I love, love, love this girl. When I did my Blog It Forward post (thanks again, Victoria!), I mentioned Katie as being a huge inspiration to me. If ever there is a moment I am feeling down I can always count on her site and artwork to make me smile. She is creative, full of life and looks like someone you would just want to hang out with. All the time. I’m so happy that she had a little bit of time away from her smile bringing to share her life with us.
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I create fun, whimsical photographs! My blog is a combination of street art, crafty projects, and silly pictures.
How do you being your day? Any morning rituals?
I always start my day in the kitchen since it’s the brightest room in the house. I make coffee, feed the birds on my fire escape to entertain my cat Moo, and then do a quick clean of the room. My head is messy if my apartment is messy.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I do something crafty almost everyday. I just love making things with my hands. I get inspiration from absolutely everything!
What’s your workspace like {organized}?
I wake up with a clean workspace, then I make a complete mess throughout the day, then I clean it all up right after.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
Every day I’m working on something different but I’m usually working from the time I wake up till really late at night. It’s actually difficult not to be working on something because my job and my hobbies are the same thing!
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
I like to watch old movies with my boyfriend late at night. We have a projector in our back room which makes it feel like we’re at the movies. I sometimes like to act with the actors on screen ;)
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Coming up with a fun idea in the morning and being able to execute it the same day. It feels like such an accomplishment!
Thanks so much, Katie! You really do bring joy to so many lives and I always look forward to seeing what new art you’ll create.
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email {liana@mixedplateblog.com} if you’d like to learn more.
Here’s a great couple that I keep missing at all of the local craft events. Each time I think we’ll run into each other, it doesn’t quite happen. But I just know I’ll end up at one of their shows and we’ll chat about how much I love them and their amazing artwork!
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
We love making something new out of something old. We do prints on vintage book pages and maps, paintings on found portraits, and we also make a line of gocco paper goods.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
We start the day with coffee! A big cup (or two) for me, and a small one for Matthew. (He’s sensitive to caffeine, and I alas am not.)
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
We don’t necessarily make something every day, but we definitely do something Treatzone-related every day, whether it’s updating our website, photographing items, or packing orders. As for inspiration, it comes from all over. We’re inspired by (and also collect) vintage objects, as well as contemporary art and design of all sorts. We’re also pretty inspired by the city we live in: San Francisco is a beautiful place with a lot of creative thinking going on.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
Our workspace is a spare room in our apartment, which doubles as a music room and houses Matthew’s amazing vinyl collection. (He’s also a DJ.) Space is limited and it’s definitely a challenge to stay organized, but we do try! I joke that my hours playing Tetris as a kid have payed off, since we do a lot of clever stacking to find a home for all our supplies.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
We both have day jobs, so we work on Treatzone projects at night and on the weekends. The hours vary depending on what deadlines we have coming up and what else is going on in our lives.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
We usually make a to-do list for the next day, and then unwind by watching a little TV and snuggling with our kitties.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Hmm…how about brunch at The Ramp, a trip to the Alameda Flea Market to look for new materials and other treasures, back home for a few hours of painting or printing, then perhaps meeting friends out on the town, or a night in with a good movie.
Thanks so much Sandy and Matthew! I know that we all look forward to your next art show and additions to the shop!
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email {liana@mixedplateblog.com} if you’d like to learn more.
This gal makes fabulous little bags and pouches {I should know since that’s what holds the coins from rolling around at the bottom of my purse}. I know that many of you are already big fans of her work, so you’ll be happy to see who stopped by to share a little bit of her life with us…
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I make bags and pouches of all sizes and shapes, but I think I’m best known for my frame pouches.
I also recently opened a second shop on Etsy to sell items for babies & kids, such as bibs, book bags and smocks.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
I set my alarm clock to 6:50am. The first thing I do after I get up is turn on my laptop. I make breakfast for the whole family and pack lunches. I check e-mail titles between tasks, and if there’s something urgent, I read that. At 7:30am, I take my 4th grader to the bus stop. My husband and kindergartener leave at 8:15am, and I finally get to sit down in front of my laptop with a cup of tea. (I’m a tea person and drink lots of tea).
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I don’t think there’s ever a day that I don’t make anything. It’s my job, and I’m ashamed to admit I’m a bit of a workaholic – even on weekends, I usually spend at least a few hours working.
I’m amazed by people who can pinpoint the source of their inspiration. For me, it comes from random things unexpectedly, and I’m sure there are times when I don’t even realize that I’m being inspired by something – it can be subconscious. As far as I know though, I love looking at paintings and illustrations, photography, beautiful textiles, nature (flowers in particular), vintage kimonos, my kids’ drawings (they can come up with the most amazing color combinations and designs!), product packaging and architecture.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
Let’s just say, organized chaos.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
Probably 6-7 hours. I have roughly 5 hours from the time my family go out the door until I pick up my daughter. I try to do as much work as possible during these 5 hours, and after the kids come home, I do little things while I do housework or care for the kids. For example, I’d list new items in my shop while my son does his homework on the kitchen table, or I’d cut up a few pieces of fabric while I wait for the water to boil.
In the evenings, after the kids have gone to bed, I have another 1-2 hours.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
At around 10:30pm, I try to force myself to stop (but don’t always succeed). When I do manage to stop, I sit down on the rug in front of the TV and stretch as I watch the news. Then I read the papers (yes, the morning papers). If I’m not worn out, I’ll take a book with me to bed.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
A day when I’m productive, able to cook a nice meal and enjoy time with my family. Dinner is important to me – I cook most evenings so my kids can eat yummy healthy food, but it’s also so I can use the gorgeous plates & bowls I’ve collected over the years. ;)
Thanks so much, Aki! Congratulations on Oktak Mini. We’re all looking forward to see what other creations will pop up in both the shops!
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email {liana@mixedplateblog.com} if you’d like to learn more.
This lady kicks major ass. She’s a baker, blogs for a green business, is a mom, a wife, and even contributes to some rad zombie and horror sites that I love. You know, just to name a few of the things she does. I am so happy that she had time to stop by Mixed Plate for us to get to know her better.
Name: Natalie Slater Business Name: Bake and Destroy Location: Chicago, IL Website/Blog Link:www.BakeandDestroy.com
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I create recipes, bake them, photograph them and blog about them. I also make screen printed t-shirts, stickers, buttons, handmade cupcake decorations and the occasional other baking-related crafty item.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
Besides all my baking and destroying, I hold down a full time job with an eco-friendly ecommerce company so I’m up at the crack of dawn. Nothing, and I mean nothing is accomplished in my day until I have my eyeliner on and coffee in my belly.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I don’t, but I wish I did. Most of my craftiness takes place on the weekends when I have a few hours to devote to making a mess of my house. I’m mainly inspired by the trashy things that shaped my childhood – punk rock, professional wrestling, bad TV, my stupid friends…
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
I mostly work out of my kitchen, which is immaculately clean thanks to my OCD husband. The desk I blog from is generally a complete mess.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
I have a 9-5 (well, it’s more of a 7:30-4) so my weekday baking/photography/writing/cake decorating takes place once my son’s in bed – from 8pm until 11pm. Weekends are a free-for-all.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
I generally consider my day done when everything has been photographed, edited, blogged and then dispersed throughout the Internet. Once I’ve Tweeted and Facebooked my day’s work I make a cup of tea and settle down for the night with my husband and the Food Network.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Sigh… I would love to spend a day driving around Chicago and taking photos of all the wonderful old diners and hot dog stands. I’d stop every few hours for some coffee and something sweet until it got dark. Then I’d have dinner at Frontera where Rick Bayless would come to my table and tell me he’s a big Bake and Destroy fan. ;) Then the sky would rain down money and vintage dresses. Perfect.
Thanks so much, Natalie! I love your idea of a perfect day {mostly the part where the sky rains down money and vintage dresses!}.
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email {liana@mixedplateblog.com} if you’d like to learn more.
This girl does it all. She writes and blogs, is a full-time student, takes lovely photographs…She can do pretty much anything! I’m happy she found some time to share her day with us.
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
A little bit of everything, but I don’t get paid for much, haha. Professionally, I write – magazine articles, blog posts, newsletters, ad promo materials for small businesses (like yours!) – and take pictures. This year marks the addition of photography to my professional realm. I still consider myself an advanced amateur, but I learn more every time I take a picture & strive to capture views that inspire people’s actions and imaginations.
When not overwhelmed with the responsibility of taking a full college course load (4 classes) while running my small business, I like to do lots of other crafty things: sew, knit, paint, learn Swedish, cook, bake, and decorate.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
Every day begins @ 6:50 am – I have an alarm on my cell phone that goes at that time 365 days a year. I get & start making breakfast – a huge smoothie for my husband and I. He’s off to work by 8:15 am, and that’s when I get down to work – meaning sitting in front of a computer for 5-6 hours. My schedule during the day varies widely.
{My impermanent workspace (supposed to be our dining room table), featuring my laptop, planner, pile of magazines to pitch to, husband’s yoga mat, and books for his college classes}:
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I make sure to write a little every day & I’m very tempted to take part in the now-infamous Project 365 where you take 1 photo each day (maybe for 2010?). Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. I love reading magazines and blogs, which are an immense source for article ideas. Just a few days ago, I woke up with a great start for a memoir about my struggle with crippling anxiety. Writing a book is something I very much want to do, but memoirs are very tough! I hope to write a number of non-fiction books eventually – just need to find the right topics.
I’m also inspired by the littlest things: my cat, napping, yoga poses (I’ve been practicing for almost 5 years), sunlight shadows, smiles, unique smells – all the simple details that are so easy to overlook in day-to-day life. I love capturing them (both in my writing & photos) and sharing them with others, helping to bring them back to what is really important during our human journey.
{My assistant, Monster, who’s only job is to be cute & distracting (he’s a CEO at that!)}:
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
I’m a naturally organized person, but I sometimes wish I had things displayed a bit nicer. For the past 10 years, I’ve lived in a different apartment every year in either Connecticut or San Francisco. As you’d expect, I’ve done little decorating or acquiring furniture of my own, though that would be fun! All you see in the pictures are family antiques that I, one day, hope to sand down & stain in different subtle shades. The desk, in particular, is hundreds of years old & was brought over by my ancestors from Europe.
My desk, while covered in STUFF, is organized in the sense that I know what each pile is for and where everything is. Come April, I’ll be moving yet again &, soon after, will be following my husband once he joins the Marines next year. I see so many gorgeous work-spaces online but am also realistic that I may never have the time to create one, so staying organized & reducing clutter is vital. My workspace reflects nothing of my personality – no aparment or space I’ve had ever has – but maybe one day. :)
{My desk, left with no space to work (and no chair, haha); includes everything from books for my college classes & an unfinished knitting project to a bag of packaged photo prints for Etsy & ideas for blog posts}:
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
Once you cut out reading blogs, doing chores @ home, and working on college classes, I get to spend 2-4 hours a day actually writing or pitching ideas. Weekly, I spend at least 1-2 hours taking pictures, though that is nowhere as much as I’d like to. I start checking my emails by 8:30am and turn off the computer for good by 6pm (by 4pm if I have to work out). I know I could get a lot more done if I stayed online until 10pm, but my health (I spend 1-2 hours doing weightlifting/cardio/yoga every other day) and my family (mum, husband, cat) are more important.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
Before I turn off the computer, I check my planner to see how much I got done for the day. Ideally, I completed all of my to-dos, but that doesn’t always happen. If there are still things left over, I pick a day within the same week to get it done. This makes my morning all the easier when I know exactly what I am going to work on, though I veer from the plan from time-to-time when fun opportunity come up (like this interview!)
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Not sitting in front of the computer! I love to write, and type very fast, but I prefer to be in nature. My perfect day would be:
Watch the sun rise
Take a walk
Have a strawberry-mango smoothie for breakfast with my husband
Go to a local park or forest to hike & take pictures in the morning light
A nice-sided salad for lunch (w/ black beans & ranch dressing)
Cuddle with my cat & read
Take a nap with my cat (hubby’s not a napper either)
Practice yoga
Cook dinner with my mum
Bake French breakfast puffs for dessert
Smile – life is good
{My back door, open almost year-round to supply fresh air & a constant reminder that nature nurtures all}:
Thank you so much, Victoria! We look forward to seeing new projects that you work on and write for and new photos you’ll add to the shop.
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email {liana@mixedplateblog.com} if you’d like to learn more.
This talented photographer knows her stuff. I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know her a little more recently, and have been able to attend her photography classes. Her work is fresh and crisp and I know you’ll enjoy learning about her, too.
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I’m a photographer and teacher. When I shoot, I don’t just document the existing, I create the photograph by choosing the concept, models, location, lighting, wardrobe, props, etc.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
I’m about to launch our online classes so lately, I’ve been spending the mornings working on my computer catching up on email and working on lesson plans for the classes. Then I try to get an hour of pilates in on my reformer.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
Not always – though that would be ideal. Jordan Ferney (jordanferney.blogspot.com) and I are currently working on a project weekly for ourselves called “Best of San Francisco” where we collect the best things to eat in San Francisco, style and photograph them. Oh…and eat them. It seems like I always have different “crafty” projects going on all the time though. I just finished some really great business cards. Inspiration comes from magazines, blogs and being outside.
What’s your workplace like (organized)?
Oooohhhh noooooo. NO way. Although there comes a point where I can’t concentrate and it’s time for a little clean-up. I have a hard time believing any project-oriented person is really tidy. When I get on those “clean-up and organize” kicks, it usually doesn’t last much longer than my next project.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
About 9 – 10 hrs — depending on how lazy I am at night.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
Oh yes. My husband and I watch an episode or two of our favorite shows (or shows we are catching up on). That’s currently Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock. I also cook every night.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Only 1 hour of emailing and researching. 1 hour on the reformer. 2 hours of an amazing food photo shoot. A great lunch with friends. The park with my dog, Molly. Eat AGAIN and catch a movie. I think if I had more space in my apartment, I would get into more projects.
Thanks so much, Nicole! Can’t wait for the online classes. Those will be absolutely amazing! Say hello to Molly for me.
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email {liana@mixedplateblog.com} if you’d like to learn more.
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I create bags and purses from found, reclaimed and organic fabrics.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
Every morning my black lab, Walter, wakes me up at about 5:30am and we take a long walk together. While he jogs and sniffs and chases squirrels, I formulate my plan for the day, make lists in my head, and daydream about new bag designs. When we return home, I make a large pot of coffee and enjoy it while checking my emails and catching up on blogs.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
Well, I sew each day, but that’s more “job-y” to me then “crafty,” but I also enjoy cooking, playing guitar, and working with my man on some house-related carpentry or decorating project.
I’m really inspired by nomadic behaviors. Since I have a very settled and stable home life, and I’m a bit of a type-A personality, I daydream about the reclusive and the runaway lifestyle: circus acts, beach bums, troubadours, cowboys and gypsys…etc. I love that drifters might carry their life on their back…so I design with them in mind.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
My studio is very small, so to stay sane I keep it extremely organized, but after a long day of sewing it looks like a thread and fabric bomb went off.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
It really varies, but since my “studio” is between my family room and my kitchen I feel like I’m always at work. One of my struggles is having a stopping point, I’d like to say, “It’s five o’clock, I’m done for the day!” But most of the time, it’s my boyfriend taking my computer away from me late at night saying, “Ok, dear, you’re done for the day.”
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
I clean and re-organize. Like I said, my studio + day of sewing = fabric bomb. And I often overflow into my dining room and kitchen, so I clean, sweep, organize, basically prepare it for the following morning so I can start fresh. I also, almost always, make and have dinner with my man. It’s a great way for both of us to decompress and for me to try and bookend a work day.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Right now, since I’m still starting out, my idea of a perfect day is selling at least one item and getting a lot of sewing done and not feeling like there are not enough hours in the day…needless to say, I rarely have perfect days. :)
Thanks so much, Suzie. The fabric bombs are just part of your amazing creative process and I’m glad that it happens!!
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email {liana@mixedplateblog.com} if you’d like to learn more.
Absolutely, without a doubt, one of the most talented couples around. I love these guys so much! Enjoy…
Name: Shauna Alterio & Stephen Loidolt
Business Name: Something’s Hiding in Here
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Website/Blog Links:
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
Lots of stuff. Wood rings, mustaches on a stick, marque signs…We are always looking to make something that we would have never dreamed of making – that’s what inspires us.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
Coffee! Then, we plan our day, which always includes making a giant list.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
We really do make something almost everyday, we’re not very good at relaxing. We get inspired by our everyday lives: our friends, our home, places we visit, the tools we use…
What’s your workspace like {organized}?
Oh yeah, it’s organized! Shauna is CRAZY for organizing everything!
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
We both have full time jobs, but we try real hard to get 40 hours in our studio each week!
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
Coffee! I’m serious…we just can’t get enough of it. We also try to photograph work as we go, so often in the evening we will upload photos and start to think about the projects for next day.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
A spring day in our studio with the windows open, coffee in hand and NPR playing on the radio {especially Ira Glass’ This American Life}.
Thanks so much, Shauna and Stephen! If you didn’t already love these two, you surely do now.
ps – did you notice my mustache on a stick pics on my “about” page? photos taken by my lovely friend, Nicole Hill Gerulat.
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email {liana@mixedplateblog.com} if you’d like to learn more.
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
I create appliqué baby onesies and kid t-shirts.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
My day begins when my girls wake me up. I am not a morning person so I never get up before they do. Luckily they sleep in past 7 almost every day. After we get up and cuddle a little cause none of us like the morning, we eat and then either go running or go to preschool, depending on the day.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I try and do something crafty everyday but don’t always have the chance. My 3-year-old daughter Corduroy (who the business was named after), loves to create so either she is helping me sew or we are making some kind of craft while my 1-year-old is sleeping. My inspiration comes from my kids and from friends. My skateboard designs was because I love skating and wanted my little girl to be a skater. And I try to make a new design for every baby shower I go to. The stethoscope was for a friend whose husband is in med school and another time i made scissors for a friend who cuts hair. So I just try and personalize them for everyone so that they can show off who they are.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
Some days it is organized and other days not so much. I live in a 2 bedroom apartment so there is not much space. I just got a secretary desk!!! and put the stuff I use all the time in there but I have stuff in every room in the apartment since there is not a big enough space to hold it all together. I think my husband wishes I would just get rid of stuff but I love my fabric too much!
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
Anywhere from 0 to 4 hours.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
I like a little snack and to watch something entertaining at night after a hard days work.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Playing. Whether it be with friends or family, I love being out of the house and going places. I used to travel a lot but haven’t gotten the chance in the past few years and I miss it. If my husband and I would have a day off we would fly to Boston or San Francisco for the day. He used to work for the airlines and we loved it.
Thanks so much the interview, Becky! The girls are adorable and look like perfect helpers!
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) if you’d like to learn more.
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
My passion is making jewelry! Although I really enjoy creating anything and everything, so I have recently begun to expand the “Suzannemade†line to include my paintings, sewn goods (bags, etc), stationery, and a few other little goodies. I mostly sell my pieces in my online shop but about once a season I will participate in art and craft shows (sometimes I’ll even host my own, at home).
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I definitely try to do something creative every day – whether it’s taking pictures, baking and decorating cupcakes, making jewelry, drawing, sewing, etc – so I am pretty much always crafting up something!
I am inspired by so many things. Sometimes it’s as simple as the materials themselves that inspire me to make something out of them, sometimes it everything else… books, buildings, animals, trees, flowers, people, random objects, clouds in the sky…
There is a constant stream of new ideas popping into my head and I seem to have more ideas than the time to make them into reality so I try to keep lots of lists or sketches of to-do’s and to-make’s.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
I wish I could say my workplace was this awesome studio somewhere, however, in reality it is just my little apartment. Usually either my kitchen table or coffee table! Technically our spare bedroom is supposed to be my “craft room†but I like to watch tv or listen to music while I work so I’ve ended up with charms, crystals, chains and tools all over the place now – but it’s organized chaos! I do try to keep some of my supplies somewhat organized, in one of those plastic chests of drawers – otherwise it would take my forever to find what I need!
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
I work a full time office job, so my “crafting†work day is during evenings and weekends. I usually make stuff during the evenings throughout the week, then on the weekends I will take photos (as that’s the only time I am at home with natural light!) and post items on my shop.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
Usually I’ll have a mug of hot chocolate or a bowl of cereal, then make some lists of things I need to finish next, upload things onto my Flickr / Facebook / Twitter, and usually post on my blog (I am trying to get into the habit of posting at least 5 times per week). At bedtime I like to snuggle up with my kitty and husband and watch mind-numbing tv like TMZ – although lately I have also been watching Jimmy Fallon on late night – he cracks me up!
What is your definition of a perfect day?
A sunny autumn day and picnic at the beach with my husband.
Thanks so much, Suzanne! “Organized chaos” is something I can absolutely relate to. Crafting in a small apartment is often rough, but I’m glad you make it work!
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. I’d love to have you! Just send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) if you’d like to learn more.
Yes! Another fun designer has decided to share her typical day with us. I absolutely adore this lovely gal and have been a long-time fan of her blog. She and her hubby are too adorable and I’m so glad she’s our next featured crafter. Enjoy!
First of all, can you tell us what you create?
Currently, I have a shop on etsy featuring my handmade headbands. I love creating, so I’m hoping to expand the offer beyond headbands at some point soon.
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
I wake up very early each morning (mainly because my husband leaves for the office often before the sun is up.) I used to hate this, but I’ve found this time I have to myself in the early morning my favorite part of the day. A cup of tea, some reading, catching up on emails and blogging before I actually start my day is always nice.
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I love to people watch, which is especially wonderful to do living in the heart of NYC. I think a lot of my inspiration for anything I do comes from the people I encounter on a crowded subway, a busy street, or a noisy cafe. Often, I feel like it is NYC’s gift to me, the thousands and thousands of people whose paths I cross each week. I create stories in my head as I observe them. I have faces stuck inside my head from years ago that I use as inspiration for absolutely everything.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
My husband and I are living in a small studio apartment here in NYC. So, unfortunately, it’s teeny… but we absolutely love it. It’s made us get creative in finding ways of storing things and making the space livable (and workable for my shop.) With a few dishes out of place or an unmade bed, it can begin to feel cluttered or dirty. But when I think about it, I never seem to mind all the pieces of ribbon, elastic, beading and pins strewed across the apartment for the sake of my shop. I actually love that aspect of creating.
How many hours does your normal work day consist of?
I create around the clock. I don’t have specific hours, especially since Taza & The Prince has been open for less than a month and is something I’m working on in my spare time. I’ll make a few headbands before bed or in the early morning, depending on my schedule for the day. In addition to making my headbands, I recently graduated from Juilliard in dance and am currently styling for a number of projects.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
Not really. I like crossing things off a to do list and feeling like I accomplished something for the day, so I usually check something off in my head before I get ready for bed. And I can never sleep unless I’ve said my prayers and “I love you” to my husband.
What is your definition of a perfect day?
Spending the day with my husband. It doesn’t matter if we’re doing something extravagant or just cuddling on the sofa all day, I am so happy and content when we’re together.
Thanks so much, Naomi! Hope you had a ball with our interview. Can’t wait to see what new things you’ll be blogging about and adding to your shop!
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) if you’d like to learn more.
ps – the fabulous photo of Naomi holding the clocks was taken by Nicole Hill Gerulat. I love her work!
Finally! I am finally able to concentrate more on other features that have been put on the back burner for some time now. First up, is the wonderful Jennifer Ramos. She’s definitely one of my favorite gals out there and she was kind enough to be Mixed Plate’s first participant for this feature. It’s called “A Crafter’s Life: my day in photos”. I was just a little curious about the goings-on behind different designers, small business persons, artists, bloggers, etc. I know what my day is typically like, but what about theirs? Call me nosey, but it’s nice to have a little insight as to what happens behind the scenes of creative folks. I hope that you’ll enjoy this new feature!
How do you begin your day? Any morning rituals?
I start off by drinking red tea every morning, then walk my dogs. I do some minor exercises at home, then go to the post office to mail all MadeByGirl orders. When I get back home, I start off by answering emails, updating my blog & reading the newest comments. My ritual would be my drinking tea and eating my Kashi cereal everyday!
Do you do something crafty each day? Where does your inspiration come from?
I love to Paint! Although I don’t have time to do it everyday, it’s something I genuinely enjoy. To me, painting releases stress and makes me feel relaxed. I get asked this questions quite often “where does my inspiration come from� My inspiration often comes from many places, magazines, books and even my own daily life.
What’s your workspace like (organized)?
Yes, very…if my desk area gets a little messy, it usually won’t last more than a couple hours that way. Being organized helps me think straight!
How many hours does your normal workday consist of?
I can start work at whatever time I like, because I work from home. (Lucky me) However, I usually tend to work 8-10 hours or more a day, depending on how much work I have….obviously.
How do you end your day of crafty business? Any evening rituals?
With a nice dinner then a cup of “get gorgeous†tea! It’s a red tea I’m sooooo addicted to!
Thanks, Jennifer! I do hope that you had fun being our first of this feature. I also hope that you all enjoyed the addition of A Crafter’s Life to Mixed Plate.
If you’re interested in being featured, just let me know. You can send me an email (liana@mixedplateblog.com) if you’d like to learn more.
Aloha! I'm Liana. This is my site. I'm a Hawaii girl living in San Francisco. I am all about supporting handmade, independent and small business artists and designers. I really hope you like it here. Come, stay awhile... (...more)
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