Evelyne Frick creates wearable art pieces .
Crafty Creator
E velyne Frick has dabbled in just about every craft skill known to man : sewing , felting , weaving , crocheting , embroidery , knitting , beading , painting , ceramics — the list goes on . Or maybe “ dabble ” isn ’ t a fair word , as Frick holds separate degrees in home economics as well as arts and crafts , both earned in Switzerland . She also taught for seven years in Liechtenstein , the small European country where she was born and raised . In fact , she can ’ t remember a time when she wasn ’ t creating , describing her childhood as “ times when we didn ’ t even have TV yet , so many days and evenings were spent on creative projects instead .”
A faithful presence at Sawdust Art Festival for the past 18 years , Frick is primarily known for her wearable art , creating everything from painted hats and beanies to totes and crocheted scarves — statement pieces made with lots of bright , bold colors and textures . She also crafts paintings that incorporate felines . Indeed , anyone who has ever been to the festival likely remembers her booth , deemed the Kitty Corner . “ At Sawdust , I am known as the designated cat lady ,” she says . “ I love painting cats .”
Formative years and her extensive arts education aside , nature is a main source of inspiration for Frick , especially the mountains . “ I love to create using many color combinations ,” she reveals . “ Sometimes it might be very bright and colorful , then monochromatic , but always flowing together — harmonious and pleasing to the eye .” After living in Laguna Beach for 20 years , Frick moved to nearby Laguna Woods ; she splits her time
A scarf ( top ) and tote bag , both made by Frick
between there and Idyllwild , often finding inspiration while hiking , the shapes and colors of found objects morphing into new ideas before her eyes .
When creating a new piece , her process is largely intuitive . Starting with the color scheme , which dictates the fabrics and yarns she chooses , Frick cuts the fabric into smaller strips and shapes . Next comes the fun part : arranging the pieces into an image or geometric design on the backing fabric . Yarn is added to complete the design . The more tedious and time-consuming tasks come next , with Frick stitching , beading and hand embroidering . Once stabilized , washed and dried , Frick can finally see
what the piece looks like and decide if it needs more work or if it ’ s ready to be added to a tote bag or other item .
After the fabric piece is finished , she can use it in a variety of different projects . Regardless , each item is truly one-of-akind . “ I put all my heart and love into it ,” Frick says . “ I produce everything myself , without any helpers .”
Frick is currently showing her work at Sawdust ’ s Winter Fantasy . Her hand-painted hats and visors are also sold at The T-Shirt Co ., not far from Main Beach .
EVELYNE FRICK : 949-290-3836 ; EVISLILSHOP . COM
LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 71