Crafty Synergy

Crafty Synergy is back!

2009-09-02T21:21:00.003-05:00

Hello again! I'm back to continue spreading the word about more amazing artists. In an effort to be efficient, I've decided that I will continue to post the interviews on my A Little Hut blog each Thursday. Each post will be tagged with Crafty Synergy so they will be easy to find.

I hope that you continue to visit and enjoy the new interviews that will be forthcoming. Thank you so much!

Follow all Crafty Synergy interviews here.

Apt. 3305

2009-05-28T02:49:00.005-05:00

Artist: Lisa Chow
Location: Houston, Texas
Web sites: www.apt3305.com, www.lisachow.etsy.com
Blog: www.apt3305.blogspot.com

What do you create?
Drawings and illustrations. Even though I offer ceramics, glassware, and sculptural pieces; everything I do begins with and encompasses a drawing.

How did you come up with your business name?
When coming up with a business name, I wanted something clever and memorable and unique and....perfect. I tested out a dozen potential names among my friends (many were outright rejected and/or ridiculed) and it soon felt overwhelming. But I took some time to reflect what I wanted my business to mean to me. I wanted a business name that would remind me of this time in my life when I’m young, living in the city, and when possibilities seem endless. So I named it after my current home. I often get asked if Apt. 3305 is really my apartment number...and yes, yes it is.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I always knew I wanted to open my own business but for the longest time I could not figure out what my business would be. I threw around ideas ranging from accessories boutique to florist to bakery. Selling my own art never occurred to me because I had long had the notion engrained into my head that you cannot making a living from art. But after a bit of pondering, I decided to take the plunge and throw my art out there. I’m not making a living...but I love what I do.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I create what I like. I happen to like big cities, rich desserts, furry animals, and fairy tales. Plus, I have a very active imagination.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
It’s a tie. My eraser because it erases my mistakes. My pen because it forces me to make my mistakes work.

You work in different mediums: Which one is your favorite or the one you couldn’t live without?
I have to draw. I could not live without a pad of bristol paper, art pens, and one good 2B pencil.

What would be a dream project that you’d love to work on?
I would love to write and illustrate a series of children’s books. I am really excited about a series of illustrations I'm currently working on.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
From my own experience: If you bounce an idea off someone and they think you are utterly cracked out of your mind...that’s when you know you’re onto something.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I don’t have any formal art training or education. Everything I do is self-taught through research, trial and error, and studying others. I might not always use proper techniques or correct methods but I do what I do and hope for the best.

What have you learned about yourself through your work?
I always knew I had an active imagination but sometimes even I surprise myself.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
There are so many things I’d love to learn: cake decorating, sewing, knitting, floral arranging, metalsmithing...the list goes on. But I would most love to learn to sew. It's just practical.

What’s your definition of a perfect day?
Shopping and eating in NYC or Barcelona.

Inklore

2009-04-14T09:57:00.006-05:00

Artist: Sam Hirst
Location: Northern CA
Web sites: Inklore Design, Inklore
Blog: http://www.inklore.blogspot.com

What do you create?
I create a line of block printed/stenciled housewares and accessories for you, your home, and for little ones.

How did you come up with your business name?
My husband and I were brainstorming all the words we could think of that had to do with printmaking and came up with ink(almost everything I make has a bit of ink on it) and lore (I still think we came up with this to represent the "traditional" technique I use but he says it was for the "story" behind the items) ink+lore= inklore

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I stumbled on an article about Galbraith and Paul a few years ago and was intrigued by the art form of block printing, so I went out and bought a beginner's set of materials and used them to make my own Christmas cards. Over the next few years I started reading some design/craft blogs and really wanted to find more time for making things, but my children were small and I was working part-time from home. When my part-time job went away and my kids were finally a bit older, I decided to support my new passion for block printing by starting a business. I still get giddy when Inklore buys the supplies for a new project.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Most of my ideas come from my own backyard. Many of my prints are from plants in my own yard or things I use everyday in my home. I really try to create items that are functional or practical, so many times an idea comes from a need for something in my own home. Right now I'm working on a new product that was inspired by one of my daughter's drawings. I've turned her drawing into a print which will be on a new item for Inklore kids very soon.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Definitely my carving tools, though toothpicks are a close second.

What part of your process do you enjoy the most?
My favorite part of the process is carving a new print and then printing it for the first time. Watching a print come to life still amazes me.

What would be a dream project that you’d love to work on?
I would love to have the space to block print lengths of fabric. My first inspiration, Galbraith and Paul still inspires me.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
I think you really have to have a passion for what you're doing, and a lasting passion. And then, don't be afraid to tell people about what you're doing. Not everyone will love it, but someone will!

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
I would love for people to know just how hands-on it really is. The carving of a new print is slow, methodical, almost meditative, but printing is physical, sometimes exhausting. The artist literally touches every bit of what you see when you see a block print.

What have you learned about yourself through your work?
As I was growing up, my mom always told me that I was artistic, and I always argued with her. Since starting Inklore, I've had to admit that she was right, and I find that my well of creativity is deep enough to keep going...

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I don't have the time, but I'm still going to learn how to screen print. Sometimes my ideas are too big for block printing, at least in the space I have, so I need to learn screen printing to get those ideas out.

What is your go-to snack?
Chocolate, only dark chocolate, and peanuts (but no peanut butter, please)

Thank you Sam!

Little Alouette

2009-03-12T08:25:00.008-05:00

Artist: Amy Turn Sharp
Location: Ohio, USA
Web sites: Littlealouette.etsy.com , Little Alouette
Blog: Doobleh-vay

What do you create?
Wood rattles, teethers, and toys.

How did you come up with your business name?
My good friend gave me the name!!! I am married to a Brit- but I am a bit of a francophile :)

When and why did you decide to start your business?
My husband (classically trained master carpenter) and I started making toys for our son Finn when he was a baby and then after a lot of issues with recalls and a new baby in the teething stages we decided to make our own maple rattles and teethers and soon friends and family loved them and we started an etsy shop.

(this is on our site- Over a decade ago a handsome British boy and an Ohio lass met and fell madly in love at first site in a sleepy university town. The boy was a classically trained master carpenter and the girl a writer with a bit of wanderlust. They worked together creatively through the years on many projects involving woodworking as they restored and remodeled homes together. The boy taught his love about trees on their land in the country and how to use power tools and the girl read poems to him while they worked. They started a journey of following their bliss and eventually brought two wee ones into the world and began creating wooden toys for them. They decided to share these wee wooden toys with the world and Little Alouette, LLC was born over hot steaming mugs of cocoa in the winter of 2007.)

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Our two boys! (Finn age 4 and Blaise age 2) They are our inspiration and drive! They test everything! And our customers!!! They give us great ideas in the form of custom work! Which of the tools you use is your favorite? Joe uses the big boy tools really. I use the sanding table sometimes, but really I like the sandpaper in hand feel of working with wood. I also like going out to the local farm where we source our wood and watch Joe plane the wood. I find such pleasure in the art of wood working. I love how old school it can be- me and the boys in the pick up truck out in the country on the way to the farm!

What would be a dream project that you’d love to work on?
I would love to start making furniture with Joseph. He had bespoken furniture workshop in the north of England about ten years ago and he is so talented. I would love to make affordable modern pieces for the wee ones. I love modern design but really am unable to afford most of it- I know there are others like me who would love options! There are also some collaborations to come in 2009 with cool peeps that I am excited about- The blogosphere has been so amazing and I have connected with so many lovely people!!!

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Be flexible.
Be open.
Learn to market yourself.
Give and connect!
Be not afraid. Nothing from nothing ever came.

I am of the "go for it" group. I left my wonderful career in shaky economic times to write a novel and become a toy maker and people thought I must have lost my mind- but my family is doing great. We are living frugally, but we are living very happy and have spent more time together in the last 16 months than ever before! We eat dinner together around a table each and every night. This did not happen when I worked outside the home. This is a big deal.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
We create each piece with our hands and love is in each one. We want people to know that they have options in the way of baby toys. Simple is often best. Wood is good!

What 3-4 words would like to be associated with your work?
handmade/heirloom/modern nursery/eco friendly/

What have you learned about yourself through your work?
That working for yourself is much harder than working for anyone else.
That I worry too much and must stop and relax more than I do.
That I love connecting with my customers and clients- honestly - I am in LOVE with my customers and wholesale folk! In love!
That I am more competitive than I thought I was.
That my husband and I are really hard workers and we know our children will grow and see this in us. We are so excited to share the idea of following dreams with our sons.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I so want to paint. I used to mess about with painting in college. I also want to sew more.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
The whole family waking up on one of the Greek Isles (Mykonos or Paros- we love) with frappes and large trays of breakfast- all of us dressed in white gorgeous bed sheets and the wind pouring in the open windows, the sun so bright our eyes squint... Yes- we need a vacation! :)

Thank you Amy!

La Pomme

2008-12-22T12:24:00.006-06:00

Artist: Apol Lejano-Massebieau
Location: Aigues Mortes, southwest France
Web site: La Pomme, La Pomme Stories
Blog: La Pomme

What do you create?
The tag line for my first shop, La Pomme, is “toys for kids big and small.” I’m a toy-maker, making plush products out of fabrics. I have a weakness for linen, white cotton, and gingham. If you’re wondering what toys for big kids are, that would be soft sculptures, like my swans and my white fruits. I also have these things called Boxed Universes, which are teeny-tiny dioramas that I make inside tin cans or matchboxes.

How did you come up with your business name?
From my first name. I was originally called “Apple,” but for some reason at 18 I thought that that was too cloyingly sweet and changed the spelling to what it is now. I live in France and speak French 90-percent of the time, so I called my shop “La Pomme,” which is French for “The Apple.”

When and why did you decide to start your business?
This may not seem like the most professional of responses, but the truth is that I just fell in love with Etsy and wanted to be part of it. I signed up in October 2006, started really loving the site in early 2007, and by around July or August of 2007, I had set up shop.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
This is a question I always find hard to answer. I don’t really know, they just come like a light bulbs turning on in my head, in the form of either a line for a story—and from that I’d create a handmade fairytale book for my bookshop—or as an image. Just the day before yesterday, this very clear image of two white cocoons hanging from a branch popped into my head, and since last night I’ve been working on transforming that into a soft sculpture using crochet.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My old reliable Singer Starlet from the 1970s, with kitschy orange and yellow flowers decorating the top panel!

What keeps you motivated?
The work itself. The making of these objects give me a lot of happiness.

What would be a dream project that you’d love to work on?
A show where I’d be allowed to create a forest. It would be all in white cotton and white thread. I’d make four-legged creatures and birds. I’d crochet spider webs and white moss. There would be blades of grass made from embroidery floss. It would look absolutely magnificently ethereal!

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Have focus. I said this already in a past interview but I think it’s worth repeating here: You have to learn to control your creative exuberance and not go off in too many directions all at one. Ask yourself what your main product line or service is, and stick to that. For a while, at least. As you grow, you can branch out, but still I think it is important to have it clear in your head what you and your business are about exactly.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
My quick goal is to make people smile. My deeper intent is for my works to help them let their imagination run free for a while.

What has been the most important lesson you've learned while running your business?
To take a break. You’ll be producing really crappy work if you’re running on empty.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I’d love to have the time to learn to hand-print on fabric.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Lots of good work done, lots of cuddling given and taken, and very good food in between!

Thank you Apol!

Crafty Synergy is a blog of note!

2008-12-22T12:16:00.004-06:00

Thank you to Blogger for naming Crafty Synergy a blog of note today—for the second time in the past 6 months! Welcome to those of you who've never visited before. Enjoy looking around!

Infusion

2008-12-12T08:19:00.007-06:00

Artist: Abby Meadow Campbell
Location: Yachats, Oregon
Web site: Infusion - Etsy
Blog: Infusion Fibers

What do you create?
Currently I make handbags, totes, pouches, clutches and sometimes pillows filled with lavender and buckwheat hulls or kapok. I focus on sustainable textiles such as hemp, linen, jute and organic cotton, as well as recycled fabrics of various kinds. I have many ideas for the future and plan to have a line of organic clothing available sometime after the new year.

How did you come up with your business name?
I love the depth of texture in the weave of a natural fiber cloth, particularly that of a rich linen or hemp. I was trying to convey the way that textured weave feels to me. I'm not sure I did that very well, but the word infusion finally was the one that stuck for me. I like the quality of the word, and the versatility of meanings it has felt relevant to my work, even texture aside :)

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I have worked from home for years and love the freedom it allows, but the idea of making a living by being creative would have been a nearly un-thought-of-dream only a year ago.

I began thinking about trying to sell some of my sewn items just over a year ago, without really planning to start a “business” per se. I had taken up sewing again and found the creative outlet to be very fulfilling. I finally opened my etsy shop March '08 and I have been so enthused with how infusion has progressed, since day 1! The idea of making a living on my creative endeavors is not so far off at this point! I am thoroughly excited about what I do.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I am most inspired by textures and shapes, quality fabrics and fibers. I like to sketch a new concept with either a texture or a shape as my starting point, and then develop the functional finished item from there.

Another major inspiration for me, and is always working alongside my inspiration from texture, is in making a better product... a pillow that really travels and is actually natural; a bag that is attractive AND super functional (and made of natural fibers of course!). I find it really hard to shop for things and hit it all. I seek out sustainable products, and often find them lacking in a certain level of functionality. I am inspired to make something better.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
It's hard to pick one, but if I had to choose, aside from my sewing machine and cutting tools, I appreciate more than almost anything a little 6 inch stainless steel ruler I “inherited” from my boyfriend's toolbox. I also really enjoy playing with my quilting foot, and I would not be able to do what I do without my IBM ThinkPad.

What keeps you motivated?
At the core of my motivation, is the desire to bring natural and eco into beautiful and functional.

I have endless ideas and if I'm not careful I could go all over the place on any given day. Within the realm of staying on task though, my customers are definitely a major motivating force. They are so supportive and always have such interesting ideas. I also find I work well under a certain amount of pressure. It helps me keep my focus sharpened and sustained.

What would be a dream project that you’d love to work on?
Actively re-inventing everyday items into natural fiber, beautiful, functional, versatile and exquisitely useful things. It really could be anything in the realm that I and my sewing machine could accomplish, but what really excites me and feels so perfectly natural, is to create things that come from the earth and can easily and naturally return to the earth. Simple, isn't it? If everyone did this, we would be doing so well.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Do what you enjoy and what excites you. Work on expanding upon your own original ideas and don't be afraid to try something new and different. We are all uniquely creative individuals and we all draw inspiration from one another, and from the world around us. Truly expressing yourself will only inspire others. On that note, I encourage you to keep in mind what will really matter in the long run, to yourself, your loved ones, and the planet we all live on. In other words, act with intent.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
Well, I would first like to say that I absolutely love what I do and take the greatest care in everything I make. An item from infusion is an item that will endure for many years and will be useful in a variety of ways (and when you are all done using it, you will more than likely be able to compost 99% or more of it!) Infusion is a coming together of nature, beauty, texture and function.

What has been the most important lesson you've learned while running your business?
First of all, go for it, be original and do what excites you. Next I would say, if you are not a money person, get help from someone who is! I wish I had created a system for tracking my finances right away, as it would be so much easier now. I am way behind, which makes it even harder to get started. Also, taking time to set up the right space for photography is well worth it over the long run. I still need to work on this myself.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
There are SO many. I have just taught myself to knit again, and would like to find the time to make use of it. Mornings are a slow and quiet time for me, so maybe it will work to fit it in as a mellow morning activity. Also, I am very interested in learning to print my own fabrics.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Many days come pretty close... Waking when I'm ready, to sunshine and blue skies (or even the occasional clouds and rain), with the ocean (or some other fantastic natural space) out my door, and my boyfriend close by. A hot drink and a gentle morning. A long walk on the beach. A nice long stretch. Some hours spent sewing. Some hours spent learning new things... I like the simple things... I'm an all around happy girl :)

Thank you Abby!

Reyart

2008-12-04T22:02:00.013-06:00

Artist: Reya Veltman
Location: Geleen, The Netherlands
Web site: Reyart
Blog: Reyaveltman
What do you create?
At the moment, predominantly felted accessories and home decor.

How did you come up with your business name?
I tend to dabble in a few fields (drawing, painting, linoprinting, photography, felting etc.) and wanted something simple which encompassed all my creative endeavors, all my artwork. It's a play on words combining my first name 'Reya' and the word 'art'.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
My business started on the 1st of February 2008. Although I had been creating for as long as I can remember, it was only when it really took off in Etsy did I think that this could be a serious gig.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Nature is a huge inspiration for me. I adore the irregular, organic shapes you come across while walking through the woods or along the beach. Many of the neutral, earthy tones are also reflected in my work. I also find that the simple beauties of everyday life can be immensely inspiring.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I would have to say my hands. During the wetfelting process, the only materials involved are your hands, the wool, and soapy water. There is a small level of control when felting in this manner, and you can use your hands to shape an object, but after a while, you need to let the felting process run its own course. It's this idea which appeals to me; the conscious forming of an object in the beginning stages, then allowing it to felt together into the finished piece, and feeling that transformation in your hands.

You work in different mediums. Which one is your favorite or the one you couldn’t live without?
Felting, definitely. It's a new found love, and one which I feel I have a lot yet to learn.

What would be a dream project that you’d love to work on?
I've got three. The first being a set of larger than life felted lamp shades in irregular shapes of elongated pods. Hard to describe, I know, but give me a pencil and pad and I'll sketch it out for you. The reason behind this, white handmade felt and light is a magical combination. Just the thought of the translucency and softness of the felt, the visible fibers, and pure magnitude of the lampshades makes me swoon.
The second being a large rug made entirely of felted pebbles stitched together. My felted pebbles are made using actual rocks, but the pebbles of this floor piece would be made only of wool roving. Can you imagine just walking barefoot on that? And last of all, anything having to do with Marcel Wanders.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Stay focused and positive. Accept that there will be good times and slow times, and keep creating nonetheless.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
That every single piece is made with love, as corny as it sounds. There's so much of myself and my thoughts in every single item I make.

What have you learned about yourself through your work?
The most important thing I've learnt is to be creative for myself. There was a time long ago when I felt I was creating for others, felt too influenced by other people’s opinions, and was too fixated on what everyone else thought about my art. Glad to say that it's no longer so. Now I make art which appeals to me, and just follow my own flow of thoughts when creating.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Pottery! I've wanted to try my hand at pottery and ceramics for years, and coincidentally, I've already registered for a course next year. Starts January.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Waking up to a warm and sunny day in Paris with my dear husband. Fresh croissants, lots of photo-taking, and frequent cafe breaks with moleskine at hand. Perfection!

Thank you Reya!

Nea Wear

2008-12-01T19:37:00.006-06:00

Artist: Janick Gravel
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Web site: Nea Wear
Blog: Creativadoration

What do you create?
As of right now, I create jewelry for women and embroidered wall decor art, which I call Wall Wear.

How did you come up with your business name?
When I was looking for a name, I thought about the prefix “neo”, which means “new”. But it sounded too masculine for what I was making, so I just replaced the “o” by an “a”, and voilà, it made Nea! As simple as that!

When and why did you decide to start your business?
Actually, I already had my own business when I started making jewelry. I was a trained graphic designer, and was working freelance from home under the name Fonetik for more than 3 years at the time. At first, I wanted to sell my items because I started having way to much jewelry for myself (and working from home, you don’t go out everyday, so you don’t adorn yourself as much either!) and I wanted to see if people would actually buy some! A week later, I got a feature on a big blog and it all continued from there! Of course, I didn’t know then that 2 years later that I would launch my Wall Wear collection and that it would give my that extra push I needed to switch roads and be a multidisciplinary artist full time!

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Materials, for sure! I love texture, I love color, fabrics, beads, threads, buttons, clay, paper, and so much more! All materials, even the ones I don’t use, inspire me. Mixing different components and making it all just go together well, that’s what inspires me!

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I would have to say that in 2008 it has absolutely been embroidery hoops! If you could see my stash of metal and wooden hoops, you would understand... I’m kinda addicted to searching for them and buying them!

What keeps you motivated?
Materials, again! When I find a new linen color or new beads, it just gets all my creative juices flowing back again and I just want to DO stuff! Of course, sometimes it’s hard to stay on top of motivation when months are slow and things are not going as well as you’d planned, but some new supplies always makes everything better! Let’s just say I shop a lot for supplies! Lol :)

What would be a dream project that you’d love to work on?
I have tons of little dream projects in mind, and I try to reach them one by one, when I feel the time is right. I’m a big fan of pottery and clay and the artists that make it, so in 2009 you’ll find a collaboration in my shop between a clay artist (I won’t give a name yet!) and myself. It’s already in the works! Another dream project would be... Well I can’t tell yet either! It will be another 2009 surprise, a new skill that is not jewelry or embroidery. I like surprises, I like keeping some things secrets until the last second and I like to do the whole “official collection launch” too! So, stay tuned!

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Have great unique products and work at it a lot, and work and work! I would also tell them that it’s not easy, that people around will think it’s more “glamorous” than it really is (money wize) and that some will push you forward and some will try to pull you back. But keep charging! When you know for yourself, inside, that you can do it, you can and will make it happen! Believe in yourself, it’s as simple and as complicated as it sounds, but for me, it’s just worth everything!

Do you take your own photographs? If so, can you share three photography tips?
I do (although I have a few items that feature a friend model that were taken by a professionnal photographer). First, the best advice has got to be to use natural light. Flash is NOT your friend! Completely outside doesn’t do it for me either, it’s too bright. I like the contrats that comes with natural but indirect light.

Second, I would suggest taking tons of pictures for each items. For example, I need 5 for my Etsy listings, but I actually take between 20 to 40 pictures for all my items. Why choose the top 5 of 8 pictures, right? Chances are you’ll get more lucky with 5/40 odds!

And last but not least, I know it can be painful and boring, but really try to learn Photoshop or another photography software. I couldn’t live without my Photoshop. It can brighten a picture in a snap (once you learn a little bit of skills), adjust your colors and add contrast. At first it will be hard, but it IS really worth it!

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
That it’s evolving! I think that since I launched the Wall Wear in June 2008, I see creating slightly in a different light. I adore doing jewelry, but making everything from scratch like with my stitching is a new expericence that is really unique to live. I sometimes get requests for jewelry styles I don’t make anymore, which is OK, and if I have what it takes on hand I usually do it. But sometimes I won’t, too. Sometimes it’s just like — I went forward and don’t want to go back. Not because it’s bad or anything, I’m just not there anymore. Just like any other job, I guess!

What has been the most important lesson you've learned while running your business?
To love it all: the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly, the strenght and the weakness. When you learn to see the good in the bad, the good ones are also so much better!!

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Besides the new skill I said I wouldn’t spill the secret earlier in the interview, I’d love to learn more knitting (I just know how to make the normal lines stitches right now) and start crochet, and learn a little bit about sewing! In a dream world, I would do pottery as well (I had done a little in high school and loved it), but that’s more a plan for in many years!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
A perfect day would consist of waking up to a sale, a bright not too cold not too hot day perfect for taking pictures in the morning after a little gardening, making some stitching and jewelry on the balcony in the afternoon, and then going out for a meal or coffee with friends and a lot of chatting!

Thank you Janick!

back again!

2008-11-30T09:58:00.007-06:00

For reasons beyond my control and completely out of the blue, Blogger blocked my access to Crafty Synergy. CS was flagged for suspicion of spamming, which couldn't be further from the truth. It took me more than 5 weeks to get this resolved but here I am again—finally! I've missed sharing more interviews with you.

I will be back up to speed in the coming days. Thank you for still stopping by and not giving up on me!

I hope you've been enjoying a great weekend!
Patricia

checking in

2008-09-23T18:49:00.002-05:00

Hello friends! I apologize for the slow posting. The end of my summer was very hectic (writing a paper craft book!) and this month we had to deal with a hurricane. Needless to say, as much as I love this blog, I simply didn't have had enough time to work on it. The good news is that I've been in touch with some talented artists and have more interviews coming. Please hang in there for a bit more. I promise I'll have something up in the next few days.

As always, thank you, thank you so much for all your visits and comments. I deeply appreciate them all.

I hope you're all having a great week!
Patricia

Elizabeth Soule Photography

2008-08-12T21:03:00.015-05:00

Artist: Elizabeth Soule
Location: Portland, OR
Web site: www.esoule.com
Blog: www.esoule.blogspot.com

What do you create?
Polaroid photos, framed photos, prints and cards

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I've studied photography for years and wanted to share my work with others. After reading blogs and following a few designers who were selling on etsy, I decided to go for it thinking it would be a part time hobby. It's become a full time job that I am grateful for each day.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects? I look for things that interest me or amuse me. I love to go antique shopping and find weird or quirky items that you don't see often.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite? My polaroid camera

What keeps you motivated? My fiance is my biggest fan and constantly encourages me. All the positive feedback that I get from people also reminds me how much other people enjoy the work. I also check blogs and websites daily to see all the great art that is being created.

How do you get the word out about your work? Flickr, blogging and emailing. I research any blog or shop that I'm interested in being part of and make sure that my work is a match.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months? Release a new polaroid series as well as a fine art series. Add new products to my etsy site. Produce more work for people to enjoy.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business? Do your research, be persistent and believe in yourself. don't be afraid to try something, but start small, it's easier to scale up than to scale down.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work? I just want people to enjoy it. I really like to make things that are beautiful or provide a positive emotion. I love seeing people walk by my art and smile or life and just say how much they like it.

What has been the most important lesson you've learned while running your business? Roll with the punches. I've had some ups and downs, shipping problems, some equipment issues and the discontinuation of the film that I'm using. I just keep adapting with each change that I encounter.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists? There are so many great artists out in the blogosphere right now. Some people that I've been following for awhile include Lisa Solomon, Alyson Fox, Matte Stephens. I also love looking through photography books and magazines to remind myself of all the beauty its possible to capture.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use? I want to try everything... At the moment I've been learning letterpress as well as working on my sewing skills.

What's your definition of a perfect day? It changes daily.... A big breakfast (my favorite meal) exploring a new place and photographing with friends, shopping, cupcakes, a fun active activity and dinner with friends. That's so vague....but mostly just to be with people and have fun.

Thank you Elizabeth!

Lucie Summers

2008-08-06T09:24:00.008-05:00

Artist: Lucie Summers
Location: A small town in Suffolk, UK
Web site: LuSummers
Blog: Blu-Shed

What do you create?
I make a variety of things, but primarily layered mixed media pieces incorporating vintage and new papers, block printing and stitch. I always think of them as an extension of my textile work which is where my real love lies. Just recently I've had a real yearning to get back into stitching with cloth.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
Almost 3 years ago, soon after my second son was born I decided that if I wanted any other identity other than 'Frank and Arthur's mum' I'd better start fairly quickly! So I think Arthur was about two weeks old. Can you tell I'm impatient? ;) I didn't really think of it as a business at the time though, more the seeds of one; I was making things and getting a few commissions through word of mouth. It didn't really get going seriously until a year ago when I opened my Etsy shop.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Getting outside is my biggest inspiration - we live in a fairly rural area famed for it's flat land and big skies and I love it. Leaves are a constant motif in my work, and I love to make floral print blocks that are almost cartoonish in style.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Rather unexcitingly, my big 24 x 6" acrylic ruler makes my life alot easier, along with my rotary cutter. I couldn't live without my sewing machine though.

What keeps you motivated?
I just want to make stuff. Everyday. I have ideas, sometimes tons of them and I just want to make them come to life. Goodness, that sounds deep doesn't it? I love using new materials in different ways too, I try not to hem myself in by just using one disipline. I probably would get fed up if I didn't try experimenting with other techniques.

How do you get the word out about your work?
The Internet is my only marketing tool. I'm useless talking about what I do face to face. Even now, the friends I've made at the school gates think I do clothes alterations. If I said: 'Actually, I'm a mixed media artist' they'd think I was a mental case. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to be featured in design blogs which is obviously a real boost. Having my own blog is invaluable, as is my Flickr account and Etsy shop. The three work together like a well oiled machine :) Flickr has been the reason I got a couple of commissions; the first was designing some packaging backgrounds for Frito-Lay (which are due out in supermarkets in the States in September) and the second was illustrating the cover of a book for Storey Publishing.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I've got a few things up my sleeve, but at the moment my husband and I are renovating his childhood home, he's a farmer and the house is on the farm. So actually my main aim in 6 months is to be settled at the new house. In around a year I'd like to be seriously involved in printing my own fabric to sell. I don't know how yet, I just know that I'd like to give it a go.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Do your research. Get an Etsy shop (or similar) start a blog and get a Flickr account. Above all, love what you do and take bloody good photographs!

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
That I seriously am doing what I love. It has its ups and downs, especially financially, but I'd be doing this even if everything I made ended up in my cupboards. At the risk of sounding horribly cheesy, I make with my heart and soul. (oh good grief, pass the sick bucket :)

Who are some of your favorite designers/artists? Why?
I've always liked Lucienne Day's use of line and space and more recently, I've become a fan of Norfolk artist Angie Lewen, her work is very fifties-inspired. A friend I met on Flickr, Sarah Ahearn is also a current favourite, I could gaze at her mixed media paintings all day. Her use of colour is amazing.

I have enormous respect for Heather Moore aka Skinny Laminx. I love how she turns her hand from illustration to paper cutouts to screen print designs. Fantastic.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I'd like to be able to design and make furniture. I like wood but it frustrates me that you can't cut it with scissors. I'd also like to have a go on a potter's wheel.

If you could only pick one which would it be ink or thread? Why?
Thread every time! You can 'draw' with the sewing machine with free machine embroidery and stitch things together with it. You can also use it by hand and machine on fabric, paper and a bazillion other surfaces. So thread, for sure.

Pick three words that describe you and pick three words that describe your work.
Me: impatient, enthusiastic, passionate
My work: thoughtful, fresh, layered

What's your definition of a perfect day?
On a particular beach in Portugal, with happy kids, a new Michael Connelly and my sketchbook. Bliss.

Thank you Lucie!

Crafty Synergy is a Blog of Note

2008-07-31T00:23:00.002-05:00

Thank you to Blogger for naming Crafty Synergy a Blog of Note yesterday! Welcome to those of you that are new to my blog. I hope that you enjoy your visit.

Rifferaff

2008-07-30T23:39:00.010-05:00

Artist: Shannon Riffe
Location: Cambridge, MA (in late August I'll be moving to Ann Arbor, MI)
Web site: Rifferaff
Blog: Rifferaff

What do you create?
Screenprinted paper goods.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I officially started my business in October 2007. I've always wanted to be my own boss, and it only took a few years of working in the "real world" post-college to convince me to get started on my dream sooner rather than later. I love the idea of having ownership over my time and how I choose to spend my days.

How did you come up with your business name?
I wanted to use my name in the business name, but I wanted it to be more interesting than "S. Riffe Designs" or something like that. I thought Rifferaff was fun, memorable, and –most important- highly Googleable.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Inspiration isn't something I think about very much or actively seek out. I like that the silkscreen printing process has it's own constraints, unlike digital printing which can do whatever you want it to. Because I print all the products by hand, I come up with designs that I know I can print- single colors, not a lot of fine detail. I'm self-taught and I still have a lot to learn, so I guess my limitations as a printer kind of guide the direction of my work.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My Xacto paper trimmer. For the longest time I was cutting everything with an Xacto knife because I thought all the good paper trimmers were super expensive. Not only was it slow, it was killer on my wrists. Then one day I had a wholesale order and decided I couldn't cut all these cards by hand, so I picked up a cheap trimmer from Staples and I've been pleasantly surprised by how great it works and how much of a time saver it is.

What keeps you motivated?
The desire to be my own boss. Knowing that I will regret it forever if I don't give this my all. Wanting to be a successful designer of color in an industry that is not very diverse.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I regularly update my blog, about 3 – 5 times a week. When I've got something new to share, I'll send an email and pics to blogs that may be interested in it. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. I think the main thing is to just keep at it and always get my work out there. I need to be better about listing regularly on Etsy, though I do find that hard to keep up with.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
Hmm, this is a great question and I'm not sure what my answer is. I started my business thinking I'd be super successful right away and could quit my job within 6 months and live the exact same lifestyle. Um, I had a rude awakening. I did quit my job, but I am not supporting myself with my business by any means. (I work part-time as an office manager) This first year was an invaluable learning experience, so I think that as I enter my 2nd year in business, my goal is to not make the same mistakes. To learn from my experiences and keep doing the work I want to do in the way I want to do it. If this means finding a full time job because my artwork isn't supporting me financially, so be it. I want to take the pressure off of my business to make money and just really enjoy what I create and be thoughtful about the direction of my business.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Be consistent in everything you do. Marketing, photography, packaging, your product. You want to present a professional appearance to your customers and potential vendors. Spend time working on your product photography and web presence. If you're using the web as the main way you connect with customers, make sure to present your best side. This is something I'd even recommend paying someone to do if you're not getting the results you want on your own, it's that important. I'm in the process of redoing all my product photos and contacting a web designer to design me a very simple but professional looking web page.

I'd also recommend starting out with good habits instead of doing the bare minimum and then planning to make changes down the line.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
I'm really passionate about American manufacturing and a priority in my business is to source American made materials – when possible, and unfortunately it's not always possible - and of course produce all my own products here. I'm really proud to use recycled papers exclusively from a family-owned paper mill in Michigan that's run on hydro-electric power.

As I research materials for other products I'd like to create in the future, making the products here in the states and sourcing domestically made materials will always be important to me.

What has been your biggest obstacle while working on your business and how did you overcome it?
Organization. Both the physical organization of my work space and the digital organization of my files. So when I mention above for aspiring entrepreneurs to establish good habits early on, I really mean organizational habits. I'm starting to get things under control and my upcoming move is really forcing me to get organized and get rid of clutter in my workspace.

What has been the most important lesson you've learned while running your business?
Look at every opportunity, even failed opportunities, as a chance to get your work out there in front of one new person. Recently I've been blogging about my difficulties getting sales in the craft sales I participated in. I've learned that these aren't the best venues for my work, but I have also learned to recognize that by participating in the fairs I've put my work in front of that many more people who may not have seen it otherwise.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I have a basic knowledge of sewing but I'd love to become an excellent sewer and be able to sew my own clothing. It's such a great skill to have, and it's really empowering to be able to make new curtains or pillows for your home with whatever fabric you want. An eventual goal of mine is to do prints on fabric. I'd want to be able to use that fabric to make my own slipcover for a sofa or design the perfect hobo bag.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Crisp fall weather. Waking up early to the sun shining and the windows open. Have some productive time in the morning working on Rifferaff stuff (I find I work best in the morning) then have breakfast on the back porch with my boyfriend, Matt. Spend the day doing the following things: go to the Tibetan buffet for lunch, take a walk to Harvard Square and read magazines in the bookstore, go to the farmer's market and shop for dinner, then cook dinner with Matt and veg out in front of the tv with an entire season of a show like Gilmore Girls or Deadwood.

Or we could take a drive to the beach and eat lobster rolls and then come back home to those dvds. Really if it involves eating, lounging and being in bed by 11, I'm sold.

Thank you Shannon!

Feterie

2008-07-14T03:25:00.011-05:00

Artist: Cathe Huynh-Sison
Location: San Jose, California (Just about 45 minutes south of San Francisco)
Web site: Feterie
Shop: Feterie {JUST LAUNCHED!}
Blog: Feterie

What do you create?
Custom event stationery for life events such as wedding, gift wrap, greeting cards, social stationery, imprintables, enclosure & gift tags, birth announcements, shower invitations and other bespoken lovelies.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
Feterie really grew out of my passion for all things paper, the need to fill a void that at the time was lacking in choices and availability (designer paper goods), and modern design. I started my business in 2003 (then it was operated under the name of Fete) after an opportunity that I couldn't pass up dropped into my lap. The event planners at the San Jose Museum of Art (venue for my wedding reception) were hosting a Spring Wedding event at the museum and remembered that I was working on a collection of wedding invitations as a result of my frustration of not finding anything that I liked for my own wedding. So, they invited me the show my wedding stationery and that event served as our debut!

How did you come up with your business name?
Feterie is really a made-up French word in the same tradition of how French shops are labeled, such as a patisserie is a shop that specializes in pastries, etc. I wanted to retain the history of the original business name but show an evolution of the direction it was going towards as well. It was perfect for what I was trying to achieve - the first and second time around!

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Everywhere and everything...I've formed a habit to always carry a sketchbook with me because the inspiration moment can be found anywhere and anytime — from a simple stroll in an art museum with my son and husband to the most mundane thing such as a knot in my hair.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I have to choose one? Pen, sketchbook, x-acto knife, and computer. Most of the time in that exact order. But, if I have to single one from the list, I would say my pen (it has to be a black rollerball pen, I'm very particular about pens.).

What keeps you motivated?
That's a great question! What keeps me motivated are the wonderful feedback that I receive from customers, the giddiness that I still get when I am on a sparkapalooza streak for an idea that sparks another idea (and another idea, and another idea...), and the sheer joy of doing what I absolutely love!

How do you get the word out about your work?
Being a small business owner, I have very limited budgets for advertising. So, I do a number of creative marketing and promotions — from blogging to co-marketing with other businesses with similar design philosophy to sponsorships of events and grass-root efforts! Joining networking communities are also very important, such as having a LinkedIn profile as well as am a member of a very effective network called Ladies Who Launch. I have received a tremendous amount of support and networking opportunities through all of them. And finally, I have the fabulously wonderful Moji from Moji O PR who works really hard at getting my work exposure. She is just a blessing and I am grateful to have her help!

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
Currently, my social stationery & tailored event stationery are available through my site and a couple of stationery boutiques. I am working to add more retailers to carry my cards and albums nationwide...and hopefully internationally! So, building my retailer list is one of the goals. Meanwhile, I am also working on a couple of new card collections and collaborations with some wonderful creatives. So, launching those projects is also a important goal because it's crucial to growing the business.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Do research thoroughly. Know your market and target demographics and stick to it. Most of all, find others like-minded individuals that are willing to share resources, information and even be a mentor. When I started my business, I did about 2 years of research and design, but what I wished I had at the time was the ability to connect with someone that was already in the industry willing to offer advice and be a mentor.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
That's another good question! I would say that the designer in me is always looking towards the possibilities and what-ifs. My medium and focus may evolve over time, but the process that makes me love design and what I do so much will always be an important part of it.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned while running your business?
If you're not a business person, learn to be one or get someone to focus on that task so that you can do what you love! I've learned that the hard way when my former business partner left the business at the beginning of last year.

What was the biggest lesson you learned by participating in the National Stationery Show this year?
Participating at the show is not all about making the sales (though it is nice to have huge sales!), it's also about media exposure and making connections. It's also a 3-part job: 1 part PR + 1 part Sales + 1 part Marketing.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Design for textile and other surfaces. I've been completely fascinated about surface design since designing my gift wrap collection and stationery.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
A perfect day for me would involve just the right balance of work, play, and family time — those 3 things plus a nice cup of café crème and a scrumptious butter croissant or pain au chocolat in the morning. Yum!

Thank you Cathe!

Inleaf Design

2008-06-25T10:03:00.009-05:00

Artist: Lotta Helleberg
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Web site: Inleaf Design
Blog: Inleaf

What do you create?
I make hand printed linen objects, using a technique called leaf printing, where real leaves and other plant materials are used as printing plates. The ink is brushed onto the back of the leaves, which are then pressed onto fabric. The final prints are made into pillows, wall hangings, quilts, bags, table linens, and sachets.

How did you come up with your business name?
Since leaves are such an integral part of my work, I knew they had to be incorporated in business name. I also think inleaf represents freshness that I hope that my art evoke.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I was a successful graphic designer with a long career, when I started to look for another creative outlet a few years back. I stumbled upon an article about leaf printing and after some experimenting I was hooked. I loved the intricate prints, the details of the leaves, and slight variations in the impressions. Inleaf was founded in 2003 and my business as well as my art has grown and evolved ever since.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
My inspiration comes from nature itself, the texture of a plant in the garden, the shape of an old twig, or the colors of seashells. I also love patterns and repetitions found in various places such as modern architecture, vintage wallpapers, and old quilts.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
The leaves are my favorite tools. I love searching for them, collecting and cleaning them, applying the ink and the whole printing process. I never know exactly how it will turn out.

What keeps you motivated?
The relationships that I have developed with my customers and my constant desire to test and learn new things.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Marketing is my weakness; I am not good at self-promotion. I have a mailing list that I use to announce new work and events, and my blog is a great way to promote my art, processes, and inspirations. But I know this is an area where I need help and improvement.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I want to focus more on larger pieces such as wall hangings and quilts and I would like to find gallery representation for my work. I am also looking for a textile/print manufacturer, preferable in the US, where I can produce my collection of home goods and accessories on a larger scale.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Be patient and don’t expect financial triumph right away. Strive for high quality in everything you do, from the execution of your work, to photography, labeling and packaging. If you are passionate about what you do it will shine through, and success will follow.

What part of your business gives you the most satisfaction?
The printing part of my work is always fascinating and satisfying. I also love putting the finishing touches on the pieces. Like ironing of a perfectly stuffed pillow, bundling up the sachets with linen string, and finding the right branch to hang a wall piece from.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
Everything is hands on and done in my studio – designing, dyeing the fabrics, mixing the inks, the printing, assembling the pieces, the stitching, labeling, and packaging. I am always trying to be environmentally conscious. I only use natural, organic, or vintage fabrics. My inks and dyes are water-soluble and non-toxic and the pillows are available with super-soft organic wool inserts as an alternative to down. My supplies and materials are mostly of domestic origin, and everything from fabric scraps to packaging is reused or recycled whenever possible.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned while running your business?
To realize that perfection is not always attainable or even desirable, that it is ok to say no, and that it is impossible to do it all. Having said that, these are still three things I struggle with the most, so I can’t say for sure that I have learned from these lessons.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would like to learn how to dye with natural pigments, and experiment more with screen and block printing. It would also be fun to try something totally new, like pottery.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Wake up early with coffee and toast. Spend 2 hours in the garden before the rest of the house wakes up and then take a family walk with the dogs by the river. I would spend the afternoon in the studio just tinkering – testing new stitches, plotting a new wall piece, sifting through my stash of vintage cotton – without a deadline or any must dos. The day would end with a delicious outdoor dinner with my husband and two boys, accompanied by chilled wine and evening bird song… These kinds of days don’t come around that often. Life is just too busy most of the time. Bur it is always something to strive for…

Thank you Lotta!

Cicadia Studio

2008-06-20T21:09:00.009-05:00

Artist: Michelle Engel Bencsko
Location: New Jersey, USA
Web site: Cicada Studio
Blog: Cicada Daydream

What do you create?
Printed fabrics both in 100% linen and a linen/cotton blend. I also create home accessory items with my fabrics. It's sort of secondary, but I feel it gives me good perspective, and also, I enjoy doing it.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
My business officially began in 2004, when a lot of things in my life went up in the air, then came firmly to the ground. I met my now husband, who helped and supported me to realize my full potential and dreams. Over the years Cicada Studio has morphed from one focus to the next- taking it from purely graphic arts, to greeting cards, to gift items and housewares, to finally textiles. I have never felt more comfortable than being in this particular skin. I have always loved textiles, it's been my professional career for over 15 years and now, I have embraced these skills, have created my niche and learned the art of focusing. I can't see myself veering from this for years to come... if ever.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I'm mostly attracted to color and balance. I find that I get a lot of this in many places, but nature is probably the biggest resource. That's sort of vague, I know, but I can't really be too specific. My eye is always sharp for things of interest. Nature offers that most to me. I am also heavily influenced- though not always literally so- by art nouveau, art deco and elements of the 50's and 60's (though almost every decade of the 20th Century holds something for me). Fine artists such as Josef Albers, Milton Avery, Georgia O'Keeffe, Mark Rothko, Agnes Martin, Richard Serra, Christo and Andy Goldsworthy, just to name a few off the top of my head. I'm also a big fan of good marketing: I love concise, clean ideas with a pinpoint perspective and driven focus. So, I can easily say I'm influenced by a lot of things. Basically, I keep my eyes, mind and heart open.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
At the risk of sounding like a geek, my iMac. I really do love my computer. Of late, I have been actively challenging my hand's on roots- those skills exist, but the computer and I understand each other well... and in my mind, it's where I shine. I am a very fast thinker, and the computer can keep up with me and I love the rush of getting things done instantly. Everything begins with a sketch- in my opinion, a rather lack luster one- but working with Adobe Illustrator really helps me to create the vision of my concepts accurately and fluently. Unfortunately patience isn't one of my virtues! My second favorite tool is my X-acto blade.

What keeps you motivated?
People. People enjoying what I do. My husband's support and belief in what I do. My family and friends, too. I am genuinely thankful for every person who takes an interest in what I create, including the author of this lovely blog. Without an audience, it would be just for me. As much as I like to create, I find I don't always create for me alone- I want to connect with someone else. If it's truly a personal project, chances are, I wouldn't share it. Another thing that keeps me motivated is seeing something I dream up become a reality. Each time that happens, it propels me to the next project. It's like a momentum I can't stop.

What part of your work do you enjoy the most?
The conception has always been my favorite part. Somewhat contrary to the above statement about my favorite tool being a computer, this is part I most enjoy. I believe the reason for loving the computer is to make my concepts reality quickly... so I can go on to the next idea quickly... because for every one idea I have, there are most certainly 5 more right behind it. It just seems there isn't enough time or energy to get them all done. And in all honesty, they probably aren't all worth pursuing, but that spark of concept is potentially something bigger and I want to see it happen if possible. I give it a good try. I also enjoy doing pattern repeats. To me, it's fun- almost a break from work.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Self promotion has always been a challenge, but I've felt very comfortable exposing and promoting myself through my blog. It's about 80% creative, 15% personal, 5% fluff. I think that's me in a nutshell! The thing about promotion is you seem to only have one opportunity at a given moment and that one face to show your stuff. With the blog, I have daily opportunities and can wear a few faces. And again, getting back to people as a motivator, nothing has been more motivating than the support and interest shown to me on my blog. As a result of all this positivity, I've been a bit stronger in the self-promotion aspects and have contacted people I admire, and forums that I'd like to be a part of. It's been a good life lesson, all of it.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
More than anything I'd like to find a manufacturer and rep for my linen and linen blend collections. I am managing OK with the self-production, but the profits are slim and the free time even slimmer. I have two wonderful boys and a loving husband and I want more than anything to have more time to relax and enjoy life rather than keep up with the dailies of producing and promoting- along with the other 100 things a household requires of you. I also want more time to be creative rather than producing goods. My professional life for the last 15 years has been of design director over a staff of talented people, working with a team where each person does what they do best, and I genuinely enjoy working with people to their strengths- and my strengths don't lie in production, so it would be great for me to work with those who do it well.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Stay focused, find what you love to do and do what you're good at. It's fun to try all sorts of new things and it's even educational in ways that you don't always realize. Never regret the turns you might make in the interest of "trying". I bounced quite a bit from one thing to the next over the last 4 years. At the beginning of this year, I resolved to really buckle down and stay true to my one idea of making textiles. It's been a pretty tireless pursuit, but that's literally what it took for me to get where I am at this moment... and I'm not where I want to be yet. So, if there's something you really want to do, you have to DO it- and do it with everything you've got. No one is going to hand you your dream, but the dream is completely within reach if you go out and make it happen.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
That my work not arbitrary. That I take the time to really pull it together as a whole. As much as I want and need each print to stand alone and be great for what it is, it's the collection that is my main focus, then the pieces fall into place. I'm all about the "series". I love merchandizing, big-picture projects, deciphering what works and what doesn't and considering all the elements to make a whole. Each print has a reason for being there. All this is not the most important thing for me that the customer realizes this- certainly, it's just as wonderful if they love only one print alone, but this process the means to my end, so I am hoping it's evident.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned while running your business?
That I can't do it all. Or, maybe, I sort of can, but then I'm not functioning at 100%. That's not what I want for myself or my family, so this has to change. I definitely need people. Which leads me to two other lessons I've learned: it's not always easy 1/ to find those people and 2/ to allow them to help! I get in such a groove that it's all mine to do, it's hard to give up the reins to another person, but without a doubt, it's something I will have to do and soon.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I'd like to get back into silk-screening. I recently took up, after about a 20 year hiatus, lino printing. It was great fun and I had good success. Unfortunately, that "time" thing isn't allowing me to really get into it the way I'd like. I'd also love to learn to throw pots on a wheel better. I took a class and loved it. Loom weaving looks like great fun too!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
To get up at 6am and not feel tired or achy and have about 2 hours solid to myself before the family awakes. I'm a morning person and I find my solitude is often at night, when I'm worn out from the long day- that's not the best time for me to work. Also, it's a real drag to know that when I'm done with the tasks, there's no one awake to share that exhilaration. I just drag myself up to bed and pass out. That's so not the life for me!
But really, I've had lots and lots of perfect days that didn't include what I stated above- life is wonderful at giving you lots of perspective and experiences and perfection comes in all sorts of ways and events. But if this little daydream of mine could happen on a near daily basis, I'm pretty sure I'd have little to complain about.

Thank you Michelle!!

Lily Pottery

2008-06-14T11:28:00.008-05:00

Artist: Lily Wikoff Stratton
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Web site: Lily Pottery
Blog: Lily Pottery

What do you create?
Lily Pottery consists of several segments all related by medium, clay. I have created and developed a line of hand stamped porcelain wearable art. All of my stamps are hand-carved and “one-of-a-kind”. My collection of jewelry includes necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings. I also have a children’s line called “little lily”. Little Lily is made up of hair accessories for sweet little girls as well as smaller versions of necklaces to match “mommy”. The final facet of Lily Pottery is my wheel thrown line of pottery. My pottery line consists of pottery citrus reamers, bundt cake pans, mugs, plates, vases and so much more!

When and why did you decide to start your business?
After working for a year marketing for a company in the corporate world, I decided it was time to put my degree in 3-D Studio Art and market my own product. I quit my job last April and dove right in to being a “full-time artist”.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
My love for nature inspires me to create. I am in love with the simple elements in found nature. The soft and organic lines of the petals in my flower garden and the knobby pecan trees growing in my back yard. The colors that splash across the sky and paint the clouds just before the sun sets over the foothills to the north of my house. The vibrant hue of my poppies on the rise in the field. I also glean inspiration from my artist friends, whether it’s online or my studio partner creating away in the space next to me. I love to soak up all the creative energy of other artist friends around me at gallery openings and shows and visually online via blogs and websites.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
It’s a tough call… but it’s between my clay and hand carved stamps.

What keeps you motivated?
Being able to get up every day and go to work in my studio doing something I love. It may be twice as many hours as the job I had working 8-5 in the corporate world, but I love watching something with my name attached to it, my finger prints all over it and many hours of my work into it, grow and become a successful business keeps my trucking! It is also very motivating to hear how customers who’ve purchased from me come back to my studio and tell me how happy they are with their “lily pottery”.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I have a website. I blog.—the internet is a HUGE resource for marketing I have found. I try to self-promote through print advertising whenever I have a show. I have postcards and business cards in every local coffee shop and community bulletin board every time I have a show. I take every opportunity to slap that lily pottery logo all over town! Also, I network with small new businesses in my town whenever possible, and collaboration with other businesses, charitable organizations, and other artists is a great way to get the word out, not to mention it’s so great learn from other small business owners.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
To develop a catalogue of my products and begin to expand my customer base by wholesaling.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Be passionate about what you’re doing. If you are willing to throw yourself into something and work as hard as you possibly can to make it successful, it will happen. Don’t be afraid to just get out there and try. Never be intimidated by the size of your business. Take it serious and be proud of your work. Believe in your product and do be afraid to just go for it!

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
Each piece is hand crafted. The only machine used when making my products is my kiln to glaze fire my pieces. Each pendant is hand cut out of a slab of clay and hand stamped. I sign the back of every pendant just as I do every pot I make.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned while running your business?
It’s HARD WORK, but oh-so satisfying. I never really knew what all went into “running a business” but I’m still learning every day, and it’s an amazing journey!

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use? I would love to delve into screen-printing and textiles!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
I pretty much live my perfect days now! I’m living my dream come true by having my own studio, creating a product I love. Not every day is “peaches and cream” but on a perfect day, I’d wake up, have some really good strong coffee. Get down to the studio early and create jewelry all morning, break for lunch, then throw at my wheel all afternoon. Come home. Have a good hard run. Enjoy dinner with my amazing hubby. Sleep sound that night, then wake up the next day and do it all over again!

Thank you Lily!

thank you

2008-06-12T05:01:00.007-05:00

Thank you to Holly form Decor8 for making Crafty Synergy the blog of the week! Welcome to those of you who are visiting via her blog. Sit in your favorite comfy chair and take your time to look around!

Creative Thursday

2008-06-02T19:32:00.017-05:00

Artist: Marisa Haedike
Location: Los Angeles, California
Web site: Creative Thursday
Blog: Creative Thursday

What do you create?
I paint. I LOVE to paint! My medium of choice is acrylic. My surface of choice is wood and my size of choice, while I do like painting large, is mostly small and lately very tiny. What originally started as a mission to create daily paintings, and post them on my blog and website has grown to include sculpting in polymer clay and most recently, just this month actually, sewing by hand and machine. The inspiration to expand mediums over the last year has been to bring the characters in my paintings to life, to make them 3 dimensional ~ and to continue to challenge myself creatively.

How did you come up with your company name?
I realized that I am happiest when I am being creative and this realization happened when I was working my 9 to 5 job in Colorado, as an interior designer, and hardly getting any creative time in. It was then that I also decided that at least one day a week had to be set aside for Fun and Creativity! Thursdays have always been my favorite day of the week, so Thursday it was and this is how CREATIVE THURSDAY was born. I felt that since “Creative Thursday” was the inspiration and the beginning of me following my creative path; this would be the perfect name for my business. It is also a broad enough name and concept, that it will be the “umbrella” to all my creative ventures, especially since I am an entrepreneurial spirit who will never be boxed in.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
After designing for other people both as a graphic designer and an interior designer for many years, I honestly thought how much fun it would be to create a business based upon my own designs.
I officially started Creative Thursday in early 2004 with the launch of a line of re-designed vintage chairs. It has taken many attempts and creative incarnations for Creative Thursday to be what it is now.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
So many, many things. I can look at dishes stacked in a dish rack and the colors will inspire a painting. Sometimes I get ideas right before I’m falling asleep, where I’ll see a glimpse of the entire painting, or a new character to introduce. Mostly, like so many artists, nature is a constant source of inspiration. The color combinations in nature are simply brilliant. I also love to thumb through magazines, books and now more than ever, I love to visit blogs and flickr ~ the never ending internet trail. I am constantly amazed by the talent and inspiration so many people are sharing via their blogs and websites.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My tiny, tiny paintbrush, a winsor & newton size 000. Honestly I don’t know what I’d do without it.

What keeps you motivated?
Honestly, since my creative voice is finally finding its way…and there were moments along the way where I didn’t know how it would come together, let alone know how I would survive financially ~ I haven’t had a time where I haven’t been motivated. I spent so many years dreaming of the life I now live, that there’s hardly a day I wake up that I’m not excited about the day ahead. I love what I do so much.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Blogging really did wonders for introducing my work to the “world” literally. And as it turns out, blogging is something I really enjoy. I find that building a community online and connecting within that community is such a powerful way not only to “meet” so many talented people, but also to introduce them to you and your work. Word of mouth via the internet is incredibly powerful.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I have my first children’s book that I am working on. I’m so excited to finish it, as I can’t wait to share this book.
I also want to continue to develop more streams of passive income via licensing channels, as I would like to take more time to start traveling and/or living part time in Europe to inspire the next chapter of creativity.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Oh so many things, which you can listen to more of in my podcast. If I had to break it down to just one thing, I would say learn to listen to your own heart and follow that guidance. We always have the answers within us and even with all the best meaning advice out there, the best advice will be from you to you.

Can you talk to us about your podcast? How did it get started?
When I was desperately trying to find ways to supplement my income while my business was still coming together, I would often check out the work opportunities on Craigslist. I came across a post for a company looking for people to do podcasts. Since I ‘m rarely at a loss for words, especially when I’m inspired about something ~ and I happily share my thoughts, opinions and ideas with almost anyone who asks, I thought this might be the perfect opportunity for me to express that part of my creativity, while also sharing the knowledge I had become so passionate about, with others ~ that of pursuing and living the creative life.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I would like them to interpret it for themselves and since I hear again and again how my work makes people feel happy, if it does just that ~ I’m thrilled!

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
I’ve decided I can no longer list them all in interviews. I have so many and I never like to leave anyone out. If you really want to know, just visit my Etsy favorites and the category called “favorite artists” on my blog. That should get you started! And I have to say the list continues to grow every day.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would love to write my own music.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
I’m so lucky. I already get to live so many of my perfect days. It’s starts with a hot cup of coffee (with frothy milk!), warm sunshine, a cool breeze, sitting and visiting with Sean (my boyfriend) and our trio of furry friends, Lulu, Garbo and Riley, in the comfiest of chairs, followed by time to be creative, followed by a walk to a delicious lunch with my creative girlfriends and my family if they lived closer, maybe a shopping excursion to Anthropologie, then an afternoon nap, a yoga class, cooking a dinner with food from the local farmer’s market and having that with a really nice bottle of wine, with Sean of course, watching an inspiring movie and did I mention this could all be taking place in Italy?

Thank you so much Marisa!

Yellow Canoe

2008-04-18T10:30:00.005-05:00

Artist: Erin Lang Norris
Location: Madison, WI - USA
Web site: Yellow Canoe - Etsy
Blog: Yellow Canoe

What do you create?I create items for the home, focusing primarily on block printed key racks, jewelry holders and coat racks, but I do throw in a hand bound journal here and there and I also love creating art pieces to mix things up a bit.

How did you come up with your company name?
I wanted something that would stick, and something that would be fun, yet a little bit more on the serious side than my other shop name (operation paper cut). Since I'm a huge outdoor enthusiast, I liked the idea of having "canoe" in my name and I liked the way "Yellow Canoe" rolls off the tongue. It's kind of ironic that my husband and I used to paddle around a small lake in a canoe that was yellow when we first met, because I didn't even think about that until later!

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I was attending school for Interior Design when I realized that it just wasn't the right time for me, which was a bummer because I loved the atmosphere and everything it involved. I think that it kick started my mind a bit, in the way of thinking that I could still design things, but on a smaller scale. I've known that I wanted to make homes "look nice" for a long time, which is why I went to school for Interior Design in the first place. So I thought about what I could make, and how I could go about getting started on a really small budget. I had my ideas, but I didn't have the time or money to do anything huge. So I held the thoughts in my head and in journals and moved onto something that was more feasible at the time, which was creating and selling coptic bound journals and recycled notebooks, stuff like that. That was when I ran Operation Paper Cut. After a couple years it was finally the right time to get going on my original plan, and I had even more ideas than ever before- so many that I still haven't gotten around to half of them, but everything is slowly coming together.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
For my art pieces, I like to create mini worlds that I think would be fun to visit. I enjoy making up little stories for each piece, especially the "animal hole" pieces. For the block printed pieces, I like to gather ideas for new designs when I'm out and about. I see the neatest patterns in the most unusual places...something I don't think most people really pay much attention to. I turn these into my own thing, altering lines here and there. About 95% of the time I come up with something entirely different than what I started out with, which I really enjoy because it makes things interesting. Also, if I sit down and try to come up with new ideas it just feels so forced to me and never works out like it should. So I usually just wait until something just comes to me, which usually happens during the worst times- like when I'm driving or in the shower.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Oooh, this is a tough one. I really like the table saw because it's one of the quicker processes and it's fun to see five pieces of wood turn into a tower of hundreds of little pieces. I guess I'm also partial to the saw because, haha, since I live in an apartment I can't have one here, so I get to see my parents whenever it's time to cut more wood. Now that I live 2 hours away from them I thought it would be more of a challenge to get wood when I needed it, but it really isn't- it makes for a fun day trip. :)

What keeps you motivated?
I must admit, I do find myself a bit out of the groove every now and then, but the one thing that really helps are letters from people who admire my work. They have a bigger impact on me than I think they realize. It makes the process so much more rewarding than it already is to know that somebody took the time to just tell me that they like my stuff. The other thing that motivates me is knowing that someday I could be fully self employed, rather than relying on a part time job to tie up the loose ends. Reading interviews of designers and artists who have "made it big" is always wonderful, too... I usually run to my studio and start working the minute I am finished reading one!

How do you get the word out about your work?
Well, I'm really not very good about this. I should carry around business cards, but I have yet to get any professionally printed (one of those things that I keep putting off...). I should carry a lookbook around, but I don't do that, either. So until I do that, which is going to be very soon, I mainly just promote online. Etsy is a great place because it has chat rooms that sometimes bring in a sale or a custom order. The forums on Etsy help, too. Flickr has been very helpful as well, even though I can't link directly to my shop from there. I try to be active in the blog scene when I have time, which has helped a bit too.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I purchased a ton of linen about 5 months ago which is waiting to be turned into block printed pillows. After the pillows comes placemats and curtains, stuff like that...Screen printing is in the works as well, but I've been saying that for over a year now. I have everything I need but the emulsion, so I guess I'm going to have to keep holding off on it. I also would like to get into turning salvaged, frameless mirrors into something beautiful, which I hope to reveal over the next few months as well. I'd really like to get into just a few more brick and mortar shops, right now Yellow Canoe has made it's way into about 4 or 5 around the country, but I'd like to get into about 12 all together.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Do your research. I spent hours upon hours finding vendors who had the best deals, the lowest shipping, etc when I was first starting out. Also, don't blatantly copy other people's styles. Wait until you have something that is your own design before you go and release it to the public. Oh- and realize that it can to take awhile to build a reputation, so don't get discouraged when you are starting out with little to no sales!

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
Everything is done by me...buying the materials, cutting, sanding, painting, mixing colors for ink and paint, carving new designs, printing, measuring, drilling, spray painting hooks, applying the matte finish, package design...the clean up...packaging orders/post office visits...communicating with clients. A lot of people I know think that it must be so nice to not be on a schedule, or the I can do whatever I want, and that life must be a breeze being able to "sit at home all day", but it's really not that way. I mean, yeah, it IS nice being able to be at home much of the week, but it's really not handed to me on a silver platter as some people think it is, and I do have deadlines just like I would if I went to work in and office or something. Other than that, there isn't really anything else that I can think of. But I often feel like that is an oversight for sure.

Which of your projects have you considered the most interesting or enjoyed working on the most?
My favorite things that I've made are the key racks that have illustrations on them rather than block prints. They are just more fun because they're one of a kind and it's something fresh and new every time.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would love to learn how to weld. My dad just purchased some welding stuff about a year ago, so I'm hoping to go down to my parents this summer while my husband is on a business trip and start learning that. I can't believe that I don't know how to knit or embroider yet, but I plan on taking a knitting class here soon. Since I just moved to Madison, I figured that I should just take a class rather than teaching myself for the sole purpose of meeting some new people.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Waking up to the sun at around 6:30, sitting outside sipping a cup of coffee or tea listening to the birds sing while reading a magazine. Making breakfast and then going on a hike with my husband. Returning to the campsite (I guess I should have mentioned that the perfect day happens during a camping trip) to build a campfire and reminisce on good times, while listening to our favorite camping music (oh yes- there is camping music, our favorite is The Doors) and cracking open a few cold ones, haha.

Sunlit Letterpress

2008-04-04T15:22:00.010-05:00

Artist: Erin McCall
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Web site: Sunlit Letterpress
Blog: Adventures in Letterpress

What do you create?
I design and print letterpress stationery for life's special moments (weddings, births, celebrations), as well as personal and business correspondence (greeting cards, notecards, business/calling cards, corporate stationery). I have a "ready-to-wear" line that is pre-designed and sold on Etsy, on my website, and in stores, and I also design and print custom stationery. I use vintage printing presses from the late 1800s and early 1900s to craft each piece of stationery by hand.

How did you come up with your company name?
Sunlit Letterpress is an offshoot of my graphic design business, Sunlit Media. The human eye is naturally drawn to light, and reacts to light - especially sunlight. When I named my graphic design business, I wanted to capture this idea of a visual reaction to things that are bright. (Unfortunately most people mispronounce it and call it "Sunlight Media", when it is in fact "sunlit".)

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I fell in love with letterpress in my early 20s after reading an article about the dying art (it is now enjoying a rebirth!). I then studied letterpress at the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design under Jim Rimmer - the renowned letterpress master, type designer, type founder, an illustrator. Jim gave me my very first press, some metal type and a can of ink, and a letterpress addiction was born. It wasn't long before I started selling cards at art and fine craft shows, and online through Etsy.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I find inspiration in nature and in everyday objects, shapes, and colors. I spend a lot of time outside at sunset looking for silhouettes of flowers, trees, grasses, and other objects that would look good as a design when letterpress printed. I am also strongly influenced by Japanese motifs and icons, and have loads of origami papers and books on Japanese design to flip through.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My favorite tool is my Chandler and Price press. It is a 1,200 lb. beast made of cast iron, and it took four men to move it slowly and carefully into my basement. The press was made in the early 1900s and was even used to print one of my city's local papers in the 1920s. The person I bought it from used it for 30 years in his basement. I smile when I am printing and think of how many people have used the press to create their own work.

What keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by seeing people touch my cards and watching their faces light up when they feel the tactile quality of a letterpress print. I am also motivated when I receive e-mails from people who have bought my cards and tell me how they gave them to a special friend or relative. A few people have used my "Bun in the Oven" card to announce their pregnancies to friends, family, and even husbands - and being a small part of such a major announcement makes me want to create more.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Etsy has done wonders for me in terms of marketing, and so has my website. My blog has probably been my most useful tool for spreading the word about my work, and I get thousands of hits every month. Art and fine craft fairs have also been useful for connecting with buyers, retailers, and custom clients.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I have a zillion goals for this year - but here are my top two: Although I love Etsy, my goal is to get an e-commerce shop going on my own website a.s.a.p. so I can be more self-sufficient and less reliant on a third-party. I am also currently working on building the list of retailers that carry my ready-to-wear line.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Make sure you can name at least 5 people ready and willing to buy your product before you start. Some products can be really fun and creative to make, but if no one wants to buy them you'll end up with a very expensive hobby instead of a business.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
There are is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in my stationery. When I started learning about letterpress there wasn't the wealth of information available for beginners like there is now. I had to work hard, research, read everything I could about everything from inks to platemaking to machine oil, and ask many experts for help. I worked hard to get here, and I am proud of what I have accomplished.

Which of your projects have you considered the most interesting or enjoyed working on the most?
Custom projects are my favorite, wedding invitations being my most favorite. I am honoured to be able to help couples create custom invitations that set the tone for the biggest day of their lives.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would love to learn how to silkscreen t-shirts and fabric, and maybe transfer some of my stationery designs to clothing. However, my letterpress equipment has taken up nearly a whole floor of our home, so my husband might object to my taking up more space in the house for my creative pursuits!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Everyday that my family, friends, pets and I are happy, healthy and alive is a perfect day :)

Thank you Erin!

La Fille du Consul

2008-03-11T20:25:00.011-05:00

Artist: Delphine Roche de Montgrand)
Location: Paris, France
Blog: La Fille du Consul (Means "the consul's daughter")

What do you create?
I make small “sculptures to wear”, “3D trompe l’oeil”. My work plays with the spectator’s sight who wonder if it is old or current, real or false, if it is eaten or not, or if it could melt…

What is the first memory that you have of making something crafty/artsy?
A nice February morning, 10 years ago, I saw in the garden cherry trees blossomed out. I gathered some of these white flowers with pleated petals, and at home, I wanted to reinterpret them in polymer clay. It is a material I used as I was a little girl. My first flowers arose from there.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
In 2002, I was a salaried worker in interior design for some years. In those days, my boss saw some of my personal work. He encouraged me to make my own creations in order to start my own business. And he was right: I think I do what I like, even if every day isn't easy and I’m not made for having a boss!

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
My inspiration comes from nature, vegetables, coral, every thing I like and I miss in town, but also from chocolate and gingerbreads ( I lived as a child in Germany, it is a part of my inspiration). Another part of my inspiration comes from old paintings from the 17th, 18th centuries and still lives, “Wunderkammer”, curiosities…

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I use most often Polymer clay. I like colour and volume, and this material authorize to model colour. Sometimes I use also Papier-mâché.

What keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by every thing I see around me, some nice or funny ideas come each day more and more. Also I like to see the work of other designers on internet, it also means I’m not all alone working, even if I work by myself. The internet is a great place to feel emulation, it pushes me to create more, it always gives me new ideas.

The bad side of this emulation is that when you have so many ideas, you can’t realize them all, so it gives you a little bit of frustration not to have the time to make every thing you would like to.

One more thing that motivates me is the approval of the public. It’s important when you understand people are waiting for you.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I began my web-blog in 2006 and I realize it is my principal communication tool. Then I added other internet tools, like Myspace and Flickr. I also communicate a lot by emails.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I have a project with other french speaking designers.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
I would say not to begin alone first. Watch how a business functions in a company. So the first thing to do is join a company with salaried workers, and to keep your eyes wide open. A good financial “sitting” is also a important thing to take into account: it is difficult to live from your own work immediately.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I think the most important thing is that my work is a modeling and sculpture work. I make sculptures to wear or to put down. I don’t have any jewelery training.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Lalique and Art nouveau, Line Vautrin, Claude Lalanne, Elsa Schiaparelli, Michele Oka Doner, Géraldine Gonzales , Les farfelus farfadets, Claire Basler, Christian Lacroix, Karl Blossfeldt, Clémentine de Chabaneix… and lots of others.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would like to work a bit more with papier-mâché. Every thing that uses paper tempts me.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
The perfect day? It’s perhaps when, at night I go to sleep with satisfaction of the work well finished, and that is not always the case.

Thank you Delphine!

Lisa Solomon

2008-02-14T08:34:00.010-06:00

Artist: Lisa Solomon
Location: Oakland, CA
Web site: Lisa Solomon and Underdogink
Blog: Lisa's Musings

What do you create?
Primarily I’m a mixed media artist. I tend to come up with an idea and then attempt to manifest it. Sometimes this is a one shot deal, sometimes I end up making whole series or body of work. Sometimes I find myself repeating something thematically or visually until I feel as though I’m “done” with it. [there is no scientific method to deciding when one is done – although sometimes I wish there was]. I also love to make crafty things – the occasional softie, pillow case, skirt.... I design Tshirts, totes, and jewelry for my side business underdogink. I also freelance as a graphic designer – although I do much less of that now than I used to. I also love taking polaroid photographs. It’s more of a hobby – but it’s such a part of my visual language now. I’m so dismayed that polaroid has announced the termination of production of their instant film.

What is the first memory that you have of making something crafty/artsy?
First? It’s hard to pin-point. My grandmother is a huge influence on me – she taught me how to crochet and knit and through her I got very interested in embroidery. As corny as it sounds I feel like I was born with a glue bottle in one hand and some material [pom poms, glitter, paper, fabric] in the other. I always seemed to be really happy when I was allowed to color, or paint, or make things.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
Well... I feel as though I “officially” became an artist in 2003 when I got my MFA. I’m so glad I went to graduate school for art... I have been fortunate enough to be invited to show my work at various venues. You can find out more on my website about upcoming and past shows. You can also read my artistic statement online. My graphic design business started in 1995 and underdog ink I started in 2004. Those two things just kind of happened. I just ended up with clients needed design work [or I traded small business goods for services]. With underdog, I wanted T-shirts for myself that I could wear around that weren’t plain and weren’t so fancy I couldn’t wear them in the studio or to teaching. So I started making them. And then people wanted them – so I started selling them.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Seriously I get inspired by practically anything. By just looking around and listening. In my art I get inspired by a type of paper, by a color of thread, but something I caught out of the corner of my eye. I love vintage clothing, typography, instruction books, fabric, gutermann thread, my sewing machines. I love looking at art – seeing what other people are doing and how they do it.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
This is impossible for me to answer. I’m a tool junkie. I’m always looking for an excuse to buy a gadget or a tool. I love a really well crafted functional tool. There’s nothing like them!

What keeps you motivated?
I’m not very good at sitting still, so I just kind of keep at it. There’s also that feeling of satisfaction when you make something. Sure there’s the struggle and sometimes it doesn’t work out, but there are those moments [however fleeting] that you just know this is what you were meant to do – that everything seems to fade away and fall into place at the same time. I guess in some ways I’m searching for that. Trying to figure out if I have anything to say and how to say it.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I have to say the internet has been an amazing force. Sometimes I feel like it’s just taken over – opportunities and connections seem to flow from one place to the next. Early on I generated a mailing list and that’s really helped. I wish I had more time and energy to devote to putting the word out – but I think we all do what we can.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I want to find a better balance between life and work. I want to really foster relationships with people who want to show, purchase, and promote art for the right reasons. My immediate answer to this question? I want to find a place to show in NY :)

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Stay true to yourself. Be ready to work really hard. Don’t work so hard that you give up your family and friends. Expect to make mistakes and learn from them. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and things.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
This is a hard question. I’m not even sure. I want people to see and bring their own stuff to the work. I guess I just hope that people walk away thinking that it’s genuine. I don’t think everyone will like everything all of the time, but if they can at least respect it, or if it made them think, or pause.... Then I’m more than happy.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists? Oh my god. Where to start. There really are so many people.... And I don’t want to omit anyone. So instead of listing one million people, I’d say start with the links page of my website.... Look through the list of people you’ve interviewed here.... I feel very lucky that there are so many talented people out there – and that I can call some of them my friends.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Welding, wood burning, wood turning, ceramics.... Should I go on?

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Wake up, it’s sunny, have a lovely late with perfect foam, pack up my dogs and head into my studio for the whole day, break for lunch [something yummy] with a friend.... Play online for a little bit, go back to work in the studio.... Head home when it’s dark.... Eat dinner with my husband.... Look through some good books or magazines for inspiration... Watch a good movie... Go to bed. Other good days would be going to a museum or galleries and finding work that really sings.... Or taking a nice long walk... I also love traveling. Being out of your “element” is always inspiring and invigorating.

Thank you Lisa!

letteria

2008-01-13T15:02:00.000-06:00

Artist: Christa Schumacher-Schwarz
Location: Zweidlen (near Zurich), Switzerland
Web site: Letteria, Etsy, Flickr

What do you create?
I print paper goods with old letterpress-equipment.

How did you come up with your company name?
When I thought about a name for this letterpress-project, I wanted to find a name that was unique, lovely, a little bit nostalgic and also short. So then I thought about it a few days while I was outside with my dog, cooking, crafting. and one day - I got it!

When and why did you decide to start your business?
My first apprenticeship was in a bookshop. During business school, we went to visit a letterpress-studio. When I was there, I absolutely knew that was what I wanted to do someday! It was more than 12 years ago, but I never forgot this dream. During the years I was busy with so many other things and trainings. But before 1 1/2 years had passed I bought an old letterpress-machine and some letters - and started printing! My husband said, that I looked like I had won the lottery. My smile was so big when I printed on my own letterpress for the first time!

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
All around me: a cloudy sky, different magazines, a color-combination I see, photos, the autumn forest before my window, vintage finds, a white paper-sheet...!

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Absolutely my old wooden types. I like the patina they have so much!

What keeps you motivated?
For me its a great pleasure to work with letterpress-printing as compensation for my main business. During the day I was working with the computer, so I really like to use my hands, mix inks, sort letters, print, and wrap. Another important point for me is the contact with the people who like my letterpress-work. Over at my Etsy and Flickr-sites I have so many nice contacts with other indie designers and interesting people from around the world!

How do you get the word out about your work?
Not by doing much... I have a new website with an online-shop. Then I started selling my things on Etsy. I think the mouth-to-mouth-endorsement is one of the most important thing for a small creative business.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
In 2008 I will go to my first business-exhibition. I'm curious about it ;) but other than that, I take every day and see what needs to be done.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Only one thing: give all your heart and soul to your project. If you are committed don't let yourself get dissuaded!

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Mmmh, this would be pottery or silkscreen!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Having enough time to fritter away with things I love; having time with my dearest and family, crafting, printing, eating, reading, inspiring... and important - I'm thankful for every day for all the things I have :)

happy new year!

2007-12-31T16:21:00.000-06:00

As many of you may have noticed, things slowed down in the last couple of months around here. A lot of it just had to do with the fact that everyone got really busy, including me. My hope is that the new year will bring more interviews from exciting artists and maybe some news about some changes. I look forward to it all. In the meantime, I want to thank all of you for your visits and support throughout 2007. Happy New Year! :)

xo - Patricia

Wildernest by Sara Schalliol

2007-12-03T10:53:00.000-06:00

Your full name: Sara Schalliol
Location: Gainesville/Savannah, GA
Web site: Etsy, Sara Shcalliol
Blog: Into the wildernest

What do you create?
Furniture, products, jewelry, or "objects for living", I like to say.

How did you come up with your company name?
"Wildernest" just sort of came to me. I wanted to somehow suggest that the products were nature-themed and/or made of natural materials as well as being a little "wild", and I thought the name worked.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I've made things since I was about 5 years old, and sold things for almost just as long. I've always been intrigued by making something with my hands and someone giving me something of equal value in return for my work. I had been working at a part time job that I really didn't enjoy while going to college, and finally I thought "I'm going to school to design things, I love designing things, so why am I working here? Who says I need a degree to start making money with my designs?" So about a year ago I opened an Etsy account.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I am inspired by everything and believe that inspiration is everywhere, things just have to be looked at in the right way (which can be the tricky part). I am constantly in awe of how perfectly and beautifully nature works. I like to surround myself with inspiring people who make me want to become a better designer.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I love band saws and CNCs. It's a toss-up though, the ever-present handmade vs. mass-produced dilemma.

What keeps you motivated?
I have a lot of drive. I'm constantly proving myself to myself. The feeling of accomplishment after creating something new only lasts so long, so I'm quick to start and finish something new so I can feel that way again.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Well, really, I don't. I list new items on Etsy, post projects on Coroflot, and talk passionately about what I do. Finishing college has been my main priority for quite a while, so promoting myself has definitely taken a back seat.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
1. Find a job. Working for myself will be wonderful someday, but I'm young and have a lot to learn.
2. Start selling my furniture on Etsy.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
If you don't love making it, no one will love using it.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
That it is 100% from my heart. I am not willing to spend my time doing something that I am not passionate about. If it doesn't feel right, I don't do it. I'm not willing to compromise my beliefs to make a buck.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
The furniture department at SCAD, students and professors.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Metal. I've gotten so comfortable with wood, that every idea I have is applied to wood. I would love to feel equally confident in metal. I think it would open up a new world of designs for me.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Some combination of drinking coffee, going for a run, seeing friends, and designing something so great that I say "wow, I AM supposed to design things!"

Thank you Sara!

The Lapwing Printworks

2007-11-20T07:09:00.000-06:00

Artists: Sarah Spooner and Jon Gregory
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
Web site: The Lapwing Printworks
Blog: For what is Chatteris?

What do you create?
We create limited edition relief prints – mostly wood engravings and woodcuts with the occasional lino cut.

How did you come up with your company name?
There’s just something about lapwings. Their jaunty little crests, their slightly odd wings, and the unmistakable “peeee-wit” call. It just seemed appropriate to adopt the name. And Jon had great fun drawing the logo!

When and why did you decide to start your business?
It wasn’t really a conscious decision – we gave away lots of prints to friends and family, before deciding to see if anyone would be interested in buying our work online. We were really pleased with the response, so after dipping our toes in the water last year, we decided to set up our own website so that we could promote our commissioned work, as well as selling our limited edition prints though Etsy.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
We find inspiration in all sorts of places, from the landscape of the English countryside to the kitchen cupboards, as well as from the interesting bits and bobs that we have collected over the years. We both love finding interesting colours and patterns in everyday places and objects and reinterpreting them in our prints.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Our E.C. Lyons wood engraving tools. They are so beautifully made and the wooden handles feel wonderful to hold and engrave with. We love their names as well – spitsticker, scorper, graver etc. We engrave the blocks on our homemade leather sandbag, which is very becoming very smooth and tactile with lots of use!

What keeps you motivated?
Each other, and the promise of a gin and tonic once we’ve washed the ink up. Visiting new corners of previously unexplored countryside always prompts lots of new ideas for prints.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Quietly at the moment, but we are slowly trying to promote ourselves more actively! We post lots of photographs of our prints and of the process of creating them on Flickr, and a surprising number of people have found us there and contacted us. Others have found us through word of mouth, and through our own website and blog. We have just had Moo cards printed with our website and email address on which are proving very popular!

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
We both have lots of ideas for new prints which we want to work on over the coming months. We would also really like to do more commissions – it’s very satisfying to work with someone to create a uniquely personal wood engraving or wood cut for a gift or special occasion. We recently acquired an Adana press, and are excited about getting into letterpress printing in some way, shape or form.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Think about what you are going to do, and stick to it. We make lots of other crafty bits and bobs, but we only sell our prints – its best to do one thing well rather than trying to do too many different things. If you’re going to have your own website then make sure that it’s well-designed and easy to use, with good clear photos of your stuff.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
We absolutely love printmaking, and we’d still be playing around with tools, blocks and inks even if nobody was interested in buying them.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
We have discovered lots of wonderful printmakers online, like Jennifer Schmitt (Azure Grackle), Kate Nydam (Nydam Press). We also love English artists like Angie Lewin and Andy English.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Gocco! We’re also going to make time to get to grips with letterpress, and we’d love to try out other printmaking techniques that we don’t have the space or equipment for, especially etching and mezzotint.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
An early start, autumnal sunshine, a walk around the little shops of Norwich to buy lovely food, a long lunch, an afternoon of sketching and printing, followed by a lazy evening and a bottle of wine in front of our open fire.

Thank you Sarah and Jon!

Paperiaarre

2007-11-12T01:30:00.000-06:00

Your full name: Kaija Joutsijärvi
Location: Turku, Finland
Web site: paperiaarre.etsy.com
Blog: paperiaarre.blogspot.com

What do you create?
I take a special interest in blank handmade books, as I’m a master bookbinder, but I also make jewelry. Currently I’m focusing on different types of historical bindings with a subtle modern twist. Sometimes I use hand-cut stencils to illustrate my book covers. In my jewelry I use the same materials as in bookbinding, leather, paper and board resulting as a lightweight piece of jewelry. I like to offer an alternative to all things shiny.

How did you come up with your company name?
Paperiaarre is Finnish for a paper treasure. Paperi=paper, aarre=treasure. I wanted to use a Finnish name because my mother tongue is really important to me, and it felt like a way to be true to myself and my roots. Paper has fascinated me ever since I was a child and I do believe every sheet of paper can be turned into a little treasure.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I actually haven’t decided anything. Things just happened! I don’t really think of my work as a business yet. I’ve sold my books in some craft shows and through a local craft association, here in Finland, since 2003, but only in very small-scale. While still studying bookbinding I made quite a lot of books to order. After graduating in December 2006 I just carried on what I had been doing. I’ve been unemployed most of this year, so I’ve had plenty of time for bookbinding. I started my blog to set myself some goals and to share what I’m doing with others, who appreciate handmade things. Then I thought it would be nice if people could (and would, for that matter!) buy my creations, and that’s how I decided to start up a shop at Etsy.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I really love to feel the materials I’m working with. I hold them and fold them. Sometimes I spread all my papers, hides and fabrics on the living room floor, and go through everything. And of course, nature has a great influence in all my creations. I try to work as environmental friendly as I can, recycling whatever can be recycled and choosing materials that decompose.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I love my old backing hammer, even though I don’t use it as often as before. It’s an old cobbler’s hammer. When I got it, it had no handle and my father made it a new one. The whole hammer is covered with paint stains and dents. I think it’s always nicer to work with a tool that has a story to tell. A backing hammer is a very gentle tool. It is used to round and back a book’s spine with “glancing blows”, as my teacher always said (in English for some reason). At school I made a lot of full leather bindings that were always backed, but right now using leather isn’t financially profitable, so I stick to more reasonably priced materials and admire my hammer from the distance.

What keeps you motivated?
My blog is a big motivation to me. It helps me work with regularity, since I want to post about new things right after I’ve finished them. It makes me work a lot more efficiently, and suddenly I’ve finished a book and get to start a new one! I say there’s been a big change in all my crafting after I started blogging. And I’m much happier too! I’ve met so wonderful people online! They keep me motivated, too. It’s great to know that there are people, who have faith in me and my talents, on the other side of the world. If things at Etsy work out well, who knows how soon I’ll turn into a full-time crafter.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Well… I think I left a comment or two in some of my favorite blogs, and all of a sudden it seems like there’s a million people reading my blog! So I haven’t actually gotten yet to the part where I get to promote my shop. There are some lovely people who have featured me in their blogs and spread the word. I’m completely stunned by all the kindness I’ve had the honor to be faced with here in the Internet. Therefore I believe the word gets out best when it’s spread with kindness and appreciation. That’s my strategy when I change in my promoting gear. For me the Internet is just about the only way to spread the word, as Etsy is now my primary market place, and there’s a whole lot more potential customers abroad compared to this little country.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
It would be great to get things rolling at Etsy. I’m still so new to this idea about me as a businesswoman, that I need to think over my everyday routines too. I wish to get some new products out soon. My head is filled with ideas. I really should focus on something. I would also love to get a job, so I could later say that I quit my day job to become a full time artist/bookbinder. Although, it seems to me, that I’m a full time bookbinder already, but it’s not official yet. How complicated can bureaucracy be?

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
I know this sounds really boring, but it’s very important to find out about pricing and all other financial issues. I can’t emphasize that enough. There are so many things you need to think of. There won’t ever be a good, successful business, if the basics are messed up. All the creativity in the world doesn’t mean you can make a living out of it (and that’s why I’m still unemployed!).

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I’m a girl doing what she loves to do. It’s just as simple as it sounds. There’s a lot of love in my books, so don’t be intimidated by their fancy looks. My books are made for you to use them. Although I consider myself an artist in some way, I don’t want my books to be considered too fine to write in. They can, of course, be left blank and used like a piece of art, a sculpture. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I do make my books to last, also in everyday use. Like everything, they’ll eventually look worn out, but they’re really durable compared to something machine-made (and have their own, wonderful story to tell). People prefer pretty clothes to ugly, so why use a notebook, that’s ugly and will fall apart very soon? Reward your creativity with a book. You’re worth it!

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Through the blog world I’ve found, among many other wonderful people, Lara Cameron, Heather Moore, Kristen Doran and Jesse Breytenbach, who have all been a great inspiration for me. They made me believe in myself.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Photography. I’d also love to start sewing things again.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
On a perfect day, I get up early, well rested, and I get many unfinished things done. I spend some time with my husband and friends, eat fancy food and not think about work. Right before falling asleep I get a great idea that would still be great and feasible next morning, and not wake up my husband in the middle of the night to tell him about it.

Thank you Kaija!

Foxy and Winston

2007-11-07T08:50:00.000-06:00

Your full name: Jane Anne Buck
Location: Brooklyn, New York USA
Web site: www.foxyandwinston.com
Blog: Foxy and Winston

What do you create?
Hand screen printed note cards, tiny apparel & Limited Edition Wall Art Prints

How did you come up with your company name?
It's my parents names - we called my Mum Foxy since we were small and my Dad's name is Winston.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
About 2 years ago I was working 3-4 days a week in a Children's Boutique in Brooklyn (Babybird in Park Slope) and I started making cards and tee's to sell there eventually as things took off I quit my job and took to doing this on a full time basis.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Mainly from the creatures that I meet on my travels and locally in Prospect Park, The Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Also customers often send me pics of their pets and tell me stories of the creatures that they encounter and that inspires many a doodle.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My digital pencil and Lascaux screen printing paste - smells like marzipan and prints like a dream!

What keeps you motivated?
Apart from the obvious:paying the bills, I'd say when you work for yourself no two days are alike and the challenge everyday is to have an empty order clipboard and inbox, it's so satisfying to get to the weekend and feel like you've done everything.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Through my website, etsy site and sending out mailers seasonally I do about 6 pretty large fairs/shows per year both locally and around the East Coast and I am pretty sure that helps a lot, it's very inspiring and flattering to meet the people who like your stuff.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I am working on a new collection and hopefully a small gallery show in Berkeley CA oh and to get a 'printern' to help me with my orders.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
1.make a business plan - I never did and I think it would have helped a lot - to have goals to work to.
2. get a credit card machine - the easier it is to get paid in a timely fashion the better!
3. Most creative people are notoriously bad sales people - especially of their own work, I have learned the true value of having a rep do this side of thing for me in Oregon and if I could have her cloned and put in every State I would, it's the best thing ever!

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
That I still draw each design first by hand and then I shoot my own screens in my bathroom and print them all to order with hand mixed inks in my very small home studio, it's still a teeny tiny business and I don't yet have any help - one day I hope...

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
I really admire the work of Amy Jean Porter, Jen Garrido Jill Bliss, Lotta Jansdotter to name but a few.....

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would love to print on a larger scale - and make wallpaper and/or bedding.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
A trip to the park to feed the Squirrels (and if it's summer - the Central Park Roller Disco) and a dinner & a movie with my husband and pals.

Thank you Jane!

Chloe Le Pichon Ceramics

2007-10-31T08:10:00.000-05:00

Artist: Chloe Le Pichon
Location: Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. 20 minutes from center city, Philadelphia.
Web site: Chloe Le Pichon Ceramics

What do you create?
I make functional and sculptural ceramics, designed for display and use.

What is your first memory of being inspired to make/craft something?
I remember driving from New York to Vermont with my family and stopping by artist studios- often potters. I was always so intrigued about how they made what they did, and how amazing it was that they could have such a tactile, tangible craft. I loved entering each person's space, entering their world and seeing how their objects often times reflected that world perfectly. We bought a French butter jar and a milk jug that we have had forever. I never thought about the china we used, the bowls and mugs - but these objects were special. It's as if I really knew them intimately. I knew where they came from and they reminded me of those special summer trips. These objects stood out like none of the others. Although at that age I was not inclined to make anything myself, that left a profound mark upon me and has resulted in what I do and how I do it.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I started my "business" pretty much as I graduated from College. I went to Swarthmore College PA and majored in art there. At my senior show, I decided to have things for sale on the off chance that someone might actually like to have something i made. It turned out that my show was almost sold out. It was a shock to me, but then I quickly realized that I love art so much I had to made a living of it - and that it was possible. It's been three years now, and in the beginning I was selling casually to friends and acquaintances. Then I was in a couple of group shows, which led to seeking out venues for my work. Now I sell on Etsy, in 2 galleries and at craft shows. It is a gradual and developing process. I still have trouble thinking of it as a business, I feel like the artist Chloe and the salesperson Chloe have little in common.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I get it primarily from memories of places I have been and things I have seen. I get it from other artists and their work. I also get it from the natural world, since my work tends to be organic and nature inspired.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I don't have a favorite tool. I don't really think of the tools I use much - just the process as a whole, and the many steps involved in each object. If I really have to pick, I would say my hands.

What is your favorite part of your creative process?
My favorite part is having a vision of what I want to make and then spending the hours, weeks or months that it takes me to actually get there. I love the refining process, making an object, seeing its flaws, making another one better, with a more learned approach. I would say, learning from my mistakes.

What keeps you motivated?
Motivation is similar to a wave in my life. I have times where I am so creative I don't even think about it. And other times where I dread the studio. At those times I simply stop working. I guess what I mean is that I have the knowledge that making objects is in my blood and even though there may be lows, I know I will always return and always have to desire to start something new or finish something older.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I am trying to build a steady client base where I live and I have a sale in my neighborhood every so often so that the neighbors know me. I send out reminder cards, of "happy...." cards. I try to have my business card always handy and upkeep my website. I also email everyone I know and have them email others with pictures of my work.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
My main goal is actually to get cone 6 electric glazes working out of my house. I have recently made myself a studio in the basement and want to start experimenting with electric kiln glazes so as to be more productive at home and less reliant on other places where I fire my work.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
My best advice would be to not be too overwhelmed by all the things that need to be set up. I would take things slowly and let the business develop naturally. I would also say that if you are a very non-business oriented person, you need to really switch gears and act like someone different. The business world is a whole other ball game.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I think it would be to appreciate it for what it is. To learn a little about the process of making objects in clay and making handmade objects, period. It is hard to compete with $2 Ikea vases and $5 Pier Import plates, but making things from scratch is something that takes much time and effort. Much more than people realize.

What adjectives would you use to describe your work?
Subtle, organic, well crafted, understated, unusual, calming.

If money, deadlines, scheduling, etc weren’t an obstacle what new project would you like to take on?
I would work really really big in clay and create big minimalist outdoor sculptures.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
A perfect day is any day where I can be myself, have contentment and give/do something for someone else.

Thank you Chloe!

Stephanie Levy

2007-10-17T08:59:00.000-05:00

Full name: Stephanie Levy
Location: Munich, Germany
Web site: www.stephanielevy.com

What do you create?
I create collages and illustrations depicting fictional interior settings. I use a variety of materials in my collages, ranging from patterned Japanese and Indian papers, gold leaf, glass beads, and transparent gel papers. The drawings are completed using permanent inks and acrylic paint and are then incorporated into the collages. Handmade papers, wooden blocks, or canvases are used as supports.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I have been interested in making art since I was a child. I received my formal training as an artist at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. After I moved to Europe, I completed a Master of Arts program at the Berlin University of the Arts.

My art has changed quite a bit in style over the years, but my interest in interiors as subject matter and the use of mixed media collage has remained. My current work has a more graphic and abstracted quality, which lends itself well to reproduction in printed form. Most originals have a small- to medium-sized format, making them easy to send by post to exhibitions around the world and to ship out to online customers.

For me, creating the art comes first; the process of turning my art into a “business” is still developing. The fact that many new galleries are now selling artwork through online shops is a fantastic development. This makes art much more accessible to a larger public. Recently, I have had wonderful feedback from the art and design blog community. I am very positive and excited by the new opportunities opening up for artists on the Internet through online shops, and this is where I intend to expand the “business” side of my art in the future.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I originally become interested in using interiors as subject matter in my art because of my family history. My grandfather was a fourth generation Irish carpenter, who also designed many of the houses he built. I grew up seeing house plans, and one of my family’s favorite activities was drawing up “fictional” plans of their dream houses. In art school, I realized that this was something special about my family that had influenced my artistic sensibilities.
I began to draw my own house plans, which later evolved into interior spaces. The first paintings and collages were based on the rooms in the house where my grandfather lived –
a house he designed and built himself.

Currently, I am inspired by images of “fictional interiors” that I find in design catalogs and magazines. I call them “fictional” because the photographs are mostly of rooms no one actually inhabits.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I love collecting unusual papers and other materials to incorporate into the collages. Each piece of art should be one of a kind and have something exquisite and unusual to enchant the viewer. Combining the different elements – the ink drawings, the acrylic paintings, and the various collage materials – is a big challenge when I make a new piece, but also a lot of fun.

What keeps you motivated?
The personal kick I get out of creating new artwork is very motivational. Of course, when someone else likes my art, and especially if someone wants to purchase my work, it is a great motivation to go on producing more. Art is a communicative medium, and I am happy when I can delight someone else. An exciting aspect of the Internet is that you can simultaneously reach out to so many people in all corners of the globe.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Several art and design blogs have been great about promoting my work. I have to thank decor8, poppytalk, crust station, modish, emmas design blogg, mixed plate, oh joy!, designers block, beach bungalow 8, coco + kelley, imedagoze, bloesem, and now Crafty Synergy to name a few for posting my work and helping me reach a larger audience with my website. Also, galleries like SQFT and Artstream with their online shops are important in reaching clients and collectors.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
My main goal in the next 6-12 months is to increase my sales by offering my work on various online sites. I intend to open up an Etsy shop, and I want to begin selling prints/multiples of my work. I also plan to increase my contacts with galleries and illustration agencies.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Love what you do and approach it with passion! It is hard work, so you will need plenty of drive, determination, and energy to make your dreams come true.

What is the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
Each piece of art is created with good will, is one of a kind, and is something unique which will hopefully add a little sparkle to their lives.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
There are many, many talented artists out there making a name for themselves through the Internet. A couple of the most productive artists whose work I admire are Lisa Congdon, Camilla Engman, and Kelly Lynn Jones. My friend Anna Maria Horner creates wonderful designs for textiles and other products, and still manages to have time for her five children.
I find her very inspiring.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I plan to expand my portfolio to include woodblock prints. I have the materials, now I just need to find the time to make the work!

What’s your definition of a perfect day?
My perfect day would begin with sleeping late (this means until 9 am with two small children, if we are lucky), taking a walk in the park along the river, enjoying a picnic with lots of delicious homemade goodies, perhaps a stopping for a cappuccino or a glass of wine in an outdoor café on the way home, spending relaxed time with my family, a sunset.

Thank you Stephanie!

Ethnique

2007-10-04T08:11:00.000-05:00

Artist: Gabriel Goryn Gallo
Location: Lima, Peru
Web site: www.ethniqueonline.net

What do you create?
Peruvian artistic decorative pottery.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
Since I was a small kid I remember doing different kinds of abstract drawings, sketches of people, and a lot of font stencils in every notebook in school. Time passed by, I went to college and studied industrial engineering , even though, all of my vocational tests indicated me that I should study art or architecture, but then again, at 17, not many people have a clear idea of what they want to do with their life.

A couple of years after graduating from college, and after working for many years in the family business, my brother Daniel and I had the chance, and decided, to start a company that would create high quality, handcrafted decorative pottery. We thought that by combining traditional Peruvian pottery techniques, with modern, artistic designs, we could create beautiful aesthetic products that would appeal to present decorative styles.

At the beginning, I watched how other designers conceived their artwork. I needed time and confidence to overcome my own insecurities and fears, but after a few months, and, by truly believing that this was what I wanted to do with my life, I started doing my own designs. It was then that I realized that those sketches I did many years ago, I did for a reason, and that 22 years later, I would understand why.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
My inspiration comes from my own environment, the world around me tinged with some abstract geometry. I could be sitting on my office, reading a magazine, watching a movie, or even driving my car, and some kind of idea will start to develop in my head.

It’s always important to have a continuous source of feedback and information. I’ve subscribed to a couple of Home Décor magazines were I can find new trends, or conceptual ideas. I try to read and visit home décor retail websites, different blogs & designer sites.

I also try to ask more experienced professionals for their opinion on my previous designs; this feedback is always helpful when trying to build new collections.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Any favoritism for certain tool will honestly be determined by the circumstances in which an idea originates.

a) If I’m sitting at home, brainstorming for new ideas and designs, I will have to say that my favorite tools would be; a pencil, fine & medium black markers, and a sketch block.

b) In any other case, it’s the tool that will help me truly materialize the ideas that come to my mind at a certain moment. Sometimes I’ll use a napkin, a personal card, or even a receipt; it will depend on where I am at that moment. I have to say that I also rely a lot on the digital voice recorder of my cell phone.

What keeps you motivated?
- Positive feedback.
- Knowing that we are creating products that people will enjoy having at their home.
- Believing that some people still prefer and appreciate handcrafted, artful home accents, instead of owning a mass produced item that has been repeatedly done 100,000 times.
- Looking back at where we were 3 years ago and realizing what we have achieved since then.
- The desire to become a recognized pottery designer.
- My son.

How do you get the word out about your work?
We like to approach our customers directly; a simple phone call will sometimes do the work. We don’t send just an email; we believe it’s too un-personal and mechanical.

In the following months, we would like to showcase our products in more sites and blogs. We have just finished our new website, which was something we needed to do for quite sometime.

We have participated in a few local shows, and recently, we had the opportunity to attend to the NYIGF.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
Locally, we’re looking forward on doing a strategic alliance with an important art & design retail store.

Internationally, we want to expand our customer listing, we are trying to reach the west coast region, we intend on having 4 new customers in the next 6-12 months.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
The virtue of patience, lots of patience, it will take time for people to start appreciating and getting to know your work, I still repeat this to myself every day.

Always keep yourself motivated.

Believe in what your doing; sometimes you might feel that things are not going the way you want them to be. At times, it will be hard and frustrating, but you should never stop believing on your work.

Subscribe to magazines, visit websites and read different design and industry related blogs.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I would like for our customers to understand and appreciate how our pottery is made, the process it goes through, and the distinctive and extraordinary technique used in the making of each product.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Photography

What's your definition of a perfect day?
My perfect day would start by waking up with natural daylight or music. It would be followed by saying good morning to my 2 years old son, who will send me back a beautiful innocent, lovely smile, and a funny-sounding, heart warming: “Hola Papito” (Hello Daddy)

My perfect office day would start by an obligatory cup of coffee with lots of sugar. I would spend half the day at the office, working while listening to music, closing a sale, learning something useful, getting a new idea for a collection, and contacting a new prospective customer.

I would spend the second half of my perfect day with my family and friends, going to a park, making my son laugh, and watching him enjoy every little detail from the world around him.

The evening could be presented with a bottle of wine, going to dinner or a movie.

Kelly Lynn Jones

2007-09-10T21:19:00.000-05:00

Artist: Kelly Lynn Jones
Web site: Kelly Lynn Jones and Little Paper Planes
Blog: blog.littlepaperplanes.com
Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA

What do you create?
I am a painter and a drawer. I also run an online store for artists, Little Paper Planes.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I started the online store in 2005 so i could sell things I make like t-shirts, tote bags, zines, prints etc and then I asked some friends if they wanted to do it too and it snowballed from there.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
For my paintings I am inspired by houses and the lives that have occupied them.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Pencil

What keeps you motivated?
It's not really about motivation but about a way of life. I need to draw and paint.

How do you get the word out about your work?
For paintings I have shows and update people with my website, for the online store, I email mailings a lot, and most of it, is just word of mouth.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
Well for the online store I hope to have a newly designed website, and well there are a few things I have up my sleeve based around artist exclusive but I am not ready to tell everyone yet. As far as my personal work, I am in the process of applying to grad school so I hope to be in school.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Figure out where your work fits in with other artists, use the internet as a tool. I find the internet is a great way of networking vs. me placing ads in magazines. Also make sure you know how to manage your money... a good business sense is pretty important, almost as important as what you make.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work? Hmmm...

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Everyone on Little Paper Planes.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Letterpress/lithography.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Wake up early, drink coffee, snuggle with my cats, Jane and Justin, water my new garden, go into my studio and look at the lovely view of the trees and the hills of Hollywood, and draw all day until dinner time which I then would go out to dinner with my boyfriend Matt... and actually that is exactly how my day was today.

Thank you Kelly!

Garnish Home

2007-09-02T22:17:00.000-05:00

Artist: Meagan Schafer
Web sites: www.garnishhome.com; www.garnishhome.etsy.com
Location: Vancouver, BC. Canada

What do you create?
I have a 9-5 job as a cabinet maker, but I am slowly growing my own business. Right now I am making a lot of wood jewelry. I also make various other items like a wood purse and some home accessories.

How did you come up with your company name?
Back when I named my business I was focusing on the home accessories (breakfast trays, lamps, coffee tables ect..) and the word 'garnish' seemed like such a nice way to describe decorating ones home- thus garnish(home) was named. Then I started jewelry and garnish worked just as well for that too.

When and why did you start your business?
I have always enjoyed having a lot of freedom and flexibility in my life, so being self employed has always appealed to me. Right after I finished school I tried to make a go of it but found it was too hard to make ends meet, so I took a job that I knew I could scale back my hours as needed. I have been slowly growing my business in my spare time.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Quite often when I need something for the home I figure out a way to make it for myself out of wood. I recently redecorated my bathroom and made many of the accessories (toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, towel rod, light fixture etc.). I guess I like the idea of finding ways to make things out of wood that are usually made from metal or other materials.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I like my vacuum press. It is basically a vinyl bag attached to a high powered vacuum. With it, I can glue up layers of veneer over forms to get curved shapes. It has endless possibilities. This is how I make my wood purse.

What keeps you motivated?
I also find it very motivating knowing that I will personally benefit from the work that I do. (I hate the idea of working my butt off to make someone else rich!) Also, as a woman in the trades I have experienced some sexism over the years. This motivates me to be self reliant.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I mainly approach stores to sell my work. I have also sold jewelry at a local monthly fashion market- www.portobellowest.com. And recently I have opened an online store on etsy.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I see myself working less (if at all) for an employer and working full time on my own business. I will continue doing jewelry as well as work to get my home accessories line rolling.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Having a job while starting my own business allowed me to slowly buy the tools I needed to start my own business. Starting slowly also allowed me to test ideas as well as get my feet wet in the business world without the panic of having to bring money in right away. Also, be flexible- my business has taken me on completely different paths than I had expected- go with what's working!

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I guess I want people to know that each piece is made by my hands and is totally unique. In this mass produced world it's really nice to know that many people are willing to dig a little deeper to find unique items and I really appreciate them for it.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I went to art school, so I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with many different mediums. If I had the time and facilities, I would probably play around with incorporating various mediums into my woodworking. Ceramics and glass would be fun!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Spring out of bed with tons of energy. Eggs benedict for breakfast. I have been working on an idea in the shop for the past few weeks and I go in to put the finishing touches on it and it is perfect! Ride on a roller coaster and eat some mini doughnuts. Have a yummi dinner with lots of ceasars and wine with loved ones.

I think I may have just realized I have a very unhealthy relationship with food. hmmmm

Thank you Meagan!

12fifteen

2007-08-24T08:52:00.000-05:00

Artist: Johanna Anderes
Web site: I have two because I want to keep my paper goods (12fifteen.etsy.com) separate from my home goods (12gypsies.etsy.com)
Location: Stamford, Connecticut

What do you create?
Paper goods and screenprinted home goods (at the moment placemats and kitchen towels)

How did you come up with your company name?
Everybody is expecting something v e r y exciting and interesting here (like, 'it's the time of day when I get my best ideas) but it is my son's birthday (which really is only exciting to me ;)

When and why did you decide to start your business?
As long as I can remember I was fascinated with design and paper goods. When my son is born it was harder to take on corporate graphic design jobs and I started doing wedding invitations, birth announcements etc. Then I discovered etsy the beginning of this year and voila, here I am.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Sunday brunch in New York, traveling, watching people on the train, kids books, fabric stores, Anthropology.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
A good old pen and my Gocco.

Your work with different mediums. Which do you prefer?
Right now fabric but probably because it's still a new medium for me and I don't get to do it that much.

What keeps you motivated?
Getting wonderful feedback from my buyers and realizing that I am lucky and able to do what I love doing for a living.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Etsy has been a wonderful marketing tool for me. Other than that I advertise on some indie sites, have a few upcoming craft shows. Previous buyers have also done a fabulous job at promoting me (thank you everybody!)

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
To expand both lines and to get thru the holiday season without attacking anybody.

What advise would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Get ready to work hard and learn to enjoy Ramen noodles ;)

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
Each piece I design undergoes extreme criticism (by moi) before it ever sees the light and is offered for sale...I have hundreds of rejects in my drawers.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
There are so many but just to name a few:
Krista from paperedtogether, Heather from skinnylaminx, Sam from homegrownskinny. And many, many more. I wish I could list them all but guess I should start my blog in order to do that.

What city, that you've never been to, would you like to visit?
Copenhagen

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Lazy Sunday afternoons with family and friends.

Thank you Johanna!

Pravina Studio

2007-08-20T00:09:00.000-05:00

Artist: Diana Zlatanovski
Location: Madison, WI
Etsy: Pravina Studio

What do you create?
Mostly handbags, totes and purses. Things to carry other things in.

How did you come up with your company name?
I wanted a name that meant something without being obvious. In Macedonian, Pravina means
honesty, justice, righteousness. Adjectives that I like being associated with my business.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I started the business just this past year. I have always been involved in some sort of studio art,
drawing, painting, photography. A couple of years ago I decided to try sewing so I bought a great 1970s sewing machine from Casper, a sweet, elderly sewing machine repairman. I learned to use it and haven't stopped since. I decided to start selling the bags because people liked them so much. And I enjoy making them, so everybody wins.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I work as a textile museum curator, so inspiration surrounds me on an almost daily basis. Getting to study contemporary pieces by well known artists next to thousand year old pieces by unknown makers is amazing to me. Imagining who created them, what their inspiration was, what their life was like. Every object holds a story. You can touch something that an artist on the other side of the world created hundreds of years ago. How great is that?

Walking into a good fabric store will also inspire me to no end, but that can be a rather expensive form of inspiration.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
The Pfaff 1525. The world's best sewing machine, in my humble opinion. And definitely the
best Christmas present I ever got.

What keeps you motivated?
Positive feedback really keeps me at the sewing machine. My friends, family and customers have all been so overwhelmingly supportive and encouraging. Creating things that people like and want to use is very gratifying. If my bag's new owner is at least half as excited about it as I
am, then my work is done.

I also will keep making bags in the hope that I can interest someone in buying handmade instead of mass produced. That connection between objects, makers and consumers is missing when we buy mass produced items.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I should be better about this! Right now, mainly I use Etsy, blogs, and word of mouth. I am lucky that my ever supportive fan base is really great about telling all their friends about my bags. And I did just get some beautiful new business cards (thank you to Studio VO2!) so those are up next.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
More purses more purses more purses. I would like to learn some new techniques, I have
been looking into classic forms of hand embroidery, so I hope to introduce that into my bags.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Genuinely care about what you do. Pay attention to little details. Keep learning. Always be professional. Eat your vegetables.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
The excitement that goes into each piece. Whenever I finish a new bag, I usually fall in love with it. Then there is the inevitable struggle to force myself to sell it instead of throwing all
of my belongings into it and calling it my own. Pretty much every time. I love the bags I create and I hope their new owners do too.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Etsy artists: katedurkin, calobee, benben, pirilamporiscado, robandlean, just to name a few...

What city, that you've never been to, would you like to visit?
Virovo, Macedonia.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Wake up with boundless energy on a thunderstormy day. Have a cup of coffee (with cream instead of skim milk for a change) in a cozy house in the mountains. Spend the first half of the day surrounded by beautiful fabrics and an immense library of great books. Spend the second half at the sewing machine. The evening would be filled with my family, friends, good music, great food and wine. So really, probably my perfect day would need to be at least 40 hours long.

Thank you Diana!

Circa Ceramics

2007-08-10T09:45:00.000-05:00

Artists: Andrew Witt + Nancy Pizarro
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Web site: We have 2, because we separate our clay body types; the more active one is www.CircaCeramics.etsy.com for porcelain, www.circaceramics.com for our earthenware, used more as a reference for our customers.

What do you create?
Ceramic wares, tiles, assorted fun items made with clay.

How did you come up with your business name?
We came up with the name in a roundabout way, sort of like soft word association. It started off as 'Circa 1999' but then we nixed it because we figured we'd be dating ourselves. Then we started to think of what the word 'circa' meant, and thought hey, we can call ourselves 'circa ceramics.' The logo we came up with was totally influenced by restaurant tableware from the 50's, where you saw the name of the producer and the city or state of origin. It's fun seeing the reactions we get from people when they see our name on the bottom of pieces!

What is your first memory of being inspired to make/craft something?
(andy) I think I was born in a sand box-I remember being fascinated by water and sand; I would spend hours building "landscapes" out of these 2 materials.

(nancy) Being in a classroom, age 5, for a weekend art retreat. They gave us cookies :) I do remember india ink & a sumi brush. And newsprint!

When and why did you decide to start your business?
November 2000. We did our first craft show and had a great time. We realized at that point we could be independent, and actually make a go of it; we went full time in the Spring of 2003.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Eating at restaurants, drinking at coffee houses and looking at commercial tableware and how people use and interact with it. Also, we have an endless supply of suggestions from the people we meet.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
(andy) My plaster moulds - they turn negatives into positives :)
(nancy) My hands! But our Gocco comes in a close 2nd :)

What is your favorite part of your creative process?
(andy) 2 am: "Hey Nancy-what if we..."
(nancy) 2:05 am: "but Andy, what about..."

What keeps you motivated?
(andy) The cycle of idea-create-edit-produce-sell-feedback-
(nancy) Andy :)

How do you get the word out about your work?
Honestly, much of our business comes from word of mouth, at least for our earthenware line, which we bring to fairs & festivals. The porcelain line, which is on Etsy, is self-sustaining, and luckily on the radar of some really lovely blogs. We bring some of the porcelain pieces to events too, and talk to customers about being on Etsy. We also have a mailing/email list &
our Flickr account (because people often don't know it's really just 2 people making all of this ware!)

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
(andy) Getting through the Chicago winter.
(nancy) *shaking her head at Andy* Getting ready for the holiday/gift-giving season from October to December - It's a very important time for our business! Then we usually do a 'creative hibernation" from January to March, where all the notes & drawings from the previous year get a second look.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
(andy) Whatever you are selling make sure it is made to the best of your abilities.
(nancy) Know your competition, and make sure you stand out.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
That these pieces really do reflect both of our personalities.

What adjectives would you use to describe your work?
Solid, balanced, happy, cheerful, a little weird...

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
(andy) I have really been enjoying Whitney Smith's journey to Japan.
(nancy) I have to go for 'back in the day indie' - Jane Hammond. I LOVE her paintings. And Magic Jelly. And Art and Ghosts.

If money, deadlines, scheduling, etc weren’t an obstacle what new project would you like to take on?
(andy) I would build a factory that makes tableware using flyash from coal fired electrical plants.
(nancy) This is so slacker of me, but I have to say take on an MMORPG - for as long as possible :)

What's your definition of a perfect day?
(andy) Spending it with Nancy!
(nancy) *snickers* I'd have to say being productive - Getting everything done that we had to do on that day.

Thank you Nancy and Andy!

A little break

2007-08-10T09:43:00.000-05:00

I'll be on vacation next week so I'm posting an extra interview for this week. I hope that everyone is enjoying their summer! :)

xo - Patricia

Edesse Designs

2007-08-09T02:58:00.000-05:00

Artist: Erica Walker
Web site: Edesse Designs
Etsy: Edesse Designs
Location: Brookline, MA

What do you create?
I'm a furniture maker primarily but somehow, I managed to fall in love with stationery--I also make dessert inspired erasers and food inspired notebooks.

What is your first memory of being inspired to make/craft something?
As a child, any art form was strongly discouraged. I spent the majority of my childhood and teenage years engrossed in mathematics and sciences. It was my dream to be an inventor/researcher and from about the 8th grade to the end of high school, I worked on trying to find topical cures for skin problems such as dermitis, acne, and strangely enough, stretch marks. So, my first "craft" was a bunch of outrageous skin lotions and potions choked full of everything from herbs to acids.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
After I graduated from college, I got my first apartment and decorating it was a complete nightmare. Given my budget, there was no happy medium. It was either the bottomless couch and tacky lamps my parents kept in the garage or the butterfly chairs, lava lamps, and Christmas tree lights-- items I vowed to leave behind once I graduated from college! After being somewhat frustrated, I decided to take most of my own furniture. I started out by making a cool platform bed and then made a puzzle shaped coffee table -which was a hit with my friends. After the word got around, I began to get quite a few orders so starting a business was the next natural step.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I'm greatly inspired by the works of Maya Lin, Verner Panton and Claes Oldenberg. I love exaggerated proportions and bold colors. I'm also inspired by everyday inanimate objects. I love to take these objects and morph them into other mediums.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Most definitely pencil and paper. They represent the first tangible element of the creative process so they are the most precious to me. They create the theory, which is my foundation, my blueprint.

What is your favorite part of your creative process?
I like the brain storming part. I like whatever it is you do that generates the idea.

What keeps you motivated?
The next idea keeps me the most motivated. The fact that I am convinced that edesse designs is a key destination on the path of my life journey is also motivating.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I advertise on many indie blogs and I send out press releases to relevant blogs and magazines. I consign, I hand out free merchandise, I pass out flyers and business cards, I donate goodies to auctions, I post on message boards….

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
My main goal is to finish up my second furniture collection. I have a tentative date for early fall so I hope that works out. I would like to also get my products into more stores! I'd also like to do a major craft show. I've never done one.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Make sure you are committed to what you do. Be motivated more by your creative process than your desire to make money. Don't sell your soul for a sale. Have faith in your product. Find your audience. Be open to criticism. Be realistic about your expectations. Prepare for the good times and the bad times.

What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
I would like for people to know that although I run a business, my priority is the creative process. My products are more than just a means to pay rent, they are an extension of myself.

What adjectives would you use to describe your work?
Bold, exaggerated, colorful, yummy

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
I love Avalove, Soapylove , Amy Burhoe, Swirling Thoughts.

If money, deadlines, scheduling, etc weren't an obstacle what new project would you like to take on?
I would like to design a complete furniture collection and open my own indie furniture store.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
I love waking up still perplexed by how exactly I'm going to carry out an idea I was thinking of the day before. It also involves an extra large black coffee with one splenda, an on-time train, no cell phone calls, some juicy celebrity gossip, a sale at my favorite clothing store, a large chocolate brownie, and a glimpse of Jeff Goldblum.

Thank you Erica!

Quilt Baby

2007-08-03T17:48:00.000-05:00

Artist: Jesseca Bellemare
Web site: Quilt Baby
Blog: Quilt Baby
Location: Asheville, NC

What do you create?
I create modern baby bedding and accessories using fresh, hip fabrics and clean lines.

How did you come up with your company name?
I wanted a name that was simple and direct, no fluff. At the beginning of m business I was only making baby quilts, so Quilt Baby just seemed to make sense.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I started my business in May 2006. It started out as a hobby and somehow evolved into a business. I say somehow because I really can't remember where the hobby ended and the business began. But as a stay at home mother to one (at the time, now it is two), young child, I felt a bit guilty for not contributing finically. I was always looking for something I enjoyed doing from home that would simultaneously pay for groceries.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
I get inspiration for my projects from the trial and errors of parenting, from the endless beautiful fabrics available, from designers that I admire, and from my husband.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
That's a tough one. I would probably have to say my sewing machine. It relaxes me. I like the way the fabric feels as it moves under the needle. I also like the repetitive sound it makes.

What keeps you motivated?
The fact that people are buying my work for their sweet little babies, or as gifts for a loved one is all the motivation I need.

How do you get the word out about your work? Etsy has been such a fantastic marketing tool for me. In addition I have a flickr page and a blog. And nothing beats word of mouth.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
Within the next 6-12 months I would like to hire an assistant.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
I think the best advise I can give is to just stick with it. And to use as many free or low cost marketing tools as you can - there really are a ton available.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
It would be nice if people knew just how much my work means to me. It is an extension of myself, of all the beautiful things I have to share with others. It is about appreciating good design and manipulating it into something functional. I derive so much satisfaction from every aspect (well, maybe excluding taxes and the like), from my work, and I am excited to think about where it will go in the future.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists? I would have to say that I enjoy the work of the following artists: Modern Art Everyday, Swallow Field, Joom, and Emmalynne.

What city, that you’ve never been to, would you like to visit?
Toronto.

What's your definition of a perfect day? Packing up the kids in the car, sitting back and letting my hubby navigate us somewhere new and exciting. Eating lunch on the patio of a fantastic cafe followed by a cup of gourmet coffee. Then heading to a beautiful park and letting the kids run and play and just enjoy them being kids.

Thank you Jesseca!

Little Flower Designs

2007-07-30T00:20:00.000-05:00

Artist: Linda Johnson
Web site: Little Flower Designs
Blog: Little Flower Designs
Location: Abington, PA

What do you create?
Ceramic home accessories with an emphasis on hand carved and etched surface design.

How did you come up with your company name?
When I first started to work in clay I signed all of my pieces with a little flower so, in my mind, my ceramic work was always been little flower designs.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I officially launched Little Flower Designs in the summer of 2004 after completing an interior design program. I was really into all the different home accessories and knew my focus was more in the details than in designing whole rooms and spaces. I had been working in clay for years but the program put it into a design and business perspective for me. So I got my certificate and filed my business registration the same week.

Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
I am greatly inspired by nature and fashion. The core of my designs come from nature, being outside and observing, then the colors seem to be inspired by fashion trends. I look at a lot of magazines both for home and fashion, I think I absorb the great color combinations and they make their way into my palette.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I don't really have a favorite, I use so many different tools to make each piece that I really couldn't function without most of them.

What keeps you motivated?
I love to make things so no motivation is needed, when I get in the studio it's hard for me to leave.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Everything from blogs, attending craft shows, and advertising, you really need to do it all.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
In the next 6 -12 months I hope to continue to grow my business with a focus on my local area. I also have plans to expand my line and do some one of a kind pieces.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Love what you're making, and do plenty of research on the business aspects of your field.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
My work is very process oriented. I hand make each and every piece without the use of molds or a magic wand! All of my vessels are hand thrown, carved and glazed by me. I would like people to see the detail involved and know they are buying something that I poured my heart into. And not poured into a mold!
Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Gosh, there are so many. I'm loving Amy Rice's paintings and prints, Supayana makes great one of a kind tops, Camilla Engman, Amy Ruppel, Lotta Jansdotter and Diana Fayt, all have great aesthetics' that I find inspiring.

What city, that you’ve never been to, would you like to visit?
I would love to visit Venice, there is something about the water that really appeals to me.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Waking up to beautiful weather a little on the chilly side, yoga then coffee and a good chat with my husband, a nice walk with the dog, then a productive day in the studio followed by a good meal I don't have to cook and a movie or music out.

Thank you Linda!

Finnbiskit

2007-07-25T15:55:00.000-05:00

Artist: Heidi Wiitanen LaBeauWeb site: finnbiskit, Etsy store
Location: Houghton, Michigan

What do you create?
I design seasonal women's clothing collections using hand-dyed sustainable textiles like hemp and hemp blends.

How did you come up with your company name?
finnbiskit is a nickname that was given to me in college. I'm 100% Finnish, but was born in the U.S.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
After discovering dyeing techniques, my dyed fabrics would turn into skirts and bags for myself and my friends. Once I mastered my own techniques I began with a mini-collection featuring hand-dyed skirts and pants. I want to inspire environmental awareness and self-expression with my collections.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
From nature and the environment around me. I've studied color relationships for years and enjoy the juxtaposition of colors. I notice it everywhere. I'm also inspired by Scandinavian interior and furniture design. I like minimalism that makes a statement.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My iron, can you believe it? The secret to good sewing is a good iron.

What keeps you motivated?
I have lovely and supportive friends and mentors that keep me going. Seeing people wearing my finished product also motivates me.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Word-of-mouth, mostly. My friends and family tell anyone who will listen! Plus I hand out postcards, have a myspace page, a website, and an online shop at Etsy.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
To expand my client base and have fun.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Don't be afraid to start your own business. An instructor once told me, "Do what you love and money will follow."

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work? Currently I design, hand-dye, cut, and sew all of my own work. Each piece is unique. It's "fashion with sisu." A Finnish term, sisu is the magical strength inside of you that emerges when the impossible must be overcome.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Treehouse28, Supayana, and Ryan Dalman. Ryan is a potter and his work is Dr. Suess-like and whimsical. Ritch Branstrom is a sculptor who makes birds, fish, etc. out of tin cans and bottle caps.

What city, that you’ve never been to, would you like to visit?
Actually there are two - Helsinki and London.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
The perfect day is when I finish all things on my list, all things have gone well, and I feel I've accomplished what I've wanted to for the day. Then I take a sauna and come out with my mind clear and I smell the clover.

**Photos taken by Adam Johnson**

Thank you Heidi!

Alicia Bock Photography

2007-07-16T01:05:00.000-05:00

Artist: Alicia Bock
Web site: Alicia Bock
Etsy: Alicia Bock
Blog: Bloom, Grow, Love
Location: Mid-Michigan, USA

What do you create?
Fine art photographs and notecards.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I started selling my photographs in 2004, after a renewed interest in photography after my daughter was born. After taking way too many baby pictures I moved onto other subjects, and haven't stopped since.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Mostly from my daily life, and my kids. Having small kids is great because it makes you rediscover everything. I work around their schedule and they are always with me, so I photograph the things we find on our adventures, or flowers from our garden.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My vintage cameras that I used in my "viewfinder series" photographs. I love taking these old cameras and using them in a modern way.

What is your favorite part of your creative process?
The anticipation...when I get an idea late at night, but I know I will have to wait until morning to put my plan in motion.

What keeps you motivated?
I have more ideas than time to create. But, I see this as the building phase of my business. Someday, when my kids are both in school I will hopefully have more time to do all the things I am dreaming about.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Mostly through my mailing list and blog. I am just starting to do some paid advertising on some well read blogs, and locally. I also try to upload my photographs regularly to Flickr, and participate in several groups there.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I have recently expanded my business to include portrait sessions for children and teens. So, I will be working towards learning new portrait techniques and expanding my portfolio. I also have a few new series of fine art photographs in mind, hopefully, I will get to work on them before the summer is up.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
I would say go for it! I think this has been the best thing I have ever done. But, you have to be your own biggest fan, and spend just as much time marketing your work as you spend creating it.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I am just a girl trying to find the beauty and inspiration in my everyday.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
I love so many of the artists on Etsy like Mandy, Michelle Ramin and Louise.

If money, deadlines, scheduling, etc weren’t an obstacle what new project would you like to take on?
I would love to take a year (or 3 or 4) off, and travel with my family photographing everything we saw.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
A day at the beach spent taking pictures of my family, chinese food for dinner, and my kids going to bed early.

Thank you Alicia!

Kirin & Co.

2007-07-02T02:08:00.000-05:00

Artist: Lara Cameron
Shop: Kirin and Co.
Web site: Lara Cameron
Location: Melbourne, Australia

What do you create?
At the moment I'm creating a range of hand screen printed textiles. I come up with the designs and colourways and get a professional screenprinter here in Melbourne to do the printing. They're great!

How did you come up with your company name?
Back before I thought much would come of it I randomly named my blog "kirin notebook". Kirin means giraffe in Japanese, and I like giraffes and all things Japanese! When I came to opening my etsy shop I thought it'd be best to keep the name similar to my blog. I called it Kirin & Co because I have a thing for business names with ampersands in them and I thought the Co. part sounded old fashioned and cute :)

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I'm originally a web and graphic designer by trade, and I started off my craft blog as a place to post the random creative stuff I was doing on the side - drawing, gocco printing, jewelery etc. About a year ago I started experimenting with pattern design, and got some really lovely feedback from my readers. I enjoy the mix of creative and technical skills that pattern design requires, so I decided to pursue it. Then, early this year I decided to take the plunge and get some fabric printed. I was so worried that I wouldn't be able to sell it - I had no idea of the demand for such things, but the first small batch sold out overnight and I was so excited. And it just went from there :)

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
All sorts of places, but most recently from all the wonderful craft and design blogs, and from wondering around the streets of Melbourne.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I suppose I personally don't use many tools to make my fabric - the screen printers do all the hard work! But I've always been a huge fan of Adobe Illustrator - the software I use to create the patterns. It's perfect for this sort of design work and has heaps of nifty features to discover that make the whole process of step + repeat a lot easier.

What keeps you motivated?
Seeing all the fantastic things that people make with my fabric! That has to be the highlight of the whole process. That I'm making something that other creative people can take further and turn into wonderful things, which they can either enjoy themselves or on sell to other people. It's great!!

How do you get the word out about your work?
Almost completely through my blog, and other people's blogs. Yay for the internet :)

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
Not quite sure at the moment. I'd like to come up with some great new designs, and also print on some new fabrics - something with more texture like linens or hemp, and in some nice colour combinations like white ink on robin's egg blue.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Definitely keep a blog, and try to update it often. I've also heard this saying about the key to success in design: "output output output!". Don't get stuck on trying to make the single most fantastic design or artwork, just try lots of different things and put it out there. It's so easy to get stuck, you have to keep the momentum going, and you'll only ever improve on your last piece. Sometimes I feel that you have to get the crap ideas "out" before the good ones come along.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Jen Corace, Ashley G, The Black Apple, Kristen Doran (cheeky beaks), Shannon Lamden (auntie cookie), Heather Moore (skinny la minx), Lisa Congdon, AbbyJane from While She Naps. I'm sure there's people I'm forgetting!

What country would you like to visit some day?
Japan definitely. And I will be soon - in a couple of months. Yay!!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
A sunny day spent walking around my lovely city, being inspired, drinking chai in a cosy cafe somewhere, coming up with some new design/craft ideas :)

Thank you Lara!

Kim Westad

2007-06-21T21:50:00.000-05:00

Artist: Kim Westad
Web site: Kim Westad
Etsy: Kim Westad Ceramics
Location: Yonkers, New York.

What do you create?
Porcelain vessels, bowls, cups, serving pieces, and vases.

What is your first memory of being inspired to make/craft something?
I don't really have a first memory of making anything, probably because as far back as I can remember, I was always drawing or coloring and making pictures for people. I do remember making a book called "All about Me" when I was in first grade. I'm pretty sure my mom still has that.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
In 2004, a space in my neighborhood became available and I saw it as an opportunity to set up a studio with my own kiln, equipment and materials. It was at that time that I really started thinking about my work as a business. I began creating a "body of work" as opposed to individual pieces. Those early pieces were the starting point of what has become my signature style. Ceramics as a business forced me to get serious about creating visibility for myself and my work.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Everywhere! Natural forms are a big inspiration- flower buds just before they bloom, broken seashells and bits from the ocean that I have been collecting since I was a kid. Also, fluid movements- the way water spirals down the drain. I'm always thinking about how everyday things can be reinterpreted in clay. That stems directly from my love of modern design and architecture which have heavily influenced the way I think about my work and how I can push beyond traditional forms to create unique functional pieces. My Whirls collection is a definite result of this.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My X-acto knife and the squeeze bottles that I use to apply slip.

What is your favorite part of your creative process?
Taking a ball of clay and working with it to see how far it can be pushed before it collapses or cracks.

What keeps you motivated?
Pressure to keep making progress. All the positive feedback I've received, as well as how my work has evolved over the last few years, continues to motivate me.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Etsy has been an amazing outlet for me, as have blogs, craft fairs and word of mouth.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
To expand my visibility and increase sales of my current lines, as well as continuing to develop new design ideas I am working on.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Make what you love and do what pleases you to the best of your ability. I think my work took a turn for the better once I realized I could make what I wanted. I focused on what I thought was good, rather than what I had been told what was good. Also, don't be shy about promoting yourself. Promotion, networking, paperwork, and bookkeeping are all important, even if you don't enjoy them as much as making the work.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I feel like there is a connection between myself and each piece I make. When I sell a piece, I always wonder where it's going and how it will be used. It's like sending a part of myself out into the world. I put a lot of time and effort into every piece, and I want people to use and enjoy my pieces. I don't think I would enjoy making them as much if I was the only one who was ever going to see them.

What adjectives would you use to describe your work?
Fluid, tactile and unique.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
I LOVE the work of ceramic artist and designer Diana Fayt. Also Mira Alibek and Jennifer Maestre.

If money, deadlines, scheduling, etc weren’t an obstacle what new project would you like to take on?
I would love to build a studio from the ground up that would be totally customized to my work flow. It would have tons of windows and a little outdoor area where I could take a break from work to play with my dogs.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Sleeping past 6:30 a.m. and waking to a warm, sunny day. Good coffee, doing a bit of work then spending time outside with my husband and my dogs.

Thank you Kim!

Yes, still here

2007-06-21T21:44:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the disappearing act! The summer has been extremely busy for me. Running a couple of businesses and having the kids out of school takes some maneuvering. I'm sure many of you are in the same boat. I will try to update the blog at least once a week. I have some great interviews coming up so stay tuned!

In the meantime I hope that everyone is enjoying themselves and thank you for being so patient with me! :)

xo
Patricia