Interview with the Artist | Bead Happily Ever After

Interview with the Artist: Glorious Hats

Posted on March 10, 2010 by crystal

This edition of Interview with the Artist features the wonderful, whimsical, elegant work of an accessory designer with a very special talent for creating hats!

Please meet Jane of Glorious Hats.

Reversible Cloche with Removable Button and Hatband

Were you interested in art as a child?

Hmmm, you know that is true, while I did not think of it as an interest in art; I have always made things: tissue flowers, bean collages, doll hats and clothes from scraps. Things that kept my hands and head busy. The family often went to visit grandma on weekends and taking different “projects” to make with cousins is a fond memory.

The designer at just 5 yrs. old

What were some of your earliest projects?

An Easter Hat from an oatmeal tub and crepe paper for kindergarten. (as seen in photo above!) I can describe in detail a number of fabrics, sewing patterns and clothes I made during high school years. My husband on the other hand remembers few clothes; but he can relate details of many meals.

When did you first become interested in making hats?

Wearing and making hats has always been part of my lifestyle; the immersion in refreshing, refashioning vintage; and creating new hats began about 7 years ago.

Sapphire Wool Beret

What are your favorite styles of hats?

Flapper Cloche Hats that hug the head and have a small shaped brim. Practical and beautiful all at once.

Clori Rose “Fascinator”

Please tell us about the history of “Fascinators”?

It seems to be evolving to mean a small, often frivolous, hat or headpiece that stays in place with a clip or headband. When I started seeing the term “Fascinator” I did not find references to it in millinery books. But lately, in online definitions/info, I’m finding a reference to Fascinators as “small lacy head pieces” from the Victorian era. Fascinators in general seem to be smaller than Cocktail hats but bigger and more involved than headbands or barrettes. Ornamentation to wear on the head that is eye catching, often whimsical, beautiful, sometimes bold, sometimes quirky; something that brings attention and interest, draws the eyes of others up and to one’s face and hair. Fascinators are fun to make and fun to wear; often people that might shy away from wearing a full hat, will wear a Fascinator.

Refashioned Denium Slouch Hat

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

It varies, sometimes the design and shape of a hat begins with practical purpose — shading the face, shading the neck, keeping ears warm; sometimes it begins with an idea for trim; sometimes with an event, such as a fete or holiday. As an example: The fairy reclining on a mushroom hat was a custom design created for a young woman going to the “Burning Man” festival. She needed good shade and wanted an umbrella shape that looked like a mushroom with a fairy on top plus one that would stay on her head in wind. So I ran with those concepts with this as the result.

Maple Leaves Bucket Hat

Do you keep any examples of your best work – just for yourself? 🙂

Dare I admit that I make hats for myself first and second for others? Same quality for both. One of the joys of creating for others and for sale is that I get to make great designs that might not show off my own face, shape, style to advantage; but will enhance another’s appearance. Different styles and colors work for different people.

What advice would you give to people who would like to begin selling their art but could use a little guidance?

Really explore what you want to achieve through selling your work; then explore selling options and consider what methods and ways will best suit your needs.

For more information on the glorious art of Glorious Hats, you may visit her etsy shop or her blog. 🙂

‘Til next time,

Interview with the Artist – Wee Cute Treasures

Posted on February 4, 2010 by crystal

This edition of Interview with the Artist showcases the work of a very talented lady from the beautiful Emerald Isle.

She creates the sweetest little Clothespin Dolls and Birthday Cake Toppers that I have ever seen. Her attention to the tiniest of details is absolutely amazing! Take a peek in her etsy shop, but just let me warn you . . . you’re gonna fall in love! 🙂

Please meet Carol of Wee Cute Treasures.

Were you interested in art as a child?
Oh yes! I loved painting, drawing and crafting for as long as I can remember.

What were some of the earliest projects that you created?
When I was very young I had a rag doll called Rosie and I made her all sorts of clothes out of my mother’s ‘rag box’ using huge running stitches. The finish must have been very crude but I love designing the clothes seeing them coming into fruition. One of my grandmothers taught me to knit at age 7 and since then I have always had something on my knitting needles! Basically, I can not remember a time when I have not had some creative project ‘on the go’.

When did you first become interested in making dolls?
Since I was about 16 I have made soft toys to sell. Making clothespin dolls came about from visiting a local craft show two years ago. There was a stall selling funky little dolls and I thought that making a little doll could be fun. A Google search lead me to the American style of peg doll (which is much cuter than our European versions) and I was hooked!

Besides making dolls, what other forms of art do you enjoy?
I love everything creative – so I enjoy making greeting cards, knitting, crochet, needlepoint, painting and woodwork. My newest love is miniature work and I am in the process of designing and making my first dollhouse from scratch – no kit!

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
As a child I adored the illustrated fairy story books which belonged to my mother. They were from a gentler era when girls were unashamedly girly. I have always loved everything flowery and pretty and I think my little dolls reflect this. However, I also love the slightly preppy and neat look of the 40s and 50s. Although every colour in the rainbow is beautiful, I tend to favour pastel colours. For my dolls I have found inspiration from many other talented doll makers and crafters.

Do you keep any examples of your best work – just for yourself? 🙂
No! There are times I am really sorry to ship off a little doll because I think she is particularly cute. But I do make sure I keep enough material so that I can make another identical one in years to come – if I ever have time.

What advice would you give to people who would like to begin selling their art, but could use a bit of advice?

If you love what you do it will show. I have a rule. Every doll I make is one I would be happy to keep if it does not sell. I believe it is fine to be inspired by other people’s work, but it is important to put your own stamp on your creations. High quality products stand the test of time. Many people will make cheaper versions of your art, but if your quality is good you can ask a higher price and those people who want a beautiful item will be happy to pay for it. I remember a fellow craftswoman telling never to undersell my work. I also think that consistency is important – both in terms of style and quality. Repeat customers are wonderfully valuable, especially in the early days. Even if you decide to branch out into new areas, look after your core business and it will help finance new ventures. And…most important of all – be patient and enjoy the process.

Although Carol is not taking “special orders” at this time, she frequently adds an adorable selection of seasonal dolls to her etsy shop. 😀 Click here to see them!

Interview with the Artist – Bird Ahoy

Posted on January 14, 2010 by crystal

Sometimes there are a few spare moments in the day when I’m waiting for something to finish – like when the timer is ticking for a pot on the stove, or I’m waiting for the dryer to buzz so I can rescue the clothes before they become permanent-wrinkle. 😉

It’s not enough time to get involved in much – but it’s just enough time to take a quick peek on etsy to see what’s new!

Recently, I discovered an artist who creates unique and very beautiful pendants from beach pebbles! Many of her designs reflect the beauty of nature and the splendor of its simplicity. She graciously agreed to chat with me for this installment of Interview with the Artist, and I’m just delighted to showcase her work here today.

Please meet birdahoy!

Were you interested in art as a child?
One of my early memories is when I was about 4 years old at school, sitting painting an American Indian with powder paints and getting a little thrill that it had character that I hadn’t expected to achieve. I think that was the first time that I ever felt proud of anything I’d done. All through school I loved art, and it was fantastic because they gave us the opportunity to try all sorts of crafts like working with clay, batik and making huge sculptures with chicken wire and plaster impregnated bandages! Those were the days!!

What were some of the earliest projects that you created?
My mum still has some of those things I made at school. My favourite teacher at school used to let me do art all day after I’d finished my math exercises! There is a clay relief slab that is modelled on his beloved Mini with its bonnet up so you can see the engine. I think I was about 10 when I made it. He proudly displayed it on the shelf that year (he loved his car so much!!) and one day a naughty boy knocked it off and it broke in two. He was furious and glued it back together!

When did you first become interested in using beach pebbles for your art?
There is a huge draw to the sea and the great outdoors for me. I love the idea of using natural materials to create jewellery because I’m a nature girl at heart. I think I first wanted to create something for myself that tied me to my favourite environments and I’ve always had little collections of pebbles and shells. I’d been making jewellery for quite a while with beads and I really wanted to branch out and create something unique that was one of a kind. Other people seemed to like their simplicity so I thought I’d try selling them.

Besides working with the stones, what other materials do you enjoy using?
I love using silver in my jewellery. I’ve just bought my first block of PMC. The idea of using recycled silver that starts as clay and fires to solid silver seems like magic to me! I’m also in love with my camera. I’m obsessed with how things change in different light. I drive my husband mad whenever we go anywhere and always come back with hundreds of photos! I enjoy trying as many different crafts as I can. My little room is stuffed full of different materials. Carving rubber stamps, making lino prints, modelling with salt dough, painting, freezer paper stencils… you name it, I’ve probably tried it or want to try it!

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration everywhere. I’m always absorbing things wherever I go, be it the forest, seaside, city or countryside. I love to find patterns everywhere. We have a cocker spaniel puppy and I now get inspiration on our daily walks through the forest. My imagination runs riot! I think the more you repeat a walk, the more you start to create things in your mind. My ideas go into my sketchbook/journal and evolve into designs for my jewellery.

Do you keep any examples of your best work – just for yourself? 🙂
Yes I do have one pebble necklace that I made for myself featuring a leafy branch. People always ask if you’re wearing any of your own work when you tell them you make jewellery so I think it’s a good idea.

What advice would you give to people who would like to begin selling their art, but could use a little guidance?
My advice would be to first and foremost make art for yourself. If you love what you do it shows through and it makes selling it so much easier. Then try to build up a collection of work that looks as though it belongs together, something unique to you. Try to find your niche. Etsy is a great place to sell online. The most important thing when selling on the internet is to make friends with your camera. Good photos with good lighting make all the difference I think.

For more information on the art of Bird Ahoy, you may visit her etsy shop or her blog. 🙂

‘Til next time,

Interview with the Artist: Carapace

Posted on August 25, 2009 by crystal

In this installment of Interview with the Artist, I am so pleased to introduce a versatile artist with many talents. Whether she is working in clay or in paints, her style is wonderfully unique, often humorous, and always thought-provoking! Her etsy shop is filled with a colorful array of choices – each with its own delightful “story”.
Please meet Carapace 🙂

Were you interested in art as a child?
Goodness, isn’t everyone? At least until school grinds it out of them? But yes, I very much was. I’d spend hours looking at my parents’ Audubon books, or reading comics, or hanging out quietly in museums. It was and is all art to me! And I was always happy to play quietly if I had paper and pencils. This is not to say that I was any good at art of any sort when I was a child, but I was interested!

Summer Oak 1 Clay Pendant

What were some of the earliest projects that you created?
Aside from the standard awkward elementary school hand-turkeys and such, I took a pottery class and made some shockingly passable coil pots and wall hangings. Even a candle jar, which totally worked…! As a sort of scraps-holder. I didn’t really have the concept of delicacy down. But man, I sure could slab some clay! Had a lot of fun, too. To this day I yearn to take another proper clay class. Perhaps someday…

There was also my Hearts Period, sometime in pre k or so, when I attempted to draw everything solely with hearts – the one shape I knew how to make. Horses, people, trees, they were all made of variant assemblages of heart-shapes. That…was really ambitious of me, actually. I’m not sure I could pull that off now. I may have to try it again, see if I can capture that mad-child creativity.

Tea Leaves

When did you first become interested in working with clay?
I think I was about 6 or 7 when I took the clay class? And loved, loved, loved it. Drawing will always be my first and most accessible love, but clay offered the chance to make something useful, something graphic art rarely provides. It appeals to my practical senses. Buying a firing rig, however, does not. So I had to wait for polymer clay to be invented, and then to find out about it. And now I can make jewelry! Which is not very useful, perhaps, but did you know some anthropologists credit jewelry as being a crucial part of Homo Sapiens’ eventual genetic triumph over Neanderthal? It’s true! Apparently it helped establish group identity, and encouraged abstract thinking. So I am at least theoretically participating in shaping our
evolution as species with my friperry. Take that, criticizers of adornment!

Two Sisters Clay Pendant

Your work is showcased in several different media. Do you have a favorite?
My favorite is whatever I’m working in at the time! If I’m painting, I wonder why I don’t paint constantly, it’s so cool to watch the colors happen on the paper. And when I’m working with polyclay, I wonder why I ever pick up a paintbrush, the feel of the clay in my fingers is so satisfying, and I love the unpredictable way the colors blend. Oh, and did I mention I’ve been experimenting with paperclay? No one told me about inclusions! Thank goodness I never learned how to sew very well. I have made these dolls, though… So, short answer: No. Though it would probably be good for both my productivity and my mastery if I just picked one and worked at it, that doesn’t seem to be in my nature. Strange, since I’m a very static person otherwise.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
From books, from natural settings, from other artists…but increasingly from the media itself. They have personalities, you know. Stop moving away from me! Try painting on a paper bag and a piece of bristol board. You’ll see how the line changes? The limits of the media suggest subject and composition, more as I know the material better.

Cephalady of the Sea Court

Do you keep any examples of your best work – just for yourself? 🙂
I keep too much of my work! I want it all to go away. When I finish a piece and keep it, I feel like a mom whose kids have graduated college but won’t move out of the basement to look for work. Darn it, kids! This is Texas, I don’t even have a basement! Get out in the world!

Golden Notes

What advice would you give to a person who would like to begin selling his or her art but could use a few pointers?
Make friends, in whatever venue you’re pursuing. If you can stick to a schedule, do that, even if it’s very slow. Try as many venues as you can–you never know where you’ll find a home, or just a new friend. Always assume good intent, but not necessarily good sense; some of the sweetest people will offer you some of the worst ideas. Have a blog, an email, a Twitter, and any other way you can manage to stay in touch. And have fun! If you’re not having fun, you may as well stick with the fabulous world of Day Jobs.

~Carapace

Interview with the Artist: Kayo

Posted on April 23, 2009 by crystal

In this installment of Interview with the Artist, I am thrilled to introduce a young woman who creates some of the most extraordinary paper art that I’ve ever seen. Her origami greeting cards, bookmarks, and delicate origami earrings are absolutely gorgeous! Please meet Kayo 🙂

It is no exaggeration for me to tell you that her work is perfection. You will truly be amazed at the attention to every little detail in her art.

Cards of this quality are just not available at your local store. When you purchase her origami greeting cards, be prepared to want to frame them, instead of send them! I speak from experience on that. 😉

Her designs, her choice of fine materials, her incredible craftsmanship, and her presentation of the finished items, all blend to make each purchase from Kayo’s shop an experience that will delight you.

She has graciously provided a fabulous prize for next week’s giveaway contest here on Bead Happily Ever After! It will be one of the most beautiful giveaways that we have ever had!!! So be sure to come back on Monday for the new contest, when I will unveil Kayo’s very special prize. You are going to LOVE it!

In the meantime, visit her etsy shop and receive free shipping with orders of $10.00 or more through April 30th.

And now, the interview . . .

Were you interested in art as a child?

Not really. I didn’t get much incentive for arts when I was a kid. In kindergarten the teachers always stamped my drawings like “bad” and “terrible”. LOL. I had the worst grades on my drawings because the teacher would not understand what I wanted to express. At pre-school other kids teased me saying that my drawings were ugly. It was disappointing, but I never gave up my desire to draw well.

What were some of the earliest projects that you created?

I have been working with paper since I was a little kid, so I don’t remember what my first projects were. My earliest projects that I actually sold were artificial flower arrangements. When I was in sixth grade, a friend of mine and I saw a flyer from a local church that was offering a course on how to make artificial flowers and we got very interested. We were the only kids attending the course among about twenty adults. We thought that the course would be very simple, like just to have some ideas of flower arrangements. However, we learned a lot of things like making a type of glue to harden fabric, fabric dyeing, fabric cutting with special tools (petals and leaf shapes), hot pressing, etc. We had to skip some physical education classes in the morning to attend this course, but it was fun. Sometimes I had to pick up my sister at school after the course and some moms (who were picking up their children) would see my flowers and ask if I was selling them. This is how I started selling flowers to classmates and their moms. 🙂

When did you first try origami? Did you like it immediately?

I first tried when I was around 6 or 7 years old. My aunt and uncle used to teach my siblings and me some simple origami (and Japanese language) on weekends. My uncle even gave me an origami book that I still treasure. I liked origami so much. I started making origamis from the book to give to my friends. I remember that I ran out of a pack of my Dad’s paper to make and give origami to each of my classmates! Then, for years I did not make origami, until in the first year of architecture school, when one of the first assignments was to make several origami models to study structural systems! Since then I haven’t stopped making origami.

You have such an extraordinary talent for exquisite detail in your work. Do you also enjoy other forms of art, such as painting?

I like to try any forms of art I can. I enjoy watercolor and oil painting, but I am still in my early stages. I also enjoy drawing and drafting (which is my main professional activity), needlework (knitting, crochet, stitching), working with cold porcelain, and lately, music (keyboard).

Is paper your favorite medium?

So far, it is! It is my favorite medium because it is very accessible, versatile, and requires almost no tools (only scissors and glue) to create something out of it.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Usually from Asian paintings, movies, and memories of my grandma.

Do you keep any examples of your best work – just for yourself?

I keep the first works because I think they don’t look good enough to sell. Another reason not to keep all the works I like is that it will be hard to take them with me if I have to move to other places in the future, as I expect to do. At least I have photos of my works to remember them.

How do you promote your work and what advice would you give to people who would like to begin selling their art?

I really do not make any kind of advertisement of my work! Making crafts is just a pastime for me.
My advice for those who want to begin selling their art is:
1. Keep experimenting. Most of the time your creations will not turn out well, but don’t give up!
2. Find your personal style and do your best. Your love and care will be shown in your work!
3. When selling online, take a look at discussions in the forums. They can be very helpful.
4. Try to take good photos of your items.
5. Have good customer services.
6. The most important: ALWAYS believe in yourself!

Thank you so much for interviewing me!
~Kayo