Inside the Etsy Studio: Sweet Water Crafts! July 23, 2009

Sweet Water Crafts creator, Jess, is a special guest here, cuz I actually met her randomly at a surprise Fourth of July party (for real) and we got to chat about all things Etsy and she even shared some Treasury tips with me. Jess is extremely lovely and spends her days working with youth in a library. She loves to read and recently opened her online shop where her unusual little wares, everything from vintage inspired window clings to original photography to customized bookplates, have been well received!

Here she is…

And here’s some of her work…

Sweet indeed! Read on for the interview!

Me: What is the inspiration for Sweet Water Crafts? Were you crafting way before you got involved with Etsy?

Jess: I have always found bits of magic in everything…but specifically in nature. Much of my inspiration comes from little moments exploring in the outdoors. Sometimes, even, a pile of clutter can land beautifully, giving one a whole new perspective on an old pin, handwritten note or teacup. I was indeed crafting way before I discovered Etsy. Looking back it was outrageous, but I used to paint rocks that I found at our family campground and try to sell them at the weekend tag sales. I don’t remember if people bought the rocks but it didn’t matter – I had a blast doing it. Ridiculous! But the possibilities were endless. I recall making tiny fairy houses out of twigs and drawing wildly with Crayola markers then as well….it was all just the beginning!

Me: I love how so many of your items are vintage inspired! Where do you find the images that influence you to make the window clings, bookplates and stationary? I wonder if the library is involved?

Jess: The library definitely has it’s place in my devotion to vintage images. I never realized how much I adored finding old scraps of information, and advertisements until emptying the good old book drop one day. Inside was an ancient book plate, gummed I think and pasted in with care – the owners name scrawled in carefully practiced calligraphy. It was an OLD book with a probably older owner, but the story that accompanies it is what inspires me. I love to go hunting for vintage ephemera! It’s just an all around treasure hunt. I like to sneak around used bookstores, antique shops and library book sales. Older advertisements are filled with such character! I love everything about the way they were printed and imagining who the might have belonged to.

Me: You are also a talented photographer. Is it safe to say that you specialize in nature photos?

Jess: I am learning so much about my love for nature and photography from day to day. I find it more challenging as many of my models like to sneak away on wings or claws before I can grab a shot. Nature provides a type of beauty that I can’t find elsewhere and I love to spend time taking photo hunting in grassy patches and wooded parks. The more I try to learn about photography through tutorials and books – the more uneasy I am. :O) I’m just terrible at following any of the conventional rules – and I don’t have a fancy camera with any lenses or distinguished capabilities. What I like most is capturing the transaction had between wildlife and myself. It’s a way of sharing my appreciation, and the magic found within the natural world with others who might feel the same way.

Me: What is your favorite item in your shop? Anything new and exciting in the works?

Jess: My favorite item in the shop is currently the poppy seed package stationary set.* I LOVE combining pieces of history like bookplates and old seed art with modern day technology. I can’t resist using my scanner to blend found objects of the past with modern joys like window clings. I do have a few new projects due to show up in the shop very soon! I’m looking forward to combining vintage collage with small coin purses and tote bags. A few new ideas that have been posted this week are based on requests from customers. Some have talked to me about customizing wedding presents and items for kitchen lovers. I think I’ve developed a few cool items to suit those needs. Also, I’m quite excited about my developing line for autumn this year. I’ve found some incredible spooky Halloween postcards from the 1920’s that need to be shared with the world! 

*Poppy Seed Stationary Set*

Me: Where else can we find your work?

Jess: I have been trying to promote my work at CT Craft and Artisan Fairs and Farmer’s Markets. It can also be found in a few local gift shops. While I’m starting to feel situated in my little etsy shop – I’m still an online crafting newbie! I started up the shop a few months ago and have made some wonderful connections along the way. My ultimate dream is to get an artful blog rolling…but I’m currently in the, “I just admire all of the others so much I am beside myself stage.” Sometimes I will write articles and how-to’s that are featured on HandmadeNews.org. Most recent, “Arsy Adventures with Vintage Books” is due to be published quite soon! You can always follow my twitter feed for updates, promotions and secret sales!

Me: Anything else you’d like to add?

Jess: I’d like to say thanks to Suzy and TwoToeDesign for the interest and to emphasize how amazed I am with the handmade community that continues to grow on the web. Thanks to my friends and family and to those that take the time support artists and their work in this economy – fans make every creative moment a dream come true!

Thanks Jess!

Yo peeps, don’t forget to enter the giveaway to win cute, free, original art…

http://twotoedesign.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/two-toe-designs-first-giveaway/

Inside the Etsy Studio: AugustEve! July 16, 2009

I am so, so excited to feature one of my favorite Etsy artists this week. Seth, from AugustEve, has a whimsical style of painting that makes me want to live in the world he’s created! Take a look at some of his work…

I really enjoyed his interview. Read on below!

Me: I think the logical place to start would be to ask, who is this beautiful August creature? Is she inspired by someone real in your life?

Seth: Actually, a lot of the characters in my shop are inspired by real people. The shop name August Eve is inspired by my first daughter Evangeline August. Andrew is a former art student of mine. Em is my youngest daughter. You will see them and others making appearances in my Etsy shop from time to time.

*painting of August*

Me: You have a definite style, storybook-ish, and some signature colors, deep browns, maroons and reds. Is this the style you’ve always painted in or have you tried a variety? Whose work influences your own?

Seth: Painting these characters has really re-connected me to my childhood and the way that I would paint growing up. I used to paint large icons on wood panels for churches (Still do once in a while). I liked doing it, but the style was much more realistic and didn’t allow me be as creative as I would have liked. Now I feel totally free to create new work in whatever way suits me. I love it!

As far as influences go, I think I am more inspired by writers than artists. I read something. It bounces around in my head for a while, then comes out as art. Sometimes something that I read will hit me in just such a way that I know it will be part of a painting, and I am usually surprised by the way it comes out on the canvas.  

“Leaves of Grass,” By Walt Whitman is a part of a lot of the paintings in my shop. Edgar Allan Poe and some others are in there too.

Me: A really fun theme you have is the masks that your characters often wear! It’s fantastic that they represent weather and animals and objects. Tell me a bit about what drives you to paint them.

Seth: I guess in the same way that I get inspired by things that I read, I imagine that these kids are so anxious to be part of these other worlds that they resort to disguise.

*sun and clock masks*

Me: It seems like you produce a lot of work! How do stay inspired? Do you have a day job or are you a full time artist?

Seth: No day job. Most recently, I managed a bookstore. It was a 45 min. drive (Oakland), so I wasn’t that sad when we had to close it. Tough times for bookstores that aren’t called Barnes & Nobel.

I wouldn’t say that art is the most stress free way to support a family, but so far so good.

I do produce a lot of work. When I am in the working mode I will paint for six or eight hours a day. When there is an idea in my head I usually can’t sleep until it’s a finished painting. If I am out of canvas I will paint on old books because the texture is very similar. That pattern usually lasts a couple of weeks. Then I spend a week walking around like a zombie.

Me: Where else can we find your work?

Seth: Etsy is where I post all the paintings, and just recently I started a blog where I post ink illustrations. It is www.artofaugust.blogspot.com.

Me: Anything else you’d like to add?

Seth: I’m heading up to Point Reyes this weekend for a family reunion. So look for ocean related paintings in the next week or so. It is such a beautiful place and I’m sure something will stick with me. Maybe Sir Francis Drake will have his portrait painted as he lays anchor in the bay.

Sounds good to me! Thanks Seth!

Inside the Etsy Studio: Elenalu! July 10, 2009

As some of you know, I usually post the newest Inside the Etsy Studio on Thursday mornings and right now, it’s Thursday evening. But this morning I was in New York, eating an overindulgent amount of diner food with one of my brothers and then panicking on the subway system until the afternoon. So I apologize for the change in schedule. And here we go!

This week’s Etsian is the lovely Elenalu, who recently opened a sweet card and art print shop. Her minimalist style is so pleasing to look at!

Personally, I also find this sort of art really relaxing too because of the black and white. The interview is below!

Me: Tell me a bit about the inspiration for your shop! Have you always been interested in card making or other paper crafts? 

Elenalu: I’ve love making my own cards since I was a child, giving them to family and eventually friends and co-workers as the years came along; being creating with my hands, using imagination, taking the time to make something for someone it all brings me joy as I hope it does to my recipient.

Me: What is the process that you usually go through when creating a new design? Is most of your work done by computer or by hand?

Elenalu: Everything I do is by hand –from the beginnings of a doodle to the cutting of the envelopes its all me made. As for a process per se of a design well I don’t think I know what it is – it just happens. I draw, sketch, doodle for a while and maybe I start to see something I like in there and start to play with it see if it goes somewhere as was the case for my doodle kids series. Other times I am more specifically inspired by my love of Art Deco design or love of nature; basically if I find it pleasing I am hopeful that someone else will too.

Me: What is your favorite item in the shop? Any exciting new items on the way?

Elenalu: My favorite is the colored lines series simply because it brings color to the collection of cards in the shop! If you notice I’m big on black and white but I do realize that people like color! A new series on the way has shy little girls in sweet dresses –new next week!

Me: I noticed that a lot of your drawings are very elegant trees and branches. Have these kinds of images always played a large role in your art?

Elenalu: Beauty in nature has long touched my heart and imagination; branches are some of my favorite things to draw since an early age perhaps because I could keep drawing them till I ran out of paper and it was ok since there really are some trees are like that!

 

*some tree examples*

Me: Your shop is still new and busy growing on Etsy. Are there any other projects or places that we can find your work?

Elenalu: For right now, my cards are available exclusively at my Etsy shop.

Me: Anything else you’d like to add?

Elenalu: I’d like to add that I am honored to be a part of this interview series and I wish you good fortune and many many days filled with joy and laughter! 

Same to you as well! Be sure to visit Elenalu’s shop, www.Elenalu.etsy.com

And I’ll leave you with my favorite image…

Inside the Etsy Studio: RocketSuperb! July 2, 2009

You guys might already know that I like comics. That’s why I’m especially excited about this week’s Inside the Etsy Studio edition. I’m featuring Nick, the Rocket.Superb creator and comic artist! First up is some Rocket.Superb art…

 

Nick also creates zines and has other illustration projects in the works!

I love his use of color with his images. Check out what he had to say below!

Me:  So, you’re pretty new to the Etsy scene but not at all new to comic creation. How long have you been illustrating comics and how did you get into it?

Nick: I started drawing when I was very young and just never stopped.  I can’t actually even remember a time when I wasn’t drawing.  Around the first grade, my friends and I would draw these maze-like adventure games on paper and then challenge one another to “complete” them.  These paper games came out of our fascination with Nintendo at the time, but are also probably the earliest beginnings of my love for sequential art.  I don’t think I actually attempted to consciously draw my own comics until later on, after getting some comic books and having watched the 1989 Batman movie.

Me: Tell us a bit about your first self published work, Rocket.Superb. What is the basic premise? What influences went into the creation of it?

Nick: In the first issue of Rocket.Superb readers are introduced to Private Skootch, possibly the last human in existence.  We find our hero in deep space, having been taken prisoner aboard a strange alien spacecraft…It is a short story, so I intended only to give readers a glimpse into this particular universe, to provide an introduction to the characters that live within it. 

The second half of the book is a “sketchbook” section featuring drawings, related and unrelated, to the creation of the story.  Those drawings are all more like finished pieces themselves, too, actually.

I feel like the story has much in common with the weird sci-fi and adventure comics of the Golden Age… a lot of things just happen in those books… not everything is explained and they’re usually short… but they are always fun.

Other influences on my work come from everywhere like anything else I suppose.  Not just from other comics.

Me: I see you participated in this past Mocca Festival (Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art) and that Rocket.Superb sold really well! Where else can we find your work?

Nick: Yep, I made this book specifically for the MOCCA Festival because I was offered a spot at a shared table.  If it hadn’t been for that obligation and some other inspirations I may not have even put a book together.  And then in the process of working I almost only put a book of drawings together, but since MOCCA is a comics festival, I wanted to make sure I showed people (and prospective publishers) that I can tell a story.

Between simply drawing or drawing-a-story I’d almost always prefer to just simply draw.  Work from my head and draw.  With comics though, story is everything and the art is almost secondary.  It’s kind of funny too, because anyone who knows me, knows that when I am not drawing, all I do is talk and tell stories.

It was really cool to have so many folks tell me that had seen the previews for my book on a message board or two and had come to this festival just to pick one up!

By day I work as a graphic designer so my personal art website is usually neglected… but anyone interested in my work should start there at www.rocketsuperb.com and then visit my blog.  When I have new work or work published elsewhere that is where to find the details.

Me: Who are your favorite comic artists? What do you read regularly?

Nick: I am a huge snob when it comes to the quality of the art in the comics I will read.  It takes me a long time to give a book a chance if I feel the artwork is not up to par or just doesn’t appeal to me.  Jim Lawson, Chris Bachalo, Guy Davis, Mike Mignola, and Paul Pope are some of my favorite contemporary, mainstream comic artists.  

I also spend lots of my comic-studying-time on the work of guys like Jack Kirby, Carl Barks, Alex Toth, Joe Kubert, all of the artists from EC (Graham Ingels, Wally Wood, Harvey Kurtzman…), R. Crumb… all those old men.

The only titles I read as regularly as they come out are Hellboy and BPRD, but I will pick up random issues of books here and there.

Me: Would you recommend self publishing to aspiring artists? If so, what would you do different next time?

Nick: Yes, definitely.  And don’t wait.  Start now.  I procrastinate way too much myself, and that’s no way to make progress.  You don’t want to get caught in that habit!

I have another book in the works with my friend Jashar Awan that we’re hoping to debut by summer’s end in time for the Baltimore Comic Con.  We have a series that we have been working on developing in our spare time for a couple years now.  You can visit the website www.signalcity.com and see Jashar’s work.

The next batch of solo projects I do will likely contain a mix of prose with comics and drawings, and won’t be so specific to one genre over another.

Me: Anything else you’d like to add?

Nick: Copies of Rocket.Superb are still available in my Esty store and from my website.  Check back from time to time as I will be adding new prints and books as soon as I can!

Thanks Nick!

Inside the Etsy Studio Episode 4: EarthGrrrlCrafts June 25, 2009

It’s that time again! This week super lovely designer Ila, who runs the shop EarthGrrrlCrafts, is dishing about her jewelry. Take a peek…

 

 

Her necklaces are destined to become treasured family heirlooms!

Describing herself as an “all around peace child/feminist rabblerouser”, her jewelry clearly reflects her bold side. Check out the great interview below!

 

Me: Your work is fearless! I love how it encourages your customers to stand out and be all powerful women. Have you always loved and worn such vibrant pieces?   Ila: I have always had a somewhat unusual sense of style. Being plus sized and not finding what I wanted in stores often led me to create my own jewelry or clothing. From the skirt I made out of neckties when I was 16 to my latest patchwork skirts to any number of outrageous necklaces or totes, I often just get an idea and run with it! I love to express myself with clothing/accessories, and if I can’t find what I want, I just make it! Me: What is your favorite piece in the shop?  Ila: My current favorite piece is the “Woman with a Beard” Necklace. It is named for, and in honor of Jennifer Miller, a performance artist from NY who uses her unique physical characteristics to her advantage. She has a circus and sideshow and features herself as “The Woman with a Beard” Her passionate self expression moves me!   Me: What got you started on Etsy?  Ila: I started on Etsy as a buyer. I was introduced to the site by the seller Carneen. After searching and bouncing around with delight, I found some lovely items in VulvaLoveLovely’s shop. I struck up a friendship with the proprietor, Jessica, and she offered me abundant encouragement and support, and I finally decided to try my hand at selling my pieces.  Me: Can we find your work anywhere else?  Ila: Etsy is my first venture into selling my work. I hope to expand to other sites and do some craft shows in the future. Me: I noticed in your profile that you enjoy painting as well! Does your artwork inspire your jewelry or is it the other way around? The rich colors of the stones remind me of a beautiful oil painting. Ila: I’m a terrible painter! It’s strictly for fun! I usually use watercolors and just goof around until I’m bored, or until one of the cats tips over the water jug. The real inspiration with the jewelry usually comes from the pendants, or from a particularly lovely bead. When a see a pendant or bead that really strikes me as gorgeous, a whole side story develops in my head. I can ‘see” what the necklace should look like, the “history” that goes with it, and the emotions that it would inspire or convey when worn.  Me: One of my favorite items is your Mystery Necklace! In the past, what have customers discovered when they’ve opened up their package?  Ila: It really depends on the customer. I have such a large stash of pendants and beads that it really could take on many different attributes. I like the customers to tell me what colors they find particularly special, and tell me a bit about themselves. I create a necklace around the self description, and try and capture the essence of the individual. I’m a great lover of surprises and treats, so I always work extra hard, in hopes of achieving a squeal of glee!  *See the Mystery Necklace* http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20278466 Me: Do you have strong female role models that have influenced your life and your work?  Ila: My mom has had a very strong influence on my creativity. From the time my brother and I were old enough to hold a mixing spoon, she let us help make cookies or cakes. Every holiday she had us making decorations for the kitchen window. We’d often do spontaneous crafting projects like making our own play-doh or piñatas, just for fun! We always had construction paper, glue, crayons, etc to make projects with. She always let us make what we wanted and praised our creativity generously. I think a lot of my spirit and spunkiness comes from her. I’ve never once seen her back down from a challenge, and her tenacious spirit is a quality I really admire.  Me: Anything you’d like to add? Ila: Be whatever you want, but always be yourself. xoxo I second that! Thanks Ila!

Inside the Etsy Studio: Episode 3 June 18, 2009

It’s Thursday! You know what that means. The next installment of Inside the Etsy Studio is here! Okay, well, I have to be honest. I don’t have an interview for this shop, but that’s not going to stop me from gabbing about it anyways!

This week, my featured designer is Mininas Miniature Art. Take a look at her charming little creations…

 

Unique AND environmentally friendly! You know I like that. 

The creator behind this was born and still lives in Buenos Aires. I suspect she’s surrounded in her life by the beautiful, rich colors used in her work. She works in miniature and her tiny details are perfect. I also love the serene faces on all her characters.

One of the other fun items offered is a solitary earrings. Like so.

She can also be switched up to a necklace pendant!

If you’re interested in learning more about Mininas, check out her shop:

www.zime.etsy.com

She also has two blogspots:

http://ximenacarreira.blogspot.com/

http://tiendademininas.blogspot.com/

Keep on making that gorgeous work Mininas!

Inside the Etsy Studio: Episode 2 June 11, 2009

This week, I’m so excited to have Li as a guest on “Inside the Etsy Studio”! She is the creator of the shop  Meekiyua, which is a tiny paper world of lil creatures. Take a peek:

These are all origami creations to adorn your home and bring happiness. It was lovely being able to ask Li some questions about her work…

 

Me: Your work is super cute and unique! When did you first start learning to fold origami? Li: Why thank you! I learned to fold origami when I was very young … around elementary school? It’s been a while. lolol.  Me: I love how the Meekiyu represent a wide range of people, animals and personalities. Do people in your life inspire your latest Meekiyu? Li: Oh the people I know definitely inspire my Meekiyu. My first set were of my family and friends and from there I thought of how it would be awesome to capture a whole bunch of different people and silly ideas I have as 3D folded art. Me: What item in your shop are you most excited about? Which ones do you enjoy creating the most? Li: Hmm that’s hard since all of my origami represent a facet of my life. The ones I love to create are custom orders because I’m always delighted when people tell me how I captured them mini origami style. Plus it gives me insight on other people and challenges me to make a Meekiyu specifically for them.  Me: Some of the Meekiyu’s have culturally traditionally elements, which seems like a great interest of yours. Does this come from family background or from research? Li: My family is from China but I’ve always loved all Asian art and crafts in general. I’ve always drawn since I was young and experimented a lot and learned to do traditional brush calligraphy and art. I do love the kimono styled folds of the Meekiyu because it opens up a world of ancient Asian traditional clothing from geishas, to weddings and everyday wear. I truly love the exquisite details and flowing gowns. I have a few summer kimonos (yukata) and traditional Chinese dresses myself.  Me: You have another shop, Li Peony! Is it a challenge to manage your time between the two?  Li: Oh it is indeed a challenge. Since it’s two shops you have to learn to juggle them and treat them equally such as promoting and creating. I have to double check I’m on the right shop when I’m listing, responding to convos, paying the etsy bills, shipping etc. I feel that it better organizes my shops as they’re quite different styles. *See Li Peony for Li’s art! Me: Anything new or exciting in the works for Meekiyu? Li: Currently I’m dabbling in doing traditional kimonos and expanding to include other different clothes from other Asian countries. I’ve planned on creating very detailed origami versions of wedding and special occasion Meekiyus.  Me: Anything else you’d like to add?   Li: Hmm that you should always create what makes you happy and that Suzy is such an awesome person for giving me the chance to talk about my work (Face to face I’m so darn shy o^^o).

Yay, what fun! Meekiyua is one of my favorite shops.

Now premiering… Inside the Etsy Studio! June 4, 2009

Ha, I love James Lipton!

Anywho, today’s a bit of a special post, as will every Thursday post this summer. Unless I’m on vacation. Or I forget.

Inside the Etsy Studio is a chance for me to ask some questions to some cool Etsy seller and for you to be able to check out their shop and get the inside scoop.

This week, Kathy from ArtWorkbyKD graciously agreed to a mini interview.

She runs an eco-friendly jewelry shop, where she creates bright, funky pieces from soda bottles and other recyclables. Check out some of my favorites…

 

Eek! So beautiful.

Here’s the mini interview!

Me:  Your work combines two great things for good art to have, beauty and environmental frugality! Nature is also echoed in a lot of the plastic jewelry shapes. Most have a lovely, rounded organic feel to them and it’s super fun to see them in bright, poppy colors. What are some of the elements that inspire you when checking out a plastic bottle?

Kathy: Rich, bold color is definitely my main driving force when collecting materials. Texture and unique material comes in a close second. It’s also important that the plastic is soft enough for me to work with. 

Me: Is working with the aluminum cans a different experience? I’m thinking that because they tend to have darker colors and sharper edges that they might set your imagination off in a different direction. 

Kathy: Working with aluminum cans is different, it’s actually easier to work with than plastic. Since it’s thinner it cuts and files cleaner and easier. The edges are actually not sharp. People tend to think that it’s like sheet metal, but aluminum is flexible, not sharp. The colors are fun and I can bend the aluminum to create texture if I want (something I can’t do with plastic).

Me: Any other mediums that you’ve been eying in the recycling bins? 

Kathy: Other than plastics and aluminums I also reuse magazines, paper bags and plastic bags.

Me: What pieces of jewelry from your shop do you love and wear the most? 

Kathy: I love everything! I try to make something for myself whenever I can, or whenever I come out with a new design. I’d have to say though that I wear my orange circle bracelet all the time and also a pair of beer can moblie earrings (the very first pair I made).

Me: An element that is a bit special about your shop is that you also offer recycled gift boxes and envelopes! That seems really helpful for a customer buying a piece as a present and being able to get their packaging right from you. Do you have any plans in the works for other environmentally friendly stationary or gift-wrapping?

Kathy: I make really cute tote bags out of magazines and paper bags. I use them at my shows and for orders delivered in person. I also make my shipping envelopes out of magazine pages. Still working on new ideas!

Me: After checking out your MySpace page, I got to listen to some of your tunes. You are one talented lady! How do you divide your time between music and crafting?

Kathy: Thank you! I try to give even time to both but for me it’s basically impossible. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed but I remember that I love both and if it means taking a half day off of my art to learn a song or prepare for a gig then so be it. Generally I work all day on my eco-jewelry and I try to practise music in the evenings.

*Go to http://www.myspace.com/kathydellavalle for the tunes.*

Me: What’s next for ArtworkbyKD? Anything else you’d like to add in?

Kathy: I’ve been working my tale off to get my name/work out to people and I’ve booked a ton of art shows around my area for 2009. I also have lots of new designs for this season. I want to keep growing, I want every year to be better than the last. I’m so thankful for everyone who gets excited about my work and all of my wonderful customers! Building a business takes time, patience and lots of hard work. I truly believe that if you want something bad enough it will happen!

Thanks Kathy! What an awesome designer.