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Lacy Vancourt’s best ideas happen at home. “I get inspiration from everywhere: vintage textiles, music, contemporary art, traditional tattoos, you name it,” she says. But nothing really speaks to the artist and Texas native like the flora and fauna of her home state—a subject that has come to define her one-of-a-kind patches and embroidery.
For the past four years, Vancourt has been operating her business, DieTrying TX, out of her sunny south Austin home. Her felt patches, which look especially rad when placed on worn denim jackets, are made one at a time with an antique hand-operated machine. Vancourt’s textile work also spans blankets, bandanas, hats, and T-shirts.
“I’ve always had an interest in textiles and traditional crafts, although my background is in fine art,” says the artist. After buying her first chain-stitch embroidery machine on a whim back in 2014, Vancourt turned what was only supposed to be a hobby into a full-time pursuit. “I honestly just thought it would be a fun thing to learn. Two years later, I decided to give it a go as a business.”
Hailing from a long line of Texans (Vancourt’s family has been in the state since the Texas revolution), the artist’s home/studio is steeped in history. Along with literal reminders like the “Don’t mess with Texas Women” sticker on her office mood board, Vancourt plays up subtle nods to her roots and landscape through smaller mementos, textiles, and ceramic figurines.
While technically a three-bedroom home, the 1,500-square-foot space is currently configured as a one-bedroom—leaving a room for Vancourt’s own studio as well as an office for her husband. After first purchasing the property six years ago, the couple began renovating the house room by room.
With influences ranging from Southwestern farmhouse to mid-century modern, it’s hard to peg the interior to one aesthetic. Instead, her space is a fusion of old and new and contemporary and antique.
“I like a good mix and tend to just purchase and make decisions based on what I like and not worry too much about a specific style,” says Vancourt of her blended approach to decor. Labels need not apply.
Despite the vibrant threads that line her studio, Vancourt admits she’s a sucker for white walls—Cloud White by Benjamin Moore is her go-to paint swatch. “Color is at the core of everything for me, both in what I create and the space I live in, But in my living space, I like to go with a more neutral backdrop with colorful accents,” explains Vancourt.
Printed textiles, leafy plants, and a rich range of woods breathe texture and life into the living room. Hints of Vancourt’s favorite hues (teal, pink, and orange included) can be spotted on the surfaces of throw pillows and picture frames.
Along with owning a quality mattress (“It can change your life!” she says), her favorite investment item in her home is her dining table.
“Our kitchen table is pretty special. It was a splurge for us, but it’s incredibly old and incredibly well made. I am so happy with it and I know it’s a piece we will have for the rest of our lives,” she says.
Now in her fourth year of business, WFH feels second nature to the artist-turned-entrepreneur. Though, that’s not to say Vancourt hasn’t ever felt tempted to stay in her PJs all day or stay up until midnight answering emails. Her one word of advice for anyone looking to do the same? Set your work hours.
“I recently read somewhere about the rule of eight: eight hours of work, eight hours of sleep, eight hours of living/enjoying your life,” says Vancourt. “It’s a struggle sometimes, but without balance, it’s hard to keep the inspiration flowing. My natural instinct is to work all the time because I truly love what I do, but I’m striving for more balance. Maybe this will be my year!”
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