Lamoore Designs is a one-woman, limited production studio producing handmade items sold in Atlantic Canada. The company was born from my desire to remain in the place I love, and do what I feel I was born to do. The name, "Lamoore", is derived from my own personal name, Laura Ann Moore.

 Inspiration
All of my finished designs evolve from the same initial step: study an ordinary object and ask "what else could this be?" It is this challenge of making something from nothing that is my constant motivator. I prefer junk shops to art supply stores and I believe that rust,cracks and other signs of age only add value and interest.

Training:
I Graduated in 2000 from CBU with a 4 year degree in Anthropology/Sociology. I believe my University education made me a better person. It gave me the critical thinking/analytical skills needed to figure out where I belong in this world, and what I should be doing with my life. Sometimes, people will say to me, "You spent 4 years in university getting an academic degree and now you're an artist?!?" Yup, no regrets.

Why entrepreneurship?
In a small town with consistently high unemployment rates, I had no real hope of *finding* a local job that would provide the fulfillment I was seeking--so I *made* one! Entrepreneurship was an alternative to leaving home. And, yes, it was (is) also my Dream.

When did this crafty stuff start?
I have been designing and making for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, the teachers indulged my creative instincts by allowing me to color/draw/cut and paste while the rest of the class moved on to the next subject...they knew I meant business I guess, haha. One of my report cards has "tends to daydream" as the teacher's comment! I can not remember ever *not* having some sort of project on the go...in High School I started staying home from class so I could work on "my stuff", which I would then take to local markets.

Why Found Objects?
This is where my heart lies-with the small, forgotten, undervalued remnants of daily life. I delight in elevating the status of the "mundane" in a way that calls into question our societal notions surrounding beauty and value.

Why jewelry?
When I started out, I decided to make only what I myself liked, that way I wouldn't be disappointed if people didn't want it...I could keep the leftovers! I love accessories, and appreciate jewelry's potential for expressing individual style, taste and values.

How's it going so far?
Exactly what I hoped it would be. Challenging, rewarding, exciting. My work makes me feel truly connected to my community and my world...like what I do matters. It's a great feeling. Each night, I go to sleep exhausted from the day's tasks, and when I wake up the next day, I can't wait to get back to it. It took the first three years to make the company sustainable, that's a long time to wait, but I've been really really fortunate to be surrounded by a super-awesome support team...thank you to all the amazing people!

What next?
In April, 2009, Lamoore Designs will be 5 years old. Stay tuned to see what exciting developments unfold!

Classes/advice:
People often ask exactly how I make this or that product. Usually, these are trade secrets. I believe in protecting the integrity of my work, and also my customers' interest in unique products they can't find everywhere else. That said, I *am* willing to share everything I've learned about starting and running a small business. I want to see more people explore this as a viable career option, and would really love to help in any way I can. If you live in Cape Breton and haven't already done so, I urge you to visit the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design--it's where I started my quest back in 2003, and where I still go when I need answers.

When not in her workshop, Laura Moore can be found strolling around outdoors or at various second-hand outlets, looking lovingly at items no one else wants, eyes twinkling, wheels turning!