Since the I Heart New Jersey series started, we’ve gotten to know a number of artists that live in NJ. These Garden State makers hone their craft while working with various mediums including clay, metal, paint, film, and more. This time around, we’re putting the spotlight on artists that work with cord, string, and leather textiles.
Quick Click Guide: Click a textile artist to go straight to their profile.
| Woven+Tied | Pretty In…Shop | Leathercraft LLC |
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Laura Sabarese of Woven+Tied
Art has always been one of Laura Sabarese’s first loves. Creating art for as long as she can remember, Laura of Woven+Tied studied art history; graduating with a degree in design before working in various design positions. However, eight years ago, she became a full-time nurse, taking a step back from designing. But after six years, Laura went back to cultivating her creative side as a self-care practice. This then led to her finding a love of macramé.
Learning via online tutorials and Instagram, Laura began making wall hangings and plant hangers for her home, family, and friends. Now, her passion is a business. Located in Long Beach Island, Woven+Tied creates plant hangers and wall hangings as well as mirrors, handbags, and wine totes; Laura does all of this, in fact, using recycled cotton cord. She also enjoys learning and using new knotting techniques, making items that are unique to each client and their personality.
At the moment, Laura is pregnant with her first baby; as a result, she’s making nursery décor and uses round weaving, which she hopes to sell at markets and online. Woven+Tied designs are available online through her website. In addition, custom orders can be placed through direct message on Instagram or via email.
Jenn Schulze of Pretty In…Shop
When Jenn Schulze first began sharing her art, she was mostly just hand painting purses. Pretty In Skulls, her business at the time, was nice, but she felt it was missing something. So in 2017, she rebranded to Pretty In…Shop to also include her true passion, embroidery.
Working out of Forked River, Schulze uses the stitching and hand embroidery techniques she learned from her mom and aunt. (And a few YouTube tutorials.) She loves to create hand embroidered jewelry and home décor, as well as custom requests. Meanwhile, she’s working with other artists right now on some “hush hush” projects.
Pretty In…Shop designs are available online through her website. Likewise, you can place a custom order via email.
Jose Pirul of JP Leathercraft LLC
Jose Pirul, of JP Leathercraft LLC, works with leather because he loves it. But it’s also a chance to show his daughters that you can work hard and still do what you love. Jose loves working with his hands, viewing leatherwork as a calming and soothing activity.
After four years in leatherwork, Juse started making the kinds of items from his home in Passaic he would want; leather items such as custom wallets with names and/or pictures/symbols. Jose uses machines, tools, and technology (including a 3D printer) to stamp and mold his creations.
Jose also loves knowing there is still so much to learn about his craft; he is always reading books as well as watching good leather workers on YouTube. As he continues his work, he knows there are more exciting opportunities to come. This includes a future Kickstarter campaign to introduce personalized leather goods like belts.
JP Leathercraft designs are available through his website and via email.
Click here to find the state’s best textile artists and more from our I HeART New Jersey series.
Top (Hero) Photo: © Laura Sabarese / Woven+Tied
Other Photos (in Order) Courtesy:
Laura Sabarese / Woven+Tied
Jenn Schulze / Pretty In…Shop
Jose Pirul / JP Leathercraft LLC
