Today we’re back for our second edition of Makers To Note with Atlanta local, Libby Hockenberry. Libby is a lead florist + designer at Amanda Jewel Floral + Design, located just outside of Atlanta in Tucker,GA. We had so much fun getting to know Libby better, as well as getting to take a tour of the beautiful (new) Amanda Jewel studio she gets to create in each day.

If you missed the first post in this series, check it out here (with the talented Erin of Paper Raven Co). Otherwise, enjoy getting to take a peek inside the creative brains of Libby with our interview with her below!

Tells us a bit about your background…where did you grow up? Were you creative as a child? Did your upbringing encourage or delay your creative endeavors? etc.

I’m originally from Macon and grew up in a family that was very focused on music and the arts. I’ve basically been drawing/painting since I was old enough to hold a pencil. My parents always encouraged me to pursue my interests in art and even signed me up for private watercolor lessons when I was only 8 years old. When I wasn’t drawing or painting, I was playing piano and practicing my scales. I started playing when I was five years old and never really stopped. I definitely appreciate the focus on the arts that my parents put into my upbringing.

Did you go to any type of schooling for your craft or are you self-taught?

 I feel I’m mostly self taught, however I studied art from a very young age all the way through college. While studying studio art at Georgia State, I was mostly drawn towards sculpture. Working with my hands and seeing my designs come to life through different mediums intrigued me. Floral design offers me this same feeling. When I started working at Amanda Jewel I only knew the basics of floral design. Amanda has taught me so much over the past year and a half and I’m very grateful to be able to work for her and alongside her.

 

Where do you create? At home? In a studio etc.

 As of a month ago we moved into our new studio at Amanda Jewel so I get to create there. It’s such a great space to work in and offers more inspiration than ever before.

 

Are you full time with your craft? Part time/side gig? Is it your goal to ever be full time?

 Fortunately enough, I can say that I have the privilege of only having one job doing exactly what I love. I don’t think there is much that gets me more excited than flowers and plants (well maybe food). I think it is so important to pursue your dreams and work towards being able to do something you love. We spend most of our hours at our jobs so why not love what you do!

What inspires you + motivates you to keep pursuing creative endeavors?

 Honestly, the thing that inspires me the most to keep creating is the challenge of always creating something new and different. I’m constantly using my surroundings and the things and moments I come into contact with as inspiration for my designs. I strive to be unique in my creations which is something that can be really tough to achieve in this day and age. However, when I feel as though I’ve achieved that…it makes me want to keep going.

What are your essentials when creating?

 Coffee, music and a sharp pair of clippers

Do you listen to anything while you work? Tv? music? podcast? if so, what?!

 When I work I am constantly listening to music. I’m always blasting my music in the studio while designing or processing flowers. Whoever I choose to listen to always sets my tone for the day. I seriously couldn’t work/live without it.

[ Pictured above, Libby working in her Blue Sky Papers Constellation Journal ]

Tell us about your favorite project you’ve gotten to work on?

 I really don’t think I could choose! I seriously get giddy about each and every wedding and event I get to work on so I guess that means all of them are my favorite.

What would be your dream job/project/collaboration?

 There is a project called Flower House out of Detroit that I would absolutely die to be a part of. Floral designers from all over the country collaborated to fill an abandoned house with flowers. The installations they created were beyond beautiful and inspiring. I would love to do something like this or be a part of this project one day.

What are your favorite sites/blogs/apps online that you can’t do without?

 Urban Jungle Blog, Home Polish, Design Milk, Design Sponge, Kinfolk, Botanical Brouhaha, and Floret Flowers are some of my everyday go to’s

Thanks again, to Libby and the whole Amanda Jewel team for letting us pick your brains, check out the new studio and share your story with our readers!

Everybody, be sure to show Libby + Amanda Jewel some love on Insta + FB and give them a like/follow!

Till next time,

Court

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