MyStringTheory Crochet Accessories

Creating Creating Creating!

2008-09-07T21:11:00.002-06:00

I am crossing over into the real world! Thus far, my creations have only been for sale on Etsy, but starting September 19, I will have my goods for sale at a boutique here in Albuquerque! That means I have to stock my spot in the store. SO. I took my 20 favorite things out of my Etsy shop, made a few more purses, and I'm ready! Now I'm working to restock my Etsy shop. Here are a few of the things I made this weekend...

Featured Creator- Beadsbysam

2008-08-27T19:03:00.005-06:00

Today's featured creator is BeadsBySam. She creates fresh colorful jewelry and has a great etsy shop at http://www.beadsbysam.etsy.com. Check out her interview and her shop!

Your jewelry is very unique. I love how your creations seem organic- the beads to not seem so far removed from their natural state. Is nature an influence on your work? What are your inspirations?
Yes, nature definitely influences my work. I personally love the look and feel of natural materials. Last year I went to an amazing resort in Thailand where everything was made from natural material. It was a great inspiration. I have also tried to find a way to keep myself busy in my free time and be happy in what I am doing. I have found happiness in making bead jewellery.

Your work has beading, crochet, and delicate detail. How long have you been making jewelry and crafting?
The first time I did anything crafty was when I made 150 wedding gifts for my wedding 3 years ago!! I was not a crafty person but I did love craft products. Then I have started to make bead jewellery since January 2008.

Would you like your hobby to eventually become a career? What is your day job?
I would love to see my etsy business grow and become a reliable income. I have recently resigned from my full time job and now I am preparing to be a first time mum!! So my aim is to be a work-at-home mummy in the future.

What made you open your etsy shop?
I started to make bead jewellery after being introduced to it by my friend who makes her own necklaces and rings. I have since found making bead jewellery a great therapy for stress relief and a great way to spend my free time after a hard day at work. I feel good when I wear my own necklaces and even better when people comment on how nice they look! Friends and family suggested that I start selling the jewellery once they found out that I made them myself. That’s how it all started.

What is your creative environment like? Describe the sounds, thoughts, colors, or times.
My creative environment is my home. I make bead jewellery during the day when it is quiet.

Featured Creators- Notsobland

2008-08-21T09:15:00.003-06:00

Here's my next featured creator! Notsobland is a super creative mother-daughter team. I was immediately drawn into their shop, and I know you will be too! Check it out at http://www.notsobland.etsy.com.

You are a mother-daughter team. Who does what in your shop? Are any of your creations a team effort?
We both do a little bit of everything! Both of us create things, take the pictures, and put them on Etsy. It is a great way for us to be creative, have fun, and spend time together. We definitely need to do some collaborations for Etsy. We have done them before in classes or just on a whim, but haven’t sold any. We have very distinct styles, but they compliment each other well. A team project will be our next endeavor…

Your shop is full of wonderful visual art and the photographs of your jewelry are fantastic! Do either of you have formal training in any art form?
Mom (Lynn Bland) has a B.S. in Art Education from Florida State University. Her mother and father were both artists, so it was hard for her to get away from it (not that she wanted to!). She has also been published in “Somerset Studio” magazine, “Signatures,” “Material Visions,” “Gallery,” “Legacy,” and “Art Doll Quarterly.” She also writes technique based articles for the quarterly “Sew Somerset.”

I (Mari Bland - the daughter) have a B.S.C. in Visual Communication from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. I took some photography classes, graphic design classes, and videography classes. All of these definitely came in handy when trying to take good pictures of our jewelry and artwork! I also won a few art awards in high school for some pieces that made it on the posters for the county art shows.

Do you create for a living, or do you have a "day job." If so, what is your day job?
Mom is an artist and a mom. J (and she does both beautifully) She has owned her own flower arranging shop, taught school, and worked on a boat with my dad. But, now, she gets to spend all of her free time creating things… and loves every minute of it.

I am a student… which I would consider a day AND night job! Hah. I just finished my undergrad at UT and now am starting the Walters State culinary program. I’ve gone from creating visual things with paint, computers, and cameras, to creating them with milk, sugar, and eggs!

Your shop has a "look." All of the items have a similar style. Is that on purpose, or does it just happen?
At first, it was an accident. We took pictures of everything that we had and put them on Etsy. Then we noticed that there was a common theme… nothing we can name, necessarily, but a theme nonetheless. Now we try to take pictures of our items with our “theme” in mind. But, I don’t think that either of us has ever created something with our Etsy shop in mind… we just make things as they come to us… and hope they fit within our Etsy store!

What inspires you?

Oh goodness… the question here should be what doesn’t inspire us! We live in the Great Smoky Mountains and have deer, hummingbirds, butterflies, and turtles in our yard every day. The mountains are always giving us ideas and inspiration. Mom loves to create artwork with leaves and birds as symbols, and we have both surrounding us all of the time. I love insects and flowers, which appear in my work very often, and I can go get ideas simply by walking outside. Other than our surroundings, some common themes in our work are rebirth, travel, nature, politics, and anything that forces us to create something in its wake.

Do you have a studio, or place that you work? If so, what is it like?
Mom has a studio that she graciously lets me use when I get a moment or two. She shares it with her friend, who is also an artist. I love it every time I go there because you can see where my mom’s stuff begins and her friend’s ends because of how messy it is! Don’t get me wrong, it’s creative and crazy messy, not bad messy. It is a totally free and creative space that neither of us feel inhibited in. How lucky to have a space that we can actually leave messy for the next time inspiration strikes?

What made you open your etsy shop?
We learned about the amazing thing called Etsy from a magazine article. As soon as we started browsing some shops (ok…. hundreds of shops….it’s addicting) we found ourselves saying, “We could do this!” And so, NotsoBland was born. We thought it would be a blast making things together and working on it together. We get along so well and have so much fun together, that we knew there would be no conflicts, so we went for it! We have been creating and enjoying each other and Etsy ever since. J

New Necklaces and a new home!

2008-07-25T11:12:00.003-06:00

I'm getting ready to move to a nice new apartment with my boyfriend on Tuesday! We have been so busy all summer, painting and fixing our furniture, visiting family, etc! Last week I took the time to make four new necklaces for my shop, and I had a great time doing it. My creations are such an outlet for my stress and excess energies! Enjoy!

The finished T-shirt Rug!

2008-07-17T08:38:00.003-06:00

Here is my completed bathroom rug! I made it with upcycled t-shirts from Goodwill. Total price: $8. Pride at 100% I think I might know what some of my girlfriends will be getting for Christmas and birthdays!

Featured Creator- SpazSpun

2008-07-08T07:32:00.007-06:00

Here is my next featured creator SpazSpun. She creates yarns that are out of this world. I loved that I had a lot of fun while looking through her shop. I realized that she had to be my next feature! Have fun reading her responses, and check out her shop at http://www.spazspun.etsy.com

How did you get into spinning yarn? Did you have a healthy crochet or knitting obsession beforehand?
I came to hand spinning through the back door, you might say. One day I was at the bookstore looking over the quilt books, and I saw a little tome about Hand spinning your dog’s hair. I thought it was interesting and glanced through it, set it back, and promptly forgot about it.
Fast forward a few years. It’s spring, my lab/chow mix is shedding her winter coat. I’m desperately trying to brush as much of it out as I can. And then, I remember that book. So now -I’m on a mission. I get on the internet, learn how to make a drop spindle with a CD and a dowel, and suddenly, I’m grossing out my kids with the dog’s hair in yarn form! After brushing the poor dog to near baldness, I set out on a quest to find the “normal” spinning fibers. I got involved with my local hand spinning guild where I met my fiber pimp. It was also there that I learned you should start spinning with wool, NOT dog hair, and then work your way up to other fibers. Really? Oh. Well. I’ve never done anything in a normal fashion before. Why start now? It was there at the spinning guild where I was christened “the Spaz” for my fearless attack on anything that had spinning potential.

It was then that i realized i should learn how to knit.....

You get wool from sheep around your community. I think that makes your yarn special- you have a relationship with people around you, and that fuels your wool supply. How did this come about?
Most of my fiber “pimps” I met through the local spinning guild. There are actually quite a few people around here growing all kinds of different sheep fibers. I can get just about any fiber I want to locally. Others I’ve found just by being out and letting people know what I do. I was at dog school with my puppy earlier this spring, and my trainer mentioned that she had a friend with some sheep that needed to be sheared. A few emails later, I had 3 gorgeous fleeces in the trunk of my car. My therapist has alpaca.... I’m working on getting my grubby little hands on those fleeces...

Do you ever hear back from people telling you what they made with your yarns? Any specific memorable stories?
Sometimes I hear back, sometimes I don’t. It’s cool to follow up with other etsy sellers that have bought my yarn or rovings and see a finished product in their shops. I had a customer that would send me her dog’s hair (akita) every few months, and I would spin it up and send it back to her. She was making a shawl with it, and I like to think about that. One day, that dog will no longer be with her, but I had a hand in providing her with something that she will always remember him by, and something that she will always cherish.

What color of yarn sells the best?
All colors!! Not really one over the other. If I spun and dyed based on what I thought might sell, I’d never get anything made! I dye what I like, and hope that somebody else will like it as well. You never know what‘s going to grab a customer’s eye, so you just have to make what you love. At least, that’s what I do....

T-Shirt Yarn!

2008-06-30T13:30:00.002-06:00

I am afraid I am opening a new pandora's box. I came across some creations on etsy and I was inspired to make myself a rug for my bathroom with t-shirts. I bought some at Goodwill, cut them up, and sewed them together. Ta-Da! T-Shirt Yarn! I think I might make some patterns for the medium and put them in my shop. Here are the colors that are going into my bathroom rug. I'll post the finished product when it's all done!

Long Time No Blog!

2008-06-20T10:06:00.002-06:00

Well, I have not been a very good blogger lately! I am getting ready to move in with my boyfriend, and I have been busily sanding and painting furniture, making a quilt for our bed, painting lamps, crocheting a rug for the bathroom, crocheting a blanket for the couch, trying to keep up with etsy stock, and visiting family! Ug. Here are my two newest creations- just finished them yesterday!

Featured Creator- Distressingdelilah

2008-06-12T08:02:00.006-06:00

Here's my next featured creator- DistressingDelilah. You can find her work at http://www.distressingdelilah.etsy.com. Like many of the artists I have enjoyed there, she works in a variety of mediums. I was instantly hooked by the unique expressions and colors in her artwork. Have a look!

You have a variety of mediums in your shop- vintage and soldered jewelry, watercolors, digital prints- are any of these techniques a more personal expression for you? Why?
I am learning that it is ok to be "me" when I create. Previously I would paint, draw or make a piece of jewelry..just to make it. Lately my creations are more about me and my experiences and feelings. It has taken a more personal meaning to me. The medium I express most of myself would be digital art. I can use paintings or drawings and blend them with a photo I have taken to create a certain look or feeling. I find it very versatile.

Did you have any "formal training" in any of the mediums your work with?
I started out my college education working towards a degree in commercial art. However my life changed gears with the birth of my first son at the age of 18. I then pursued something more practical...a nursing degree. Now that my sons are older I am getting back to my first love...art. I received my first sketch pad when I was 7, I think!..and have been drawing ever since. I took every art class possible in high school. As far as soldering and jewelry art, I have had to teach myself through trial and error. There is always something new to learn in all mediums of my work though!

Describe your creative process and environment.
Oh my...well, I live in a geodesic dome home that is mostly open concept. I have created a space for my soldering in the back of our house where our washer and dryer is! I have a desk in our front room where I edit and promote on my laptop. My two dogs are my constant companions while I create, always at me feet. The land surrounding me is beautiful and peaceful, and provides many opportunies for inspiration.

Are you a full-time creator? If not, what is your day job?
I wish to be, but alas, not in the real world. I have been an RN for 14 years and currently work as a nursing supervisor at a local hospital.

What is the hardest thing about being an artist?
I find I long for more time! I would sit and create art twenty four hours a day if it weren't for the need for sleep, my real job, my family, a serious running addiction and two needy doggies.

What Goes Around...

2008-05-27T07:14:00.002-06:00

I always enjoy featuring other etsy artists on my blog, and this week someone did the same for me! Check out this really cool blog at http://www.mindlesspursuits.com. It's a lovely feature, and a beautiful blog!

Featured Creator- Robin Lynne

2008-05-23T11:27:00.012-06:00

Today's featured creator is quite the Renaissance woman! Robin Lynne lives in Savannah, GA and creates jewelry, photos, and soaps. She has three etsy shops- savannahsoapkitchen, takenbyrobinlynne, and byrobinlynne. Woah! I was so impressed with each of her shop's photos, banners, and creativity. Check her out!

Your mother was a photographer, and your photos are full of color and excellent composition. Other than learning from her, have you taken photography classes?

I've never taken a photography class in my life. Beyond seeing what mom could do, my "learning" has been mostly trial and error.. (Thank goodness for digital cameras; I'd waste a TON of film!)

Which is your favorite art- photography, jewelry, or soap making? Why? Or if you don't have a favorite, what is special to you about each of your mediums?

I think my favorite would have to be photography. I can really express feelings and emotions through photographs, not so much with soap and jewelry.

Describe your creative environment.

My environment is a naturally beautiful city, covered with blooming azaleas and moss hanging from the trees. It's so inspiring to see so much beauty that wasn't made by man or machine. In our home, my environment consists of a comfy sofa and a cozy kitchen. I spend most of my time in either place, concocting new soaps, designing new jewelry or editing photographs.

The photography in your shops is excellent. What photography advice could you give to other etsians?

You don't always need to have your eye behind the view-finder. I often "shoot from the hip" or place the camera on the ground and point it upwards to see what comes out. Try all the angles!

Do you etsy full time? If not, what is your "day job"?

I'm a full time Etsian. Thankfully, I have plenty of time on my hands to pursue 3 separate "hobbies" and business ventures. It's fantastic!

getting some squares ready...

2008-05-15T09:19:00.002-06:00

I just felted some squares that will soon be necklaces in my shop. Here they are drying on my coffee table!

Featured Creator- Intertwingle

2008-05-11T18:45:00.006-06:00

Up next is etsy artist Intertwingle. She is a creator from New York state, and I was drawn to her shop because of her unique medium, cool banner, and excellent photography. Have a look at her shop and blog:

http://www.intertwingle.etsy.com/

http://www.choice-designs-online.com/

Your primary medium is paper. How did you come to this precise craft?
I often wonder that my self because I am also a painter and ceramicist. Paper craft is a passion of my mother's so I guess it just rubbed off. But the great thing about paper is that it is everywhere, it is a simple everyday object that has endless possibility. You can make paper be just about anything. It is, to me, the greatest invention, a perfect and plentiful raw material not to mention reusable, renewable and recyclable.

What are the inspirations behind your work?
I love pushing the boundaries that we may see for paper. I want to explore ways to create form from it - to make it dimensional. I love creating images using the simplest forms and techniques. By making lamps I am creating something that is beautiful in both the positive and negative space. When the light is off you see the positive space of the design but when it is on you see the negative spaces as the lights shines through. I achieve the same thing more subtly with my cards.

What is your creative environment? Describe the sounds, sights, times, and happenings!

My studio is in my house and it is such a mess right now, it is in flux. I have moved my office and created a studio in a room that was formerly the "catch-all" room in our house. It is coming together and I plan to paint, or should I say, have my husband paint it this summer. Our house is surrounded by lots of trees so there are lots of birds chirping, I like to listen to music but it has to be during the right time of my creative process. If I am designing something new usually it is just the wheels in my head and the birds outside my window that I hear. When I am cranking out products namely my cards and lamps I'll have various music on from The Art of Noise to Jack Johnson to Bolero. I am a little loosey-goosey about studio time, I need to get a bit more regimented. I can get frustrated with myself when I don't spend as much time creating as I think I should. But I have to remind myself that probably 60% of my creative process happens when I am out in the world, that is where the inspiration comes it doesn't come from the wall of my creative work space.

Do you have a "day job"? How did you come to have your etsy shop?
I work one day a week doing visual merchandising for a local fair trade gift shop. I used to work there full time as a manager. I gave it up to pursue my calling as an artist and to hopefully establish myself so I can be able to work from home and be a mom to my daughter that I am waiting to adopt from China. It was the most deliberate plan I have ever made in my life but now our wait is stretching to be 2 years longer than we expected. I mainly do graphic design for things like book covers, logo design, web graphics, etsy banners. But I have always wanted to pursue "get your hands dirty" art. I have a lot of down time with the graphic work so that is where etsy came in. When I finally found it via a friend, I bought something not understanding or realizing what etsy was. I went back a couple times and then one day was like "hey, wait a minute this is exactly what I have been looking/waiting for! An easy encouraging artist community through which I can get my work "out there". It gave me an excuse to put years of ideas and sketches into physical form.

Your work has a style of simplicity and clarity- how did you come to this "look"?
I have training as a graphic artist and I am deeply influenced by Asian aesthetics (I lived in Vietnam for a while)and art forms, modern architecture and I love plants. I think all of these things have led me to be very attuned to clean lines and the shapes of spaces, both positive and negative. They are all about the "less is more" credo which is how I try to live my life. Since, right now, I am doing a lot of paper cutting there really is no choice but to have simple clean lines. The knife and my hands are the limits of the art form - it forces me to edit detail down to something I can cut. I like limitations it pushes me creatively.

Hookers in Treasury West!

2008-05-10T12:39:00.002-06:00

Please have a look at the treasury I got last night in Treasury West! If you haven't ever checked it out, you should. It is just like regular treasury, only it is easier to get into, and sometimes disappears for a short while because etsy uses it to test different features and servers. I've had three treasuries there, and never actually been able to get one in the regular one!

Anywho, the address for treasury west is:
http://www.etsy.com/treasurywest.php
(there is no link to it, you just have to know how to get there)

Here is the link to my treasury! All of the items are from members of the Etsyhookers team.
Please have a look-
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=9559

My newest creation!

2008-05-09T09:24:00.003-06:00

I just finished and photographed the newest addition to my etsy shop, and I am so in love with it! The colors just fell into place (I was a littly wary at first because I generally don't like yellow) and it makes me yearn for summer. I'll have to make one for myself in green and blue (my favorites).

Featured Creator- MadeWithLovebyZoe

2008-05-08T09:38:00.002-06:00

Here is another great artisan from etsy! MadeWithLovebyZoe knits and crochets. I was drawn to her pieces because of their craftsmanship, simplicity of design, and beauty! Here she is!

You have knitted and crochet items in your shop. Do you prefer one technique over the other? Why?

My Mum taught me to knit and crochet when I was a little girl, and I have been knitting ever since. Now my love for knitting and crocheting is so strong, it is almost an addiction!
As I am not working I spend most of my time either knitting or crocheting, both of which I love equally and I hope that is reflected in my work.

What kind of yarns to you like to work with?

I like to knit and crochet different things using a variety of yarns. My favorites are natural fibers and hopefully one day it will be the only type of fiber I will work with. But for now, I am enjoying the process of experimenting with natural and man-made fibers, styles and new ideas.

Where do you get the inspiration for your work? Do you plan ahead and have a vision before you start, or do you just go for it?

I am inspired daily by many things and I love to browse the internet, blogs and paper magazines for inspiration. I also love to check out what other people are creating on Etsy. I find I can easily spend hours browsing all sort of things there - the site offers such a fantastic platform and community for people who love arts and crafts. All my items are carefully designed, planned and sketched before I begin the process of creating. And, I am perfectionist! Some times I will start over until I'm completely satisfied that item is perfect. My philosophy is always to create something as if I were making it for a dear friend or for a member of my family. That's how I work - and I will only sell what I have truly produced as a labor of love. My stepdaughters are also a great source of inspiration. We very often exchange ideas, magazine clippings, or simply brainstorm together on anything they've seen that they like or has inspired an idea, then I will sketch it out until I have a design to make.

A new pattern

2008-05-07T08:23:00.002-06:00

Last week I spent days designing my first crochet pattern. It's a wonderfully huggy bunny wearing a fuzzy T-shirt! It took a lot of time, but I have the pdf for sale at my etsy site. Here is a picture of my creation! Right now, I'm working on a little kitty with different outfits. Come back to check her out!

A Huge Undertaking

2008-04-24T11:46:00.003-06:00

So, I have my new sewing machine. And I am crazy. These to facts add up to me undertaking my first quilt! It is an easy enough pattern as far as I can tell, but it's a quilt all the same! I got a free pattern off of Amy Butler's website, and intended to make it out of her fabrics, but while I was at the store choosing the fabrics, I realized that I might want my boyfriend to enjoy the quilt too! So, I went a different direction, and picked out some designs that were, um, less pink. Here is a picture of all the rectangles that I carefully cut out. (Also included- my toes and my Jason Bear). I see a lot of stitching in my future!

Pandora's Box

2008-04-15T15:02:00.002-06:00

So, I got a new sewing machine last week- my first! I spent lots of time over the weekend figuring out how to work the thing, and here is my first successful project! I got the pattern from Amy Karol's "Bend the Rules Sewing." A great book!

This new sewing mahcine is quite the pandora's box. I see much crafting in my future...

Featured Creator- Meowstro

2008-04-10T11:29:00.004-06:00

This week, I chose Ruth from Cape Cod- a painter, bookbinder, and all-around artist. I instantly adored the whimsy, color, and quality of her work. Check out her etsy shop at http://www.meowstro.etsy.com/.

Bookbinding is a craft that I think most people are unfamiliar with. How did you get into bookbinding?

I've always had an interest in books, fostered by my mom who is a librarian. When I went to college I discovered a class called "Artist's Books" which explored a variety of alternative and traditional binding methods, including accordion books, Coptic binding, altered books and different printmaking techniques. I was most drawn to traditional case-binding techniques (basically this is how all commercial books are made) and ended up doing two semesters of independent study on case binding after the Artist's Books class. I was fortunate enough to be invited back this past March as a "visiting artist" for the class and I taught everyone how to make miniature books.

What is generally the inspiration for your artwork? I love how your pieces are colorful and simple at the same time- how did you arrive at your personal style?

I have a difficult time with the concept of "Style" - when I was in my art thesis class I worried that I didn't have a very definitive style unlike some of my classmates, whose work you could identify simply by looking at the colors or ways they made brush strokes. Working on my own, however, I have started to see a style emerge on it's own. For my journals I'm inspired by the materials I work with - I have more Japanese Washi paper than I know what to do with at the moment! For my miniature books I was initially inspired by visiting an exhibition on miniature books (they were very popular in the late 1800s in particular) and thinking "could I do that?". My latest drawings are very whimsical - I'll admit I love fantasy novels with dragons and unicorns and drawing fantasy scenes is kind of like being a little kid again (only I am better at drawing). I like to keep everything cheerful and upbeat - some might call it art for art's sake, but I'm ok with that.

Do you have a "day job"?

My day job is working as a barista full time at a local indie coffee shop. I really love it - I've gotten to meet a lot of cool people there, I hear the talk of the town and let's not forget the free drinks! I've gotten good at latte art too - working at a coffee shop has always been something I secretly wanted to try and it's just as much fun as I imagined. Plus, I go to work at six but that means I'm out of work at one, and have the whole afternoon to work on art.

Describe your creative environment- sounds, smells, times, etc.

I can't stress enough the importance of having your own space to create in. You don't need to have a dedicated room, although that's nice - right now I have a large worktable with a shop lamp attached and on it are projects in various stages. Having a space you don't have to clean up every time you aren't using it, or share with anyone means that anytime you're struck with the urge to make something you can just sit down and do it! I tend to work on art in the afternoon, and I like to have music playing - particularly the album Sandinista by the Clash.

sewing machines...

2008-04-07T21:47:00.002-06:00

I am in the market for a sewing machine! This will be my first. I have read so many reviews and so much advice, and for every great review of a machine, there is a horible one! I am going on a sewing machine quest to some local shops tomorrow, so perhaps I'll get more answers...If you have any advice, let me know!

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH FRONT PAGE!!!

2008-04-01T08:04:00.001-06:00

WAHOOOOOO! I just got my first treasury, and it's ON THE FRONT PAGE OF ETSY! *I am quite excited* Happy happy joy joy!

My First Treasury!

2008-03-30T18:29:00.003-06:00

Yea! I got my first treasury today on Treasury West. Here is the link! http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=5703

If you aren't down with etsy-land goings on, a treasury is a page where you can pick some of your favorite items from other people's shops and post them for other people to see. They generally have a theme- color, shape, material, subject matter, etc. My theme is FELT! I had a really great time looking through lots of shops in getting ready for the treasury. Enjoy!

Featured Creator- art2theextreme

2008-03-27T19:45:00.004-06:00

Today's featured creator is art2theextreme! Nicole is an elementary art teacher and creator extrodinare from Indianapolis. Check out her etsy shop at http://art2theextreme.etsy.com/.

You have a variety of things in your shop- crayons, woodblocks, screenprints, plushies, purses...which is your favorite? How did you come to all of these creative venues?

I have always been creating art and constantly finding new things to try out and create. Thoughout college, I focused mainly on ceramics and printmaking, which are my favorite types of art to create! I also discovered a love for sewing. I make a large variety of handbags from up-cycled clothing and ties (although none are really in my shop at the moment). My tie purses are a popular item when I have them in stock (which should be in the next two months or so when school calms down). I am constantly finding fun and creative things for my elementary art students to create and they inspire me so much. That is why I have recently turned to creating things for kids. Most popular have been my Rainbow Crayons and Jumbo Rainbow crayons.My boyfriend’s mother creates the plushies and doll cloths that can be found in my shop. At first, her items were selling more than mine!! I do sell a wide variety of things and some say that I should have separate shops, but I do not see an issue and I have a little “Something for Everyone…”

At your "day job" you are an elementary art teacher. How do you find time to run an etsy shop, blog, advertise, and still teach your kiddos?

Wow.. what a question! I do not know where the time even comes from because I am constantly working! I come straight home from school (I am a FIRST YEAR elementary art teacher) and immediately begin working on my Etsy, blog, and the ACEO book I am publishing. It keeps me very busy. I am even working for a company in NY right now as well. What keeps me going and keeps me sane is my very supportive boyfriend (who is not currently friends with my computer or Etsy right now) and wonderful family. My dad owns his own business, which is where I assume I get my drive and want to put myself and my art out there in the first place. Organization is key for me. I have to do lists and try not to think of EVERYTHING that I have to get done or it gets too overwhelming. It took me a while to learn how to stop, breathe, and let everything go when I reach the point where I need a break and time to relax.

I remember getting in trouble when I was little for trying to melt crayons in the microwave. Your crayons put a huge smile on my face! Do you recycle the crayons from your classroom? If not, where do you find the crayons?!

I know a few kids who tried to do that as well (cough cough). Thank you for your kind comments and I am glad they make you happy. They are my most sold item right now and I have even taken a few wholesale orders recently. Those butterfly crayons drive me insane when I wholesaled those. They are so much fun to use though. The idea came from my texture unit I was doing with my kindergarten classes. They were excited to “make their own crayons” (at that point I was melting them in the oven with Dixie cups) We used glue on manila file folder rectangles to make patterns and shapes. When the glue dried, each student got their own rainbow crayon and used them for a texture rubbing. We made a huge mural for the hallway using the crayons and patterns the students made. I do used recycled crayons. Over the past year, many teachers have given me boxes of old crayons that are not as good to use with art projects. I have TONS from over the years and a few local preschools have donated them to me (I even traded for some of my shaped crayons). I have been trying to contact Crayola and Rose-Art to see if they will sell me a bulk supply of crayons without wrappers, but cannot get anyone yet.

Describe your creative environment.

Since I am a first year teacher, I have a smaller apartment (I have purple walls since this is the only time in my life I can really paint something purple), so I create everywhere and anywhere. My kitchen is not very functional as a kitchen at the moment since the crayon factory took over. My dining room table has been turned into a pendant making station, my bedroom has turned into my office, and various projects I am working on can be found all over my apartment. I am normally a very organized person, but you would not know it by the looks of my creative mess. When I move to a house, I am hoping to have a HUGE studio!

Why do you create? (I know that's a broad question, so answer however you like!)

Creating art is a stress reliever for me. I love the idea of being able to make things for people or being able to sell my work at affordable prices. I believe that art should be affordable and I love teaching others how to create the things I love to make. I always have something new I want to try. The only problem is finding the time to make it or having too many projects going at once.

I love community and collaborative projects! I have recently put together an ACEO art book that I am publishing that features Etsy artists and my elementary school student ATC art. All the proceeds from the book go to ACEO education and buying the students books to help them create the Artist Trading Cards. More about this project can be found on my second blog:http://createcollecttrade.blogspot.com/of in the listing for Create. Collect. Trade. In my shop!

My New Motto

2008-03-25T19:26:00.002-06:00

I found this card last weekend in a cute little shop near my apartment. It says "Never let the urgent crowd out the important." -Kelly Catiln Walker. I hung it right where I can see it while I am sitting at my desk. Life moves too fast, and I need to remember to prioritize with my heart, not with my dayplanner!

Um, I like buttons.

2008-03-23T12:37:00.005-06:00

I was working on a bracelet last night, and realized how funny my desk was. It covered in buttons. Here is the pandemonium on my desk, and the finished product!

Featured Creator- calexandra

2008-03-22T16:45:00.008-06:00

My next featured creator is Charlotte Alexandra , and 34 year old Mum to 18 month old Molly. They live together in Newcastle, UK. Check out her shop at: http://calexandra.etsy.com/. I love her wonderful wool creations!

What is your favorite thing about creating? Why do you do it?

I NEED to do what I do, Creating fills my soul and makes me truly happy.When I was 26 I studied photography in London and needed to make some extra money as it's an expensive place to live, I started making greeting cards and it just grew from there. I found that textiles are where my passion lies. I honestly wouldn't know what else to do for the rest of my life if I didn't sew. I took alot of classes over the years and just experimented in the evening with different crafts.

Do you wet felt roving wool for most of your creations? I can see some items include knitting as well. Do you also needlefelt? Which is your favorite technique? Why?

I wet felt, I did a years course and just fell in love with it. It's hard work but the results are worth it, I also love knitting but because wool is quite expensive here in the UK, and because I like to sell my items at a reasonable price, I don't knit as much as i'd like. I have not tried needlefelting yet but it's on my list of things to do! Felt is incredibly strong and very easy to sew.

What is your creative environment like? Sights, sounds, colors, time of day, etc.

I always create at night, even before I had Molly. Ive always been a night owl and stay up most nights until 2am. The feeling of being up when all is sleeping is magical to me and the ideas just flow. I have a huge bookcase in my very pretty sitting room and it holds all of my materials, everything is within arms reach. I am trying to teach myself to sew on the machine but time is an issue, handsewing is a little limiting with some material so i'll keep learning. I have candles all around, soft lights and put movies on, I can work and watch my favorite films at the same time. And a big must is lots of cups of tea.........typically english!

Do you have a "day job"?

Im a full/time single Mum at the moment, In my 20's I worked all over, studied lots of craft courses and travelled around the world. Its great to have these few years in my first home, its tough juggling life when you raise a child alone but for me it just works. My one must have is my car, we go out and about and have a wonderful time exploring the countryside. Im incredibly happy and my work feeds us so im not struggling. When Molly goes to nursery next year I plan to go to University to do a part-time textiles degree. This is why I set up my shop on Etsy as I need to raise the funds! I want Molly to have a great future and ill work hard for it.

How do you advertise for your shop? Do you sell locally?

I have a craft stall here in the UK and I have a website that I built www.sewlovely.co.uk Im working on selling my work in stores but at the moment time is an issue as I handsew everything! Also all of my items are one offs so im trying to build up a good body of work to show. The thing about selling in stores too is that they mark up the price alot for my work and that's not what I want. I want to sell affordable items that people love and want more of.

Where do you get most of the ideas for your creations?

It sounds corny but honestly they just happen! I dont sketch or make notes. I just decide what I want to make, a hat or a brooch, I look in my material box and off I go! Its very natural to me now, sometimes things don't work and then I just change direction and make it into something else!

The local yarn store!

2008-03-14T07:45:00.002-06:00

This week I took a trip to the local yarn store, Village Wools. If you are in the Albuquerque area check it out- the ladies there are super helpful! (I think I was there for about an hour and a half). When I first began learning crochet, I thought it was completely silly to pay so much for yarn when I could get it at Hobby Lobby! (or any other large chain craft store.) But I have realized how much the quality and creativity that goes into making those quality yarns makes your projects that much better. (I jokingly told ma family last week that I needed to have a sheep farm so that I could just make my own yarn! haha). So, here is a picture of the new addition to my yarn stash this week! It is feltable wool, and was actually less expensive than the kind sold at Hobby Lobby and Michael's! Thanks Cascade Yarns for your pretty heather colors!

Where do you get your yarn? What are your favorite brands?

Featured Creator- jhartphotography

2008-03-07T19:48:00.004-07:00

My second featured creator is jhartphotography, a photographer and fellow etsian. I was struck by the beauty and originality of her work when I visited her shop at http://jhartphotography.etsy.com/. I asked her a few questions about her work so that you can have more insight into her fabulous artwork. Please give her a look!

When and how did photography become your chosen medium?
That's a good question! I have been interested in the arts all my life. I started playing piano at the age of 5 and also took ballet for a number of years. Both of which I regret to say I quit (I believe in having regrets and I have many. I learn from them). I also loved to draw though never really dabbled in painting. Honestly, I don't remember when I first became interested in photography but I know I was young. My mothers hobby was photography and I remember getting up early in the morning on weekends and pulling out the slide projector and going through her slides for hours. Some were just shots for memories but some were so beautiful. She gave me her camera when i was a freshman in highschool and it's probably been since then that i really connected with it. I put it (photography) down and left it on many, many occasions but, for the past 5 or so years it's really been "the one".

Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
I find inspiration from numerous places/things. I'm mostly driven by a feeling I have. Either it's a feeling I have or a feeling uncovered. It could be when I see something or when I hear something. Or it could be a feeling I have within myself that I need to find a way to express. Self expression is very important to me. Sometimes just saying something isn't enough... though most of my images may not be so explanatory in regard to what they mean to me. That's okay. I find that most people who admire my work find their own emotional connection. We all desire connection in some form or another. I'm happy to have my images be a conduit whether the connection is with me or completely within the person viewing.

Do you have a "day job?"
I do not have a "day job" other than photography, though, some days it seems like that would be a very nice distraction. I have two young children and I have taken time to give them as much attention as I can. As they grow older I'm able to focus more and more on my photography.

Many of your photos are described as "artist's self portrait." Is that because you are personally in the photos, or you think the photos describe you?
Part of this question I think I may have answered within my answers above but, to be more specific.... anything I have described as "self portrait" is an image that has some part of me in it and also describes me in some sense. Many of my photos could be described as self-portraits even if I'm not in them since they can be symbolic of something I feel or felt at the time.

Crafting Karma

2008-03-04T06:49:00.003-07:00

I've got a big smile on my face this morning because etsy designer dottyral featured me on her blog! Go check it out! Thanks dottyral!

http://indiefindsonetsy.blogspot.com

Needle felting

2008-03-03T21:23:00.002-07:00

So, I guess my three favorite creative activities right now are centering around felting, needle felting, and embroidery. Man if you haven't checked out needle felting, you are missing some serious opportunities to express all that pent up stress in your life!

Basically, needle felting is where you have two layers of animal fibers (wool, alpaca, mohair, angora, etc) and you stab them with a felting needle until they mush together. (A silly description, but the truth!) The fibers themselves are covered with small spikes (think about those shampoo commercials where you see "dry hair" up close in a microscope). The special needle you are stabbing with also has small prongs on it that agitate the fibers and make the little hair prongs grab onto each other! It is good for stress relief because you have to stab quickly, and a bunch of times for everything to felt together.

You can use this process to create 3-D figures or decorations, or like me, you can embellish a piece of felted crochet! All you have to do is make sure that the materials are 100% non-super wash wool. I save my yarn scraps for felting (as seen above), but lots of folks use "roving wool."

Here are a few of my needle felted projects!

A new medium for felting

2008-03-01T18:47:00.003-07:00

I did a little experimenting this week, and came up with some cool designs for a new crochet accessory- a ring! I was feeling sad for the end of of winter with it's scarves, hats, and other warm goods. I think this will be a good outlet for my yarn cravings! I'm excited about the versatility of the little square of felt- it's a perfect canvas for embroidery and needle felting.

So, here's a few pictures of my first felted rings, and a glimpse of them on the stove getting felted!

Featured Creator! Picciolo

2008-02-28T06:45:00.006-07:00

I think that a great way to perfect your craft is to explore and experience pieces that are created by other artists. Occasionally, I am going to talk to some super creative people and feature their work on my blog.

My first featured creator is Picciolo, a fiber artist from London. I love the color, texture, and motion in her work! You can see that she takes the greatest care to ensure that every little detail is executed beautifully! Check out her creations and blog at http://picciolo.etsy.com/ and http://picciolo-picciolo.blogspot.com

I emailed her some questions about her work an creative process...

How long have you been marketing your creations? How did you get started?
I have been marketing my creations since September 2007 when I opened my etsy shop, so not that long, but I am really enjoying it! I got the inspiration to start from my sister, who also has an etsy shop.

What else is going on in your environment when you create? (Example- I usually have a movie playing in the background, and I sit at my desk or scatter everything all over my bedroom floor!)
All of my sewing takes place in our living room, our corner table has become a permanent sewing-box table, and my box of felt and favourite fabrics has taken root nearby. I do try putting everything away every time, but it seems as if as soon as I put it away I need it again! The final stage of handpainting my items happens at our main table, which looks out over the garden. This part of the process often sees me painting while my five year old daughter does something creative next to me, which is often a really nice part of our day.

How do you personally benefit from creating? (aside from financial benefits)
I think that I benefit from creating in lots of ways:I love seeing items evolve as I make them, I know at the start what I am making but not what the finished piece will look like. I love how no two of my items are the same, I think this stops me from getting bored with what I am doing. I love it when you have had an idea for something new, and it turns out even better than you hoped. And best of all, its such a great feeling sending an item off in the post to its new home, imagining someone else enjoying the things I have made is wonderful, especially when they end up all around the world.

How did you come to embroider with felt? Do you create with other mediums (like paint, knitting, sculpture, etc)?
I have always been someone that draws and paints and tries out lots of crafts, I’m not sure how I ended up with felt and denim being my two main materials, I think partly it was because of the range of colours available and their textures, and now I'm addicted!

What things in your life inspire your work the most?
Nature is my main inspiration, I love birds and trees and leaves, and skies and clouds…and being a graphic designer I keep up to date with what is going on in the wider design world which is a great source of inspiration.

What are your favorite colors?
My favourite colours are: olive green, robins egg blue and raspberry

Felting- Before and After

2008-02-27T07:30:00.003-07:00

When I started crocheting, I had no idea what "felting" was. Now it is one of my favorite techniques! I love the fact that I can make a bag, felt it, and then I don't have to add a lining , and I have one of the most durable bags ever.

So, my newest excursions into felting land have been with jewelry. I've made some bracelets and a ring with some wool crocheted beginnings. In one of the above pictures you can see the before and after of some bracelets that were eventually felted.

I don't usually felt things in the washing machine anymore (for those of you new to felting, it basically means that you wash something wool with hot water, and rinse it in cold. Adding soap and agitating it in the hot water helps too). Nowadays I heat up some water on the stove, pull on some think yellow kitchen gloves, and plunge in. I use some dish soap, and scrub my creation in the how water for usually about 15-30 minutes (depending on the size and amount of felting I want). Then I rinse it it cold water in the sink, and lay it out to dry! I like being able to see my creation shrink and get that cool felted texture!

Welcome to MyStringTheory!

2008-02-24T17:04:00.005-07:00

Hello all. This is my very first blog ever. So, I am excited about sharing my creations with you. Hopefully this will become a regular thing for me, and will let me clear my head when I think that there are 50 different things I could be crocheting at one time!

Here are a few pictures of my newest creations. I have been making crocheted and felted purses for a while, and now I have a new passion! I love making purses because they are useful in all seasons, but now I'm all about the crocheted cuff bracelets! I've been making a small army of them, each one unique and decorated with various designs. The navy one pictured here has some fun flowing greenery with blooms on it. I like the 3-D aspect of adding embroidery to the bracelets.