Runaway Cherry, Runaway!

After participating in so many Etsy events... [although, i've done a TERRIBLE job blogging about said events] i've been working a TON on my Etsy shops. 

Today was 'Runaway Cherries" turn. Runaway Cherries is my supply shop, and i was STOKED to add these lovely little owls and art pallets to the shop.

[grey owl]

[orange owl]

[art pallet]

Now...it's time to write some hardcore blog posts about all the Etsy adventures i've been on since i moved to New York!

Off i go!!

-jenipher

Looksy Wednesday - Little Odd Forest

Oh my...I'm literally drooling over this beautiful purse by Little Odd Forest. I've known about her work for a while, and have even blogged about it once, but couldn't help myself from posting about this purse i stumbled upon this morning while on Etsy.

Isn't it LOVELY?

She has some amazing pieces, i think you should check them out!!

Have an inspired day!
Jenipher

Looksey Wednesday! - Yumi Yumi Studio

Hello friends! How is your week going?
Well i hope!

I was stumbling on Etsy's "new listings" broswer and found Aline's shop
Yumi Yumi Studio.

I love how many different styles her prints are painted it. All very beautiful. :D

Make sure to stop by and check out the rest of her work!

I hope you are all having a brilliant week!
Smiles and blessings to you!
Jenipher :D

From Art to Zink!

Joan from ArtZink creates a mixtured of colorful collages using random clippings and cozy sentiments. I was instantly drawn to her simple beauties and had to post about them. She has prints and greeting cards in a varitey of color schemes and quotes.

Go check out her pretties in her etsy shop!

Your Hair Will LOVE You

Emily from Emily K Botanic Studio has A-MAZING treats for your hair. She customizes beautiful floral goodies for your hair, wrist and other wedding treasures as well. Emily is a floral designer by day which you can tell really enhances her ability to create lovely floral works of art.

How long have you been crafting?

Ever since I can remember. My mom is a crafter so she always had me working on a some sort of project. The first craft I ever sold was at a local art group sale, and they were icicle Christmas ornaments made out of beads. I was probably around 5 or 6 at the time.



Did you always craft in this genre?

No, not at all. When I was a child, I would design ornaments or draw pictures. As a teenager, I fell in love with painting on canvas which I still love to do. Also, I've always had a great passion for decorating interiors.

Who or what inspires you?

famous painters/artists, my artsy friends, nature, going to the flea market, traveling, my family

How do you over come your creative blocks?

I take a road trip to visit a friend, go for an intense mountain bike ride, or visit an art gallery.

What defining moment made you decide to turn your hobby into a business?

I've always wanted my own craft/art business but never really knew when, what, or how. After working as a floral designer at a high end florist and making people happy with my wedding designs, I knew wedding work was my niche. I love the work, and there's always a high demand in this market.



What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

The biggest challenge for me right now is trying to work a full time job as a floral designer while still doing custom wedding orders on etsy.



If someone from out of town were visiting you, what key places would you bring them to? (galleries, coffee shops, parks, museums, etc)

I would definitely give them a tour of the Greenbrier which is a world class historical resort (also where I am a floral designer). I would also take them to the Greenbrier River trail for a bike ride or walk, the flea market on Tuesday morning, the Irish Pub in historic Lewisburg on Pub Quiz night, The Wild Bean coffee shop for an organically grown salad, and Valley View for a round of golf.



Thank you Emily! I loved learning more about you! Craft on! :D

If you'd like to see more of Emily's pretties, head over to her Etsy shop and say hello. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you.

Your Hair Will LOVE You

Emily from Emily K Botanic Studio has A-MAZING treats for your hair. She customizes beautiful floral goodies for your hair, wrist and other wedding treasures as well. Emily is a floral designer by day which you can tell really enhances her ability to create lovely floral works of art.

How long have you been crafting?

Ever since I can remember. My mom is a crafter so she always had me working on a some sort of project. The first craft I ever sold was at a local art group sale, and they were icicle Christmas ornaments made out of beads. I was probably around 5 or 6 at the time.



Did you always craft in this genre?

No, not at all. When I was a child, I would design ornaments or draw pictures. As a teenager, I fell in love with painting on canvas which I still love to do. Also, I've always had a great passion for decorating interiors.

Who or what inspires you?

famous painters/artists, my artsy friends, nature, going to the flea market, traveling, my family

How do you over come your creative blocks?

I take a road trip to visit a friend, go for an intense mountain bike ride, or visit an art gallery.

What defining moment made you decide to turn your hobby into a business?

I've always wanted my own craft/art business but never really knew when, what, or how. After working as a floral designer at a high end florist and making people happy with my wedding designs, I knew wedding work was my niche. I love the work, and there's always a high demand in this market.



What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

The biggest challenge for me right now is trying to work a full time job as a floral designer while still doing custom wedding orders on etsy.



If someone from out of town were visiting you, what key places would you bring them to? (galleries, coffee shops, parks, museums, etc)

I would definitely give them a tour of the Greenbrier which is a world class historical resort (also where I am a floral designer). I would also take them to the Greenbrier River trail for a bike ride or walk, the flea market on Tuesday morning, the Irish Pub in historic Lewisburg on Pub Quiz night, The Wild Bean coffee shop for an organically grown salad, and Valley View for a round of golf.



Thank you Emily! I loved learning more about you! Craft on! :D

If you'd like to see more of Emily's pretties, head over to her Etsy shop and say hello. I'm sure she'd love to hear from you.

Baily Doenst Bark

While looking for Valentine's Day inspired items, I have recently (along with MANY others) stumbled upon "Baily Doesn't Bark". Re Jin is an truly inspiring, taking something as simple as home wares and creating amazing imagery. The most inspiring thing of all is a statement from her website.

"Re Jin began her career as a fashion designer and stylist. Though she loved working in the fashion industry, she eventually longed to return to her artistic roots of drawing and painting."

Artists who end up in a wonderful field, loving their job and life, and still manage to feel the pull to being them back to their original calling, is what i strive for everyday.

Make sure to look at her other pieces such as her "Ants on my Plate" setting.

Sweet, Awe-Inspired Cards...

I came across Erin from Noulou Cards and Paper's work ages ago. Her work captivated me right away, for I, just like Erin herself, enjoy "child like" imagery. Once i got to chatting with her, i realized how sweet and wonderful she was, which makes me love her work even more!! Enjoy this wonderful interview from a very talented lady. :)

I am IN LOVE with these wedding invitations. I want them....one day. :)



I have been drawing for as long as I can remember, spending many a night in my bedroom growing up, drawing the scenes from the back of Disney movie cases. I still have them all in a folder, and one is even hanging in my little girl's room!

I used to LOVE play dough, and I've more recently tried out shaping little ornaments and figures out of clay. I would love to learn to sew someday, and try out different printmaking techniques. And I really should try to start making scrapbooks for my kids, I suppose!





Most of my work has a noticeable "childlike" quality, which I guess is due to the many children that have overtaken my family in the past couple of years. (My sister will soon have four, and then there is my two!) I really enjoy observing the people and places around me, and all things from nature. Lately, I've also really been enjoying all things French...so I guess I like nature, with a little bit of fancy!

Following the birth of my daughter, I had a difficult time with leaving her to return to the "work force". So, with the help of an incredibly supportive family, I was able to pursue a career from home doing something I truly loved. Plus, with a rapidly growing family, someones got to do all of those birthday invitations, right!

Learning how to manage all of the financial aspects of a small business has proved very difficult for me, as I am a total right brainier! Luckily I know a wonderful accountant, who has been of a tremendous help.

I'm afraid it's not too exciting, but... if you found your way to Baton Rouge, I would recommend visits to The Red Stick Farmers Market on Saturday morning, Sushi Yama for lunch (the best sushi by far around here!), the quad at LSU (to lay on a bench under the shady trees), and a craw fish boil at my aunts house (because you just have to in South Louisiana).







Check out her shoppe, see her other creations are be awed. :)

Little Guys, Big Hearts.

I wrote about Cindy Pacillos a couple months ago when i showed an image of her wonderful "Little Guys" i sent my mom as a gift. I was very excited when she said she would answer my interview questions for my blog. She's a very sweet lady and extreamly talented!



1. I started teaching a kids hanbuilding class at an art center in 1972. I couldn't keep my hands out of the clay after the kids had gone home. Soon I had my own kiln and my business was born. In 1973 I left the art center (I had been the director) and have worked full time in clay ever since.



2. I have always made animals rather than pots. At first they were flat wall pieces mounted on barnboard. By 1974-5 they were 3D and came in all sizes from the 1 1/2" Little Guys to 2' tall giraffes. I made hundreds of wide mouth frogs of all sizes and sold my work at many art fairs in Cincinnati. I became known as "The Frog Lady of Cincinnati".

I moved to the NC mountains in 1976. By 1981, I was making far more Little Guys than large sculptures. I added little angels in 1992, Garden Frogs came and went from 1994 to 2001, and Women of Peace were added in 2001.



3. My Women of Peace were born on Sept 11, 2001. They were my response to the obvious need for women to be full partners in the peace process at all levels. I create animals because I love them. I have made many castles and wizards over the years and wish there was time in my life to make more. I love the Merlin stories. My dragons are more wistful than fierce.



4. I must meld my interests and the images that arise from them with the images my customers respond to and want to own. Wizards and dragons are an example. I love to make them but the market for $400 wizards and dragons is small, so I don't make many. It's been a challenge to create a year round business in a market that is so dominated by Christmas. My Women of Peace sell very well at Mothers Day, so that helps. I sell to many galleries in tourist areas. This gives me a good summer season. I have 3 employees who do my glazing and shipping. I do all the clay work. It's hard to have enough skilled workers to make sure I fill all the orders on time without having too many people during slower times. The craft marketplace has been unstable since 2001, so this balance has been especially hard to achieve. I love working at home(my studio is next door) and melding my family's needs into my flexible work day. I love creating more than anything else. I am so happy that I have been able to be in this highly creative business for over 30 years.



Enjoy her adorable Little Guys, and be inspired by her Women of Peace. She has some other wonderful images on her website!!

Adorable Art!

How cute are these paintings? When i saw the adorable painting below, i had to contact Marcia. Marcia has a shoppe called Marcia724. She has a great style thats right up my ally. Enjoy them! :)



How long have you been crafting?

I've actually been a crafter my whole life; interested in making things with my hands as long as I can remember. I've only let it consume my life within the last five years. This is not a bad thing :)



Did you always craft in this genre?

I've pretty much been all over the place with my crafting. I like to try everything. I'm not a creature of habit, so eventually I will get bored with one thing and go on to another. Although I must say that painting with acrylics has been about the only thing I've stuck with my entire life.



Who or what inspires you?

Emotions. Situations. Actual, everyday experiences. I could paint a thousand paintings just about childhood situations and memories. The memories have to be something that moves me. It could be in a good way or bad. Either way stirs emotion and leads to a painting.



What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

At first it was hard for me to even think about selling my pieces. I was so mentally attached to them. I still have a lot of my first paintings because they came from the deepest part of my heart. Now that I'm selling more and more art, I'm getting used to it. I'm just happy they are going to a home where someone will enjoy it.

So, head over to her Etsy or her website, and check out her adorable paintings.

A Letter A Day....

Letters share so much, and yet have the ability to hold such truth and secrets. Hand written letters truly take time and thought in a world where everyone wants everything yesterday. Nothing says "Hello" or "Goodbye" like an envelope. So, when i saw Liz's swell envelope jewelry, i was hooked. Liz has a shoppe called Look A Jewelry.



How long have you been crafting?

I've been creating and making things with my hands as long as I can remember. As a child I loved making home-made gifts, especially cards, and putting together my first solo art 'exhibitions' in my parent's hallway! Coming from a creative family my parents and brothers really encouraged and supported making things from hand and together we could make almost anything!



Did you always craft in this genre?

No, I've been working with metal/metalsmithing for the last 6 or so years.
I was first introduced to jewelry & small metal work sophmore year of art college and instantly found a medium and techniques that felt awesome to me.
I always admired artwork/jewelry made from metals, but before I took my first class it all seemed so mysterious to me.



Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by artists that have something to say and artists that can live off of their art/work. I feel inspired by many many things: contemporary art jewelry, nature, metal itself, collections, tiny things, penmanship/handwriting, correspondence, Frida Kahlo, my pet bunny (lenny rabbitz),miniatures, ugly things that are almost pretty, old books..it's always something..it's always changing too.





What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

Well..I am just starting on this journey,
I guess having made a lot of "art jewelry" (more sculptural/less actually wearable jewelry) in school my biggest challenge was really thinking about wearability and creating everyday pieces other people might also be drawn to. Because I don't know much about photography/ graphic design that can sometimes be a challenge for me when trying to get stuff out there (but luckily I have some very talented friends!) Pricing can also be difficult for me... so I try to ask a lot of people's opinions and check out other artist's prices online.



So, if your hand writing is so horrid that you don't like to write, or you just can't sit still long enough to write a proper letter, then this jewelry is for you. Show your love with a handmade envelope necklace! :)

Love is in the Cards!

It was incredible difficult to limit myself to posting all of the items in Jill's shoppe Brownington Forest. All of her drawings are RIGHT up my alley. She has such a cute style and i love the colors she uses. She is also lovely to chat with.



How long have you been crafting?

I have been crafting and drawing my entire life. My mother was a big lover of crafting and a huge believer in the importance of imagination, so I started young.



Did you always craft in this genre?

Throughout my childhood I was always drawing and writing and at home we did so many different arts and crafts projects.
I continued to do arts and crafts in college, especially with the children I would nanny for. In college I minored in art instead of majoring in it because I thought there was no future in art. After college I did faux finishing and decorative house painting for a while and then went back to school for textile design, which I did for a few years.
Last summer I gave up the career in textile design to work on my own artwork. In late October of this year is when I first started selling my artwork.



Who or what inspires you?

Nature and animals have always inspired me. I spent most of my childhood outside in the woods around my house. Since I was young I adored all animals and insects, they make me smile. I feel most alive and happy when I am outside and close to nature. Everyday life and people also inspire me.



What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

Sometimes it feels like I face many challenges, just figuring out how to run a business of art and what exactly do do with my art is a challenge because there are so many possibilities and no guidebook! Some of my challenges may stem from my tendency to think too much about things. One challenge I have had is finding great quality art paper that is either recycled or made of organic cotton! I still have not found anything.
But the biggest challenge of all for me is how to make money doing what I love- I am still trying to figure that out. Although it seems like I have been trying to figure that out my whole life, really I have just begun trying to sell my art and products a few months ago. These challenges are good, with them I grow and learn. If everything were easy I wouldn't grow at all. Also because of them I can appreciate my accomplishments so much more.



I suggest peeking at her Etsy shoppe to see the rest of her swell art work!

Long Dayz....

When i woke up this morning, i was singing a song on the way into my car. When the radio popped on, the EXACT song i was singing, in the EXACT place was playing. Strange....in theory, it should have been a good day...



Thank goodness for kitties, because it's been a really long day!! Sometimes....No, loads of times, I just want to work for myself already. What am i waiting for??

Harmonious Paintings!

I was recently introduced to Harmony when she made a comment on my blog. I'm always intrigued when people i haven't met yet find my blog. [even more so, when they post a comment and say hello.] So of course, i had to check out her blog. As soon as i saw the beautiful tea pot paintings, i knew i had to write about her. Harmony has a shoppe called Harmony Vanlue Tanguay and has beautiful oil paintings. Not only does she paint lovely tea pots, but has a great style, painting angles and objects that are sometimes missed in everyday life as art.



1. I have been creating in one form or another all of my life. My mom is a seamstress (and fellow Etsian - uniquelynancy) and my dad is a carpenter, so I don't think a week went by as a kid when we weren't doing some sort of craft project.



2. No, painting is actually a fairly new pursuit for me. I went to school for theatre, graduated and moved to New York. While there, I began figure modeling for artists to make money while I auditioned. I became increasingly interested in the visual arts as a result, and eventually ended up studying with two of the teachers I had modeled for in the fall of 2006. That was my first official art class. I've been painting seriously for about 3 years now.



3. Oh man, so many people and things. I see potential paintings pretty much everywhere I look - the open doorway of my bathroom, the spices on my kitchen shelf, the faces of my friends and relatives, the landscapes of my town. There is really so much beauty everywhere, and in the simplest of subjects. It's overwhelming. I actually have a list of things waiting in line to be painted right now! I'm also inspired by other painters, past and present. Seeing great work inspires me to work harder and improve with every painting I make.





4. It's been challenging for me because art is a tough market to get into, and because this is a relatively new venture for me. Buying art is a very personal experience for people, and I know my work isn't going to appeal to everyone. But I take comfort in knowing that someday the right person will come along and fall in love with one of my pieces and give it a great home! I've gotten wonderful feedback from buyers so far, and that makes it all worth it!



Check out her Etsy site, and look at her paintings of silverware, they are really swell too! :) Oh, and say hello to Harmony, she's very nice!

How Stellar!!

This morning, i hopped on the computer at work and was extreamly excited that my "Rest Easy" chair necklace was being featured! I've never been featured before and it was a brilliant treat! I then checked my messages and Andrea from Munieca told me she featured me. Twas a briliant way to start the day!!

Thank you so much Andrea, you ROCK!

[And Thank You to Riley for [skipping class?] to run to the library to save this Etsy page for me. Your stellar too!]

Bella Bella Jewelry!

I've been chatting on and off for a few months with Linda from Bella Bead Jewelry and have really enjoyed our corespondance. I was first capitvated by her bright colors and funky lamp work style and have been enjoying reading her daily blog since.



1. I've been making beads for several years. I don't know exactly how long since I don't track time well! I'd guess about 8-10 years.



2. I did not always make beads but looking back on my life, beads have always been with me. In High School I made a pair of (heavily) beaded jeans & they were part of a school art show...I wore them for a long time but sadly they are gone somewhere! Before my current bead career I did ceramics & pastels... actually I was an art gypsy. I was a jack of many artistic things. For awhile I did stained glass too.



3. I love color. But so many people can say that. I guess if I dig deeper about myself & color I would say that color is energy and I am typically an energetic person. So color says volumes about my personality. Of course, may other things are inspiring too. Nature, different cultures, music...anything that is emotive or symbolic I find intreging. Lastly but probably most importantly....the children I work with each day inspire me. Watching them joyfully create & loving what they produce inspires me to feel the same about what I make...be it "good" or "bad". Its the process of creating.




4. Challenges....hmmmmm. Well, here it is....the biggest challenge was to learn to disregard "mean, negative" people. They're out there. Don't get rattled by rejection and as far as "copy cats"....let them. My mother always told me that there is nothing new under the sun (Barnimam Baily quote) and that is soooo true. Its how you put it together that is the original thing & people will have a tough time capturing your spirit. In addition, I would say pricing. Pricing is difficult. There are many ideas on pricing but when I started out I first checked to see what others were getting and then I took into consideration that I was "new" and unknown. So my prices to start were slightly less. Once I was "established" I matched what was competitive.



So, go check out her website, and say hello to her! She is a sweet gal and would love to hear your opinions! :)

You'll WANT To Move To Kansas!

Jared from Jared In Kansas is a brilliant photography. His photographs are breath taking, each one even better then the next. I can honestly say I've never considered going to Kansas, but after viewing his stunning images, i might want to visit there one day. Anyone from a travel agency need a great nature photographer? Go to Jared's Etsy account!



1) How long have you been crafting?

My mom introduced me to photography when I was eight. I've been shooting off and on since then. It started just with me taking my camera on family vacations. I fell in love with national parks and photography all at the same time.




2) Did you always craft in this genre?

The main change that I've undergone recently is that I finally delved into digital photography about two years ago. Before that, I had only shot with film. Digital photography opens up a lot of doors, and it makes it possible to experiment wildly without worrying about the costs involved.






3) Who or what inspires you?

I'm constantly inspired by the beauty of the natural world. Over time, I am learning to appreciate the subtle beauty caused by the interaction of people with the natural world. I'm looking to explore that in more depth.



4) What challenges have you found while taking your craft into the business world?

Very few. I've been very fortunate to have found such a wonderful place to share my work with others. It continues to humble me that others want to have my photographs on their walls



So take a minute, and head to Jared's Etsy account to view more of his images. You won't be disappointed!