Meet Debrah Block-Krol of DBK Designs - Featured Artist

Today it is my pleasure to introduce a fellow SRAJD and The Artisan Group member:  Debrah Block-Krol.  Debrah is the creative force behind DBK Designs.  

Debrah Block-Krol

Wire Mesh Jewelry, Polymer and Gemstone Jewelry, Hand-Dyed Scarves, plus Hand-Knitted Gauntlets (aka Fingerless Gloves) adorn her shop and website.  

edgy and elegant pearl and leather mesh cuff

carribean aqua blue scarf

chic opal earrings  

Let's get to know Debrah further....

How and when did you discover your love for your craft/art?

I have always loved art and creating things since I can remember-

Do you remember the first piece you ever made?

My mother taught me to sew at a very young age. I had one of those children’s antique singer sewing machine (wish I still had it!)—when I was 4 or 5, my mom was making a suit from a small blue and black houndstooth wool fabric..she gave me a scrap, and I made a tiny little purse from it. We were at my grandmother’s house and I remember how I proudly showed it off to my mom and grandmother.

Every Artist has a creative process, can you explain yours?

I just see things in my mind’s eye..i will get an idea and I can see the finished project...it makes me want to get started on things right away even if it is the middle of the night.

When people start doing their craft/art, they tend to try a lot of different things before settling down to something that resonates with them.  How has your work changed since you began?

I have a degree in fine art arts in painting from Rutgers university, and I love the sensuality of painting, but I am naturally drawn to textiles. And I love color—I had a business prior to this knitting colorful item such as hats sweaters, pillows..i said it was akin to painting with yarn.  I started this particular iteration of my business with hand dyed and woven cotton scarves....i progressed to working with mesh and gemstones, have tried out polemer clay, and I am now hand dyeing and felting wool and silk scarves.

The hand dyed wools I use are explosively colorful..back to painting with wool! I hope I keep on evolving and growing.

handknit cashmere fingerless gloves

What inspires you creatively?

Pretty much everything around me—love music, nature, words, dance, especially ballet, fine art….

Can you tell us about some important goals you have achieved with your work?

When I started I wanted to get my work out there, have it appreciated and feel validated. I think I have achieved that, but it is important to keep going--

Who are some of your favorite artists/crafters and why?

One of favorite crafters is my cousin Donna Greenberg---she is an artist and polymer clay designer, and is inventive and has endless creativity and ideas….
also love Kandinsky, Matisse—again the colors and compositions are what draw me in- fine art is the mother lode of inspiration-

I have to give props to my fellow artisans at The Artisan Group.  They are an incredibly diverse and talented bunch. I love seeing their works.

rainy day watercolor ribbon cuff

Any goals for the future you would like to share?

I would like to continue to grow my business and keep creating.

What do you do in your spare time?

What is spare time?! Don’t have any-

If you are displaying or selling your craft/art? Where?

Aside from my website and shop on etsy, I am represented by about 20 galleries and shops nationally.

If you sell online or at physical store.  How many hours per week to you spend in the creative side versus the business side?

I would say 20% business and 80% creative, which of course is the part I prefer and love….

textured silver disk earrings with turquoise pearls

What advice would you give to someone who want to start out or start a business in their craft/art?

Just start! And be persistent, if you don’t promote yourself no one else will. I am naturally shy so I would say push beyond your comfort zone…

If there is anything else you want to add, please feel free to do so.

Thanks for this opportunity-

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Thank you Debrah!  Be sure to check out Debrah's WEBSITE where you can find her beautiful collection of handmade artistic Jewelry and Scarves.  


To purchase any of her gorgeous creations, visit her Etsy Shop or at her new Online Store.


Be sure to also follow Debrah via Facebook and Twitter, too.

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Come back on Wednesday, January 11th, 2012 for our interview with Cami Tout of Camilee Designs.

Until then, take care!