Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

Hi Cut Out and Keep folks! My name is Lexi Mire Brantman and I am an artist living in Jacksonville, Florida with my husband and two kitties. While my roots are in photography, my career in embroidery began thanks to Instagram. I started embroidering hats and other accessories for fun in 2017, and when my photos went viral on Instagram, hundreds of people wanted to order a hat! I stitched custom pieces for years, and when it became obvious that the demand was larger than I was able to keep up with, I started developing DIY tutorials, so my followers could create their own embroidered items. Many hats and projects later, I was given the opportunity to write a book to share how to stitch in my signature style. When I am not embroidering, I love experimenting with printmaking, painting and writing.

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Tell us a bit about the book?

Beautiful Embroidered Accessories provides easy ways to personalize hats, bandanas, tote bags, denim and your favorite clothing with floral details. Up-cycle a piece of clothing you've had for a while by turning it into a one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art! This book is made for embroidery curious people of ALL experience levels. My style is modern and super easy to learn! Readers will be decking out their items in floral details in no time.

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What was the inspiration behind it?

I have been embroidering hats for years and always received SO many questions from curious stitchers who wanted to start projects of their own. Embroidering on alternative materials is challenging, and requires a lot of research and trial and error. Teaching people how to embroider using my knowledge and years of practice has been such a joy for me, so I was so happy for the opportunity to expand my embroidery education into book form.

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Which is your favourite project?

I am a sucker for oranges, so my favorite project is probably Sweet Florida Oranges. Stitchers can transform a hat by adding a giant, lush orange and orange blossoms.

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What is your craft space like?

I am lucky enough to have a shared studio in CoRK Arts District, in Jacksonville Florida. It is a large warehouse that has since been transformed into artist studios. It has incredible wood floors, high ceilings and great light. I share this space with my husband, who is a professional photographer, and two other artist friends. It is amazing to be surrounded by other creatives when you're at work.

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Have you always been creative?

I'd like to think so! My dad is a painter, so the urge to be creative began as wanting to be creative like him. When it turned out that painting wasn't my strength, I started exploring other creative mediums, and discovered photography in middle school. I grew a good sized following on Flickr and Tumblr through my High School years and learned about photography and creative expression with a community of other people my age, all sharing our work online from across the world. It was a joy to be a part of.

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When did you first start crafting?

I have been painting since I can remember and the painting that sticks out in my mind is a blue canvas with an orange cat dressed like a princess under a disco ball. A paw is sticking out on the right side of the painting, presumably asking her to dance. I asked my Aunt for $50 for the painting, which she obviously did not give me haha! But she still has it on display in her home.

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Who are your crafty heroes?

There are so many amazing artists in the embroidery community! Sarah K. Benning, Emillie Ferris, Irem Yazici, and Tessa Perlow are some of my all time favorites.

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Where do you find inspiration?

I often look to nature, botanical illustrations, and art history for inspiration. I have so much fun researching a new flower or plant that I would like to stitch.

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What's next for you?

I am pursuing more art for art's sake rather than commissioned pieces, so I will be in my studio making art and supporting my community in ways big and small.