If decreasing your carbon footprint is high on your list of priorities, you’re going to love the products by Frances Grace Design. Her reusable citrus gifting bags are perfect for hostess gifts at a summer soiree and these adorable cotton tote bags will help you reduce your plastic consumption while increasing your eco-friendly-chic look. We can’t wait to share the Frances Grace Design story and brand with you today!
Hi Fran! Thanks for telling us your story today! Can you please tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, I’m Fran, a Brit living in the DFW area of Texas, via Little Rock, Arkansas. My husband and I have been together for 20 years, we have 2 daughters, aged 13 and 11. In addition, we have two kitties, and much to their dismay, foster kittens also.
I love all textile arts, particularly hand embroidery, tie dyeing and garment making. I am also passionate about finding sustainable alternatives, so my work incorporates upcycling, natural fibres and creating useful, practical items.
We love the art you create and the way your items promote a sustainable lifestyle! Who inspires you?
My daughters inspire me – their aptitude for learning new things and problem solving. They don’t see limitations the same way that I do. Career-wise I chose to primarily stay at home to care for them since they were babies. Therefore, I would like them to see that as girls/women they are capable of anything they put their minds to.
What a lovely way to encourage your daughters in their dreams as they seee you following yours! Tell us about your business! What do you make and how long have you been doing it?
My business is called Frances Grace Design. I know, not exactly a creative name! However, I do love the combination of my first and last name. I can also be a bit indecisive, so my focus can vary, and I wasn’t pinned down to knowing exactly what I wanted my business to look like and imagined that it would evolve. So, by calling the business Frances Grace Design, it allowed it to take on fluidity without the need for a name change.
Since May 2020 I have been making customized tote bags and reusable gifting/produce bags using natural cotton fabric and embroidery floss, or rubber stamps. More recently I have begun adding embroidered designs to thrifted and upcycled clothing (Preloved Stitches). I absolutely love exploring new thrift stores and recirculating my old favourites too. Some days I find all the things, and then others absolutely nothing!
What a great way to follow your passions and allow your business to grow with you! Why did you get involved with MMC?
I got involved with MMC in July 2020 after seeing them put out a call for makers on Instagram. I had visited the original store in Bishop Arts and loved the unique finds, and that it supported local, hand-made and women creatives. The Bishop Arts District is so fun and always evolving with new stores, restaurants and wall murals and art, you never know what you’re going to find when you visit.
We love the area for the exact same reasons! So glad you answered that Instagram call out! What is your favorite part of your job?
The favourite part of my job has got to be embroidering in the sunshine, with a coffee!
That sounds like a perfect way to work! If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Top of the list of places to visit has to be Hawaii – my husband and I (without kids) should have visited for my birthday last year… obviously 2020 had other ideas! I’ve always loved the beach and tropical weather, possibly from living in Australia briefly as a child. The appeal is the low key, and small feel of the beautiful islands.
We hope you make it to Hawaii soon! Thank you so much for sharing your story with us today, Fran! WE are so glad to have you as a maker at Mosaic Makers Collective!
Want to learn more about our makers or shop Frances Grace Design? Check out these additional resources:
- Visit our shop in the Bishop Arts District
- Meet more of our Mosaic Makers on the Blog