Amanda Brown creates several types of art including die-dyed clothing, batik shirts, hand sewn pants, skirts, purses and blankets as well as hemp necklaces, bracelets and anklets.  She also dabbles in paintings on canvas, records and sometimes clock faces.

Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, Amanda along with her fiancée and business partner Chris moved to Bowling Green to attend Western Kentucky University and to experience the opportunities that a larger city has to offer.  They are getting married in June of this year, and are looking forward to their future together as well as their future in crafting.

Amanda has been tie-dying and creating hemp jewelry for about 6 years, sewing for about 5, and creating beaded jewelry for about 4 years. She said that each crafting challenge has been a process that she enjoyed taking on and she looks forward to accomplishing many more in the future.

Amanda said, “Chris and I started creating tie-dye shirts as a fun project one summer day. We had so much fun that we decided to do it several more times that summer, and began to tweak our process to create better quality shirts in a more efficient way. Once we moved to Bowling Green, we continued making shirts, but this time we had people ask about where we got them and how they could get one. We decided, with the help of “Mellow” Matt Pfefferkorn, to sell them at The Great Escape Records & Comics. I had also, around that time, discovered a love of sewing and had started making purses and blankets. I eventually expanded to pants and skirts. The hemp necklaces had been a hobby of mine for several years, and Chris and I mostly wore them ourselves. When people started asking about where to purchase them, we decided that we should add them to the regular stock. Since then, we have formed our own small business and operate primarily out of our home. Most recently, Jennie Nunn has jumped on board and blown us away with her amazing hemp and beaded jewelry designs. She has really inspired me and has helped me to branch out and experiment with different designs.  We are both very excited to work with her.”

“As far as painting is concerned, I prefer to use acrylic paint on canvases and the clocks. When making the jewelry, I like to use all types of beads. I prefer using unique pieces that allow the jewelry to seem more personal to the customer. The hemp is standard hemp, but I use several different sizes and colors. I prefer to use the smaller diameter hemp for anklets and bracelets. For the necklaces, some people prefer the smaller hemp, but others (mostly men) prefer a larger diameter hemp. Men usually prefer the larger diameter hemp for bracelets, as well, as it gives a more masculine quality to the bracelet”, commented Amanda.  

She further stated,”My inspiration comes primarily from my own personal taste. However, I use many different designs and mediums in an attempt to appeal to many different types of people. I believe that people love art that makes them feel unique and touches them on a personal level.  What drives me to keep creating is my love for crafting. I very much enjoy creating things with my hands that are functional, such as the jewelry and purses. I also enjoy when others enjoy what I create”.

I first ran across them at their Hippee Dippee Ware tent at the 2010 Grateful Gathering. That was their first show/festival.  Ms. Brown said they are very excited about participating in the Grateful Gathering coming up again this year and are looking for any other festivals/shows that will have them.

“My future goals include being able to provide more merchandise to customers on a professional level. Another great goal is to have an entire section in a store that I could stock with my merchandise”, stated Amanda. 

She finishes with these words, “I would really like to thank everyone that has helped Chris and I get to where we are today. We are very fortunate to have friends and family that have been supportive of us and our love of crafting. Thank you”!

You can take a first hand look at Amanda, Chris and Jennie’s work at The Great Escape Records & Comics.  Check out their Hippee Dippee Ware Facebook page or reach her by email at acbrown625@gmail.com.

About the author: Ronnie Jaggers is a seasoned sculptor, fine artist and master crafter. Her work can be seen on ChiseledFeaturesStudio.webs.com. She reminds other artists “Trust the beauty of your art, for if you see the beauty, others will too.” To be considered for the featured artist call Ronnie at 791-3505 or email ChiseledFeaturesStudio@yahoo.com