Glad you could join our us for 10 Silly Questions with the proprietor of Liquorice-Allosaurs, Pat Phillips!  We asked Pat 10 questions that will tell us more about who Pat is.  So, let’s begin!

Question #1 – For those of us that are geographically challenged, where are you located?

London, England

Question #2 – Why Liquorice-Allosaurs?

It just came to me one night when I was trying to get to sleep.  I was dreaming about Liquorice-Allosaurs; I couldn’t get the idea out of my head, and at the time I’d been puzzling over a name for the rapidly expanding business so I figured my subconscious way trying to tell me something and that’s how Liquorice-Allosaurs was born.  Anyway, sweeties (candy) plus huge extinct carnivorous reptiles has got to be a good combination.

Question #3 – Have you ever made a jewelry piece that you could not part with?

This happens all too often!  It will usually be something very unusual or elaborate that I will keep for a special occasion.

Question #4 – What inspires you when you are creating an art piece?

Fun!  Whether the finished piece is intended to be cute, girly, rockin, vintage kitsch or dark there will always be a sense of fun – that comes first.  Then, once I have a basic idea to work with I’ll gather all my materials together and let them inspire me.  I like to use unexpected materials or combine unusual ideas to give my work a quirky feel.  I like cute things, but I also have a dark side to throw in the mix.  A good example would be my Arachnophobia necklaces, which use fat, opulent pearls, chunky jet-black flower beads…and huge flocked spiders.  I love turning something that isn’t obvious into a jewelry piece and get a lot of enjoyment out of spotting those unusual items and knowing exactly what I want to do with them.

Question #5 – What are a few of your favorite indie craft websites?

Do you mean for shopping and browsing?  In that case it would be Plastic Bat, I love the quirky cuteness and faintly vintage feel, a lot of the stuff there has a strange nostalgic feel to it and there is always something fun to see and buy there.  My Paper Crane is also a favourite for plush and beautiful collages.  Another one I’ve been enjoying is Cuteable, a blog that has a very strong craft bias, although it isn’t about crafting as such.  To be honest there is such a wealth of craft blogs and websites out there I get dizzy every time I try to sit down and read, I’m sure I miss out on a lot of good ones…I’m hoping to get a few pointers from Indie Yellow Pages!

Question #6 – What is your favorite food?

Oh dear, food is one of my greatest loves; how to choose?  I like to eat healthily and adore cooking but to be honest I know what my comfort food is. A traditional (veggie) British fry-up, with all the trimmings, plus a scalding mug of super strong tea.  Not exactly gourmet, but on a Saturday morning with a hangover from hell, nothing else will do.

Question #7 – What is the last book you read?

I just re-read Pippi Longstocking.  Every gal should read that book.

Question #8 – If you were stranded on a deserted island and you could take only one thing with you, what would it be?

A boat?  Um…failing that, a utility knife with a secret compartment full of a lifetime’s supply of sun block (I have fair skin you see).  I suppose I’m quite a practical gal.

Question #9 – How would you describe your taste in clothing and the way you dress?

I love clothes so I can’t restrict myself to one look.  I am a veteran punk so on lazy days ripped jeans and cool t-shirts are my default, but I adore dressier styles too.  A big flouncy vintage prom dress worn with tattoos, beads and attitude, beautifully tailored men’s dress shirts, corsets; clothing from the 1950’s or 60’s, preferably genuine vintage.  I go for lovely tactile fabrics and jewel colours.  Thinking about it most of my favourite clothes are vintage, I prefer the fabrics and cut.  I’ll put together an outfit that no one else can have that way.

Question #10 – Do you have another job other than running Liquorice-Allosaurs?

I do a whole bunch of creative stuff, including art and gardening workshops for children, and occasionally nature walks for kids as well.  The kids keep me on my toes; you can’t be bored or uninspired doing that kind of work.