Every month, we highlight one of the amazing artists in our reuse community. This month, ACR has the privilege of spotlighting Carole LeClair of Handmade Dope who is, in her own words, a “long time crafter and upcycler focusing on mini gardens and clothing” as well as the Board President of ACR and a Legendary Volunteer. You may have seen Carole around the Center as she’s been part of ACR’s journey from the very beginning, having volunteered with the organization since before we had a permanent retail space. She is one of the volunteers who specialize in testing sewing machines that are donated to us before they go out on the sales floor, ensuring that customers know the exact condition of the machine before they buy it, and is always ready to lend a helping hand to any improvements or fixes that need to be made to the Center. Learn more about Carole and how thrifting secondhand materials inspires her creativity in this interview!

When did you learn to sew and how did you start sewing using recycled materials?

I learned to sew from my mother and grandmother while in high school. My interest picked up in college after taking a quilting class. It’s just been a steady climb over the last 50 years. I’ve always loved vintage fabrics and linens so have incorporated more and more in my work.

Do you have other creative hobbies?

I love making succulent gardens from upcycled containers. Haunting thrift stores for chipped and broken china vessels is a favorite pastime. I use my drill press to put holes in the bottom for good drainage and pick cactus and succulent babies from my overflowing garden to fill in. Add a tchotchke and wa-la, you have something adorable.

Which aspect of creating is your favorite?

I’ve collected so many cute fabrics, trims and buttons over the years. I just stand in my craft room and before I know it, my sewing machine is flying along with something new. I love making one of a kind clothing. I insist everything has pockets because sometimes you just have to have one.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Not completely sure where my inspiration comes from. I love old movies, vintage clothing, quilts and all things kitsch.

What is your preferred way to engage with your audience?

I’ve just started doing markets and love to talk to my customers. I like to hear their ideas about what I might make next. I was selling Japanese style aprons and a customer asked if I could turn it into a dress. Once I had the pattern worked out, aprons were out and dresses were in.

How does reuse play a part in your creativity?

I rarely have an idea in my head when it comes to selecting materials. I truly let the material tell me what to do.

Do you ever donate materials to ACR? If so, what compels you to donate?

With so much abundance in the world, I would rather set something free to be used by someone who truly needs it, than to have it sequestered in my craft room or garden bench.

Do you have a favorite ACR find? How did you use it?

OK, not the answer you are expecting, but my favorite ACR find is ACR itself. After retiring and raising my kids, I needed a purpose in my life. I began volunteering for ACR before we had our first center at the Linc. I will never forget the thrill of the first day we were open to the public. After working so hard to build a following, to have folks show up for ACR was beyond magical.

I also picked up a framed photo of Ron and Nancy Reagan posing with their puppy, Rex. It has Rex’s paw print and it proudly hangs in my powder room along with every other weird postcard, photo and painting I’ve picked up over the years.

Where can we find out more about your work?

Currently, you can find my work on my Instagram. I’m hoping to have my website up and running soon. You can always find me at the ACR Winter and Spring Artist Markets.

Artist Spotlight: Carole LeClair

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