New Orleans Craft Mafia

New Orleans Craft Mafia, Crafting In The Big Easy

New Orleans chapter

The New Orleans Craft Mafia, Crafting In The Big Easy

By Nicole Lee

In a town where everyone expresses their artistic side, the New Orleans Craft Mafia (NOCM) makes it their business. Using the model set by the Austin Craft Mafia, the originators behind the Craft Mafia concept, the New Orleans chapter was formed June 2005 by Rachelle Matherne of Green Kangaroo. Inviting other crafters and artists from the craft scene to join her, Matherne was reaching out to other likeminded indie artists. “I definitely wanted people who were treating it like a real business and people who had sort of an “alternative” for lack of a better word, style to their work”. Despite Hurricane Katrina hampering the fledging group in its early formation, scattering some members temporarily out of state, the founding members are diligent with keeping their goals for the group. Founding member, Margaret Coble of Art by Mags!, has been returning from Kentucky almost every month since the hurricane to vend at local events on her own and with the group. Coble has experienced first hand how consumer support for crafters has grown, even in an already DIY/artist friendly New Orleans. “[After Katrina] they really prioritized their spending, wanting to support locally made goods, whether we [artists] were located in New Orleans or had been displaced and were trying to get home”. Mark Kirk and Heather Macfarlane of Unique Products have also noticed a change. Macfarlane says, “There are a lot more art markets to vend at as folks like to shop within their neighborhoods to help regenerate them… the first Christmas after the storm, many businesses had their best Christmas ever as folks couldn’t go to malls and had to shop local, it’s a shame it takes a national disaster for folks to shop local”.

Shopping local and recycling/repurposing is also a priority among the members and it is something that they regularly incorporate into their crafts. “Definitely the thrift stores” say Coble. Red, White and Blues on the West Bank, R4Art and The Green Project for found objects and upcycling. Baldwin and Taylors for jewelry findings and displays and Jefferson Variety for fabric and Mardi Gras supplies.

The NOCM, on the eve of its third year anniversary has grown to a eight member collective, Rachelle Matherne of Green Kangaroo, Margaret Coble of Art by Mags!, Mark Kirk & Heather Macfarlane of Unique Products, Kerry Fitts of Bayou Salvage, Kelly Claverie of Claverie Crafts, Tressa Procter-King of Flambeaux Design Company, Jennie Detweiler of Jeremy the Alien Designs, Mallory Whitfield of Dismantled Designs and Miss Malaprop are well on track with group seasonal markets and trunk shows across the Crescent City.

When asked of any tips for people wanting to start a business, Matherne advises “Treat your business like a business from the start”. Coble also adds, “And just be prepared financially, because chances are good you won’t be making a killing from the get go. It’s tough doing a business on your own, but totally worth it”.

Leave a Reply