Time out! Take a moment to learn more about our sponsor, Asian iCandy Store…

Meet JQ of Asian iCandy Store:

Name: JQ

Business Name: Asian iCandy Store

Where are you located?
Maryland

What is it that you design and create?
I work with independent designers to sell their Asian-inspired products in my online boutique, and also write design blog and newspaper columns in Chinese. So except creating graphic and web design pieces, I don’t have time producing any other design currently. But I hope to have a line of Asian iCandy original in the next few years created by myself.

How did you come up with your business name?
I named my favorite packaging design project in school as “icandy”. It’s a cute cosmetics line.

How did this all begin?
I helped Rip Studio selling Asian-inspired clothing and thought it would be nice to have a store providing all kinds of well designed Asian flavor products and focusing on promoting independent designers. So I decided to open an online boutique.

Who or what inspires you?
My Asian culture background and many talented designers I am working with.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
I love the sushi pillow made by Cindy and Mel.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Ugly Betty and waiting for the movie of Sex and City coming out.

What was the last movie you watched?
Becoming Jane

What’s your favorite food?
Sushi and Thai

What’s your favorite candy?
Shanghai White Rabbit Creamy Candies (my all time favorite since childhood)

Coffee or Tea?
Green Tea

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Trader Joe’s and the World Market(Costplus). I love the variety of international goods they offer.

Any pets?
No, but I would love to have fishes like nemo.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I always want to visit France! During the last Christmas time, I lost my wedding band and one of my French customers found it in her package! So my wedding band had this French adventure before I do!

Favorite Holiday?
Easter

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I thought I would open a tea room. I worked in a coffee shop: The Prolific Oven in Palo Alto when I was in school. It’s a cute little shop serving coffee and delicious desserts. Since then, I dream to open a place like that but serving tea. ☺

Favorite piece of clothing?
Several pieces from Rip Studio. The design is so unique and original.

Do you speak any other languages?
Chinese and a bit Japanese in my past life

We’re already in 2008! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Discover more Asian culture lovers and designers!

Thank you so much, JQ! Can’t wait to see what you discover next.

Hedgehog Denim Backpack by Rip Studio: $60.00; Under the Tree Print by a.t.Whim: $15.00:

Mood Bottle Openers by Poketo: starting at $14.00; Color Patterned Black Pocket Dress by Rip Studio: $48.00:

Chinese Red Lotus Scrunch Boots by Han Wu: $48.00; Peacock Feather Earrings by Peacock: $40.00:

Meet a wonderfully colorful sponsor of ours…

Meet Betsi Goutal of Zlanarama:

Name: Betsi Goutal

Business Name: Zlanarama

Where are you located?
Waltham, MA - a suburb of Boston

What is it that you design and create?
My tagline sums it up pretty well, actually – “Colorful treasures for your inner child… and your inner rockstar.” To elaborate on that, I make jewelry that’s fun to wear, that makes you happy, that makes you feel like a rockstar or like a kid again. Or in the case of some of my more Jem & the Holograms inspired stuff, like a kid pretending to be a rockstar!

What is your favorite part of the design process?
I’m torn between the sourcing of supplies and the ‘aha!’ moment. The ‘aha!’ moment is the sudden flash of inspiration where the elements I’ve been noodling around with come together and it all just clicks. But oftentimes the ‘aha!’ moment comes when I’m scouting out new supplies, so in a way it’s that part that’s my favorite. Poking around a warehouse full of vintage beads, exploring a forest of fabric bolts in NY’s garment district, or practicing my well-honed web searching skills and then suddenly I spot something and know EXACTLY the right thing to do with it. That’s the best part; the joy of finding treasure and the joy of creating with it all in the same glorious moment.

How did you come up with your business name?
Back in the mid-nineties I was the weird kid in my high school because I spent my afternoons talking with my friends on this strange thing called “the internet.” I went by the name Zlana and over time it came to mean more to me than just a handle. It embodied my love of color, my passion for creating, and my love of life. Zlana became more a name for my muse than a name for me. When I needed a name to sell jewelry under I decided to add the “-rama” as a way to define zlanarama as what happens when I’m moved by my muse.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by so many things. It’s hard to pin it down to any one thing of course, but there are certain trends in what sort of things inspire me. Certain eras appeal to me such as the frills of the Victorians, the mod patterns of the 1960s, and the neons of the 1980s. I also draw inspiration from the fashion of certain niche subcultures; I love the heavily-accessorized, brightly-colored, playfully-childlike looks of kandi kids and decora-chan. And where would I be without my childhood influence of heroes like Lady Lovely Locks and Jem & the Holograms?

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Be brave, be strong, be persistent. It is incredibly tough and incredibly overwhelming to start a business, especially one in which you’re selling something you put your passion into. “There should be a single Art Exchange in the world, to which the artist would simply send his works and in return be given as much as he needs. As it is, one has to be half a merchant on top of everything else, and how badly one goes about it.” Beethoven said this! And it still rings true today. You have to believe in yourself and not take things too personally. Be bold. Have the confidence to try, and keep trying.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
It’s a bit different from my own style, but I love the necklace I bought from Jennifer Blasko of Jlynn Designs at the South End Open Market last summer. I really admire people who can do things I can’t do, and her freeform wire wrapping is some of the best I’ve ever seen.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Pushing Daisies! I love the twisted and wacky sense of humor, the eccentric characters, and the strange love triangle. And where each episode involves solving a mystery it’s a little like Edward Gorey and Tim Burton joining forces to remake Scooby Doo.

What was the last movie you watched?
Happy Accidents – a great indie flick that goes for a rare genre combo: sci-fi chick flick. It’s a few years old, but you can find it on DVD on Amazon – you can find ANYTHING on Amazon!

What’s your favorite food?
The crispy sesame chicken at Shanghai Tokyo in Natick, MA. Seriously, this stuff is insanely good. I moved from Natick to Waltham over a year ago and I still make a point of eating there every chance I get.

What’s your favorite candy?
Nerds, and not just because I am one – ha! They’re bright and colorful and oh-so-sugary with a bit of sour too – yummy!

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee! About a year ago I got turned on to McNulty’s in NYC, and I just adore it. I never thought I’d be such a coffee snob as to mail order my coffee, but their hazelnut is soooo good.

Any pets?
I have two cats; Moose and Piper. (Bet you thought I was going to say Squirrel!) Moose is a cranky old lady calico, named for the moose-stache patches of color on her upper lip. Piper is a tiny bundle of kitten energy, named for her tendency to follow people around or her squeaky little meow, depending on when you ask.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
This is so hokey, but honestly one of my very favorite places to visit is Disney World – especially Epcot. I guess it’s that whole “in touch with my inner child” thing but I love it. I never went as a kid, but my boyfriend and I have gone a couple times in the past few years and I just love it. The sense of wonder it instills in me, the amazing displays of light and color on some of the rides blow my mind. It’s A Small World is my happy place.

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
Following my own advice to be brave, strong, and persistent! I am determined to get my name out there and my jewelry in front of new people. I have a somewhat niche aesthetic and it can be tricky sometimes to reach the right market.
In terms of designs, I have big plans for my shiny new serger and hope to introduce sewn accessory items like armwarmers, headbands, and sash belts in the coming months. I have a great cuddly turquoise zebra print that I’m just itching to use!

Thanks so much, Betsi. Gosh, I totally remember Jem & the Holograms!

Lime Green Boombox Necklace: $20.00; Teddy Bear Earrings: $6.00:

Chain of Love Charm Bracelet: $12.00; Rainbow Strawberries Necklace: $16.00:

Black Star Earrings: $10.00; Punk Charm Bracelet: $20.00:

Enjoy 20% off your next order. Enter coupon code “MIXEDPLATE” at checkout. Offer good through May 31, 2008.

Let’s take a moment to learn a little about the designer behind one of our sponsors.

Meet Crescent Maille:

Business Name: Crescent Maille (cMaille for short)

Where are you located?
Northern California

What is it that you design and create?
I make chain maille jewelry, especially bracelets, in both traditional weaves and original designs. I specialize in working with very small rings to craft delicate and exquisite jewelry. I’m also creating a series of my own designs based on lace.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
It’s exciting when the circles swirling in my head coalesce and form a new design. But I like most the weaving itself, being immersed in the pattern and repetition. It’s a form of meditation.

How did you come up with your business name?
I came up with my internet name first: cMaille. It’s short and memorable, and evokes chain maille. As for choosing the right word for the “c,” my favorite weave at the time was the Half Persian 4-in-1, which looks like a line of crescent moons. So the “Crescent” just sort of fell into place.

Where/How did this all begin?
I never thought I’d be interested in making jewelry, but after years of drawing and painting, I wanted a “tidy” artistic outlet. I’d been pretty fixated on drawing and painting circles. Last summer I saw a couple examples of chain maille and was intrigued: circles! I bought a beginning-weave kit and once I started on my first bracelet there was no going back. I find it a low-maintenance pastime of quiet solitude; something I can do while talking or watching television, or just sitting. It’s like being a chronic knitter, only with metal.

Who or what inspires you?
My Significant Other is My Muse.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
- You must love your craft — everything else follows; do something you love, and something that you would do anyway, regardless of sales.
- Communicate well with your customers, since as a seller your job is to make them happy.
- Keep meticulous records from the start, so tax-time is easy.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
I’ve found a wonderful shop on Etsy called TeaNoir (http://TeaNoir.etsy.com) that makes truly inspired blends from all-natural botanicals. They created a custom green tea for me based on my favorite ingredients, and I’m hooked.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Elliot Smith, Gorillaz, Fiona Apple, Franz Ferdinand, The White Stripes, Firewater, Cake, Malajube, Radiohead, Wilco.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
The Simpsons, The McLaughlin Group, and The Dog Whisperer.

What was the last movie you watched?
Gone Baby Gone

Coffee or Tea?
A lot of both.

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
A grocery store in Tokyo.

Any pets?
Two fish. Red fish, blue fish.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
Paris is my favorite city so far.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
I wouldn’t want to be a superhero, but I’d like to be able to fly.

Favorite Holiday?
Halloween.

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I’ve studied French, Spanish, German, Russian and Arabic. I’ve forgotten almost everything but some French. I am trying to teach myself Spanish now.

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
In 2008 I would like to see my sales increase.  As I have more customers (and repeat customers) that are happy with their purchases, I hope both that they will return, and that all of the positive feedback I am getting will encourage others to give my shop a try.  I’d like to start selling a larger number of my more complex pieces, like bracelets and woven necklaces, because these are where the real joy comes in for me as a craftsperson.  I make every piece to order, and all bracelets are custom made to the length the buyer specifies.  Therefore, each sale means another chance to make something.  Sales help keep me in supplies, and supplies keep me weaving and designing.  I’d make chain maille no matter what; but selling definitely helps me create.

Thanks so much! Here is a little selection from the shop:

Graduated Byzantine Necklace: $280.00; Zen Lace Bracelet: $90.00:

Academy Lace Earrings: $43.00; Mobius Charm Necklace: $38.00:

European 4-in-1 Weave Bracelet Cuff: $165.00; Octopus Lace Earrings: $55.00:

Receive 10% off any purchase. Type “Mixed10” in the message to seller field and you’ll receive the 10% refund via PayPal after your purchase. Offer good through May 15, 2008.

Lindsay is definitely one of my favorite gals in the world. She is someone I speak of often because she helps make my online shops and sites look so great. She is also a sponsor that I really would love for you to get to know.

Meet Lindsay Landis of Pattern & Paw and Purr Design:

Name: Lindsay Landis

Business Name: Pattern & Paw and Purr Design

Where are you located?
Nashville, TN

What is it that you design and create?
Cat and dog collars, leashes, and accessories, plus matching key fobs for people too.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
Ribbon! Ok, so I have a little bit of an obsession. I love ribbons and I love seeing the beautiful patterns and designs become something else. I’m a graphic designer by trade - and so I also love creating things - like postcards and banners and fun graphics for the website.

How did you come up with your business name?
It actually recently changed. I had been known as Lindsay Designs for 3 years. We recently started a graphic/web design company (dubbed Purr Design - because we love cats!) as well, and I felt that having two Design/Designs business names was way too confusing. So as of January 1st, we changed the name to Pattern and Paw. I felt that it was an elegant name, catchy, and that described the product without directly saying ‘pet collars’. The patterns of the collars are one of the key things that makes them so unique, so being able to bring this into the name of the business was ideal!

Where/How did this all begin?
Short story - it all began almost 4 years ago with a ribbon belt and an ebay account. Needless to say, I grew out of that pretty quick! I started doing pet collars the following year, and have since abandoned the short-lived fad of the ribbon belts. I love making things for pets. I feel they are often ignored when it comes to fashionable duds, cats especially (if you’ve checked out the collar selection at your local pet-mega store, you’ll know what I mean!). My fiance, Taylor, recently joined on as a partner in the business, and now manages the shipping and billing departments (hehe). It’s such a great opportunity for us to spend time together, and work from home (our commute is the greatest!), we’re loving every minute of it.

Who or what inspires you?
Colors and patterns inspire me. Seeing combinations together than you wouldn’t normally expect. Kitty inspires me with her cuteness. Seeing other designers in action inspires me. I guess life in general! It’s all so inspiring.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Do what you love. Because if you start doing something just because it sells, but don’t truly enjoy it, it’s going to be much harder to develop a successful business.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Well, I have some truly lovely necklaces by you, my lady (onafriday.net)! I wear them more than anything else. I also have a fetish for handmade soap, and have received some lovely soaps in exchange for some label design work from valhallasoap.com.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Whatever Taylor gives me. He’s the music man, I just borrow it. I’ve got a few favorites right now, such as Josh Ritter, the Traveling Wilburys, the Felice Brothers, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals, and Jackie Greene.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Lost for one… is my all time favorite. I’m also a big fan of Grey’s Anatomy, the Colbert Report, and Good Eats on the Food Network.

What was the last movie you watched?
License to Wed - we had a netflix of it the other night. Silly, as Robin Williams usually is, but cute.

What’s your favorite food?
Cupcakes. No question there. I’m a big baker. It’s how I deal with stress. Whereas some people (like Taylor…) turn to obsessive behaviors like cleaning or just plain panic when they get stressed - my stress, on the other hand, turns into cookies and cupcakes and cinnamon rolls. Not a bad deal!

What’s your favorite candy?
I love all candy, though I’ve never been one to turn down a Reese’s!

Coffee or Tea?
Neither. I’ve never been a huge tea drinker, and too much caffeine gives me the shakes. I love it, but I can’t drink it.

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Anthropologie - though I’d stop being happy because I can’t afford to buy everything there! Or Whole Foods… makes me salivate… but again, so expensive it’s depressing!!

Any pets?
One kitty, Kalypso, who is spoiled rotten and knows it. I post lots of silly photos of her on the Pattern & Paw blog.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I love visiting my grandma in New York and Florida, and my parents out in California. I’ve always wanted to check out North Carolina - it seems like a great place. I hate flying, so while I’d love to visit Europe and the rest of the world, I’m scared sh*tless about spending that much time on a plane!

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
Super Cupcake Woman! My power would be to produce delicious cupcakes instantly. hehe. Or something.

Any celebrity crushes?
I’ve never been one for celebrity crushes.

Favorite Holiday?
Hanukah, maybe… I love my potato pancakes!

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
A comfy ballet flat or a flip flop. Cute and casual…. and short. hehe.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I’m pretty happy as I am! Though I do wish I was a few inches taller (just a few!).

Favorite piece of clothing?
My comfy jeans. I’ve got two pairs and wear them just about every day.

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I took Spanish in high school, but probably couldn’t speak a proper sentence now. Whoops!

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
Build the businesses. We’re hoping to start saving as much as we can to buy a cool urban loft downtown. Dreaming, yes, but if we do well enough with the businesses it might not be so far off!

Thank you so much for sharing, Lindsay. Even I learned a few new things about you! Ha, ha!

Big Dog Collars (Mod Dots Teal, Mango Micro Dots, Prep Hearts): $17.50 - $19.50; Cat Collars (Blueberry Argyle, Candy Mod, Jazz Dots): $11.00 - $13.00:
  

Dash in Turquoise Tropic Dots Dog Collar: $18.50; Kalypso in Fiesta Cat Collar: $12.00:

Toy Dog Collars (Safari Natural, Pacific Argyle, Strawberry Taffy): $11.00 - $13.00; Kalypso in Bias Cyan Cat Collar: $12.00:

Enjoy 15% off your next purchase with coupon code “MIXEDPLATE“.  Offer good through May 31, 2008. 

Time out - Learn a little more about the wonderful Kristen Berge…

Meet Kristen Berge of Coquito Designs:

Name: Kristen Berge

Business Name: Coquito Designs

Where are you located?
In Yonkers, New York!

What is it that you design and create?
I design and create handmade jewelry!

What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love it all actually, from the buying of the beads to the sketching the designs to the actual making and finishing. Admittedly I probably like the shopping for beads part the most…tho I really enjoy sketching too even if I do usually do it while I’m in class at night and I should be paying attention. For some reason that’s the time I feel most like sketching???

How did you come up with your business name?
When I was a little girl I LOVED frogs…this is something I still carry with me to this day! I don’t know what it is about them, they are just such cool little hoppers…so when I was looking for a business name a friend of the family suggested that I call the business Coquito, because she said that in Spanish it means “little frog”. My mother is Spanish from Spain…so it pays homage to her side of the family and part of my heritage.

Where/How did this all begin?
Well, it’s a long story…my mother and I started the business as a hobby way back in 1998. We went to a few bead shows and became hopelessly addicted to beads. Then came staying up till all hours of the night creating pieces together and laughing till we cried. Sadly, I lost my mother suddenly in 2003 at age 25. It was very hard for me to make anything for a long time, having lost such a huge part of my life. When I finally started making jewelry again, I found I had lost my direction, and it’s only been recently that I have started to find my identity as a designer again. Making jewelry has helped me grieve, and also it’s helped me to grow. I feel I am in a much better place with my work now, and I feel like it’s a tribute to my mom each time I finish a new design!

The Coquito Designs Story under bio & press on the site explains it all the long winded way.

Who or what inspires you?
All of nature for the most part inspires me. Colors and shapes and forms in our world…and also women inspire me. I love how multifaceted we are and how many hats we wear. We can be strong and sexy or vulnerable and weak, we are mothers, daughters and friends…and what we wear and how we wear it makes a statement about how we feel on a given day.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
I would have to say…budget, budget, budget! And remember as an art form this should be something you love, if you don’t LOVE doing it…then don’t!

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Hmm…I have so many…being an Etsy addict, I have pretty much purchased the gamut…everything from vegetarian twinkies (that are AMAZING) to handbags, beads, paintings, amigurumi, headbands…etc…my favorites were probably the two appliance covers that Saltygal on Etsy made custom for me (http:://www. Saltygal.etsy.com). She is amazing, and if you ask nice and she has time she can sometimes take on larger custom orders like those! I really wanted to cover my spice rack…cause lets face it, who likes cleaning all those little dusty bottles…and then I hated looking at my toaster so I had her make one for that too!!! They’re my favorite things in my kitchen!!

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Hmmm…I’m a bit all over the place on there! There’s some Feist, Lily Allen, Ella Fitzgerald, Fort Minor, Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, Jamie Cullen, Amy Winehouse, Corinne Bailey Rae, John Mayer, Joe Cuba Sextette, Plain White T’s, KT Tunstall….etc!!!

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Too many really, but my favorites are Medium, and probably Prison Break when it’s on. I am missing The Riches with Eddie Izzard right now…and also Big bang Theory that hasn’t been on due to the writer’s strike that I REALLY HOPE comes back…I love me some geeks!!!

What was the last movie you watched?
Knocked Up….it was pretty funny!

What’s your favorite food?
Sushi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alaska rolls, NY Rolls, Spicy Salmon…mmmm

What’s your favorite candy?
Rollos…don’t know why…can’t be around them…too dangerous!

Coffee or Tea?
Coffee almost every morning, Camomile tea with honey when I’m sick!

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Wow…Probably any one of the bead showrooms in NYC that I have visited…I could literally spend HOURS in them…other than that…probably any local craft or art supply store!

Any pets?
Of course! Two little kitty cuties…Oscar and Felix our cats!

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
The hubby and I would love to go lots of places but we are thinking about Italy and Ireland in our far off distant future…someday! Since we’re both part Italian and part Irish we thought maybe we should visit the places our ancestors come from! Also I am an Egyptian History geek…so of course I’d love to go there!

Any celebrity crushes?
Of course! I have loved Johnny Depp for awhile now…I think it’s because he’s so dark and brooding. I like Colin Farrell for a similar reason. >8)

Favorite Holiday?
CHRISTMAS! I get to buy/make stuff for other people and then spend hours wrapping up all pretty so they can tear it apart! But seriously, there is nothing that makes me happier than finding the perfect gift and then watching the person you love open it!

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
I would be a little flat athletic style maryjane like all those Roxy shoes etc…probably cause that’s all I wear!!!

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I secretly wish I could be an indie shop owner…I would love nothing more that to fill my shop with beautiful handmade lovelies and help support other handmade artists! My blog will have to do for now!

Favorite piece of clothing?
Hmmm…probably my pink chenille bathrobe. If I could go to work in it, I totally would!

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I speak some Spanish, mainly because my mother and grandmother used to use it in front of me so I wouldn’t understand…unfortunately for them I picked it up! I would love to learn an Asian language, they fascinate me, and I love listening to people speak.

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
This year, I plan to do more for others, get my collective act together and continue my boxing class at the gym…really…that’s just so I can order more vegetarian twinkies…seriously you have to look up Vegan Honey on Etsy…her twinkies are to DIE FOR!

Oh man…Vegan Twinkies!?! Hmmm, something to think about! Thanks so much, Kristen.

Faith Necklace: $88.00; Geena Earrings: $48.00:

Hera Earrings: $38.00; Paige Blue Necklace: $68.00:

Jael Necklace: $115.00; Irene Earrings: $48.00:

Receive 15% off your next order with coupon code “Mixed15“.

Time out! Take a break and learn a little more about one of our sponsors…

Meet Angel Hill of Apple Dainty:

Name: Angel Hill

Business Name: Apple Dainty

Where are you located?
Savannah, GA

What is it that you design and create?
Jewelry, stationary, accessories, comic books, and whatever else comes to mind!

What is your favorite part of the design process?
Drawing, I think. Getting the idea I want down on paper as accurately as possible.

How did you come up with your business name?
I love apples, and I weigh in at a mere 100 lbs, making me a fairly dainty person. So, Apple + Dainty. I suppose it’s a bit random, but I like it that way!

Where/How did this all begin?
Ahh, I started Apple Dainty after I moved to Savannah, GA to go to art school there. I took a class called Metals and Jewelry, and decided to open up my etsy shop and sell my jewelry. I’m a comic books (sequential art major) so much of what I make in jewelry also shows up in my artwork, and I’d like to think they will continually intermingle and inspire each other. I also sew, but not to the extent needed to bring my more complex clothing designs to life, haha. I’m planning on having friends help me create patterns from my clothes designs, though. So maybe that will come along at some point.

Who or what inspires you?
History, art nouveau, Victorian and Edwardian fashion, steampunk, nature, faeries, magic, yellowed books, shoes, Baroque and Rococo architecture and decor. I love old things made new, and fantasy made real.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Give your work time to grow and catch on!

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Cool clothes!

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Billy Joel, Josh Turner, Jonathan Coulton, Eric Clapton, Third Eye Blind, Sister Hazel…ahh, a whole mix of things.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
House MD! Avatar, the Last Airbender…and maybe Project Runway.

What was the last movie you watched?
300.

What’s your favorite food?
Kalbi ribs

What’s your favorite candy?
Kit-kat bars.

Coffee or Tea?
Neither! Coca cola or coffee milk.

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Sanrio Surprise!

Any pets?
I have a chocolate color-point Siamese cat named Isabelle. She’s a Princess.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
Mmm.. Hawaii. Specifically, Sunset Beach on a mildly cloudy day when the sun’s about to go down. The most beautiful place in the whooooole world!

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
This would be a good question if I already wasn’t a superhero! My powers are mostly defensive, and involve the use of large brown eyes, and offering tasty treats to lull people into a sense of security and warmth. Oh, wait..does that make me a villain?

Favorite Holiday?
Valentine’s Day. It’s a red, pink, and lacey holiday, what’s not to love? Really, any holiday is just another excuse to be happy. So I think all of them are great, Valentine’s day just has a lot of my favorite colors, haha.

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
I would be a red vinyl peep-toe flat with a cute bow on top. Painfully cute, loud, and shiney.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
Haha, I wish I could be a better seamstress and more dedicated costumer.

Favorite piece of clothing?
Shooooes. I love my shoes. It’s terribly stereotypical, but totally true. I also love jackets.

Do you speak any other languages?
Somewhat! I speak fair French when I’ve a mind to. I haven’t been practicing, though.

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
My plans are to finish the novel version of my comic project, then start character and environment designs for said work. I also want to make some cool steampunk jewelry for my shop, work on the oracle card deck I finally started drawing, and maybe finish a few short comics, all while starting my senior year of college. Ambitious, no?!

Thanks so much, Angel. Ah, you’ve got me missing Hawaii already!

Love Grows Necklace: $20.00; Z is for Zephyr Original Artwork: $20.00:

Spread the Love I - Heart With My Hands: $10.00; Kitty Cut-Out Necklace: $33.00:

Bunny with a Four Leaf Clover Pendant: $45.00; Original Artwork - Faerie Dwelling: $25.00:

Let’s get to know another great crafter…

Meet Lorena Paola of Lolo’s:

Name: Lorena Paola

Business Name: Lolo’s

Where are you located?
Gainesville, Fl

What is it that you design and create?
I try to design and create beautiful and weird things all the time. I design bags and purses, costumes and masks for theatre and Halloween,( I write and choreograph my own plays ), jewelry ( specially beadwork ), home décor (I graduated as an Interior Designer in my native Chile) like pillows, table runners, place mats, bean bags, stained glass etc , etc. So you can see why people call me multi-faceted (is that a disease? lol!)

And then there is Sculpture, which is also a passion of mine although my sculpture in fact is a convergence of all my interests since it incorporates story-telling, theatrical assemblages and sort of set and character design.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
The beginning, the middle and the end part. I like to enjoy every moment during the process including the hard part when you find there is a problem and you have figure out how to fix it.

How did you come up with your business name?
I just thought in my nickname that I got since I was a baby (Lolo without the s. I hated to put the ‘s’ because somebody else already used it, I could not believe it! ).

Where/How did this all begin?
As far as I can remember I’ve been dancing, choreographing and creating things and involved in school performances. Then in Germany about 12 years ago I met my husband and we started doing theater, films, puppetry and all came back to me like an avalanche. We moved to the States and started teaching (and studying) theater and I concentrated more on costumes, masks and sculpture and began writing my own plays. Along all of this I fell in love with beading, which I’ve been doing for 5 years now and now we have a small studio that we really want to take off!

Who or what inspires you?
Nature, nightmares, my lovely husband and daughter who are incredibly patient with my craziness, good and bad moments (which I chose to turn into art instead of depression☺), music, magazines, books, stories I hear, etc, etc. Everything that it is and I have around me.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
To have a lot of passion. To give, all the time, the best that we have to improve this world right now for the next generation. In other words, be a conscious artist, aware of the importance and impact of what and how you design. Question yourself if the materials and the sources you utilize do in fact, create a net-worth value from an ethical/environmental point of view. Needless to say, this is a tall proposition in this materialistic world, but we can take little steps and together we can definitely make a difference and change things, wheeew!

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Well, my favorite is going to my country’s little towns, getting to know the artisans and buy things that give me a warm feeling, where you can really see the touch of their hands, almost like a direct connection to a completely different world. Since I also go to craft fairs to exhibit I like to buy from my fellow starving artists ahaha! I have yet to buy indie online, I am getting familiar with some great artists though.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
I have a great variety of music. Some of them in Spanish, English, Italian, German etc. From classic oldies (Platters, Los Panchos, Olga Guillot, Elvis etc) to modern rock, techno and specially latin rock.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on? I don’t watch a lot of television because I am busy all the time, but when I have some free time I try to watch funny series that make me laugh and also I really like to watch the British series on PBS.

What was the last movie you watched?
Elizabeth, The Golden Age. The fabric and the costumes that they made for the film were beautiful.

What’s your favorite food?
Something from my country (Porotos Granados). It is a delicious food that you won’t forget it if you try it.

What’s your favorite candy?
Gomitas (that would be something like gummys)

Coffee or Tea?
Earl Grey Tea

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Fabrics stores, Flea Markets, Antiques stores, Bead Stores, Craft Stores.

Any pets?
Two wonderful cats, Coqui (a giant cat) and Duquesa, a wild one)

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
Europe, specially Italy. It is a marvelous place to visit or to live.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
The Super Lolo girl and the powers are to give the people more imagination to create a better world.

Any celebrity crushes?
A lot, not only from the present time, also from the past. But I had to decide on one, and that was my husband, who is also a celebrity! ☺

Favorite Holiday?
Christmas Time.

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
An Italian shoe, they are really soft, elegant, comfortable and the leather is just fantastic!.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
To improve my techniques to make more beautiful and weird things. To win an Oscar for acting! OK, I would settle for Cannes.

Favorite piece of clothing?
Shoes

Do you speak any other languages?
If not, would you like to learn one? I speak four languages: Spanish, English, German, Italian.

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
To learn more about how to work with different kinds of materials. To have enough time to keep doing what I really love and trust. And also enjoying living in this complicated world with the people that I really love.

Thank you so much, Lorena. You have provided Mixed Plate’s readers with yet another wonderfully informative look at a truly creative mind!

Autumn Falling Leaves Necklace: $80.00; Green, Gold and Brown Brocade Floppy Bag: $25.00:

Burgundy Corduroy Baggy Bag: $20.00; Red and Mahjong Bone Bracelet: $25.00:

Mother of Pearl Beads Necklace: $39.00; Beige with Light Blue Flowers Hobo Bag: $38.00:

Interview Time!!!

Meet Brooke Fuller of The Pear Project:

Name: Brooke Fuller

Business Name: The Pear Project

Where are you located?
Coastal North Carolina

What is it that you design and create?
I am a photographer by trade, also trained in printmaking. I design resin necklaces from my photographs, sell prints, work with tin & enamel, create felted wall art…I’m always looking to expand my skills and create new items. In my shop I sell works from a variety of artists. I would describe the design of the items we sell as simple & modern.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
My favorite part of the design process is research. I love searching for obscure supplies, and reading up on new techniques. I got my first degree in History so I am a researcher at heart.

How did you come up with your business name?
I wanted a business name that would signify my career journey. I chose the word pear because my maiden name is Parrish and made it a project to symbolize the ongoing, changing nature of my business and career.

Where/How did this all begin?
The Pear Project is a new online shop dedicated to finding unique artisan goods for everyday life. It is a project that founder I have had in the works for several years now. Artisan goods for everyday life is about buying, and enjoying simple handmade items. A purse can come from a department store, or you can buy something unique that was made in a small quantity. Not only do you have a gorgeous bag, but you are also supporting an independent artist or crafts person who is making a career out of what they love.

Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by artists of all kinds. I love going into unique shops in little towns to see what people are creating and selling. Once I create an item I love to sell it or give it as a gift.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
I have been selling my art since I was 16 and started writing zines. Research is the most important way to success. My first serious venture was a zine distro. I learned from that experience that it takes awhile to build up a reputation, and if you are patient and consistent then success will come.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
I love buying letterpress greeting cards from a variety of artists. I love the feel of the paper, and simple designs. It’s one art that I have not had a chance to master, but am fascinated by.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
I am still in love with my lime green iPod mini from a few years back. Right now I’m loving a Damien Rice cd that a friend recommended. There are some great sad songs in there that are perfect for winter.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
I’m not much of a TV watcher, but I love to rent quirky documentaries from Netflix. My favorite is The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

What was the last movie you watched?
The last movie I watched was The March of the Penguins with my Grandfather over Thanksgiving. He came and stayed with me for a week in my new house. It reminded me of all the movies we used to watch together on Saturday mornings when I was a child.

What’s your favorite food?
I am in love with berries of all kinds. I think I could live off of Kashi cereal and blueberries for the rest of my life! My favorite things to eat out are sushi and there is this great veggie pita at Pita Delite that I’m addicted to as well.

What’s your favorite candy?
I love fresh chocolate from little candy shops you find in cute downtown’s.

Coffee or Tea?
Neither. I do like Diet Coke for a caffeine fix though.

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
There is a store in downtown Wilmington, NC called Edge of Urge that is jam packed with unique items. I could spend a whole day in there and still find new items tucked away in there.

Any pets?
I have 2 cats that are best friends along with a tank of African Chiclids (fish) & a Koi Pond in my backyard that started out with 2 koi that came with the house when we bought it and then they had a dozen babies! Nature is a pretty amazing thing. I have also been known to feed a stray cat from time to time.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
My favorite place in the world is Bangkok, Thailand. I went there for my honeymoon in October and had an amazing time. There are so many markets to explore, and everything is specialized and handmade. There’s no place for one stop shopping like that. It was fun to taste new fruits and vegetables that I didn’t even know existed, and meet people traveling from all over the world.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
This is a hard question! I don’t know that I’d want to be a superhero. I’d rather be behind the scenes doing PR

Any celebrity crushes?
I don’t have any celebrity crushes at the moment, but I will admit to a slight Brad Pitt obsession as a teenager.

Favorite Holiday?
I love Valentine’s Day. I know this may be a controversial choice, but hear me out. I love it because it’s quiet and you can have private moments with people you love. Big holiday’s like Christmas are great, but there are so many things to do and people to see that they just whizz by. A good romantic dinner out and conversation over a bottle of wine is definitely one of my favorite things.

If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
I’m clumsy so I know I wouldn’t be a high heel! If I were a shoe I would be pink for sure, and custom made to fit my owner perfectly. I would be made of soft leather, and be simple but sexy.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
Secretly I wish I was a glassblower. But realistically I know that I don’t like to get sweaty!

Favorite piece of clothing?
My current favorite pieces of clothing are my pink sneakers that I wore under my wedding dress.

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I know a little French & I’d love to learn more.

We’re now in 2008. Any plans for the year?
I’m busy working on my sketch book with ideas for the year. A big project in the works are some glass pendants with some of my new photographs that I took in Bangkok, and more enameled works. The kiln makes the studio warm and toasty for winter!

Thank you so much, Brooke. I’m sure you’ve now got a lot of us thinking about visiting Bangkok!

Silk Screened Mod Bubbles Tee by Kimm: $22.00; Chandelier Vinyl Wall Art by Holly at Vinyl Wall Art: $28.00:

Recycle Print by Brooke Fuller: $18.00; Sakura on Sage Clutch by Oktak: $36.00:

Freedom Wreath Notebook by Nadine Hernandez: $8.00; Jenny Bracelet by Brooke Fuller: $18.00:

Check out some info on our beautiful sponsor…

Meet Amanda Conley of Bijougirl Designs:

Name: Amanda Conley

Business Name: Bijougirl Designs

Where are you located?
Nashville, TN

What is it that you design and create?
Handmade silver and gold jewelry using metalworking techniques.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
I could say the idea part or the labor part but if I’m supposed to be honest, I’ll have to say completion of a great piece of jewelry!

How did you come up with your business name?
“Bijou” means “An intricately designed piece of delicate workmanship” which I think describes my style of jewelry pretty well.

Where/How did this all begin?
I began making jewelry as a side thing while I was in college for fine art. I started a family shortly after that and jewelry making just seemed to fit in with my lifestyle, not to mention I fell in love with it.

Who or what inspires you?
God, my artist husband, my three kids and nature are some of the places where I find inspiration.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Don’t pay too much attention to what other artists are doing that you’re not. Just do what you do, and do it your best.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
My husband and I have made a lot of art trades and it is really hard to pick a favorite because I love them all, but I will plug a couple who have websites: artwork from www.davidarms.com and lighting from www.arcborn.com.

What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Brooke Waggonner, Radiohead, Kate Nash, Patti Griffin, David Bowie.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
If it weren’t for the writer’s strike, I’d be watching The Office. I have been keeping up with Project Runway and am anxiously awaiting Lost on the 31st.

What was the last movie you watched?
The Waitress

What’s your favorite food?
Mmmm…sushi.

What’s your favorite candy?
York peppermint patties

Coffee or Tea?
Both, but if I had to choose one I’d pick coffee.

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Home Depot

Any pets?
We have just gone down from 11 dogs to 5, because our sweet American Bulldogs had puppies. We’ve sold all but three so far. We have a couple of fish tanks with fish, oh, and there is a gecko running loose somewhere in the house.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
My husband and I attend an arts conference in Ukraine where I learned a lot from a master silversmith in Kiev. That was definitely one of my favorite trips. I also enjoy visiting my friend in Vail for some skiing.

If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpower?
I always liked Wonderwoman and wished that I would look like Linda Carter when I grew up.

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
When I was a kid I secretly wished that I was a trapeze artist and then I would go to school and bust out some super cool moves on the playground. Now, I think I am happy just being a wife, mom and jewelry designer.

Favorite piece of clothing?
My Lucky Brand jeans

Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
Ummm…does Pig Latin count? Or Baby Talk?

It’s 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the year?
Not only do I want to grow Bijougirl Designs and make some really cool pieces this year, but I am also planning on starting a maternity inspired jewelry line called “Baby Belly by Bijougirl Designs” that will sell in maternity clothing stores.

Thanks, Amanda! We can’t wait to see the maternity inspired line so you’ll have to keep us updated. Here are some current items from her shop (check out the sale items)…

Hummingbird Necklace: $72.00; Suspended Turquoise Earrings: $39.00:

Little Leaf Ring: $50.00; Flying Bird Necklace: $60.00:

Flower Circles Earrings: $70.00; Moukite Jasper Ring: $28.00:

Here’s a chance to find out more about one of our sponsors.

Meet Michelle Harvey of Michabella Creations:

Name: Michelle Harvey

Business Name: Michabella Creations

Where are you located?
Lebanon, Pennsylvania

What is it you design and create?
Jewelry that is both fun and elegant. I use genuine Swarovski crystals, semi-precious gemstones, silver, brass, and glass in my designs. I try to keep the quality high and the prices affordable.

What is your favorite part of the design process?
Finding a new pendant or beads and then seeing a creation come about. Having someone let you know they just love the piece is truly the best part!

How did you come up with your business name?
I combined my name with Bella, which means beautiful. I wanted something unique!

Where/how did this all begin?
I have always been a creative person, but after having my daughter and being a stay-at-home mom, I kind of lost myself. After about a year of focusing solely on her, I started considering making jewelry. I started small and inexpensively until I learned how to make it and and to see if anyone would actually be interested in my pieces. After selling most of my inventory and making custom pieces, I had some pocket money for myself! I then became acquainted with my future business partner, who had been making cancer bracelets for charity. She introduced me to new techniques and after a few craft shows, we decided we wanted to make this a business and introduce ourselves to the web. We launched our first site last March and just recently re-designed it in November.

Who or what inspires you?
My mom, grandmother, and daughter. Also the season and nature.

What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Prepare yourself to work hard! I didn’t realize that most of my time would be spent marketing my site, and not as much making jewelry! Know what your vision is and don’t give up on it!

What’s on your iPod/music player