maker: debra weiss fiber artist & designer of rebe
1. please introduce yourself?
i am debra weiss and i am a fiber artist. i have been making pieces from fiber since late 60’s/ early 70’s. i grew up in southern california and started sewing and crocheting with my mom. we made my clothes, barbie clothes, afghans and quilts. i then taught myself macrame and made pieces i sold at venice beach in the early 70’s. at college i studied textile design but did not start an “official” business until 25 years later.
2. what do you make or do?
i make woman’s clothing, bags, accessories, fabric art pieces.
the mainstay of my business is the woman’s clothing, which i design. my goal is to create pieces that can be everyday wear, they are a bit bohemian, a bit eclectic, definitely feminine. i like to imagine gorgeous fields, a bike with a basket of fresh vegetables and flowers, a country cottage and my designs. i also see my pieces working in the city, comfortable and convenient with pockets for walking and public transport.
3. where can we find your creations?
the best to find me is at craft festivals listed on my website
or to buy on line at
4. how long have you been creating and is it your full-time job?
i have been creating most of my life, over 40 years now. i started it as more of a serious business in 2001 and became my full time job in 2007.
5. where do you find inspiration?
i find my inspiration every where. i am inspired by my oldest daughter, hillery. i am inspired by textiles. i am inspired by day to day living and the beauty that can be there. i am inspired by the amazing number of awesome people i have met by doing my business.
6. what’s on the horizon for you and what you do?
i am looking forward to a move away from southern california but not sure where i will go. ideally northern cal. i hope one day to open a bed and breakfast and continue to make things. perhaps have a little studio, gallery and storefront.
7. if money wasn’t an issue how would your life change with regards to your art?
i think if money were not an issue i would have already changed my surrounding environment to a preferred location and be making even more than i do now. i would also be traveling more to do more shows so i could expose more people to my pieces so when i eventually settle down people would know to find me.
thanks debra!
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