Leinerje

Friday Finds... Leinerje


Interview # 46
I just love finding unusual art and a few weeks back I came across this awesome store full of the perfect sort of work you like to see around this time of the year (and the rest of it too :) ). Jennifer M. Leiner's work is based on abstract architecture, and finds her inspiration derives from Thomas Hart Benton, Grandma Moses and Grant Wood of whom she mentions in her bio (check out her shop profile!). I do love the freedom of expression when it comes to all things abstract as it allows one to take any direction that your heart and inspiration can take you. You can go as far as you want, and contort your created space as much as you want. That's what makes something abstract uniquely you as it is an expression what I call the soul nature of your being and almost like your signature in the form of an image. I find Jennifer's work extremely interesting to contemplate as it's both haunting but warming at the same time. The lines of the structures almost wave like they are fluid and give you a new impression each time you look away and look back at the pieces. Excellent stuff I must say, and I am very glad to introduce Jennifer to you in today's interview. Check out her store to see more of her collection right after you read :)

(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)

-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is Jennifer M. Leiner (Jen), I am 36 years old and I live in Raleigh, NC. I just finished my B.A. in Studio art. My son is nine years old and I have quite the mengerie of pets-they like to think of themselves as "people" too so don't tell them I said anything to the contrary.



-- What is your business about then? I love to paint and I do it constantly-up to ten hours a day. When I am not painting I am thinking about my next composition and/or researching ideas on the internet. While I can do most anything, I have love to paint abstracted houses. They are fun, the possibilities are absolutely endless and most don't require too much thought. I like to think that they "paint" themselves.


-- How did Etsy come into your life? While at Meredith College, I had a bunch of classmates who had their own etsy shops and told me about it. As soon as I graduated and had a bit more time to devote to work that I would like to sell, I signed on. I love it.


-- Are you working a day job too? Not right now. I devote my time to my art and my son. I have some local arts and craft shows coming up in the next couple of months.



-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? I have been drawing since I was a child but as I got into my late teens and early twenties that fizzled out as my social life was everything (alas...) One evening my boyfriend (now my husband)and I were talking about things we were good at. I was feeling a bit dejected at that time as I completely lacked direction-but I said, "I can draw". He didn't believe me and asked me to draw him something. So, the next day I hauled out a huge picture book of animals and drew a perfect representation of a sea horse. After that day, I never stopped...


-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? That's a tough one....I think mostly that I know I have something that someone may want. I feel that my work is unique in style and if it makes me so happy, I like to think it can make others happy too.


-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? Strange, Moody and Fun


-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? During After getting my family out of the house, I check my store, emails and sometimes a half hour or so getting my ideas together. I then haul my computer and grape juice (I am an addict!) into my studio, find a movie to stream on netlfix and get to work. From there I stay put. I always have several paintings going at once so I can switch around if I find my concentration waning. I quit in late afternoon to do family stuff but almost always return to my studio after dinner while everyone is winding down for the night.



-- What's your favourite material and techniques to work with? Oil paint-always. I usually work on canvas but I have been known to break out a masonite panel here and there.


-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? Ideally, I would love to have my work consistantly bring in enough money to supplement my husband's salary to continue to allow me to do what I do now-forever. I want to be known as someone who offers quality work and quality service. Fingers crossed!!



-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? I read constantly-we have a finished attic that moonlights as a library. When the weather cools down I play catch with my son and have even been known to practice a little bit of yoga here and there..





-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? I like looking at autumn/holiday stuff as we are coming into my favorite time of the year. I also like to look at shops that sell things that are a little bit unusual/dark/quirky (ooo-those should be the three words to describe my stuff!) You never know when inspiration might decide to come for a visit.


-- Any last words? Don't give up. It's easy to get discouraged but just keep doing what you do-there is something out there for everyone.

Naturally Dyed Products by lissyonetsy

Friday Finds... lissionetsy


Interview # 39
Lissionetsy is a fellow UK seller with a great passion for her creative flow in eco-fashion. Specifically, naturally dyed accessories like the beautiful silk scarves, cards and necklaces included in her inventory. When initially browsing the listings I was quite fascinated that she plant steams her products to create the prints, and more so by the colorings that could be achieved doing it this way. She shows her experience and talents in this field throughout her store, which is further impressed by her completion of a degree in fashion marketing. This lady really knows her stuff! She is taking part in a craft show at 12pm on the 5th September at The Cluny Craft Market at The Cluny, Ouseburn (under Byker-Bridge) Newcastle upon Tyne, for those UK handmade lovers that may wish to visit her there, yet those of you everywhere else please take the time to visit her store. Scroll down to read her interview!

(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)

-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is Natalie, i’m nearing my 29th year, and i’m originally from a picture postcard town called Whitby and I now live in Newcastle upon Tyne with my other half and cat. Oh, and I used to be a florist, which is why i’m so happy to be using natural sources again!


-- What is your business about then? Lissi Naturally Dyed Products designs beautiful fashion accessories created from dying fabrics with natural plant and vegetable based dyes and recycled objects, ensuring that no two pieces are the same - each bundle and dye bath bring a new original colour, print or pattern.


-- How did Etsy come into your life? I had been searching for online outlets and came across Etsy last year. I signed up straight away but it took me nearly six months to start listing my items for sale and networking with it! Then we recently moved house so I am again getting back in to the swing of things.


-- Are you working a day job too? Yes. I graduated last year with a degree in fashion marketing where I produced a branded collection of naturally dyed clothing (the roots of Lissi Naturally Dyed Products!), and was lucky enough to find a job that is just ten minutes drive from my house. By day I am a merchandiser for a menswear importer, which can be very demanding and tiring, and sometimes I really wish I could stay home and be creative all day!


-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? I’ve always had something creative going on in my life. I left school at sixteen and became a florist where I stayed for over six years until I returned to education full time. I never dreamed that I would ever gain an A-Level never mind go to university! So when I graduated I had to keep my creative side busy, which is when I decided to make something from the work I had just devoted a whole year to, thoroughly enjoyed and wanted to know more about; natural dyes.


-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? I studied a fashion course but have always known there are issues that should be highlighted. I want to help promote alternative design aspects and Lissi does this by only using natural plant or vegetable based dyes along with recycled objects such as metals, showing that colour can be produced without the aid of toxic chemicals which are sometimes apparent in our everyday stores. I discovered an Australian textile artist called India Flint who has worked for many years with natural dyes, and started experimenting with ideas from her book ‘Eco Colour’, and then kept going.


-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? Naturally Dyed Products ! Sorry!


-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? Through the week I would be working 9-5, and try to check all my online sites on my lunchtime. When I get home I try and spend an hour or two online networking, uploading new products, writing blog posts etc. I usually try and dye on weekends when I have full days to really get stuck in! Sewing and finishing items would normally be done on a weekend too, along with product photos and styling.


-- What's your favourite material and techniques to work with? I tend to have stuck with silk fabric for most projects as it is a natural fibre it absorbs and retains colour really well (all Lissi products are wash/colour fast by the way!). I really enjoy steaming processes where the flower/leaf will leave its mark directly on the fabric, and I have recently started experimenting with dyeing yarns. To be honest I can’t pick a favourite!


-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? I really would like to be able to work on Lissi full time, there is still so much I want to learn and experiment with!


-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? I love pottering in the garden and making things look pretty, as well as bike riding and spending time with friends and family. My other half says i don’t relax enough...


-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? I tend to search for gifts for my mum, close family and friends. Some really appreciate handmade items and Etsy has a great choice for me to choose from; I have favourite items just waiting to be purchased!


-- Any last words? I will be holding a stall at a local market in a couple of weeks so if anyone is in the area it would be lovely to see them. It is The Cluny Craft Market at The Cluny, Ouseburn (under Byker-Bridge) Newcastle upon Tyne on Sunday 5th September from 12noon.
If you wish to know more about Lissi please visit the website here http://lissionline.jimdo.com/ and I am always updated Lissi’s blog with the latest experiments and goings on at http://lissi-natalie.blogspot.com/
And finally, Thank you for reading!

LouisestArt

Friday Finds... LouisestArt


Interview # 38
LouisestArt on Etsy got in touch with me for a Monday Magic Feature, yet after checking out her store for a second time, I was absolutely certain that I wanted to offer an interview instead as the work she produces is simply stunning, and very unique. I am pleased to introduce Louise to my readers, and hope you enjoy her beautiful paintings as much as I have :)


(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)

-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is Louise van Terheijden. I live in Tilburg in The Netherlands. I live in a lovely old house build in the 20 ‘s. Here I can work, give art classes, paint, relax in my garden.

-- What is your business about then? I’m a painter. I like to work with acrylics and water paints but drawing is a passion as well. Ink, chalk, I like many materials. I followed also some courses Photoshop and Illustrator so I can work further on my pictures digitally as well. With all the new printing techniques now I can reach more people with my work. The prints will last for over 100 years without fading and are of the utmost quality in fine art reproduction printing. So that's something new.


-- How did Etsy come into your life? Etsy came into my life by accident just by surfing on the web. I found such beautiful things in the different shops. So, I decided I wanted to be a part of that.


-- Are you working a day job too? I’m everyday in my studio. Sometimes I have an art class. I’m an art teacher as well.


-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? Not for long. I’ve been an artist all my life. I studied Art in The Academy of Art and Design in Den Bosch.


-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? I want to show my work to the world. I hope other people will be touched by my work. Sometimes that happens. That makes me very happy.


-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? You could describe my work as "poetical pictures that stop time for a while." Color is important. Color, Transparency, Poetical pictures.


-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? I’m everyday in my studio. Sometimes I have an art class. I’m an art teacher as well. Somedays I have no inspiration at all. Then I go out and visit a museum or a shop. Or I just take a walk.


-- What's your favourite material and techniques to work with? Acrylics, chalk, ink, brushes, paper and coffee.


-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? I hope to get very old so I can realize al my plans. Make better paintings and I would love to illustrate a children book someday.


-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? Running gives me a feeling of power and clarity in my head. So I run twice a week. Visiting exhibitions and see other artists is also a thing I like doing.



-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? I hope to get a broader audience. It was such a surprise to see people all over the world looking at my work. People hearting my work…Nice, isn’t?


-- Any last words? There is a quote from Vincent van Gogh I like very much; ‘ "Color in a picture is like enthusiasm in life"

I couldn't say it any better.

Louise van Terheijden
Tilburg
The Netherlands

watercolorsNmore

Friday Finds... watercolorsNmore


This is my 31st interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy!

Coming across Roxanne of watercolorsNmore's store last week was definitely one of my happiest handmade finds of last week! Her watercolor paintings are just exquisite! And I'm not surprised as she is an experienced painter working on her beautiful works since 1979. The thing that strikes me the most about her work is the attention to detail AND the technique she uses to achieve her individually styled water color paintings. Watercolors are not an easy medium to use, yet she makes it seem effortless as her paintings to me literally come alive on the page. I can only imagine how amazing these must look in reality over how they look on my PC screen! Besides a few originals in her store she also offers her paintings as prints, and glass tile jewelry so you're not stuck for choice what so ever :) She has become one of my favourites on Etsy, I hope you can take the time to visit her store and give her a shop heart and perhaps a purchase too :) She has an offer to my readers at the bottom of her interview so don't miss out!


(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)

-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is Roxanne Tobaison, I live in sunny, central Florida and married with 2 daughters and 60ish. Now you wouldn’t think I’d tell you exact, right.


-- What is your business about then? My business is watercolors and I have been painting since 1979.


-- How did Etsy come into your life? Having retired from the art festivals show after 30 years, I stumbled onto Etsy when purchasing from some of the fabulous craftsman and artisans. Why not give it a go??? What would I have to lose?? Didn’t actual realize the time involvement or the addiction!


-- Are you working a day job too? No day job for me…my art has kept me fairly busy all these years.


-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? After the birth of my first daughter, I tried my hand at oil painting then watercolors. I was hooked and have never stopped since.


-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? I am a Florida native and the area is brimming over with natural wonders, treasures, beauty and so many historical landmarks. Did I mention…I love the history of our area, which the Tampa Bay area is extremely rich. I paint to preserve them and many are commissioned works.


-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? Frameable, (not sure that’s a word, but you know what I mean.)
Wearable and Collectable.

-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? Each day is an adventure in itself. With my morning coffee, to jumpstart myself, I read the Bible and then off to Etsy, go exercise and back to etsy… Work around the house and errands, then back to etsy… You know, I actually DO paint too! Then back to etsy. I think you get the picture…my husband sure does. He calls me an etsy-acholic.



-- What's your favourite material and techniques to work with? Above all, my camera is my best friend. I take all my reference shots. My materials are watercolors, acrylics and occasionally pen and inks. Most of my works are representational and realistic; however I have enjoyed some abstracts as seen mostly in my pendants.
Recently, I added a line of glass tile pendants necklaces that showcase my original watercolor paintings. These are affordable pieces of art that can be enjoyed and worn too. I title these pieces and take pride in the little originals. Also I have started doing ACEO’s which are like baseball trading cards – artists trading cards which are collectable.


-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? The main thing is that I feel blessed to have this talent and that others like it. Of course we like to sell, but it’s therapeutic, fulfilling and great when someone likes what you do. Get rich doing it – I DON’T think so…but riches can be measured in many ways.


-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? Exercise workouts are a great escape and keeps you trim – yeah, right. Well, it’s fun anyway.


-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? I really like earrings-jewelry (bought quite a few from fellow etsians). Like to search out the artsy pottery, sculptures.
I really appreciate ALL the fabulous talent that is on the etsy site!


-- Any last words? I want to express my sincere thanks for Nay finding me and allowing me to be interviewed on her ‘Friday Finds’blog.
So nice when fellow artists want to help others.

If anyone purchases from seeing this, I’ll include a set of 2 (5 x 7) note cards of any print image on my site. Just mentioned that you saw my interview on the ‘Friday Finds’ in the reference line and tell me which (2) images.
Period 6/18 – 6/25/10.

Friday Finds... LadySpider


This is my 19th interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy!

Hello! At the end of another week already... cannot believe how the time is flying by! But I'm pleased it is Friday and I have another brilliant new Artist to Etsy to introduce :)
Today has been a bit of a slow, uninspiring day for me up until receiving the completed interview from Etsy artist India of LadySpider.
I think with the right start that India will go far pretty quickly which is why I wanted to interview her. I REALLY have a huge amount of confidence that India's style and artforms can do incredibly well on Etsy and I SERIOUSLY urge you all to visit her store and see what I mean for yourselves.
Also, today that confidence was further enhanced by reading what she had to say in her interview. Her demeanour, her attitude and charisma are just something amazing that you don't really see amongst people of her age group in the UK, and I have a lot of respect for her being a fellow British citizen myself having watching most of people my age and below flag before my eyes! She's also been very fortunate to have the right start in education (being homeschooled... something I already have planned for my son funnily enough!) and business which I think she's managing very well like it's second nature to her. I never would have guessed that she was 16!
I hope that great things happen for India and that she soars as high as she can go on Etsy! Please visit her store, and if you can spread the word too! Ohh and India, I love Miyazaki too! :)


(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)







-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is India and I am 16 years old. I currently live in a Victorian country cottage in a little village near Stratford-upon-Avon in the UK. The house that I reside in is a little too small for my liking (I really want a studio!) but it has been my safe haven for 7 years and I very much enjoy watching the sparrows play in the cherry tree outside my bedroom window.

-- What is your business about then? Lady Spider is a channel for me to make beautiful beings in the form of paintings and felt creatures. When I first began creating I was doing it simply to express myself but now I also create my work to inspire the same feeling of happiness within people that encourages me to enjoy life, even if it is in the smallest ways. I wish to fascinate and connect with people and for them to interpret my feelings behind the pieces I create in unique ways through a collection of diversified emotions – sometimes playfulness, sometimes mystery, sorrow and ambiguity

-- How did Etsy come into your life? To be completely honest, I can’t remember! It was around March of last year and all I remember thinking was “Wow. This is a really cool website. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could one day have an Etsy shop?” and that’s how it manifested itself! So, after my 16th Birthday in June that year I started seriously planning and thinking about how to make this dream a reality and, after nearly 10 months of very hard work, but also a lot of fun, I opened up shop on 03/03/10!

-- Are you working a day job too? At the moment I am working part time as a secretary for my Father’s company (I have been working part time ever since I left school at age 14 to be homeschooled). I have to say that being a secretary is pretty boring (especially for someone artistically minded like myself!) but I owe quite a lot to it. It is very helpful from an administrative point of view as I have learnt about setting up and running my own business and, in any case, although I don’t always see eye-to-eye with my Dad, the hours are pretty lenient and I have time to be creative, which is a bonus! I hope to very soon be able to make a living doing what I love the most, which is creating beautiful things!


-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? I have confidently been calling myself an ‘artist’ for less than a year. My true artistic wings have unfurled very quickly and quite suddenly. I am naturally creative and used to draw all the time as a small child but unfortunately that budding artistic talent was cut off almost completely as I grew up in a school environment. My creativity has been slowly unleashing itself from the moment I decided, quite abruptly, to be homeschooled, but it took a couple of years for me to take notice of it. It has been a wonderful journey and my family has been especially supportive, which I am very grateful for. Even though there were definitely many times when I felt liking giving up on everything completely, I can wholeheartedly say that I am now allowing myself to be who I truly am and have found such happiness and joy in doing so.

-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? Most of my creations are inspired by Japanese culture and folklore – for some reason it feels very safe and familiar to me. I specialise in watercolour and gouache paintings and I enjoy creating original characters – I am especially fascinated by faces and eyes - and I usually incorporate animals and nature into my work, so you will find a lot of interesting portraits of beautiful girls in my shop! I also occasionally paint dreamlike abstract landscapes. I also create handmade and hand sewn felt creatures inspired by the simple forms of animals and Japanese Kawaii (a prominent aspect of Japanese culture, appearance and behaviour translated as ‘cute’). I really enjoy making these creatures – their whimsical nature allows me to express joy in such a childlike fashion, which is what my artistic endeavours are all about – they are aimed at the young at heart.


-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? (For the) Young at Heart

-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? I usually wake up quite late and then I do yoga for a while to wake myself up. The first half of the morning (well, my ‘morning’!) is spent checking emails and other routine computer stuff and waiting eagerly for the postman (I love shopping online and even if it’s just art materials arriving it always feels like an unexpected present!). Presuming I am spending the day at home, I usually spend most of my time creating or finishing paintings or felt creatures and photographing and listing items. I also take my dog on long walks everyday to give myself time to think and enjoy nature. At the back end of the day I usually have to do anywhere between ½ hour and 4 hours typing for my Dad, depending on how much administrative work has built up. In the evening I fit in some more yoga and finish off any artwork (usually felt creatures as I find it very relaxing to sew in the evenings) and also some time on my laptop.

-- What's your favorite material and techniques to work with? Felt is definitely a favourite of mine. It feels very simple and ‘organic’ to me (I use wool and viscose felt so none of it is synthetic). For painting, I enjoy the fluidity of watercolour and gouache and my favourite surface to paint on will probably always be paper. I have experimented with fabrics and canvases but I really do have a thing for the texture of good paper!

-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? Ideal vision? Well, it would include an early retirement at 20 and having enough money to comfortably travel the world and continue my artistic explorations! Even if I was being a little more realistic it would really include many of the same things. I have always believed that if you ask yourself what you would do if all material restrictions were lifted and you answer that you would still do the same things you are now, then you truly love what you are doing.

-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? I really love music and I tend to only listen to Japanese artists now. I also watch anime and enjoy films in general – I love Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films – they have so many layers and at first glance, they may seem like just ordinary children’s films but after watching you can see that there are deep spiritual meanings conveyed in very simplistic, childlike ways, which actually reflects the nature of my creations and Lady Spider. The beauty of Japanese anime is that it explores the boundaries between ‘real’ and ‘unreal’. This is actually how I originally became fascinated by Japanese culture. I also enjoy being near nature, so I tend to walk quite a lot and visit places where I can be around animals – even pet stores if I am feeling really desperate! Feeling close to the trees and animals has become a real necessity for me.

-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? Lately I have been more into browsing the supplies section of Etsy rather than the handmade, though I frequently stop by interesting products featured on the front page. I love looking through Japanese and Korean supplies – I adore zakka (translated as ‘many things’, zakka displays contemporary handicraft that improves one’s home, life and outlook).

-- Any last words? I would just like to say thank you, Naomi, for this wonderful opportunity – I have thoroughly enjoyed corresponding with you and answering these questions! Also, I currently have a special offer in my shop to celebrate Easter but it is for a limited time – only 2 weeks - so make sure to visit my shop and buy your handmade springtime gifts from Lady Spider ^-^.

FRIDAY - Friday Finds... SOiNTOiT

Friday Finds... SOiNTOiT


This is my 12th interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy, and my first one since the End of November! Eeek! Don't worry though I'm in better health now and Christmas is nice as far away from being able to disrupt too much of my blogging for now :)

Today I am posting an interview with Pam, a carvedboard artist known on Etsy as SOiNTOiT! By nature I am quite the hippy and I do tend to feel attracted to things that burst with color, contain spiritual undertones or have a very naturalistic feel to them. So for me to stumble across Pam's store was a wonderful find in my hunt for my usual Monday Magic-ers funnily enough! But her work is so unique and beautiful. I love the way they have a very ethnic feel to them, as well as the way they reach out to you (quite literally!) and the colors of the rainbow dance around each piece! I had to ask if she would be interested in an interview about her work and store. And obviously very pleased that she wanted to, so I am very pleased to share on my blog this week another very new and talented artist on Etsy that deserves all the exposure and interest I suspect she'll get in the future on Etsy :)


(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)



Tell me a bit about you. (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you’re at it.) My name is Pam Reinhardt. I’m 56. I live at a lovely lake in Northern California. I’m married, a mom and ‘gramma’. Random fact: Colors 60 feet below the surface in warm, tropical waters are indescribably and breathtakingly vivid.

What is your business about then? I don’t have a business! I do, however, have a passion and I enjoy directing that passion. So, I guess that’s my business. The direction of my passion right now, is my artwork. My artwork is uniquely mine and that is empowering. (I suppose I could organize my closets or clean out the junk drawer---nah!) I also like putting myself in situations that bring on extreme learning mode as I seem to thrive on learning. Putting my artwork out there is extreme for me. It’s inherently satisfying.

How did etsy come into your life? I’m running out of wall space! AND I like the etsy community AND I like learning new skills and I like art exposure and meeting talented and creative people.

Are you working a day job, too? Big smile! Sigh! I’m a recently retired public school band director and classroom music teacher. I’ve stepped into a perpetual weekend mode and my husband and I can come and go as we please. I am blessed!

How long has the artist in you been ‘unleashed’? I’ve not had the luxury of uninterrupted time before. For me, creativity is time for exploration and experimentation and time to follow my ideas to a satisfactory completion. I’m fortunate to have a supportive and understanding husband who knows how to serve a good meal!

What has been the inspiration behind your business? It’s such a charge to follow a dream. It’s scary and I like stepping out into new territory.

If you could describe your products in 3 words, what would you tell me? Colorful. Unique. Eclectic.

What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? Wake up when I feel like it. Cup of coffee in front of the fire and check out the weather and the bird feeders. Do a check-in with my husband and rough out a day plan (looks like a good ski day tomorrow, hon….that kind of thing). Check e-mails, the etsy shop and facebook, maybe call my kids. (I babysit my grand-daughter on Thursdays.) Head to the den where my desk and supplies are and play for a couple hours, or go for a walk. I’ve been doing a lot of breathing and being thankful to God. Piddle around the house or in the yard. Love to read. Might drive to town and explore. We live near two beautiful Sierra Foothill towns full of great restaurants, bookstores, art galleries and boutiques. Never at a loss for something to do. We own a 20 acre parcel on a hill overlooking our lake and sometimes we go up there and just sit, listening to the quiet and dreaming and talking over our house plans. Like I said, I’m blessed.

What’s your favorite material and techniques to work with? Acrylics, oil pastels, encaustic, collage, mixed media.

What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? To continue to have a lot of fun at my art desk. If someone can get enjoyment from viewing my work I’m tickled. I wasn’t actually expecting anyone to show any interest. I’m totally doing this for myself. I love that what I’m doing gets reactions from people and they want to let me know what their reaction is. I wasn’t expecting that.

Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? Travel. Snow ski. Kayak. Hike. Camp. Scuba dive. Write. Visit with my kids.

What are you likely to search for on etsy? New artwork. Brightly and creatively arranged, colorful objects. Somebody doing something different.

Any last words? Yes! Watch for one of my CarveBoardArt pieces in the May 2010 issue of Somerset Studio Magazine. (The Exemplar feature.) And, of course, go to http://www.etsy.com/shop/SOiNTOiT and view my shop! This has been a fun interview! Thanks!