Friday, November 30, 2012

fff vol 43


Favorite finds from the last week: 

1. Etsy find of the week:


This shop has such amazingly adorable creations. Her shop was actually just a feature on Etsy and I loved reading her interview. I'm really happy to have found her shop, something I wouldn't have found otherwise. My sister and brother in law are trying to have a baby, and you can bet if/when they get pregnant one of these baby mobiles will be sent to them!


2. Blog of the week: 


I came across this blog this past week actually through Beautiful Mess when they featured her kitchen makeover. We are currently back undergoing CRAZY renovations here (which I will be posting about next week!!) I love blogs that show before and after house renovations and project renovations. Her blog is full of them. I have now found a new daily read. Plus she is super cute and amazingly sweet. I suggest if you havent seen her blog - go now and check it out..


3. Please can I move in?




I want and need this house! Though I'd want it smack in the middle of a pine forest looking out onto an amazing lake. Then that, yes, that would be perfection and no one would ever see me again. Unless, of course, you came to visit me in my awesome house.


4. Get in my belly... 


I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but boy..these look amazing. I've actually made very similar cookies last year at Christmas and they were so delicious. I may have to try her recipe and see if it varies from the ones I've made.


5. Tee shirt of the week from Ahpeele



I love this print on this shirt. The shirts also look high quality and really comfy. Have to love 100% cotton!



The weekend is finally upon us. It's been a long week. Work has been extremely busy and stressful, so what am I doing this weekend ..yes more work.. eight hours of it to be exact. I don't know why I do this to myself. But the extra money in my paycheck is definitely appreciated. 

Other than work - I plan on baking (of course) and working on Christmas presents. I'm waiting on an order of soap ingredients so no soap making this weekend. I have a couple new scents I'm going to be trying out. But unfortunately they wont be available until after Christmas as they need 4 weeks to cure. But will definitely be in the shop prior to the new year. I actually made a new scent this past weekend- so that one will be available just before Christmas - it's creamsicle! It's awesome!

What's going on in your neck of the woods?


Thursday, November 29, 2012

12 Days of Christmas Movies - #9


Keeping in line with the old classics of my childhood ... another week night special movie that would make me jump up and down in my nightgown in anticipation for Christmas morning...

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer


Storyline

Sam the snowman tells us the story of a young red-nosed reindeer who, after being ousted from the reindeer games because of his beaming honker, teams up with Hermey, an elf who wants to be a dentist, and Yukon Cornelius, the prospector. They run into the Abominable Snowman and find a whole island of misfit toys. Rudolph vows to see if he can get Santa to help the toys, and he goes back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. But Santa's sleigh is fogged in. But when Santa looks over Rudolph, he gets a very bright idea...

I always felt like I belonged with the misfit toys. I think it's a great story with a deeper meaning that I'm sure most kids don't really understand at a young age. I'll always be a misfit toy.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

12 Days of Christmas Movies - #10


How could I make a Christmas movie list and not include the following?!

How The Grinch Stole Christmas


Storyline

Bitter and hateful, the Grinch is irritated at the thought of the nearby village having a happy time celebrating Christmas. So disguised as Santa Claus, with his dog made to look like a reindeer, he raids the village to steal all the Christmas things. The village is sure to have a sad Christmas this year.

Every year as a child, I would flip through the tv guide searching to see when The Grinch would be on. It felt like it was officially Christmas time when the weeknight Christmas specials began. How can you go a Christmas season without watching this at least once?

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Snow Day Skillet Cookies



We had our first snowfall this weekend and it made for a nice relaxing, stay indoors type of day. I played on pinterest WAY too long  (Follow Me on Pinterest ) and came across this amazing recipe. I felt it was quite fitting for the day we were having.


Snow-Day Skillet Cookie
(found via pinterest here)
Adapted from “Martha Stewart Living” (July 2002)
Serves 8
  • 2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR
  • 1 TEASPOON BAKING SODA
  • 1/2 TEASPOON SALT
  • 3/4 CUP (1 1/2 STICKS) UNSALTED BUTTER, SOFTENED
  • 3/4 CUP PACKED LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
  • 1/2 CUP SUGAR
  • 1 LARGE EGG
  • 2 TEASPOONS PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
  • 1 1/2 CUPS MIXED MILK AND SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS (ABOUT 9 OUNCES)
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  4. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until they are fully incorporated.
  5. Add flour mixture, and beat until just combined.
  6. Stir in chocolate chips.
  7. Transfer dough to a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, and press to flatten, covering the bottom of the pan. Bake until the edges are brown and top is golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, 15 to 20 minutes. Cut into 8 wedges. Serve each with a scoop of ice cream or a large glass of milk.

12 Days of Christmas Movies - #11



My next pick was an immediate favorite. But I always get confused if I should be watching it at Halloween or at Christmas!?

Nightmare Before Christmas


Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and is so taken with the idea of Christmas that he tries to get the resident bats, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween town to help him put on Christmas instead of Halloween -- but alas, they can't get it quite right. 

This movie came out while I was in high school. One of my best friends and I went to the movies repeatedly when it hit the theaters, we also bought the figures. I now own the entire set of original figures that came out in 1993 as  well as other random merchandise. Most prized though are three original figures, cast of the molds of the actual figures from the movie! All numbered and signed. Quite exciting the random things you can buy as an adult haha. 

If you have never seen this movie, I highly recommend you drop whatever you are doing at this moment and rent it. And if you have watched it before..watch it again this holiday season. 



Monday, November 26, 2012

Market Mondays

Eggs, carrots, eggplant, onions, butter, french bread (two different types), BUTTER!, bacon, ground beef, pork chops, top round and a pork shoulder. 


We had our first snow of the season here in Oneida. It's just a dusting on the ground, but was crazy to go from over 60 degrees on Thanksgiving to in the 20's and snowy white-outs on Saturday. We still ventured out to the market (like we would miss it!) It was so much quieter this weekend than the first weekend. Much more peaceful and we could actually stand around and talk for a little bit instead of being so rushed.

I took about half of Kelly's carrots, but here was her booth. We of course got some good meats from them too.

Action shot! I love this woman's display. We sadly didn't buy anything from her because we already had many of her yummies already at our house that she had for sale. 

Our butter guy was there so we were able to get our delicious butter and more french bread which is so amazing I can't even express how good it is!

The next market on the 8th, I'm actually going to be vending at! I'm really excited. For my sake - I hope that weekend is back to how it was the first opening weekend!! I'm working on a few more new scents - but they won't be ready until after the holiday for sale. I'll keep you all posted on  them =)

And now to share with you my amazing apple pie. Remember I told you I was going to use an entire peck of apples for ONE pie?! Well I did! And here it is..



That pie dish is ginormous, I believe it makes a 14" pie? I made a 14" HEAPING pie..and it was amazing! Sadly, because I had baked it just before going to my parents it hadn't had time to set. so it was a little messy! But the second day it was fully set and easy to cut and take out in a slice instead of a pile of pie. Yum...I must say, I do make one mean apple pie!

Happy Monday..

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Buy Handmade vol 35


We head to Montreal, Canada for today's talent..

Name: Sarah Hepworth

Age:   37
Occupation:  Designer / Re-maker
Etsy Shop:   theRemakerie.etsy.com

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Sarah, I’m 37 years old and I was born in London, England, a place that I will always love. I have a husband who totally ‘gets me’ (essential) and 2 beautiful under-fives that have helped me fully understand the true value of my time, energy and creative-compulsive nature. We recently moved to the beautiful city of Montreal. I design & make for anyone who has space in their life for a little well-considered whimsy & I truly believe that there’s very little that can’t be remade-beautiful.



When did you start creating?

Exactly ‘when’ I started making things would be hard to put my finger on I think.


We moved out to the country when I was young, to a small-holding with some livestock & a huge vegetable garden. It was here that I spent much of my childhood, lost in thought amongst the chickens and the runner-beans. As a result I list goat-milking as one of my core skills & I can still leap a 4ft fence in a single bound (well almost).  From as far back as I can remember, when I wasn’t surrounded by goats and chickens, I spent my time drawing, painting, crafting and sewing.

Those years spawned in me an appreciation for thrifty re-use in all its forms & an understanding that each task had its product and its remnants. The key was to waste nothing, but instead to feed everything back into the process. Everything had its value. 


The ‘make-do & mend’ mentality of the British is possibly genetic I think, and seemed to pass down from mother to daughter in our family. Throughout my formative years I was regaled with countless stories of thrifty-creative-genius, stretching back to my great grandmother and beyond. These women were my creative heroes as a child & their exploits and ingenuity as compelling as any fictional crusader. I was never left in any doubt that I too would be a maker and a do-er.


As I got older I studied Fine Art & Photography, received a degree in Furniture Design and worked for myself as an Interior Designer, before becoming a mother five years ago. This reignited a sense that we are all part of an inescapable creative tradition, one that I wanted to engage with and actively pass on. Life had become cluttered and noisy, full of tiring distractions and unnecessary commitments...... I wanted to make something again, something that had a story, something that made people smile.



Has your Etsy shop become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?


I made the conscious decision with my husband to stop work when our children were born so we could be around as much as possible while they were small. I’m still passionate about the time I can spend with them while they are growing and discovering the world. I’ve had my Etsy shop for about 18 months now but I primarily set it up on the back of things I was making with and for my own children and home. I’m gradually making more time to commit to it which is really paying off (it’s a bit too busy at the moment really but I’d rather it was that way round!). I would love to be able to work on theRemakerie full-time, as soon as my children are both in school. ‘Working’ is currently confined to the times I have to myself (pre-K hours/after bedtime etc). It’s an unwritten rule in our house that if the girls are home, mommy’s not working on her Etsy shop – everyone’s happier that way! 


How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

‘The Remakerie’ is basically how I describe my life and it was the only real choice for the new shop. Every item I make is about ‘re-use’ in some form or another. It’s basically the starting point for everything I’m thinking about and doing. Textiles are an obvious favourite for the shop, and at home, but I love to extend up-cycling to all elements of my life, and having a busy family and young children means there are often endless opportunities to re-make, re-purpose and re-love all manner of objects and materials on a daily basis. At its most basic level, re-making is about saving personal time, energy and money, quite apart from the obvious benefits to the environment as a whole. I love the creative challenges it poses as a designer and crafter, and the unexpected inspirations it offers up. When you really start to look, pretty much EVERYTHING can be re-made beautiful.




Do you also sell your work at craft shows? 

I can’t commit to craft shows at the moment as the Etsy shop keeps me too busy as it is and time is VERY limited!



What is your most cherished handmade item?

I attach a huge amount of sentimental value to the pieces of vintage handmade crochet and lace passed down from my Grandmother and Great Grandmothers. I am completely in awe of the level of detail, skill and commitment involved in the creation of some of these very beautiful and functional pieces and I’m constantly thinking of ways in which I can re-purpose and re-love these beautiful family pieces. I really feel that your home should be filled with things that speak to you, about your past, your present and your future. I love to use things every day which have a story and a positive impact on my creative process and my life as a whole.







Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?


This might sound a bit dysfunctional but I do find that everything I do involves ‘creating’ in some form. Even a walk in the woods with the kids finds my mind wandering to re-making something. I wish I had more time to play with, but I’d probably just spend it making things!!!!!! I love listening to music with a cup of tea in front of the fire (Christmas is my favourite time of year for that of course). We used to travel a lot before we had the kids. It’s such an amazing creative-injection to step into another culture or environment for a few days and soak up everything it has to offer. I’d love to think we could do that again soon.


If you weren’t an artist, what would you be and why?


I’m not sure I could cope if I didn’t have some kind of creative outlet. If it wasn’t making then maybe it could be writing? – but let’s be honest, I’d probably be writing about what other people were making!


Five years from now you will be…


Hopefully sleeping through the night (or at least my 2 year old will be sleeping through the night! - I am convinced that this will be the answer to most of my prayers), who knows where in the world we’ll be living but hopefully it will be with my successful, Etsy-based business opening up creative opportunities that I can’t even imagine right now (I love a new challenge!).






Describe yourself in five words:


I’d like to think I am:
Determined
Self-sufficient
Adventurous
Optimistic
Happy


Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your iPod, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

Henry Manchini – Loujon
Nina Simone – I’ve Got it Bad

The Beatles – Here, There & Everywhere
Flight of the Conchords – Most Beautiful Girl (always makes me giggle)
Basement Jaxx – Do your Thing
(plus, this time of year, the ‘Christmas’ playlist is already on constant repeat!)




Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

I’d say DO IT.

Keep costs and commitments LOW.
Don’t be afraid to fail – you’ve only failed if you stop trying, so don’t stop.
Be consistent; know what you want, make a plan and stick to it.
Learn how to take and edit great photos.
Be flexible, passionate about what you do and always open to new advice and opportunities.
And don’t forget why you set up in the first place – ENJOY IT J




Saturday, November 24, 2012

Buy Handmade vol 34



Today we head to New York to visit another amazingly talented artist..



Name: Lisa Zador
Age: 53
Occupation: Artist


When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy?

I’ve been an artist as long as I can remember, since my Father bought me my first oil paints as a child. I work freelance as an illustrator and textile designer here in NY. I opened my shop “Curious Portraits”on Etsy about 2 1/2 years ago.

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

I really struggled with my shop name. It was important to me that it convey the feeling of the work within. I have always loved the words “curious” and “curiosity” when used to mean something unusual and unexpected and I thought they described my work perfectly.




Has your Etsy shop become your full time job? If not, would you like it to be?

I would love to have my shop be a full time job but it isn’t there yet. I think it takes time to establish yourself and build a reputation. Maintaining a blog helps and allows me to share the story behind the work and what inspires me with my folllowers.

How would you describe your creative process?

Ideas come to me from the most unusual places and at odd times, often when I am walking my dog out by the river or sitting on the subway so I try to keep a small sketch book with me to jot down ideas and sketches in before I forget. Once I have something sketched out then I start building on that with color and composition in colored pencil and eventually move to the painting. I always paint in oil either on stretched canvas or on wood panels which I love. I also always begin on a toned ground and build up an underpainting in sepia tones then add in the color from there. I love that traditional process of seeing the painting evolve. It allows me to really get the light and shadow in early which is very important to me.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am always inspired by vintage items, many of which I have in my own collection. Vintage toys, kitchen collectibles, vintage linens and clocks are a particular favorite of mine. I also love animals in clothing involved in human activities! It must come from children’s stories and books I loved as a child in which the animals were always so clever. Of course my dog Bingo is a constant source of wonder and I spend a lot of time observing his moods and personality.




Do you also sell your work at craft shows?

I haven’t yet been in a craft show but it is something I would very much like to do. I’ve applied to Brooklyn Flea several times but it is very competitive. I am hoping to participate in the new flea market in Williamsburg.

What is your most cherished handmade item?

That is a tough question to answer, rather like choosing one child over another! There are certain paintings that just seem to flow through you in a perfect way and when you get to the end of it you know it is exactly what you had in your mind from the very first moment it occurred to you. Those are probably my favorite pieces. My portrait of my dogs Toby and Bingo is one and my first Steiff animal painting of Pieps the mouse, Daisy the Squirrel and Mr Peanut are others.

Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?

I love to knit and to do crosstitch needlepoint. I love designing my own patterns. I find it relaxing in the way jigwaw puzzles are (another of my passions but which I never get to do unless I am on vacation!). I also love to cook and especially to bake.


If you weren’t an artist, what would you be and why?

I love to read so much and to get totally absorbed in a great novel so I think being a writer would be a wonderful thing. I still dream of writing and illustrating children’s books so we’ll see.

Five years from now you will be…

Selling full time on Etsy and making my living entirely through my own artwork.

Describe yourself in five words:

curious, creative, moody, quick, compassionate




Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your CD player/mp3 player, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

Ella Fitzgerald, Cesaria Evora, Bryan Ferry, Vivaldi, Pink Martini

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

Just to do what you truly love because it takes an enormous amount of time and commitment to make it as an artist or craftsman. You will always go through setbacks and disappointments and only if you really believe in what you are doing will you be able to stick with it.



Friday, November 23, 2012

fff vol 42


Favorite finds from the last week: 


1. Etsy find of the week:


I've talked about it before.. I've been on a quest to find the perfect turquoise ring for many years. Specifically one that looks like the one my grandmother always wore. I've found a few that have come close, but none that captured the exact look. When I found this one I immediately fell in love with it. Its different than hers -  but I think in a good way. In a way that would make it mine, but still reminiscent of hers. Maybe I havent found one like hers because I'm not meant to.. I'm meant to have one of my own with a touch of her. If that is the case.. this ring fits the bill perfectly.


2. Blog of the week: 



I came across Mel, via Nicole and have been reading her blog ever since. It's a funny thing how bloggers seem to form little mini clicks and run in the same circles. I love my little circle of friends I've met and continue to meet. So head on over and say hi to Mel. She's awesome. She's sarcastic. She's creative. You'll love her!
.


3. Please can I move in?



If I ever find myself in Stockholm looking for a place to live. These apartments would be pretty high on my list. An old industrial building has been turned into beautiful apartments. They are even going to have a dog spa! Yes, please. I'll live there.


4. Get in my belly... 



These pumpkin cookies look absolutely delicious. I've never liked pumpkin pie, I think because the texture grosses me out. But pumpkin cookies or pumpkin doughnuts, yes I will eat any day of the week. I must try these!


5. Tee shirt of the week from Bark Decor



A wild catalope shirt. Do I need to say anything more?!


Today we are starting on a huge renovation project. Yes, I will document the process! Three days of full on hard core work, with a break to go to the farmer's market tomorrow of course. What are your weekend plans? 




Thursday, November 22, 2012

12 Days of Christmas Movies - #12


I hope everyone (USA folks) are having a nice Thanksgiving and day off from work!



The mister and I placed an order for a turkey with one of our local farmers this year, we didn't really calculate how much it would be until a few days before picking it up. It sort of clicked and we both just went..ummm..this is gonna be one expensive turkey! haha But hey- it was completely and totally worth it. 1. to support local farms 2. to have a pure and healthy turkey, completely fresh (was processed on Monday - we picked it up Tuesday) Never frozen. So we decided to have a mini Thanksgiving of our own last night with our $60 bird. And let me say.. it was worth every penny! 

Another Thanksgiving today with my parents, brother, and aunt and uncle. It should be a nice relaxing, quiet day. I'm, of course, bringing a crazy enormous apple pie!

I hope everyone has a fantastic day!!

My brain is already on Christmas this year so I wanted to kick off .. Twelve days of Christmas movies. Over the next few weeks - from now until December 20th to be exact - I will be sharing with you 12 of my favorite Christmas movies of all time.


Every year I have a tradition which normally starts today, on Thanksgiving. I bust out all my Christmas movies and get so excited to have movie marathons. There are a few movies that have also popped into my head that didn't make this list that are definite holiday movies I watch each year as well. But I needed to make a cut off - so I cut it off at 12. Being a huge movie person, you can imagine my excitement for these classics (and not so classics) that have made my top 12 list. 

They won't be in a particular order, as in X movie is better than Y movie because each of them I have chosen, I've chosen for different reasons. Some because I watched them as a child - and still have the need to watch them as an adult..and some simply because they are hilarious and simply awesome that you could even watch them 10 times before Christmas, every Christmas and still not get tired of the movie.

So..  without further ado. #12.

We'll kick this party off with:

Gremlins:



While not a specifically a Christmas movie, it does take place at Christmas. The film revolves around an inventor who brings home a unique gift. A small fuzzy creature called a Mogwai. The creature comes with some rules – Keep away from Sunlight, Don’t feed after midnight, Never get wet. When these rules are broken, a mischievous legion of Gremlins is unleashed on a small town wreaking havoc. 

Growing up in the 80's, I had my own little Gizmo stuffed animal that went everywhere with me. I loved this movie and still love it as an adult. If it wasn't going to be part of your holiday movie marathons, make room and squeeze it in!

Monday, November 19, 2012

a new winter scent..


I've created a new scent for the shop and it's up and available now. It smells AMAZING. I combined spearmint, peppermint, orange and eucalyptus essential oils. It's so crisp and fresh smelling. Like a stick of minty chewing gum. Oh so yummy!!

Go check it out, limited quantities currently available. 




Sunday, November 18, 2012

Buy Handmade vol 33

I can not even begin to explain how excited I am to have Miss Mindy gracing my blog! She is one of my favorite artists and is just truly so amazingly talented and a super, down-to-earth gal. Please welcome... Miss Mindy!


Name: Miss Mindy

Age: In elf years, I’m 134
Occupation: Cartoon Folk Artist
Etsy Shop: missmindyartist
WEB: www.missmindy.com
Blog: missmindypie.blogspot.com 
Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: missmindyobrien 

Tell us a little about yourself.

-I’m a rebellious little elf that works and lives out my home studio/workshop in Eagle Rock, CA. (Spittin’ distance from Pasadena) I’ve been a professional cartoonist and creator for years, and showcase my fine art – (or ‘Cartoon Folk Art’ as I like to call it) all over the world at various galleries and events. I tend to favor working in 3 mediums, Ink paintings, traditional & pop up paintings, and sculpture. Or is that four.. ;) he he he… 



When did you start creating and how long have you been on Etsy?

-I’ve been an artist since I popped out! My mom is an artist too, and so is my sister, AND her husband… (oh dear) AND my husband… so at Christmastime there is no shortage of opinions at the table.

-I’ve been on Etsy for a couple years now, and have met so many great people… It’s an outlet for the craftmanship revolution, and I’m happy to be apart of it.

How did you come up with your business name, is there any special meaning behind it?

-Oh sure! I used to teach kids cartooning, and they’d say.. “Miss Mindy Miss Mindy!!” all day long – so It stuck.
It also doubles as my hot-sauce Lady of the Night name, so If I need to Burlesque dance real quick, I’m covered.

How would you describe your creative process? 

-Kind of Psychotic, peaceful, unsure & proceeding to totally confident.



Where do you get your inspiration from? 

-I’ve always had an affinity for the pixie-esque mixed with a lil’ sas…
I collect vintage toys, adore old Betty Boop cartoons & enjoy circus Ice cream music. They help wisk me away out of reality and into the stories in my head.

Do you also sell your work at craft shows? 

-I Honestly don’t tend to show my work at craft fairs like I used to, and found that galleries and specialty boutiques is where my audience is nowadays. I did however get asked to teach up at ArtFest in Port Townsend this year, It was fabulous. There was a night to sell my wares, and yes indeed it takes some mondo prep to get ready for these suckers! Especially since I was flying from LA, and didn’t have the scratch to ship a bunch of stuff. I managed to streamline and take just what was needed, flat prints, books and cards, and a few framed originals… It went phenominal!

-As far as this Christmas season… Leanna Lin’s Wonderland in my hometown of Eagle Rock is Showcasing mine, and my sister CJ Metzger’s art show ‘Far away Places’ until the end of Dec. It’s an adorable boutique with tons of artists goodies, toys, and jewlery. Go by and tell her Miss Mindy sent choo! www.leannalinswonderland.com

-Lastly, My sculptures and prints will be availiable at The Wonderground Gallery in Downtown Disney this December, Yep! I’ll be doing a signing on Dec. 1st from 1-4pm to introduce my latest creations. I also will be signing Dec. 15th, time TBD. I’ll be posting updates on my social media sites, so keep in touch! 



• How long does it take you to prepare for a show? Do you have any special methods of getting ready?

-It depends on the show, but with solo gallery shows it can take up to a year to prep. For duo- shows, I usually take about 4-5 months, and for group shows ( a single painting) I set aside 1-2 months to make sure the idea has time to gel and come out naturally. Just try to give yourself enough time and don’t wait until the last minute… even though that’s the artist’s normal path. Gees… I have to follow my own advice! He he he… I’m swamped! ;)

• Describe an experience from a show (good or bad) and why that pushes you to continue with your work 

-Oh that’s a tough one… There are always seasons in art, The Good, The Bad, and the Bizarre. When things don’t seem to be going your way, look inside your heart and remember why you’re doing it. Make good art and try to go with the flow…. n’ Yes, push yourself, but good art & craftsmanship is the best business, the rest follows if you don’t give up!

What is your most cherished handmade item? 

-I think my first sculpted figure… “Little Miss Mushroom Circus.” ( see picture )
I adore her pink hair and overall attitude… she was the start of a new challenging direction for me.




Apart from creating things, what do you like to do?

-I adore decorating for the Holidays, playing with my little circus dog named ‘Radio’ – and traveling as a often as my pocketbook lets me!

If you weren’t an artist, what would you be and why? 

-A stage performer. Not on film… but old school, with big red velvet curtains and wooden painted props (Think “The Imaginarioum of Dr. Parnassus style!) *sigh* I can dream…. Hey wait. That’s still an artist! ;)

Five years from now you will be… 

-Traveling around the world in a hot air balloon that looks like an elephant, complete with a cozy bed and little kitchen so I can make muffins… and of course my husband Ricky Dee and my pup Radio will be with me!



Describe yourself in five words: 

-A red-headed, sweet n’ sassy lil’ broad.

Carrying on with the five theme, if I were to turn on your <insert whatever type of music player you use here>, what five artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?

-1920’s Favorites, Radiohead, Fleet Foxes, Charlie Brown Christmas and The Rocky Horror picture show soundtrack.

Lastly, do you have any advice for anyone thinking about opening their own shop or participating in craft shows?

-Do it! Have fun, and make what you enjoy… because if it takes off, you’ll be creating a bunch of ‘em!