.co.uk/notelets.html & all of Yunisacs purses! http://www.etsy.com/shop/yunisacs

Find out more about Bethany and her work at her website: http://www.jezebellesboutique.co.uk