MAKER MONDAY: LETTERS & ROPE

This winter’s been long and I think we could all use a little cheering up. Luckily that is exactly the type of thing Letters & Rope specializes in! Jordyn Fitzgerald is a Sudbury area maker of weavings, hand-lettered creations and other goods that will make your heart happy. She uses all sorts of different materials including recycled scraps from old clothes and hand painted yarns to weave whimsical patterns with nostalgic colour schemes. Jordyn tries her best to create pieces that will spark joy in their new homes so its hard not to be in a good mood once you’ve added a piece of hers to your walls. Check out her website www.lettersandrope.com to see her downloadable 4 part zine series for a great read and some delightful illustrations. Want to learn more? We got the scoop from Jordyn herself on everything you need to know about Letters & Rope!

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A post shared by Letters & Rope by Jordyn (@lettersandrope)

How would you describe your style as a maker?

My style is whimsical, rooted in colour schemes I’ve loved as a child — ones that remind me of Farqhuar’s cotton candy ice cream in the summertime, the leaves of autumn that crunch when you walk to school. My style is focused on finding the joy in a small, simple moment, and bringing the beauty of that forward. It’s also evolving to include reminders of our inherent worth and power as womxn.

What range of items do you offer?

Currently, I offer wall hangings / tapestries and zines. I started out making holiday cards and ornaments for my first-ever market.

How were you first introduced to weaving?

I had this longing to create a weaving for over 6 months. Finally, I caved to the desire and googled “how to weave for beginners”. This desire was definitely given to me from something beyond me, as I’d never ever seen anyone weave before in my life and just knew I had to learn. Soon after, I learned that my great grandmother was skilled in textile art!

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A post shared by Letters & Rope by Jordyn (@lettersandrope)

What are your favourite materials to work with?

My favourite materials are scraps and handpainted yarn. Scraps of fabric from old clothing feel magical to weave into new pieces. Handpainted yarn from other artisans feels extra special to use, like an honour to incorporate their artistry into my own. I also love using cotton rope, it gives beautiful texture. I’d like to start using more ethically made textiles, and recycled pieces in my work.

You also have a digital zine series available for download. Can you tell us more about this project?

Yes! Again, this was a desire that came to me like a download to my brain: to make 4 zines in 4 months. I’d get pieces of the project each day I showed up to do the work of writing — it was the easiest project I’ve worked on because the inspiration was literally handed over to me. It was also the most challenging project because it felt intensely vulnerable to share with the world. There are personal reflections in these zines on my experience being a woman in our society and what that means in terms of safety, personal expression, and internalized oppression. My hope is these zines make their way into the hands of people who need to see themselves reflected in their words and illustrations.

Do you take custom orders? Have you had any favourites?

I take the occasional custom order when it feels like the right fit.

When I started as a maker, I created custom handlettered ornaments for the holidays. These brought me so much joy to work on. Creating pieces for grandparents with all their grandchildren’s names on it, or for parents-to-be announcing their soon-to-be-baby to their family. These are the most special pieces I’ve worked on because I got to be a part of those joyful moments in that family’s story.

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A post shared by Letters & Rope by Jordyn (@lettersandrope)

Do you have any tips for other makers who may be looking to start selling their own creations?

For makers who feel ready to start selling their own creations, do what feels good to you. Your body is smart and will signal to you with tight chests and sinking stomachs when something is off. It’ll also tell you when something is on-point. For me, I know a next-step is the right one when I feel a tingle down my spine, or warmth at the base of my skull.

For makers who have yet to sell their work because they do not feel ready: By choosing to not yet sell your work, you are no less of a maker than anyone else. You are doing a great job. You are inherently valuable and it is enough to make your artwork just for you.

One last tip: look into “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron.

Give a shout out to some of your other favourite local makers!

There are so many… a few whose work lives in my house include:

Tracy Baker from Yellow House, Aly Becker, My sister Paityn (Rebel Rouser), SOS Botanicals, and Zana’s Cards

Also, shout out to the folks at Sew Local Stitch Lounge. I’m in love with their workshops and the humans behind it are grounded, caring & encouraging.

Any upcoming markets we can catch you at?

TBD 🙂 For now, my work is featured at Good Luck Store downtown Sudbury.

Where can we follow you for updates and to see more work?

I share updates through my newsletter (https://bit.ly/2TeiAIe) and on insta @lettersandrope