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Showing posts with label The Artist Behind The Shop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Artist Behind The Shop. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The Artist Behind The Shop: Ann Bernadette

This week, I would like to introduce you to the lovely Monica Ann Bernadette and her beautiful work.

When did you start crafting?

I can't remember starting to craft. But I can remember the endless projects I had in my room with glue, dixie cups, and kabob sticks as a very small child. By 5th grade I was selling hemp necklaces to my entire 5th grade class. I would have just given them away instead of selling them, but my parents made me start funding this expensive hobby, so I had no choice. That was shut down shortly after it began though, apparently the administrators didn't think elementary school was an appropriate place for business.

What was your motivation?

As a child my art was my entertainment. In college it became a way to decompress and take my mind of school. Now as an adult, it has been the motivation to love waking up for work in the morning.

Which one of your designs makes you feel prouder of yourself?

The Philanthropy Ring ( http://www.etsy.com/listing/48598603/philanthropy-ring-handmade-5-dollars ). I have a bachelor's degree in Finance. I studied this with the intention of working with developing countries, and I spent the greater part of 2010 in Nicaragua with a micro finance institution working with people in poverty and Kiva.org. Besides crafting and art, my passion lies in Latin America and philanthropy. I came back from Nicaragua inspired to put all my efforts into my crafts, but felt torn away from giving back. My philanthropy ring is the start to blending my two passions.


What kind of things inspires you?

Lately, I can't get enough of colors. And the outdoors.


Do you have any favorite book, movie, comic, etc?

Books:
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A Primate's Memoir by Robert M. Sapolsky

Autobiographies are also fun to read, I love picturing them form the thoughts and write the words I see in front of me.

Movies:I like romantic comedies when I'm feeling positive about my relationship status, and horror films all the other times :)


Which one and why is it your favorite?

I'll declare A Primate's Memoir as my favorite because I will bet you haven't read it. It is hilarious, and I love anything in life that can make me smile and laugh out loud (even when alone in public), whether it people, movies, or books. It's a pretty straight forward standard.Can I have two favorites? Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance reminded me that art is in everything we do, and to make something well is to really care about it, and to meditate in the process so it is of quality.


Is there a place you’ve visited that left a big impression in you?

Managua, Nicaragua. I worked in a micro finance institution helping establish a strong connection between lenders, borrowers, institution staff, and kiva.org itself. Our clients were all Nicaraguans in poverty. Everyday was an eye opening and inspiring experience. My heart is still in that country.




Would you like to share any advice with your fellow artists?

Never stop learning. Life is ever changing, so keep your mind active, your prejudices refutable, and your heart open. Those creative juices will just keep flowing.

Where can people find you? (Blog, twitter, Facebook...)

Facebook: Ann Bernadette
Twitter: AnnBernadette




______________________
Thank you very much dear Monica!

Don´t forget to visit her lovely shop :)



Thursday, November 26, 2009

The Artist Behind The Shop: Karen

This week, I´d like to introduce you to the lovely Karen from The Beaded Pillow.

When did you start crafting?


I started making jewelry about 3 years ago.

What was your motivation?

We couldn’t find the “perfect” necklace to match a dress my mom bought, so we bought the supplies needed to make a necklace and things just took off from there.

Which one of your designs makes you feel prouder of yourself?

I crafted a parrot pillow for my daughter; it was very ornate and seemed to take forever. I must have used a thousand beads on that pillow!

What kind of things inspires you?

Beautiful flowers/gardens and birds….the lake and its surroundings.

Do you have any favorite book, movie, comic, etc?

I love books by Lorna Landvick (a MN author) and by Mary Logue, Dick Francis, Maeve Binchey, Rosamund Pilcher, J.D. Robb, Stephen King; I’m very eclectic in my reading materials.

Which one and why is it your favorite?

I cannot choose a favorite; books are like your children.
If you could choose any fictional character (from books, movies, comics, etc), which one would you like to be?

Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz.

Why?

She had a wonderful opportunity to explore and she took it.

Do you have any mania or obsession?

Hmm, beading pillows, perhaps
Is there a place you’ve visited that left a big impression in you?

Dachau in Germany.

If so, why?

It was a concentration camp during WWII. I could almost feel what happened there. It was very emotional. I was humbled.

Would you like to share any advice with your fellow artists?

I am not qualified to give anyone advice, unless they are one of my kids.

Where can people find you?

I have a blog: www.thebeadedpillow.blogspot.com
I am also on Twitter at www.twitter/thebeadedpillow.com and on etsy at www.thebeadedpillow.etsy.com
Anything else you’d like to share?

Buy one of my pillows. Seriously. Thank you.

_________________

Thank you very much Karen! Don´t forget to visit her lovely shop!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The Artist Behind The Shop: Crochet Addict


This week, Crochet Addict is featured on this section of my blog. Let´s know her a bit more:


When did you start crafting? What was your motivation?


I have always been interested in arts, I tried drawing and painting, but was only able to make things recognizable not anything exceptional. Then I tried photography and was a little better at that, but couldn\'t keep buying the equipment ( I loved the darkroom the most ). Finally about 4 yrs. ago my mom sat down and taught me the basics of crocheting, I fell in love with the rythm and being able to see the project take shape as I went. I started to search for books and patterns on the internet and learned as many different stitches as i could ( I still hunt for new stitches all the time) and just kept on going - I'm absolutely addicted!



Which one of your designs makes you feel prouder of yourself?
I would have to say I was most pleased with my doilys. It is such a challenge to get the sizing so that they will look just right, so when I finally work through all that, I feel that I have really accomplished something and have "Worked as unto the Lord".


What kind of things inspire you?
I am continually inspired by Creation itself. God is The Artist, I am blessed to be able to take what He has created, and the creative ability He has given me,and display His work in a new expression of beauty.


Is there a place you´ve visited that left a big impression in you? If so, why?

I went to England in the summer of '89 and was so impressed with the architecture of the old churches and the beautiful castle. If I were given the opportunity to choose which era I was born in it would have been the Middle Ages. (If all I was looking at was style!) I love the detail and hard work that went into each part of the buildings.


Would you like to share any advice with your fellow artists?
If there is anything I would say to my fellow artists, it would be to remember that all we do should be to glorify God.






Where can people find you? (blog, twitter, flickr, facebook...)
I have a facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Crochet-Addict-homemades-by-Janice/108998321015?ref=ts which I use not only to promote my artfire page ( www.CrochetAddict.artfire.com) - but also to show other peoples work that impresses me.





____________________________________
Thank you very much!




Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Artist Behind The Shop: Rebecca D. Dillon


This week I´d like to introduce you to the lovely Rebecca from Soapdeli. Let´s know a bit more about her:
When did you start crafting? What was your motivation?
I've really been crafting all my life. I was artistic and an avid reader all through childhood and fine arts major in college. I attended college locally at Roanoke College where I studied a bit of everything including photography, screen printing, graphic design, pottery, 3-D design, drawing, painting, art history, poetry and even writing.

Because I have always had sensitive skin - that only got worth with age - I found great relief through the use of homemade soaps. One thing of course eventually led to another and after much book reading, internet research and experimentation, Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen was born.

I started my business in 2001 while I was still working outside of the home. I didn't really take it that seriously when I first started up. Like a lot of folks giving a first time business a go it was more of a hobby than anything else. Around 2005 I was diagnosed with agoraphobia. It was so bad that I was at the point I was having panic attacks over and over, practically non-stop, everywhere including my home. The only places I was panic free were in my office and my bedroom. Finding the appropriate medication to treat the panic took a few tries so at that point I made the decision to stay at home for a while and left my job. I was lucky that my husband had reached a point in his career that I was able to do this. Within a year though I was bored out of my ever-loving mind and striking up conversations with random strangers in Target. Then one-day hubby and I just happened to be walking downtown through the local city market, and I made a spur of the moment decision that day that I was going to sell downtown. The next day I called and got things set up, and the day after that I was officially a vendor. I worked through the panic attacks and didn't sell on Saturdays for several months until I was able to work up to the point that the market was a comfort zone for me. Once I established my local business, I moved on to focus on my online business in January of 2008.
Which one of your designs makes you feel prouder of yourself?
Right now I'm particularly pleased with my line of local Roanoke inspired soaps as they're based on the area I was born and raised. These soaps currently include Virginia Honeysuckle, Mill Mountain Soap, Big Lick Salt Bar, Southern Sweet Tea, and Star City Seduction. Additional local and regional soaps are in the works.
What kind of things inspire you?

I love scents so really a great smell is all the inspiration I need to want to grab the stick blender and concoct a new batch of soap.


Do you have any favorite book, movie, comic, etc? Which one and why is it your favorite?
I'm a big fan of paranormal fiction. Some of my favorite authors include: Kim Harrison, Charlaine Harris, Kelly Armstrong, Karrie Vaughn, Jim Butcher, Richelle Mead, Keri Arthur, MaryJanice Davidson, Jeaniene Frost, Jacqueline Carey, Patricia Briggs, L.A. Banks and so many others




If you could choose any fictional character (from books, movies, comics, etc), which one would you like to be? Why?
Probably Anita Blake the Vampire Hunter from Kim Harrison's earlier books in the series. (Later on it becomes very porn like.) She kicks some serious ass and all the men want her. ;)
Do you have any mania or obsession?

I'm a shop-a-holic. I must have something for everything and my tastes are diverse.
Would you like to share any advice with your fellow artists?

1.Do it legal. It's worth the effort for the deductions and to show income if you decide to branch out and need to get a loan.

2.Give 100%. You can't expect to get 100% if you aren't giving it. You only get a return on the time you're willing to invest.

3. You must spend money to make money. That's just how it goes.

4. Marketing and word of mouth are golden. Nothing sells a product better than a referral from someone who has used your product. Remember that. (If you're new to selling online I wrote a little article to help you get started marketing. http://www.byhand.me/component/option,com_content/catid,35/id,8162/task,view/)

Where can people find you? (blog, twitter, flickr, facebook...)
On a more personal note, I have struggled with severe depression all of my life. Several years back I was diagnosed with agoraphobia, and last a few weeks ago I was diagnosed with bipolar. So I'm sort of a mess all the way around some days. Getting things done can be a constant struggle for me because of the bipolar and agoraphobia but I push through because I'm stubborn - and very much the typical Gemini - and do what I can when I can. I also hate that there is a negative stigma attached to mental illness so I talk about it freely because it's really not something that people should feel ashamed of. Everyone has issues of some kind. Some just have a harder go than others. In the end though if you want something bad enough, you can achieve it.

Thanks so much!
_______________________
Thank you very much Rebecca! It´s been a pleasure!
Don´t forget to visit her wonderful shop!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The Artist Behind The Shop: April and Glenda


This week I would like to introduce you to April, and together with her mom Glenda, they are Bijoux Designs For You.

When did you start crafting? What was your motivation?

My mother has been creating my entire life and I inherited the “fever” from her. Her original love was sewing and quilting and she taught me how to sew when I was still just a wee thing. I never had much patience for quilting though! About four years ago we went to a jewelry making class for her birthday and were immediately addicted! The rest, as they say, is history!

Which one of your designs makes you feel prouder of yourself?

That’s a tough one! I think that there is a sense of pride in everything that we create although I know my mom is quite proud of her seedbead work and I am in love with the new Garden Goddess Earrings. It has actually been the revamping of our pictures, branding our items and our packaging that we are most proud of as it was quite the challenge! We are quite happy with the way things have progressed and enjoy continuously learning and growing

What kind of things inspire you?

Sometimes inspiration comes from making a piece for myself to match an outfit, sometimes it’s a great bead or charm, sometimes you just wake up at 3am with an ah-hah moment!


Do you have any mania or obsession?
BEADS! Even though we use them in our creations we both can’t stop buying them! I am also addicted to coffee and have a soft spot for handbags!



Would you like to share any advice with your fellow artists?
To keep learning, growing and creating! The handmade journey can be a hard one but also tons of fun!




Where can people find you? (blog, twitter, flickr, facebook...)
You can keep up with our blog at http://bijouxdesignsforyou.blogspot.com,
Anything else you´d like to share?
If you are also a bead addict feel free to stop by our supplies shop at www.rougeriverbeads.etsy.com.






____________________
Thank you very much! Please, don´t forget to visit their lovely shop!






Wednesday, October 28, 2009

The Artist Behind The Shop: Suzanne Stevens


Today, I´d like to introduce to you the wonderful shop of Suzanne Stevens. and also, invite you to know a little bit more about her!

When did you start crafting?
I've been interested in being an artist and 'creating' things for as long as I can remember. Most of that pent upcreativity was channeled into writing for most of my life, and I've been a working (and award-winning) writer for many years. I've also painted, drawn with pastels and dabbled in clay from time to time. It's just been within the past six or seven years that I got interested in jewelry making. That interest has further piqued my old, buried interest in painting, etc., so I'm trying to get back to that, as well as working with polymer clay—a really great medium. Motivation? I guess what motivated me was the disappointment I started having with my job in advertising. It's not as much fun or as creative as it looks. Hence, I felt cornered and needed a way to let my creativity really flourish—or at least give it a chance!

Which one of your designs makes you feel prouder of yourself?
That's a tough question! I really like my “Holly & the Ivy” holiday set, it just gets me into a holiday mood, which isn't always easy! “Bengal Twilight” is another of my favorites. Although I didn't make the polymer clay tiger beads, I really love them and love how it all came together. Outside of jewelry, I did a painting of the Beatles in early 1981 that I love and cannot part with. (It's in my studio gallery.)

What kind of things inspire you?
Oh, goodness...so many things! I'm always inspired by color, the huge range of colors and how colors work together—sometimes in very new and unexpected ways—to make something exciting. Music also inspires me, and I like many different genres of music, with the exception of country and rap (sorry, fans, nothing personal!) Sometimes just people I meet, or see, inspire me—I'm a big people watcher—but that inspiration usually manifests itself in my writing.
Do you have any favorite book, movie, comic, etc?
Favorite book: “Alice in Wonderland”, because it's whimsical, funny and thought-provoking—there's something there for people of any age. Movie: “The Lion in Winter”, because there's been no woman greater than Eleanor of Aquitaine and no actress greater than Kate Hepburn.

If you could choose any fictional character (from books, movies, comics, etc), which one would you like to be? Why?
Dorothea Brooke from George Eliot's “Middlemarch”. She's smart, idealistic, kind and no fool. Need I say more? :)
Do you have any mania or obsession?
I love the Beatles, Star Trek and cats (and, well, animals in general, but I own four cats).

Is there a place you´ve visited that left a big impression in you? If so, why?
Love the UK, especially northern England and Scotland. Would live there in a second if I had the chance. Been there many times and it's always felt more like home to me than anywhere I've actually called 'home'. Around every corner there's always something new, something old, something different, something magical—and, of course, always the mundane, too. But that's more than O.K. That's life.

Would you like to share any advice with your fellow artists?
It's easy, sometimes, to become discouraged when you're an artist of any sort. As someone who also fights clinical depression, I try to see what I do as a personal goal and not as a way to become rich and famous. Do what you do because you love to do it; that will make all the difference.

Where can people find you?
Blog: (though I don't keep it up as well as I should) http://suzannestevenscreates.blogspot.com/;

Anything else you´d like to share?
Gosh, can't think of anything but to wish all my fellow artists and crafters the best of luck and very happy creating!
_______________________
Thank you very much! Don´t foget to visit her lovely shop! :)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

The Artist Behind The Shop: Michelle Adkins




This week, I would like to introduce you to the lovely Michelle Adkins, the woman behind CreativeCritters.
Let´s know a bit more about her.

When did you start crafting? What was your motivation?
I started crafting at a very young age- creativity is in my blood. In school I took every art class available and discovered a real love of sculpture. I didn't discover polymer clay until my 20's. This allowed me to sculpt at home and bake my pieces in my home oven, rather than needing a kiln. Since I discovered polymer clay I've been collecting every instructional book I can get my hands on. For the most part I'm self taught. I started making dolls about 3 or 4 years ago when my best friend asked me to make a Waldorf doll for her son. I've since created my own patterns and designs for the dolls I make. The same friend taught me how to knit a few years ago, and I've learned how to create my own patterns for my stuffed animals. My motivation for crafting and creating is the absolute NEED to make things and express myself through my art. If I'm not creating something, I'm simply not fulfilled.




Which one of your designs makes you feel prouder of yourself?
I'm very proud of my fantasy sculptures. With some (like Scorch the Rockin' Dragon) I actually spend MONTHS to complete the project. I love the world of fantasy, and the ability to create anything my mind can imagine. I'm also pretty proud of my plush World of Warcraft characters, especially the Hunters. I created these patterns through trial and error and much research. They're sewn by hand and I really enjoy making the hunter's pets (I still like stuffed animals!). I put a lot of effort into my creations and I hope than my customers get as much pleasure from them as I do.







What kind of things inspire you?
Just about anything can serve as inspiration for me. I love fantasy and find a lot of inspiration in books, movies, and fantasy artwork. I also love nature and animals. My miniature houses show off my love of flowers and plants. My ArtFire Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild is also a great source of inspiration. They have monthly Challenges that offer me the opportunity to try new things in polymer clay. As an artist, my overactive imagination is a very useful tool!


Do you have any favorite book, movie, comic, etc? Which one and why is it your favorite?
As far as a favorite book, I really don't have just one. My favorite genre would be Fantasy. My favorite movie is probably My Neighbor Totoro by Hayou Miyazaki. I've seen it a million times and it still makes me smile.






If you could choose any fictional character (from books, movies, comics, etc), which one would you like to be? Why?
I'm not sure which fictional character I might be. I like vampire books and movies, and I like strong, sexy female vampires, as well as the female warriors in my fantasy stories. I think I just like the idea of the strong female, and if you add in magical abilities, or super strength, that just makes it better. And intelligence, as well. I'd want to be strong, smart, sexy, immortal, and magical. How's that for wanting it all?



Do you have any mania or obsession?
Art is probably my obsession, followed very closely by animals. I'm always creating something, and I've got tons of ideas for new projects running around my brain. I've actually had to stop myself from trying any more new art forms, because I just don't have the space or money for materials for yet another art form. As it is I sew, sculpt, make jewelry, knit, make stuffed animals, and combine many of those techniques in single pieces I create. And I adore animals. Right now I have 2 cats, but I have had ferrets, dogs, snakes, turtles, fish, birds, hamsters, mice, and rabbits. The only time I've been without a pet was in college, and I went through serious critter withdrawal!






Is there a place you´ve visited that left a big impression in you? If so, why?
The Lakehouse I lived in as a teenager left a huge impression on me. We moved there when I was 13 and it was just perfect. The house was a 100 year old farmhouse situated right on Lake Berlin. I had the lake to swim in, fields to play sports in, and woods to explore to my heart's content. In the winter my brothers, the dogs, and I would walk across the frozen lake and explore the far shore. I taught myself how to swim in that lake, and began to discover who I was while walking along the beaches and through the woods. Some of my best memories are of that house and the surrounding woods and lake. I nursed orphaned baby robins back to health, and watched baby catfish grow into adults there. It was the perfect place for a nature lover like myself to grow up.

Would you like to share any advice with your fellow artists?
My advice to fellow artists would be to keep at it and don't be afraid to put yourself out there. Generally we're our own biggest critics. While we may see all kinds of imperfections in our work, others may just love it. Do the best you can, put it out there, promote it, and see what happens. I've been pleasantly surprised since I started selling my work. My success has inspired me to try even harder, and make more complex and challenging pieces. Promotion is a huge part of internet success though. The internet is a HUGE place, and you have to work really hard to get noticed.



Where can people find you?
______________
Thank you very much Michelle! It has been a pleasure!
Don´t forget to visit her lovely shop!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

The Artist Behind The Shop: Susie Davis


This week, I invite you to know a little bit more about the lovely Susie Davis!




When did you start crafting? What was your motivation?

I started making blank floral greeting cards since I was around 12 or 13. I have had a lot of artistic, creative people in my life growing up. I had a Great Aunt Helen in Michigan who made every craft you can imagine if it had to do with sewing. She made fabric clowns out of fabric disks.. you couldn’t believe the craftsmanship on them. She knitted and crocheted a LOT and baked Greek pastries and had a veggie and herb garden where I could not get enough of sniffs of mint. My Mom and Aunt are crafty as well. Mom and I used to make all my report covers by hand and my Aunt, Mom and I would pretty much
compete in the valentine card making department! It was a real hoot. I sold my cards in my Dad’s card and gifts shop in Chicago. They flew off the shelves!



Which one of your designs makes you feel prouder of yourself?

There are different crafts of which I am very proud. I love the shell wreaths because they take so much time and the love comes from the shells being hand picked by my Mom, my late Grandmother and Aunt on the Atlantic shores of Florida. I felt I needed to put these to good use. I have also made shell balls, covering foam balls with loads of shells for my friend who has a beach home.

I am so proud of all my designs, but doing special orders for invitations is the most fun and the art of which I am most proud. A recent request from a Mom who had an invite that she needed for her son who was into Hot Wheels and wanted a pool party. She took a stab at me making a custom invite. I love what I came up with! A Hot Wheels looking truck with a pool water finish loaded up in the back with pool toys! Very cute. Very fun.



What kind of things inspire you?

Color truly inspires me. I love color combinations that work. I love bright colors, I love muted colors. My work is mostly vibrant and fun while my home is muted in the family room, although, all the other rooms are painted with striking colors; teal, red, yellow, adobe, lavender…it’s a real site! But it works and says a bunch about my husband and me.

Do you have any favorite book, movie, comic, etc?

I really enjoy romantic comedic movies. I love to laugh!

If you could choose any fictional character (from books, movies, comics, etc), which one would you like to be? Why?

Gee, one year in college for a party, I dressed up as LUCY from the Charlie Brown comic strip. I found an old, thick, red, polyester dress at a thrift store. I wore it and made my hair like hers since I’ve got close to black hair myself! She’s a strong character. I like how she manipulates Charlie Brown to do what she wants him to do. She’s tough and knows what she wants. I like that in a person.



Do you have any mania or obsession?

I’m sort of obsessed with what’s happening to our country at the moment. I have a 15 yr old son and am worried for him and his family that someday the taxes will be so high that no matter what they do, they will not be able to afford anything. It’s truly frightening for me!

Is there a place you´ve visited that left a big impression in you?

I will never forget my childhood summers spend almost entirely in Traverse City, Michigan. My wonderful grandparents took care of us three kids who were dropped off by my parents after a brief stay. We had family come and go in that house. My grandmother baked and cooked way before we awoke and then took us for a full day to the bay to play at the state park beach. When we came back, a fabulous dinner always awaited us a la my grandfather. We all made lifelong friends along with making great memories with our cousins. Traverse City, the cherry capitol of the world , was the greatest spot to be in the summer. I’ll never forget it.



Would you like to share any advice with your fellow artists?

Everyone always tells me it will take time. You really do have to put yourself out there. I thought when I opened my e-commerce store in June, 2007, that it was going to catch on with no problem. ..afterall, nobody had personalized items like mine. They are totally unique, fun and full of attractive colors~ BUT, you must put yourself out there. Every venue the world has to offer. So now, I am starting to look into fairs as well, albeit, fairs that don’t ask for an arm and a leg. Also, market your merchandise to the groups who you believe will be purchasing your items.

Where can people find you? (blog, twitter, flickr, facebook...)

You can find the most personalized items at www.sooboodesigns.com

I have an Artfire shop at http://sooboo.artfire.com

Also, http://1000markets.com/users/sooboodesigns/products

More cards on cartfly under sooboodesigns

I have a blog at http://sooboodesigns.blogspot.com/

And I am on twitter under sooboodesigns and on flickr under sooboodesigns and also have a facebook acct. You can connect to me at the above at the Artfire Shop where it has links.


Anything else you´d like to share?

I just hope for all the handmaidens out there, that the economy will grow once again. It’s important that small businesses like ours thrive; it’s how our country became the great country it is; the country where everyone else wants to live.. the American way of life with all of our freedoms.


________________


Thank you very much Susie!

Don´t forget to visit her wonderful shop!