Meet the Makers: elle crée

At Evergreen Custom Gifting we focus on curated, elevated, and locally-inspired keepsakes that create a meaningful connection to our destination. Partnering with fellow creative small business owners whenever possible. In our “Meet the Makers” series we feature the local artisans and makers that provide products for our gifts.

Today we highlight elle crée -- or “she creates” in French -- who produces artist quality paint-by-number kits designed by illustrator Rachel Austen. Featuring a diverse array of designs, including still life’s and iconic historical figures, each kit includes non-toxic hand-mixed acrylic paints and minimal, eco-friendly packaging. Founded in 2017 elle crée uses locally sourced components and USA made materials whenever possible; ideal for the conscious-consumer.

Our Favorite Product

The "Seattle Space Needle" kit depicts the iconic landmark surrounded by the city's official flower - the dahlia - with a flock of Great Blue Heron - the city's official bird - soaring through the Seattle sky. The pre-printed background features Mount Rainier in the distance and the Seattle city skyline. Kits take 3-5 hours to paint. Once complete, select a frame, clipboard, or magnetic picture hangers to display.

Meet Rachel Austen

elle crée is the work of Portland-based artist Rachel Austen. Rachel’s first entrepreneurial venture was selling her handmade jewelry at local craft fairs when was 13 years old. After a 15-year career in print and web design, she’s happy to return to her maker roots and embark on a project that’s truly her own. She started making paint-by-number kits in 2017 out of her desire to create a nostalgic product from her illustrations that customers could interact with and that would spur their own creativity.

What is your favorite part of doing what you do?

I love the challenge of creating illustrations for paint-by-number with a limited color palette and stylized simplicity. It gives me some structure to work with as I'm drawing and that's very appealing!

What new products are you most excited about?

I just released some new designs featuring history-making-women. I'm starting with Michelle Obama and Malala Yousafzai. There will be more to come soon!

What else should we know about

elle crée?

95% of our materials are locally sourced and USA-made. Kits are assembled and shipped with help of a small staff from our workshop in Portland, Oregon. In addition to being an eco-friendly business we’re also committed to an organization of diversity, inclusion, and most importantly inspiration for women & girls everywhere. Beginning in 2020, 5% of our net profits are donated to social and environmental causes.