Archive for the ‘Get to Know Interviews’ Category
January 26, 2010
Hooray! It’s time to get to know another fun sponsor. Enjoy!
Meet Rym Jarbouai of bagatelles&co:
Name: Rym Jarbouai
Business Name: bagatelles&co
Where are you located?
London, UK
What is it that you design and create?
Colourful accessories made from brocade silk and Liberty fabrics.
Where/How did this all begin?
I have always been making things, and after sudying Textile and Fashion design in Paris, I moved to London to work as a freelance designer/tailor. bagatelles&co started last summer when I was desperately looking for a nice evening bag for a wedding I was attending. I couldn’t find anything beautiful yet affordable so I ended up making my own…! I haven’t stopped making bags since then!
Who or what inspires you?
Lots of different things! Randomly: fashion and movies from the 20’s, photography, packaging design, blooms and flowers, walking around in the city, people in the street, cute cakes…
What is your favorite part of the design process?
Looking for new fabrics, whether on internet or directly in shops or thrift stores… Designing new styles, inventing a new story… And of course, the best is when I get returning customers who tell me how happy they are with their special item. :)
Crafty folks know that accumulating new tools and supplies is something that comes along with the territory. What are your favorite tools and supplies?
Pins, scissors, tape measure, chalk, a mannequin and very important, a good iron… The simple gear of a Tailor:)
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
I’m still quite new in the game but here what I’ve learnt so far: don’t be afraid to try new things and to get out from your comfort zone. Be perseverant and believe in yourself. Things do not happen overnight, so be preapared to work very hard.
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
An adorable little flower brooch made from felt by my little sister. I’m still wearing it!
What’s on your iPod/music player right now? What’s on your “Crafting Music Playlist”?
Nouvelle Vague: it’s a cool band covering punk and new wave classics in a bossa nova mood.
What’s your favorite food?
I can’t say no to good fresh bread with a piece of dark chocolate.
Coffee or Tea?
Tea!
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Liberty, Anthropologie, Etro and Hermes, ah and also the Victoria&Albert Museum shop in London.
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
Venice during Carnival: simply amazing ( a bit too cold though!)
What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
Occasionaly, I do some freelance design and pattern cutting work.
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
French is my mother tongue and I’m curently learning Italian (as my boyfriend is Italian).
It’s a brand new year! What are your plans and/or goals (business/personal) for 2010?
Keep doing what I love and grow bagatelles&co.
Thanks so much, Rym! Can’t wait to see what new things will pop up at bagatelles&co! Oh, and Nouvelle Vague is on my iPod, too! Here are a few items you can find at her shop…
Bold Peacock Gigi Small Purse: $42.00; Multicolored Floral – Liberty Print Medium Clutch with Chain: $95.00
Azulejos Lili Medium Clutch: $72.00; Little Flowers Small Gigi Purse: $27.00
Marigold Ambrosia – Silk Tie & Leather Large Clutch with Chain; Amber Floral – Jacquard Medium Lili Clutch: $82.00
Mixed Plate readers get free shipping through the end of January! Simply enter “Mixed Plate” in the comments box at checkout.
want to advertise on Mixed Plate? Of course you do! Shoot me an email at liana@mixedplateblog.com to get started.
December 18, 2009
It’s time to learn a little more about one of our fabulous sponsors. Enjoy!
Meet Vanessa Hansford of Duk Design:
Name: Vanessa Hansford
Business Name: Duk (as in duck, not duke) design :)
Where are you located?
Los Angeles, California (more specifically, Silverlake)
What is it that you design and create?
I design everything from logos and business identities to website and motion pieces. I love working with creative people and figuring out design solutions to ideas that don’t even exist yet.
How did you come up with your business name?
Ducks have always been my favorite animal and I love the simplicity of their combined white and orange colors. It was also my first word so I have been secretly drawn to it ever since I was born!
Where/How did this all begin?
My mom was a graphic designer and I remember trying to design as early as 1st grade. By the time I reached high school I absolutely knew I was going to be a designer as well.
Who or what inspires you?
My mom definitely inspired me to look at things differently and gave me the visual eye. I am inspired by everything I see and love finding the beauty in the simple things in life.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love meeting and working with new people but my favorite part is the excitement between sending the client the final work and receiving their feedback (which is hopefully positive). I absolutely love when I can create something that someone else is proud to have as their own.
Crafty folks know that accumulating new tools and supplies is something that comes along with the territory. What are your favorite tools and supplies?
Although I wish I could say my favorite supplies were my silkscreens and draft boards but honestly, it’s got to be my wonderful Mac computer that I just couldn’t live without. :)
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
School was a huge part of my decision to start my own design studio so I would advise anyone thinking of becoming a designer to attend art school and receive your degree in design because you will learn more than you thought possible. After school it’s just believing in yourself and your work…and patience!
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Hm, there’s too many to name a favorite! But if I had to choose, it would be my framed circus drawing that I found at a thrift store for $5 dollars. Only after I purchased it did I realize that on the back of the drawing is signed “Toulouse Lautrec” aka my favorite artist/designer of all time! I can’t say for certain if it is authentic but somehow that framed sketch drew me in and I have loved it to pieces ever since.
What’s on your iPod/music player right now? What’s on your “Crafting Music Playlist”?
Lately I have been switching up music like I switch outfits but at the current moment I am listening to my Argentinian boyfriend’s Spanish music blast in the other room. I have to say that it’s a great way to start my day.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
I’m not a huge t.v. fan but I will admit that I haven’t missed an episode of Top Chef this season. Other than that, I stick to Sex and the City re-runs and the really old and outdated AFV (America’s Funniest Home Videos, of course).
What was the last movie you watched?
A Bug’s Life, not for the first time, but I just love that movie!
What’s your favorite food?
French Baguette, hands down.
What’s your favorite candy?
Anything chocolate…does ice-cream count?
Coffee or Tea?
Tea! I gave up coffee 2 years ago just for the heck of it and have become a tea snob ever since.
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Any thrift or antique store I could spend all day in.
Any pets?
I just got my first puppy two months ago! A french bulldog pup named Frankie. He’s white with black spots and he is sleeping on my lap at this very moment.
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I spent the past summer in Paris and dream of going back for every meal.
Do you have a day job in addition to your crafty business? What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I am very lucky and fortunate to be able to to design as my full time job. I love every second of it and can’t imagine doing anything else.
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I speak French conversationally but I would love to be fluent one day! It’s the most beautiful language in the world.
What are your plans (business/personal) for the remainder of 2009?
For the remainder of 2009 I would love to grow my business and work with new clients. I am planning on going with the flow and seeing where life takes me.
Thanks so much, Vanessa! Contact Duk Design for any of your business design needs. Take a look at some of the amazing work {logo, web, packaging, menu designs, etc.} she’s done for her clients…
July 22, 2009
As I write this final Renegade SF Recap about the loot I scored, I’m still smiling. I’m smiling because I met Emily Martin. As in Emily Martin of The Black Apple. If you haven’t picked up on how much I love this girl already from all the past features, you’ll surely get an idea from this post.
Leading up to the fair, I knew that she’d be participating. Months ago when I noticed on her blog that she’d be here in San Francisco I knew. Knew that I had to make sure that I’d be off on at least one of the days of the Renegade weekend {preferably the first day so I could get first pick of goods}. It was in my calendar on my phone with an alert reminder and everything {as if I’d forget!}.
On Saturday I rode my bike to Fort Mason. I walked through the entrance and the excitement began to build as usual when I attend handmade fairs. I stood at the front for a second and thought to calm down and knew that this would be the first booth I’d like to visit. To my surprise, I turn and see this great sign reading “The Black Apple”.
I B line in the direction of that table. As I approach I see Emily and all of her creations. I already own some of her artwork and paper goods but always miss out on the dolls {trust me, everything sells out immediately during shop updates}, so of course concentrated first on those. I also picked up a print, two pouches made with custom fabric of her artwork, a roll of custom tape featuring her artwork and a brooch! Check it:
Alright, so I’m a big dork. But you know how you have a favorite artist {or someone} you want to meet in person and you have this image of how they’d be? Emily is just as sweet and lovely as I imagined. I guess my point in all of this gushing is that I wish you’d all have time to visit fairs like this. When you get to meet someone behind the product it’s fun and personal. I’m sure you’ll meet a designer or artist that you’ll dork out over just as I did.
July 22, 2009
At this year’s Renegade I got to meet half of a very fun duo. Joel was so nice when I introduced myself. His fiance and business partner, Lauren, had just stepped away from the table so I missed her {hopefully next time}. Together as Old Tom Foolery they create super funny letterpress cards. Here’s the two I chose to gift my friends with…
Here’s a better close up from their site:
Birthday, 0100:
Thank You, 0200:
Visit their shop for cards that fit every occasion.
July 8, 2009
Wanna know?
Well, do you remember playing those little folded paper games as a kid where you’d fill in different “answers” and see what would pop up? I love this Letterpress Fortune Teller version by Sycamore Street Press {yup, 2 days in a row. $8.00}. Read the fortunes. Too funny.
May 7, 2009
Please show our sponsors some love. Time to learn more about a gal behind a felty business…
Meet April of Felt-o-rama:
Name: April
Business Name: Felt-o-rama
Where are you located?
Charlotte, NC
What is it that you design and create?
My shop, Felt-o-rama, specializes in all things felt! I currently carry 4 various types of felt (woven felted wool, wool blend felt, recycled eco-felt, 3mm industrial wool felt) in over 80 colors. In addition to felt squares and yardage, Felt-o-rama also has a great selection of felt embellishments, craft books, patterns, along with embroidery and needle felting supplies.
How did you come up with your business name?
The name Felt-o-rama popped in my head early on when I was planning the business and it just felt right to me. It was important that the name I chose state the purpose of my business very clearly. To me ‘Felt-o-rama’ says it all – everything felt!
Where/How did this all begin?
A couple of years ago, I wanted to create t-shirts with felt appliqués and had a difficult time finding high-quality felt in fresh and vibrant colors. The selection at local craft stores and online sources left me disappointed. I knew that I couldn’t be alone in this search for felt and Felt-o-rama was born! The response has been fantastic since the online shop opened in Summer 2008, and I’m lucky enough to have some of the nicest customers around!
Who or what inspires you?
The simplicity, versatility, and color range of felt never ceases to inspire me. My other favorite sources of inspiration are vintage patterns and craft books (the kitschy-er the better!), browsing handmade creations on flickr and Etsy, and the many incredible crafting blogs out there.
Crafty folks know that accumulating new tools and supplies is something that comes along with the territory. What are your favorite tools and supplies?
Every felt crafter must own a rotary cutter and pinking shears. I rely on my rotary cutter and mat on a daily basis. The Olfa zigzag, wave, and scallop rotary blades are my favorites. Rotary cutters are super-sharp. Be very careful when using these or you’ll end up with band-aids on your fingers!
What’s on your “Crafting Music Playlist”?
I love to listen to bubblegum pop from the 60’s when crafting and filling orders – The Monkees, The Zombies, The Hollies. It’s such fun and cheerful music that has me singing and dancing in no time.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Project Runway is the one t.v. show that I look forward to each year. I can’t wait until season 6 this August! The over-the-top drama and weekly fashion challenges keep me hooked. Isn’t about time that Project Runway has a FELT challenge?!
What was the last movie you watched?
The Women – the 1939 version with Joan Crawford! This is one of my favorite movies of all time. The fashion show alone – the only color scenes in the movie – are worth watching over and over again.
What’s your favorite food?
It’s hard to beat a beautiful plate of sushi – especially with soy wrappers.
What’s your favorite candy?
Haribo Gummy Raspberries and Twizzlers
Coffee or Tea?
Tea! My current favorite concoction is Rooibos with honey and cream.
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Anthropologie is the stuff that my dreams are made of. The store always smells heavenly, too!
Any pets?
My husband and I have 4 sweet and endlessly entertaining kitties – Simon, Tudy, Sophie, and Duncan. We recently took beekeeping classes and hope to have a hive of bees as our next ‘pet’!
What are your plans for 2009?
On the personal front – We’re having a baby this fall, so I plan on sewing up a storm in the meantime!
On the business front – I’m expanding the Felt-o-rama product line to include felt food kits and felt ribbon from Japan. There are so many great products out there and it can be a challenge to determine which items will be most exciting for my customers.
Thanks so much, April! I’m sure everyone can agree when I say that we’re all super excited for you with your personal and business expansions for 2009!
Wool Felt Dogwood Flower: $3.99; Recycled Eco-Felt 27 Color Bundle: $13.99:
Woolpets Needle Felting Kit – Hedgehog: $15.99; Wool Felt Mini Beads – Cool Colors: $3.99:
Wool Felt Leaves: $4.99; Cute Felt Fruit & Vegetables Book: $19.95:
Mixed Plate readers can enjoy 10% off now through May 20, 2009. Simply enter “mixedplate” as the coupon code during checkout.
April 24, 2009
Sponsor time! Let’s meet another crafty gal and see what’s behind her business.
Meet Rebecca Jackson of elpy [Handcrafted]:
Name: Rebecca Jackson
Business Name: elpy [Handcrafted]
Where are you located?
Connecticut
What do you design and create?
Macrame jewelry, woodburned magnets and coasters, and small handbags.
How did you come up with your business name?
My parents called me ‘LP’ (little person) before I was born. So ‘elpy‘ is the phonetic of those letters.
Incidentally, I am short.
Where/how did this all begin?
I’ve been a crafty entrepreneur since I was 7. I made and sold woven potholders to family and friends. My grandmother in NYC sold them to her friends too.
I learned new techniques and found Etsy by chance in 2006. It’s grown and changed from there. Can’t wait to see where it takes me.
Who or what inspires you?
My mom. She’s very talented in a more fine art way. I’m trying to get her on Etsy. Shapes, colors and words inspire me. I like to incorporate them as much as I can in my work.
What’s your favorite part of the creative process?
I love the moment when a piece goes from concept and raw materials to near completion, you can really see it and it’s tangible.
What’s your favorite indie purchase or trade?
I have a particular fondness (um, I’ve been reading Dickens) for all the things I’ve bought or traded on Etsy and elsewhere… it’s pretty hard to pick a favorite. So I’ll go with most recent- a postcard version of a poster from http://dazeychic.etsy.com
What advice would you give to other indie artists who are just starting out?
I still feel like I’m starting out in many ways. Advice, hmm. Google the name you’re thinking of using before setting up anything, even it’s your real name…just to see what’s out there, what’s already used. It seems basic but I wish someone had told me that.
Slumps are an unspoken fact of creative life…at least with me and a lot of artists I’ve talked to. Take those times to create something for yourself, try a new technique with no intention of selling or showing anyone the results, just enjoy the process. You may surprise yourself.
What TV shows are you currently hooked on?
Chuck. I love Chuck. Zachary Levi is adorable. And Masterpiece Theater. We’re watching Little Dorrit, now. (incidentally, that is NOT the Dickens book I’m reading)
What’s your favorite food?
Fried rice…I could eat it everyday. And bagels. I’m a carb freak.
What’s your favorite candy?
Sour Patch Kids…nummy!
Coffee or tea?
Tea…herb tea. Chamomile Mint, FTW!
What store could you wander around in and be happy?
Any store w/ books. I love books.
Any pets?
One uber-mellow, very affectionate cat named Taffy.
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I went to Montreal for an overnight trip with my cousin. I loved it. It felt both old world and modern. And it’s very clean. I want to go back for a longer stay.
Do you have a day job in addition to you crafty business? What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
At the moment, I’m temping. Currently my assignment involves processing tax payments. Shhh!
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I studied Spanish in high school but I don’t speak it well. I’d like to learn French, too.
What are your plans (business/personal) for ‘09?
I would like to go back to school in the fall.
Thanks, Rebecca! Okay, you get my vote for Chuck, too! Be sure to visit elpy [Handcrafted] now. All wristlets are currently 20% off. Mixed Plate readers also get free shipping {check for code below}.
Westie Wristlet in Cranberry: $16.80; Acute Macrame Earrings – Orange: $16.00:
Woodburned Coasters Set of 4 – Puzzle: $40.00; Helix Necklace – White: $26.00:
Magnets – Sugar and Snap: $8.00; Westie Wristlet in Mint: $16.80:
In addition to the 20% off all wristlets, Rebecca is offering Mixed Plate readers free shipping on any purchase. Enter code “mixedplate” in the notes to seller box at checkout.
January 27, 2009
Oh, how I love handmade bath and body products! Let’s get to know our sponsor who is a magnificent soap maker.
Meet Chrissy Wilbee of Boh Bon Soap Company:
Name: Chrissy Wilbee
Business Name: Boh Bon Soap Company
Where are you located?
Michigan
What is it that you design and create?
Handcrafted Soap
What is your favorite part of the design process?
Working with new ingredients, creating new recipes and seeing how the new creations come out.
How did you come up with your business name?
My sister and I were in Chicago, drinking blue margaritas on a ridiculously hot summer night a few years back. She was about to begin her venture into opening a business of her own and we were discussing what the future might hold. She had chosen the name “Hob Nob†for her business, Hob Nob being a nod to the corner grocery store our Grandfather owned in our youth. I joked that when I started my soap shop, I would name it “Boh Bon†(Hob Nob backwards) and we would both pay homage to Gramps. Three years later the soap was made and the name just stuck.
Who or what inspires you?
Nature, travel, friends, family…
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Don’t give up.
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Although technically not a purchase or trade, I have a drawing of a favorite spot in Lisbon, Portugal a friend made for me which I love and is very sentimental to me.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Top Chef
What was the last movie you watched?
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
What’s your favorite candy?
Peanut M&Ms
Coffee or Tea?
Both! Coffee in the morning, herbal tea at night.
Any pets?
No, but maybe soon!
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
There are too many to name, but any where warm and sunny sounds nice right now!
Favorite Holiday?
Christmas
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I speak very little Spanish, I do wish my foreign language skills were better.
Thanks so much for sharing with us, Chrissy. Please visit her shop if you’re in need of some great soaps. I have ordered from her in the past and have an order to place again shortly. The soaps are great for someone like me who is very sensitive to harsh ingredients.
Spearmint & Eucalyptus Soap: $4.25; Baby Soap: $5.00:
In Bloom – Botanical Bath Tea Blend: $5.00; Gardener’s Gift Set: $10.00:
Fresh Squeezed Citrus Soap: $4.25; Every Man For Himself Short Stack: $5.25:
ps – photo of Chrissy by: Amy Stocklein
January 14, 2009
It’s sponsor time! Please take a moment to learn more about a fantastic sponsor with a shop full of tons of handmade goods from various designers.
Meet Shana Victor of Shana Logic:
Name: Shana Victor
Business Name: Shana Logic
Where are you located?
Ann Arbor, Michigan
What is it that you design and create?
I design and run ShanaLogic.com, an indie shopping site. I have two amazing assistants who help me with the 1000 products we sell. Shana Logic features over 100 artists so it’s a pretty amazing job!
I also have my own line of jewelry, pins and belts that I sell on the site but I’m more into selling other people’s work.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
Doing it! I also love brainstorming–I’m always trying to think of fun new features and products to keep the site fresh and fun.
How did you come up with your business name?
It’s sort of a joke. I’m always coming up with theories and explanations for why I do what I do and it never seems to make sense to anyone. My friends used to tease me that my ideas were “Shana Logic†so I thought it would be funny to name it that.
Where/How did this all begin?
I used to be a web designer for a living and I run another website called PixelgirlPresents.com. It’s a free desktop and icon website that is curated by myself. It’s pretty popular which is cool but because of that, it’s very expensive to run. I started selling artwork by my desktop artists 5 years ago to try and help pay the website fees and it just sort of grew from there!
Who or what inspires you?
Lots of things inspire me actually! Most of my inspirations come from random things out of the blue (I am usually up at night thinking into the wee hours) but I am drawn to “happy†and “cute†things. I really do believe that if you surround yourself with positive objects, you’ll probably feel optimistic.
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Do what you LOVE. If you love what you are doing, people will be able to feel the passion in your work (oh, and get an accountant!)
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Ack—I have so many! I collect squirrels and raccoons so I do have a bunch of handmade squirrel figurines I love. I also own a spring buck plush-kill that is just amazing!
What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
There’s so much on there! Right now it includes The Dresden dolls, Bjork, The Smiths, Death Cab for Cutie, the macross frontier soundtrack, fischerspooner, Tegan and Sara, and a bunch more (I feel like I’m forgetting a bunch!)
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Because I don’t have cable, I’m pretty much always a season or two behind on TV shows so I’ll tell you that I’ve been watching Project Runway (isnt’ everyone?!), Top Chef, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog, Gossip Girl (it’s a weakness!) and The office,
What was the last movie you watched?
Hmmm… I watch a lot of movies. Last night I caught a very old movie called “the fallen idol†from 1946 directed by Carol Reed. It featured a little boy and the movie was told mostly through his eyes—it was a pretty fun movie!
What’s your favorite food?
Sushi, Sushi, SUSHI!
What’s your favorite candy?
Cadbury eggs
Coffee or Tea?
COFFEE, everyday!
What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Haha, this is funny since I own a shop… I’ll go with mine!
Any pets?
Yup! I’ve got two dogs (pokky and pixel) and a cat named Suki. I also am a wildlife volunteer so I get to rescue and rehab baby squirrels, raccoons and woodchucks (it’s pretty awesome!)
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
Japan. Please buy me a ticket?
If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
OMG what’s funny about this is that I ask people this all of the time except I say: If you could be one superhero named after a Photoshop tool, what would you be?
My answer: Unsharp Mask
(if you don’t use photoshop, you might not have any idea what I mean☺
Any celebrity crushes?
Yup! As far as real live people, I love alan Rickman (as snape only!), Christian bale (yes, I’m predictable), laura palmer (I’m sure she has a real name;-), and Touga from Revolutionary girl Utena (yes, he’s a cartoon;-)
Favorite Holiday?
Valentine’s Day!
If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
Combat boot with glitter spray painted on it and red heart stickers on the toes (I’ve thought about this one)
What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
Life Coach
Favorite piece of clothing?
My combat boots
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I used to tutor Hebrew but I can’t remember a thing anymore! I’d love to learn Japanese.
It’s a brand new year! What are your plans (for business/personal) for 2009?
I plan on having a lot more contests and giveaways at ShanaLogic. I also plan on getting a bunch of cute new gear and coming out with a line of my own custom made jewelry (wish me luck!)
Thanks so much for the very fun interview, Shana! We definitely all wish you the best of luck with your custom made jewelry line as well as with all of your ventures.
Robot with Headphones Tee – Mens by Shana Logic: $24.00; Little Birdhouse Tote by mymimi: $18.00:
Emily Rose Cameo Necklace – Blue by Brigitte Coovert: $16.00; Penguin Hand Towels by Kathy Steig: $20.00:
Chickenpants Print – Lending a Spoon by absolutely small: $25.00; Ukiyo5 Silk Stripe Skull Ties by Ukiyo5: $42.00:
Thanks so much, Shana! I always love the mix of things offered up at the shop.
Receive free standard USA shipping on orders over $75 with code: FREESHIPUSA
December 2, 2008
It’s time to take a moment to get to know a busy gal. She’s got two businesses to run…
Meet Jessica Dougherty of The Shops @ Funky Finds and Funky Finds:
Name: Jessica Dougherty
Business Name: The Shops @ Funky Finds and Funky Finds
Where are you located?
Fort Worth, Texas
What is it that you design and create?
I am a graphic designer who enjoys promoting independent artists, crafters & designers that I discover online & in person. I work with my husband, Joseph, to design our websites; Funky Finds, The Shops @ Funky Finds, and Funky Town.
What is your favorite part of the design process?
I love diving into a project & seeing where it goes from there.
How did you come up with your business name?
I always enjoyed sending links to cool stuff online to friends. One of them suggested that I should start a website showcasing all the stuff I liked to share and Funky Finds just came about.
Where/How did this all begin?
(tied in with question above)
Who or what inspires you?
I am constantly inspired by all the talented & creative people I come across online & have met in person. It is a pleasure to promote all their wonderful work!
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Take advantage of sites like Funky Finds that promote artists & provide affordable advertising options. Participating in giveaways is another great way to get your name out there. Readers love free goodies!
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Megan of Harrilu screen printed my Funky Finds tees that I love. I have also purchased lots of wonderful accessories from Designing Diva.
What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
I use my iPod when I work out so it is full of songs that keep my pace up. I have songs from No Doubt, Prodigy, and others on my iPod right now.
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Joe & I don’t have much spare time to watch tv, but we enjoy shows like Criminal Minds & CSI.
What was the last movie you watched?
Sex & the City – Love it!
What’s your favorite food?
Sweet Potatoes with a little bit of butter
What’s your favorite candy?
Peanut M&Ms
Coffee or Tea?
Gotta have my morning coffee with Sweet ‘n Low
What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
I prefer shopping online or at indie craft shows. Not so big on chain stores & the mall.
Any pets?
We love dogs! We have a Chihuahua, Abigail Raine, and a Labrador, Beau Bradley. Abby is the inspiration behind my logos.
Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I have always enjoyed going to Mexico and lounging on the beach for a few days. That sounds really nice right now!
Favorite Holiday?
Thanksgiving – I love Autumn décor & of course all the good food my Mom makes!
If you were a shoe, what shoe would you be?
Open-toed sandals
Favorite piece of clothing?
Skirts
Do you speak any other languages? If not, would you like to learn one?
I took tons of Spanish in high school & college and still can’t speak a lick of it. I don’t think foreign language is for me.
We’re heading into the last couple months of 2008 already! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the rest of the year?
To heavily promote The Shops @ Funky Finds so all of our Shop owners have a successful holiday shopping season. We are also working diligently to plan our first Funky Finds event, the Funky Finds Spring Fling, to be held in Fort Worth on April 25. If there are any funky indie artists, crafters or designers that are reading this & would like a spot at the show, feel free to email me for more details! info@funkyfinds.us
Thanks so much to Jessica for her interview and for helping to promote indie! Here are a few things you’ll find at the shops…
Natalia by Tara to the T: $22.00; Dandy Tee by Revival Ink: $35.00:
Custom Mushrooms – Set of 4 by Mushroom Delight: $15.00; Eco Canvas Tote Bag She’s Got Legs by Harrilu: $25.00:
Green and Blue Book Clutch by nerdbomber: $30.00; Secret Squirrels by Little Pies: $10.80/4:
Enjoy 10% off when opening a Shop @ Funky Finds.
November 24, 2008
Our next sponsor interview comes from an artist who is the owner of two great shops.
Meet the artist behind Cloudery:
Business Name: Cloudery
Where are you located?
Oakland, CA
What is it that you design and create?
Pen & ink drawings
What is your favorite part of the design process?
My drawings are completely spontaneous; no advance planning, no sketching, neither pencil nor eraser are used. I like seeing where the pen goes. It generally surprises me.
How did you come up with your business name?
My first drawing was “Spiderling Cloud,†so I wanted a memorable one-word name that had to do with clouds. I came up with Cloudery to suggest a shop that produces “clouds†(as a metaphor for doodles). Only after I opened the shop did I Google it, and found a definition in the Urban Dictionary meaning a bunch of clouds: “My, that is some beautiful cloudery.†That works just as well.
Where/How did this all begin?
My parents tell me that from the time I could sit at a table I had a crayon in my hand. My first Etsy shop sells chain maille jewelry (Crescent Maille). After a year of Crescent Maille, I decided to establish a second shop motivated by giving back—in this case, to First Book. First Book is a nonprofit organization that gives children from low-income families the opportunity to read and own their first new books. With the sale of each drawing I fund the donation of anywhere from two to ten new books. The customer knows how many books are donated with their purchase, and confirmation of the donation is included in the package.
Who or what inspires you?
My sweetheart inspires me every single day.
What advice would you give other independent artists who are just starting out?
Practice patience. Find as many ways as you can to promote yourself or your shop. Care about your customers and their shopping experience. Love what you do enough to do it every day.
What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
Plush creatures by Èveluche.
What’s on your iPod/music player right now?
Spoon, Eels, Iron & Wine, The Fratellis, Wilco, The Raconteurs
What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Dexter, Life on Mars, The Simpsons
What was the last movie you watched?
The Visitor
What’s your favorite food?
The food at Little Diner in Canutillo, Texas.
What’s your favorite candy?
Good chocolate combined with grey sea salt.
What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
I really don’t like stores! A museum bookstore, if I have to pick one.
If you could be a superhero, what would your name be and what would be your superpowers?
I’d simply like to be the proverbial fly on the wall.
Favorite Holiday?
Halloween.
2008 is coming to an end. What are your plans for the rest of the year? And 2009?
In 2009, if I could sell one drawing a week, that would mean donating a minimum of 100 books for the year. That’s something to aspire to.
Thanks so much. Cloudery is doing something great and I hope we can all show our support. Visit the Cloudery blog and gallery as well for more info. Oh, and chocolate with salt? I’m all over that! Here’s a few things from the shop…
Pod: $35.00; Spiderling Cloud: $35.00:
2009 Digital Calendar of Art: $7.00; Leaving: $40.00:
Sea Star: $30.00; Cephalopod: $35.00:
Until December 31, Random House Children’s Books is matching every donation made to First Book book-for-book. Buy a drawing before December 31 and I will donate an additional book as well. That means a “2 book†drawing will be worth 6 books, or a “3 book†drawing worth 8. Just mention “Mixed Plate†at checkout.
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