Brigida Clément

By Liwou

An interview with a teacher of just about everything!

Brigida Clément

She’s 44 years old, the mother of 2 boys, aged 12 and 16, a teacher, and an illustrator. She lives near Lausanne, Switzerland. Take a look at her incredible work:

Ok, now onto the interview ….
Anything to say about DIY?
DIY?! I fell in love with it when I was little!!! I used to make crafts out of anything I could get my hands on!
Actually, I still do it daily since I teach young children (5 and 6 years old). It can become a part of reading, writing, and math classes (yes, my students do in fact learn!).
Since 1995, salt dough modelling became my real inspiration. I could never seem to get my hands out of the flour or my models out of the oven. Many a time a cashier has looked at me with giant eyes of surprise upon seeing my shopping cart full of nothing but salt and dough. It’s amazing that I still marvel at something so simple, but salt dough modelling allows for endless creativity. I also enjoy creating pieces that incorporate other materials like wood, cork, and rattan, and making 3D objects. I’ve offered many classes to adults throughout French-speaking Switzerland over the last 10 years.
Sewing, cross-stitch, and flower-arrangement are also passions, but I can’t forget to mention how much I adore drawing for children’s books. Take a look at: www.10pages.net

And what about cold porcelain?
I found out about the possibilities of cold porcelain randomly while surfing the net. But I’ve become captivated by the works of French and South American artists. I am currently exploring the world of cold porcelain, as it is a very beautiful moulding material…
 

You are a teacher. Many of our Fiskarettes are also teachers or have children. What can a teacher with a flair for arts provide to children, in your opinion?
I truly believe creative activities are very important both during and outside of school time. There are many different activities to organize for children. We often come up with craft learning materials. Having a large number of craft-making techniques at your disposal makes it easier to make fun and unique toys for learning.
 

Your blog includes several kinds of arts and crafts like salt dough modelling, sewing, and decorations. Is there some other kind of craft that you’ve never tried but would like to try one day?
Yes, oil painting on canvas and home decorating
 

Did you learn everything solely through the Internet?
No, the internet has become a real part of my life since I launched my website (in November 2007). Before that I didn’t know what a forum or a blog was. Before launching my website, I used arts and crafts magazines and books.
 

What do you like the most about working with your hands?
To be in the middle of a project! I love thinking of an idea and then bringing it to life, knowing it’s a one of a kind, hand-made project.
 

Is there anything you wish I would have asked you?

How has my blog changed my life?
In just a few months my work has received a lot of recognition, even from abroad. This has really made me proud.

Thank you for the interview, Brigada!!
You can find her on her blog: Babou bricole

There you can find examples of her work, with excellent explanations (remember, she’s a teacher by trade). You’ll also find wonderful ideas for teachers (of course there’s no obligation to check it out), and for those of you who live nearby, you can find out about her workshops.
Enjoy her blog and we hope to see your cold porcel