Alyssa has been making art their whole life
Growing up in a family of artists, Alyssa’s creativity and love of design were nurtured from a young age. Drawing, sewing, decoupage, crocheting, paper arts, and now beading. These are just a few of the things they have enjoyed in their life. With the help of those around them, Alyssa finds inspiration everywhere. Their series “The Women You Know” is their most well-known project, featuring jewelry pieces based on famous women and women-like figures through history, literature, religion, pop culture, and more.
The Women You Know,
as you’ve never seen them
Frequently asked questions…
Where do you get your ideas?
I think they find me more than anything. When I am out and about, I may find an interesting bead or strand of beads that leads me to ask, “Who is this?” That’s how most of The Women You Know series was created. I see inspiration in supplies, in the world around me, and inside my funny little head.
How do you choose which women to feature?
I only choose which order to post them. The rest is up to them. I get inspired by the most random things and suddenly I’m reading up on a creature from ancient literature that I’m quite sure this strand of beads is meant for.
Where do you get your supplies?
I have a large stash of supplies that I have collected over my lifetime from who knows where. These days, I get most of my beads and other jewelry supplies from www.beadologyiowa.com in Iowa City, Iowa. It’s a small business that not only sells a wide variety of supplies, but offers classes, does repairs and custom work, and supports a community of creatives in all different techniques. I am proud to work there. I love my local feminist bead shop.
Do you sell your pieces?
Currently, I do not sell my art. I am very attached to everything I make, so it’s honestly hard to let go. I do have some designs I intend on selling in the future, but for now, this site is a portfolio of what I’m proud of and examples of the kind of style and thought that I can bring to working on a custom piece with you. Email afemmeproduction@gmail.com for more details on how we can work together.
Where does the name “A Femme Production” come from?
Growing up, my best friends and I likened ourselves to a girl gang, and we were called The Femmes. When I was trying to decide on a overall project name, The Women You Know was heavy on my mind, but I did not want to limit myself to one subject. I needed a wider name. After some workshopping and googling, A Femme Production was born! The Femmes, who are more like my sisters today after almost 30 years of friendship, approve.
What is the best way to contact you?
Email me at afemmeproduction@gmail.com, message me on instagram, tweet at me over on Twitter, message me on facebook. I also have a YouTube channel.