02.25.08
Posted in Uncategorized, fun, shopping, site promotion, interviews, fiber art, knitting at 9:31 am by KellyM
Meet Zona Sherman, Owner of www.twirlgirlfibers.etsy.com.
Where are you located? Santa Ana, CA (Orange County)
What do you design? Hand dyed and handspun yarn and knit wearables.
Where/How did you learn this? I jumped on the knitting trend 4 years ago and have had wool in my hands ever since. After learning the basics I wasn’t satisfied with knitting 50 scarves before learning something new so my first project was a sweater that still hangs in my closet to this day (inside out arm sewn on and all!). I learned to knit from books and help from others in a knitting group I had found online. I still meet with the same knitting group and now I help others - quite the full circle, huh!
I learned how to dye fiber in a class I took with some fellow knitter friends at a local yarn shop. Shortly there after I bought my first drop spindle, dyed up a little fiber and began spinning according to the directions that came with the spindle. I was instantly hooked on spinning and a few months later, bought my spinning wheel. Now I spin or dye fiber almost every day and I still knit every day.
Favorite Artist who inspires you? When I first started knitting I would search the internet daily to see what others were knitting via blogs. This kept me motivated and inspired. When I dye fiber, I find inspiration for colors in strange things like driving down the freeway on a rainy day and noticing the colors of grey pavement, blue skies and green shrubs along the side of the road. Strangely enough after the fiber is dyed and the yarn is spun, everything is named after songs. I’ll look at the days spinning and some skein of yarn will pop out at me and remind me of a song. As far as being inspired by other spinners, I am! Spinning is like any other art form where everybody has their own style. I am inspired by big chunky and funky yarns that I would never spin myself, but appreciate the artful thought that went into them and try to think about each yarn I make as an individual piece.
Where does your inspiration come from? Music, nature, other artists, experiences, mood.
What do you do to combat creative block? I grab blindly at bottles of color and pour them onto the wool in the dye pot. Sometimes this turns out surprisingly nice when spun later and sometimes it’s a disaster! As far as knitting-I do get knitters block now and then. When that happens, it’s back to the blogs to see what others are working on and I usually get an idea. Sometimes I’m blocked by my own stash. I want to knit something from the yarn in my stash but nothing speaks to me. Next step if that happens: head to the yarn shop! Even if I don’t buy anything, I see yarns that are similar to what I have at home and get the ideas swirling in my head.
Where do you design your creations? I knit EVERYWHERE! I knit in public, on the couch, in bed, in the car (only when parked or I’m not driving of course), in the Drs office, at family functions-everywhere! I spin in my living room while sitting on the couch. I have my wheel on a little rug that slides accross the wood floor easily so I can watch TV and spin. From time to time I take my wheel to events my knitting group hosts like the beach or spinning nights, either at somebodys home or the coffee shop. My wheel isn’t huge so it’s relatively portable.
What does your work space look like right now? Since it’s my living room and I have a 4 year old, there is fiber and toys everywhere! It looks “lived in”.
How does your family feel about what you do? My inability to sit still comes from my mom who is not only constantly on the move but also very creative herself so she supports me whole heartedly. My husband has come around and is very supportive of me making a living at something I love to do. He knows it makes me happy so he puts up with the mess. He’s the best! My four year old daughter thinks I can knit anything! I get asked things like, “Mommy, will you knit me a new ballet dress today?”. I can’t wait until she is old enough for me to teach her.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? Experimentation will help you find your own style.
Best advice you received when starting your business venture? Don’t expect instant success and don’t get in over your head.
Favorite part of owning your own business? I like the fact that everything that has Twirl Girl Fibers on the lable comes from my own 2 hands. My favorite thing is when I see what somebody has made from my yarns. It’s like I get to see the next step in the life of the yarn I created from fluff.
Least favorite? Selling online doesn’t let me personally know my customers.
How do you relax? I knit.
Favorite color? Anything Earthy.
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? Yes. Earthtones show up a lot in what I knit, dye and spin. You kinda can’t go wrong when you combine colors that mother nature has already put together before.
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? I know you’re probably expecting me to say something like knitting or spinning, but honestly - sleeping.
A sample of Twirl Girl Fibers products. For all products, please visit Zona’s website.
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02.24.08
Posted in Uncategorized, jewelry, style, fun, hand crafted jewelry, shopping, site promotion, interviews, paper crafts at 8:51 am by KellyM
Meet Anna Sofia Poirier, Owner of http://www.annasofiadesigns.com/
Where are you located? Monterey, MA
What do you design? I make glazed paper jewelry~Earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
Where/How did you learn this? I’m self-taught. I wanted to make jewelry with paper, but I didn’t have a fixed idea of what that would look like. I just let it take shape on it’s own. I played and experimented until I came up with my flat glazed paper beads. I continue to incorporate new techniques ~ I’ve started doing cut-out style beads ~ very very fun.
Favorite Artist who inspires you? On the wall above my work space, I have a gorgeous photograph of orange blossoms by Thea Coughlin, and an illustration of a stout boy with an orange fox by Terese Bast. Two amazing artists. I’m really inspired by all of the people out there following their dreams ~ it gives me the motivation and excitement to keep going.
Where does your inspiration come from? People who follow their passion in life and are true to themselves are huge inspirations to me. Music~everything from the Beatles, to Sinatra, to Swing, to Samba, to classical piano, jazz, doo-wop….I could go on and on! Dance. Color. Pattern. Nature. I get to work with the most amazing papers ~ it’s outrageous ~ I want them all ~ my favorite are the papers from Japan.
What do you do to combat creative block? A change of scenery or activity. If I get too immersed in what I’m doing I can easily get stuck. Getting away from it helps refresh my perspective. And it reminds me ~ taking breaks is essential!
Where do you design your creations? In my home office, which gets flooded with sunshine ~ it’s awesome.
What does your workspace look like right now? I sit at a long work table that faces the window with a lovely view of the trees, and lots of black-capped chickadees. I have a pretty vase of eucalyptus on the table which is very calming. I keep essential supplies within arm’s reach ~ scissors, x-acto knives, my box of beautiful paper organized by color, adhesive, sealer, pliers. Everything else is organized in nearby cabinets and shelves. I like to keep my space in order. I’m more productive when everything’s organized.
How does your family feel about what you do? They love it and are super supportive. I’m very lucky to have that.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? Be inspired by others, but be original ~ let your own creations emerge.
Best advice you received when starting your own business venture? To charge what you’re worth. To have patience with the process of building your business.
Favorite part of owning your own business? Having such a flexible schedule.
Least favorite? Taxes. And the unpredictability of income.
How do you relax? Sitting in front of the fire. Dancing. Reading. In the warmer weather, feeding the birds by hand in our yard.
Favorite color? Orange.
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? It does. I’m nuts about orange, among all the other amazing colors out there. Certain colors just have that wow factor. Right now, I’m loving orange, lime green and turquoise.
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? Reading, cooking, relaxing.
A sample of Anna Sofia Designs. For all products, please visit Anna Sophia’s website.
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02.23.08
Posted in Uncategorized, jewelry, style, fun, hand crafted jewelry, shopping, site promotion, interviews at 8:23 am by KellyM
Please take a moment to get to know Peggy Li, Owner of www.peggyli.com.
Where are you located? San Francisco, CA
What do you design? Handmade jewelry.
Where/How did you learn this? I am self-taught. Since I started my business, I’ve taken various workshops and classes to broaden my skills.
Favorite Artist who inspires you? Jewelry designers I admire are Robert Lee Morris, Ten Thousand Things and Melissa Joy Manning.
Where does your inspiration come from? I like to make things that I would wear myself. The materials I use are very inspirational, especially the semi-precious and precious stones! My designs are usually very simple, clean and feminine.
What do you do to combat creative block? I go look at fashion magazines or hit the mall - the whole fashion industry is very inspirational.
Where do you design your creations? I have a part of my apartment dedicated to my supplies and workspace.
What does your workspace look like right now? Messy!
How does your family feel about what you do? They were skeptical at first, but now they are very supportive.
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? Learn as much as you can about the business side of things, understand your own personal style and target customer, and be persistent.
Best advice you received when starting your business venture? To know your audience.
Favorite part of owning your own business? I can control all aspects of what I make and how I sell it.
Least favorite? I have to control all aspects of what I make and how I sell it.
How do you relax? I go and watch movies, hit a few balls at the golf course, or watch some bad reality TV!
Favorite color? Right now I’m very into Kelly Green.
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? Not yet!
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? My bookkeeping.
A sample of Peggy Li products. For all products, please visit Peggy’s website.
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02.22.08
Posted in Uncategorized, fun, shopping, site promotion, interviews, bath and body at 9:01 am by KellyM
Meet Doli Lopez, Owner of www.delishbath.ca
Where are you located? Calgary, Alberta Canada
What do you design? Handcrafted bath & body products.
Where/How did you learn this? I took a short 2 hours class on how to make bath bombs and my passion for making bath products just grew from there!
Favorite Artist who inspires you? My inspiration doesn’t come from just one artist, it stems from all the creative independent artists out there that you see on places like Etsy, Wickedly Chic etc. Their ideas are just so unique and creative that it inspires me to create fun products.
Where does your inspiration come from? My inspiration comes not only from other artists, but just from everyday objects or events in life. You take something that you admire and build from it.
What do you do to combat creative block? Listen to my favorite music and eat a lot of popsicles 
Where do you design your creations? Mainly in my kitchen or my wee office on my desk.
What does your work space look like right now? Oh dear, it was clean yesterday, but let’s see what my desk is littered with right now…labels, tape, scissors, usb sticks, invoices, candy (nothing to do with work, I just like candy!) and my pretty pink laptop!
How does your family feel about what you do? My family is very supportive and thinks what I’ve started for myself is great. They are some of my best customers!
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? I say go for it! There’s nothing more empowering than doing what you are passionate about! But, I would suggest doing all your research ahead of time and keep track of everything, trust me, it helps in the long run
Best advice you received when starting your business venture? “Make sure you keep track of everything somewhere.”
Favorite part of owning your own business? Setting my own hours, making my own decisions and best of all…using my own product! It’s great knowing that the hard work I put into it will help me succeed and not just some corporation I work for.
Least favorite? The learning curves that I’ve gone through and not being able to delegate any work. I am the accountant, the marketer, the buyer, the seller, the web designer, the product tester etc. and sometimes…it gets exhausting!
How do you relax? Depends on my mood, sometimes all it takes is a nice hot bath where other times I’ll actually relax by doing simple design work like updating my brochures.
Favorite color? Pink.
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? You bet! This is the main theme of which my business revolves around
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? Aside from building my business, spending time with my puppy and my husband There’s nothing better!
A sample of products from Delish Bath. For all products, please visit Doli’s website.
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02.21.08
Posted in Uncategorized, jewelry, style, fun, hand crafted jewelry, site promotion, interviews at 8:34 am by KellyM
Please meet Hilary Milne, Owner of www.gemkist.co.uk and www.beadsite.co.uk.
Where are you located? Scotland, UK
What do you design? Bracelets, necklaces and earrings.
Where/How did you learn this? I am self taught. I also use online tutorials and crafting books.
Favorite Artist who inspires you? Mary Hicklin of http://www.virgomoon.com
Where does your inspiration come from? Anything and everything I see. Sometimes it is something natural like a moss covered rock, but sometimes it is more prosaic, like a guy’s jumper in a supermarket!
What do you do to combat creative block? Go for a walk.
Where do you design your creations? My bedroom.
What does your work space look like right now? Just tidied it yesterday. Usually it is a jumble of beads, but that often leads to lucky inspirational colour combinations.
How does your family feel about what you do? Take two tablespoons of toleration, three teaspoons of amusement, a cup of admiration and a pinch of general suppoort. That’s about the right mix!
Do you have any advice for someone looking to make their own creations using this method? Follow your heart. Not everyone will like everything that you make , so you might as well make things that give you pleasure.
Best advice you received when starting your business venture? There were two things: “You are selling too cheap. Raise your prices by 33%.” And not advice so much as a statement by my business adviser, “Put all those beads in front of me and I could not do what you do with them.” If something comes naturally to you, you tend to take it for granted that it would be easy for anyone to do.
Favorite part of owning your own business? Working as much or as little as I want.
Least favorite? Tax returns.
How do you relax? Make a piece of jewellry, surf the net, play with Photoshop, participate in forums and design websites.
Favorite color? Turquoise.
Does this color show up in a lot of your work? Oh yes!
If there were more hours in the day, what would you be doing? Trying out new techniques, and using tools that I have bought.
A sample of Gem Kist and Beadsite products. For all products, please visit Hilary’s websites.
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