interview on the Kanelstrand blog

Goose and I are featured on the Kanelstrand blog today.  If you don't know Sonya's blog, you should definitely stop by and have a read.  She's a great source for ideas on living a simple, meaningful, healthy life, and a talented photographer to boot.

Thank you, Sonya!

an interview and giveaway with me on Handcrafted Travellers

I'm so flattered to have been interviewed today on the Handcrafted Traveller's blog.

Please stop over and leave a comment to win this naturally-dyed textural wool stone I made.  The wool was dyed using strawberry leaves, and the cotton thread was dyed using red cabbage, red onion, creeping charlie, bedstraw root, and chokecherry bark.

Read the interview HERE.

good luck!

An Interview With Tiffany Wang From Sodalight Creations

Today I'd like to introduce you to a talented Etsian who has a wonderful grasp of movement and color and translates it into beautiful works of art.  May I introduce Tiffany from Sodalight Creations...  Read on, be charmed. 

Tell me about you:

Hello, my name is Tiffany and I live down under in the land of Australia. I have traveled and lived in a few cities because of my work as an animator, but I am originally from Brisbane.

What do you make?

I love to create things from reclaimed materials. It is fun to dream up possibilities for a pre-loved shirt or create an item from a bit of felt leftover from another project.

Is there a particular theme in your work?

Bright colours, nature and dance.

Where do you find inspiration?

In the world of digital media, I find my greatest inspiration from etsy, craft blogs and pictures. The colour, style and work of all the fantastic people out there can really get the creative juices going (even when it’s unrelated to what I am creating).

I also find inspiration from:

Movies and animation

Music (soundtracks and songs that paint an imagery)

Dance and performance, I use to do chinese dance and I will always turn to it for inspiration.

Documentaries: Nature, history and animals. I especially love watching the way an animal investigate the world around it.

What do you love about what you do?

SodalightCreations is my chance to get away from the computer screen (after staring at it all day doing animation). I love to snuggle down in my chair after work and turn bits of brightly coloured fabric into cute, colourful and/or mood evocative pieces. I love animation, but it’s nice to balance it out with crafts.

Tell me about a favorite piece that you’ve made

My favourite piece is my Fabric Painting called ‘Ballet’, sculpted from fabric dipped in glue, and painted with fiery colours. Fabric sculpting was taught to me by my artistic mother (who was my first art teacher), and I incorporated my love of colour and movement to make my own version of 3D pictures.

What I love about these pieces is they are 3 dimensional, like a picture this can be seen from all angles. It’s is sculpted from one piece of fabric and it’s amazing what fabric can do when you tuck, pinch and press it. I just love how the tutu of the ballerina turned out. ‘Ballet’ is my favourite because of this tutu, I wish I could wear it.

What do you do when you’re not creating?

Between creating animated children’s television and creating for SodalightCreations, I only have time left for… sleep, hehe.

When I want a change, I love cooking and baking. I also love going on drives to wine regions with my boyfriend, catching up with friends and family, making my own animation, and… enjoying a cup of tea and watching the world go by.

Can you share with me something interesting? A favorite quote, a good recipe, a funny story?

I wish to share one of my inspirations, a song from the Miyazaki film ‘Laputa: Castle in the sky’.

Here is the song on youtube. Click, close your eyes, and let your mind wander:

English translation:

The reason why the horizon shines so

Is because hiding somewhere beyond it is you

The reason why all those many lights seem so nostalgic

Is because within one amongst them is you

Come on! Let's set off, with a slice of bread

A knife and a lamp all stuffed into a bag

The burning emotions father left to me

The sharp gaze mother gave to me

The earth revolves, hiding you

Shining eyes, glimmering lights

The earth revolves, carrying you

Carrying the both of us, who will one day surely meet

The burning emotions father left to me

The sharp gaze mother gave to me

The earth revolves, hiding you

Shining eyes, glimmering lights

The earth revolves, carrying you

Carrying the both of us, who will one day surely meet

Isn’t it beautiful? Laputa: Castle in the Sky is highly recommended if you love a story about nature, industry and adventure. Hayao Miyazaki is the director of the academy award winning Spirited Away, and Castle in the Sky is one of his earlier films. The music for his films were written by Joe Hisaishi, I could listen to his music all day and never get sick of it.

How can people find you?

My etsy shop - Sodalight Creations 
My second etsy shop - Crafting Movement
My blog: http://sodalightcreations.blogspot.com/

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you that I haven’t asked?

If anyone is interested, here is my animation website: http://www.tiffanywang.com/

As a fun bit of promotion, I am offering a giveaway. Pop over to my blog to enter!

An Interview With Elisa From PeskyCatDesigns

It's hard to say when I first noticed Elisa from PeskyCatDesigns' work, but I'm pretty sure it was her semi-circle purses that first drew me in.  I thought her use of line, texture, and natural elements was really interesting.  After a chat on twitter, I discovered that this talented purse designer was also a talented painter, and all-around interesting person.  Read on...

Tell me about you:

My name is Elisa and I'm a New York City-based artist and designer.

What do you make?

I create one-of-a-kind and limited edition bags, purses and wristlets. All my bags are made from patterns I design and draft myself and are created by hand from start to finish in my studio. My fabrics are purchased in small quantities to keep my work fresh and unique.

Is there a particular theme in your work?

The natural world is a theme in my work. My applique designs are inspired by plant and animal life. In my shop you will find bags adorned with seahorses, birds, leafed branches, flowers and more.

Where do you find inspiration?

A trip to the beach might inspire me to create a seahorse applique or work with fabric in the colors of sea blue or sand. The warm sun makes me think of linen and cotton while a winter day will inspire wool and corduroy creations.

What do you love about what you do?

It's wonderful to make an income from it. I love the entire creative process from selecting fabric to drafting my ideas and constructing them.

Tell me about a favorite piece that you've made:

I am always creating new things and my favorite pieces are constantly changing. At the moment I love the shape of my latest bag design, The Jewel Cut Purse. It was inspired by the shape of gem stones.

What do you do when you're not creating?

I love long walks, hiking and trips to the beach.

A favorite quote, a good recipe, a funny story?

When I first starting sewing on a regular basis my kitty Anni was very fascinated by the movement of thread on my sewing machine. Often she would be so bothersome I could not work. That's how the name of my shop evolved. These days she is completely bored of the machine since it's become such a routine. Now squirrels climbing trees and other outdoor events she can view from the windowsill are much more interesting!

I also paint. You can view my works on paper at http://www.elisanadzieja.com/

untitled 34" x 36"

I don't have much time paint these days since I have my Etsy shop and also work part time at an outside job 3 days a week.

How can people find you?

My Etsy shop: http://www.peskycatdesigns.etsy.com/

My blog: http://www.peskycatdesigns.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeskyCatDesigns

Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/peskycatdesigns/

I hope you'll stop in and check out Elisa's amazing work.  Happy Thursday!

An Interview With Dana From Wynzia

I first "met" Dana from Wynzia a few years ago when we drew each other's name in a Valentine's Day swap.  The parcel I received from her was so sweet and included so many little endearing touches, like a tiny linen sachet stamped "lil fish", and a flower brooch made of recycled fabric, and it was a special treat to discover.  That's kind of how I think of Dana herself; each time I talk to her I feel like I'm getting a glimpse at someone who truly is a treat to discover.  I have a feeling you'll feel the same...

Tell me about you:

Hi. My name is Dana, and I live with my husband and two daughters in a little town just outside of St. Paul, MN. It was so hard for this city gal to move here a few years back, but we found a quirky old house to make our own, and I’ve found so very many kindred spirits amongst the artists, environmentalists, gardeners, readers, and overall good folks who call this place home. It’s a good place to be.


What do you make?

I make accessories for the person and the home. A friend described my work as “whimsical, handmade necessories,” and the phrase has stuck. I have always been creating something since I was a little person and inspired by the creative people in my family and immediate world. When I became a mom of a daughter, I started making hair accessories for her and her friends. And then the moms. And then the teenage sitters. And now brides and their parties. It is such fun making pretty things for others.

Is there a particular theme in your work?

There is a bit of yin yang in my work. Flowers in vibrant colors play a prominent role in what I’m currently making. However I’m also strongly drawn to natural fibers, muted colors, and simple forms; an aged piece of linen can take my breath away.

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Where do you find inspiration?

It’s probably trite to say “everywhere.” so I’ll try to expound a bit. I adore walking the grounds of my humble home and seeing new things growing in my garden. Or seeing the outrageously colorful clothing ensembles put together by my daughters. Or finding a lovely piece of cloth with great texture...I can’t walk past fabric without touching it.

What do you love about what you do?

I love creating something pretty out of something old and forgotten. I love feeling the connection with something that was previously loved. I love imagining the stories that could be told by an old piece of fabric. I love getting to know my clients and knowing that they appreciate my work. I love hearing my daughter gasp at something I’ve made and say, “Oh, that is so pretty.”

Tell me about a favorite piece that you’ve made:

I recently created a lovely big flower brooch in vibrant red. I did a photo shoot with a beautiful friend, and when we pinned it onto her black-and-whte striped t-shirt, the result was absolutely lovely and funky. It’s my favorite accessory at the moment.

What do you do when you’re not creating?

I am trying to raise my daughters to be amazing people, so that takes quite a bit of time and energy. I pay attention to local and world issues, and try to do my part to make a difference in my world. I can often be found in the garden, in the dance studio, or in a friend’s living room for book club. Laughing is one of my favorite things to do...if you crack me up, I just might be a friend for life.


A favorite quote, a good recipe, a funny story?

Oh, the list is long of my favorite quotes. I rather enjoy this lighthearted one from author Agatha Christie: “It is a curious thought, but it is only when you see people looking ridiculous that you realize just how much you love them.”

How can people find you?

I’m sprinkled throughout the internet:

Etsy shop: wynzia.etsy.com

Facebook: facebook.com/wynzia

Twitter: twitter.com/wynzia

Blog: wynzian.blogspot.com

Flickr: flickr.com/wynzia

Website: wynzia.com


Is there anything else you would like people to know about you that I haven’t asked?

Hmm...I’m an INFP, a returned Peace Corps Volunteer from Nepal, and a fan of the blue sky at dawn.

An Interview With Lynne from BlossomBabies

I'm a mom of 3 boys which suits me well, I'm a dig in the dirt, play hard kind of girl, but when I found out in 2008 that I was having a baby girl, (and after I recovered from the initial shock), I squealed (well, like a girl)and clicked my way over to the most adorable little dollies ever, in Blossombabies' shop on Etsy.  I had known Lynne's work already but now I had a legitimate reason to own some!  I bought my daughter her first baby doll, one that was made with love, and one that is cherished by both of us.  I wanted something special, made of natural materials, and well-made, and what I found was that not only is Lynne a talented doll-maker, but sweet, caring, and funny too.  Yeah, I'm a fan.  I bet you will be too.

Tell me about you:

My Name is Lynne and I live in a small(ish) German town near Frankfurt.

What do you make?

I make Waldorf-inspired toddlers dolls and I also free-lance design toys and plush things for babies.

Is there a particular theme in your work?

My work is really focused around simple, unobtrusive playthings. I don't like to have anything complicated or artificial on a children's doll or toy, because I really believe that simple playthings and simple natural toys inspire gentleness and nurturing in children. Especially fabric toys. They help them to be more attentive to subtlties. How fabric feels, how it ages with play and loving, how it acquires a certain scent, these are all experiences a child takes with him his whole life. A simply designed toy made by hand has a value children intrinsically appreciate.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am most inspired by my own children and their nurturing play. My children are just moving on from doll play but their deep love and care for the many dollies and animals always touches my heart. I try to capture this feeling and even that wistful bit of nostalgia in my heart about these beautiful growing children of mine when I make my dolls.

What do you love about what you do?

I really love the fact that I can create things which may, ideally, become a very special part of a child's life. I don't think that every single child who receives one of my dolls will connect in a special way to it. But of course, I really hope some may. What an honor that would be for me!

Tell me about a favorite piece that you've made

My favorite piece is the very first Sweatshirt Baby I made. The afro! The afro! He was special, and I kept him.

What do you do when you're not creating?

I am a manager and a key buyer for a shop here in Germany. I love my job because I get to work on a lot of interesting projects (we design some of our own products as well) and I also get to visit some of the biggest and most interesting trade fairs in the world. I love it. Its a big job, so I can't always keep my personal projects going at the speed I would like, but I try to make room for everything.

How can people find you?

I have an Etsy store:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/blossombabies

Thank you Lynne!

An Interview With Marchi Wierson of MarchiMadeIt

I am constantly impressed with Marchi Wierson's ability turn a handful of wool into unique and unexpected pieces of wearable art.  I think I first noticed her work on flickr and was amazed by her big, bold necklaces.  I had just begun working with wool and seeing her designs opened my eyes to the potential of fiber.  When I got to know Marchi a bit more and understand her choice of medium, I was even more impressed.

Tell me about you:

Hi. I'm marchi wierson. I live in Portland, Oregon where it seems everyone is an artist, crafts person, or a DIY fan. There is an inventive spirit here in Portland that I like.

What do you make?

I make jewelry with a focus on wool and textiles. I am motivated by the idea that how jewelry is made contributes to its beauty. So for example, some jewelry looks beautiful, but may have had a heavy environmental or unfortunate social impact on its way to being a finished ornamental object; I think that this factors into its desirability in the end. I want to make things with a light footprint. I want my jewelry to be beautiful in its creation and in the finished product. My favorite material is wool. It can be sculpted into many forms. I am still discovering the range of potential in wool. I also like to work with old buttons and vintage or found objects.

Is there a particular theme in your work?

I think my work is natural modern, with fresh ideas and a bit of surprise. People often ask me about my jewelry when I wear it. They think it's made from stone, or bone, or they just don't know. I had a blue felted necklace that a friend thought was lapis lazuli. It's fun. People I don't know stop me to ask me about some piece I am wearing even as I am walking down the street.

Where do you find inspiration?

I see inspiration everywhere. I find my challenge is to stay focused on my work and where it is going, to do the next thing in a string of things that need to be done rather than be lead by inspiration. Most things I do are a slow process, and the next step reveals itself because of the steps before it. I try to stay in my own voice. Maybe I follow my muse more than inspiration.

What do you love about what you do?

I love that I want to do it every day, I get out of bed and I want to make things. I love the result, I get to wear it or share it. I love that it can make people feel happy.

Tell me about a favorite piece that you've made:

I think I can favor ideas more than pieces. But hmmm, I really can't choose.

What do you do when you're not creating?

I enjoy being outside in fresh air, walking. I like to play with my camera. I like a good dinner party, with a few friends, delicious food, and conversation. Oh and I could spend hours at Powell's bookstore looking at books.

A favorite quote, a good recipe, a funny story?

I have a fun recommendation. I recently bought a cheese kit as a gift for a friend from Urbancheesecraft.  It was brilliant. My friend made delicious cheese and I helped eat it. He thought it was fun and talked about it with his friends. If you like cheese, and like DIY, try making cheese. By the way, I have no relationship with Urbancheesecraft, I am just a big fan. And you can buy the elements to make cheese without buying from them, but they make it so easy to get started.

How can people find you?

I can be found at my blog - http://marchiwierson.blogspot.com/
and my Etsy shop: http://marchimadeit.etsy.com/

I welcome questions and comments from visitors, so come by and say hi!

Is there anything else you would like people to know about you that I haven't asked?

I just want to say thank you Lisa for including me on your blog. I am a big fan of your work and of your blog. You have a kindness that comes through your writing and crafts which makes people feel good. So, thank you Lisa.
 

My pleasure, Marchi.