Artist Series -- Egilpatr

I love talking to people and finding out who they are and why they create. I have some favorite artists/crafters and will be interviewing them for your enjoyment. I’m going to keep the questions about the same, so that we can all examine the differences in how artists get to the point they are in their art/craft. Have you ever wondered while looking at a piece of art what crossed the mind of the artist, why did they choose those colors, subjects, or mediums? Who they identify with or what is their inspiration? And, the big question what happens when they have no idea what they want to create next?

Our first
interview is with Egilpatr

I met Egilpatr while visiting the Etsy fourms. A topic had begun regarding the critique of shops. She was very helpful and insightful as to what makes a shop appealing and useful to a potential customer. She even wrote a guide on how to critique your own Etsy store. Over time, we have exchanged emails and I have grown to enjoy this artist and her outlook on things. So, take some time to read about this lovely artist and in turn you might want to reflect on these questions….you never know when I’ll be emailing or convoing you for an interview!



1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art,
or did it choose you?

I think it found me at an early age. I started by making clothes for my paper dolls, and then I made the dolls too. In High School I was in an academic program, but minored in art. I had poems and drawings in the school magazine. I studied at the same time at the Educational Alliance where many famous artists taught. I gave it up when it was time to choose a major in college because I could not believe I would have enough ideas for a lifetime. I was wrong in that, but I made a wise choice; I could have been starving today as an artist instead of being subsidized in my art by my annuity as a university professor But I always thought of myself as an artist underneath, and now I am one.

2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

I would like to spend time with quite a few artists, but Turner for his passion and politics (his painting of a slave ship was an abolitionist icon). I want to ask him about those abstract structures underneath his pieces and what his colors looked like before they fell off. Vermeer to talk and learn about the discipline of composition and color. A writer, would be Robert Briffault, who wrote romantic, anti fascist novels (Europa and Europa in Limbo in the 1930's) and wrote some of the most provocative theories abut the structure of the family from prehistory till his day (Mothers: A Study of the Origins of Sentiments and Institutions, 1927). He stirred my mind when I was in college. I just want to hear his ideas from him, and see what he would say today about the world. And someone else. I would like to talk to the soul mate I never knew and do what we never did.

3. Do any of these choices influence your work? and why?

They all made me be the disciplined maverick I am today; romantic, but detail oriented; a rebel but upholder of rules.

4. How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?

Oh, yes! It made it possible for me to show my work to the world; to submit online or with CD's; to invite people to a show I am in, with one letter addressed (BCC) to many, many people. And to SEE the images of great art from all the world, and the amazing work of today's photojournalists.

5. Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share?

Yes. "Tooth" describes the roughness of the painting surface. I was trying to get a blended look for a painting that was to be filled with smoke, and it wasn't blending as I wanted it to. I spoke to a former professor of mine, and she said it couldn't be done with acrylic. (I work in acrylic.) Ugh; so I asked another, and she said nonsense, keep at it. And I did. I learned that I needed to put layer upon layer (actually at least 6) of the acrylic, color on color, until the tooth was gone, and then I got the effect. See photo to the left. It is not on Etsy.

6. How do you overcome artist block?

I only seem to get that after my annual solo show in May. What will I do now; I have run out of ideas. But then I take a trip or an idea pops into my head, or I get an AH HA experience, and I am off. I am then usually able to do a new series, and as I work on that series, other ideas emerge.

7. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

I only have the piece I am working on in the studio. Finished pieces are on my wall, in a show, or in storage. There is nothing I would hide in any of those places. Lucky, I guess

8. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience.

Well, not to be too grandiose, the WAR in Iraq and Afghanistan came up in my life experience, and I have been wanting to express my protest through my art. How to do that came through to me in August, 2007. I contrast images of beauty and usually peace here at home with images of the war...in the same painting. The series is called "In The World" and I have done nine. They will be in my solo show this May; one is the piece with the smoke; there are three in my Etsy shop (numbers 3, 4, and 5) and all 9 will be on the two sites I have online by the middle of April.


9. Describe what you do, or who you are in a haiku.

Love steals into life
Awakes the soul and turns it
Outward to the world


10. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

That I have found some wonderful women friends on Etsy, and you are one of them.


Thank you for sharing a little bit about your life with us Egilpatr.

You can visit Egilpatr’s Etsy Shop at:
Egilpatr.etsy.com

Artist Series - LazyTcrochet

LazyTcrochet has the most beautiful crocheted creations in her Etsy Shop. I love the pieces that she creates with warm, earthy colors. The shrugs, hats, bags....oh be still my beating heart. I also learned that she loves one of my favorite authors...you'll have to read further to figure it out. Her blog is fun to read and makes me homesick for Ohio...she recently blogged about fresh corn on the cob, zucchini, and waiting for the first tomato. I can't tell you how much I miss freshly picked vegetables from the garden. They just don't taste the same here in Arizona.

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I first became interested in photography when I got a 35 mm Pentax for high school graduation. I had a summer job during college as a "Roving Reporter" and was lucky enough to learn how to develop and print my own black and white photographs. As far as needlework goes, I just sat down one day and decided that I wanted to learn how to crochet. I just kept at it and eventually learned to knit also.





2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

I imagine a scenic walk with Ansel Adams. To see the beauty as he saw would be a great influence. It's too easy to point and shoot with my little digital camera. I may be dusting off some of my old equipment to work with film again.

My favorite author is Diana Gabaldon. I really enjoy listening to the recorded version of the "Outlander" series (unabridged, of course). It's a wonderful story and listening allows me to get some work done at the same time! If I could meet with Diana, I would push for a big screen version. At one point I thought Mel Gibson would make a great Jamie Fraser, but that was some time ago.

As for another...to spend time with my great-grandmother, Eleanor, would have been amazing also. She was apparently very crafty, creative, and spirited.

3. Do any of these choices influence your work? and why?

Yes, I suppose I'm influenced by a desire for the simple life and realizing the beauty of old-world styles. I love seeing knit and crochet work in old movies. It makes you realize that people would wear a shawl because it was chilly in the house. I try to create items that people would enjoy wearing. I love making shawls, and it is especially fun to make them with all the gorgeous fibers available these days. It doesn't have to be the drab wools of the depression.

4. How has the popularity of the internet affected your work?

The internet has been inspiring! It has been so much fun being able to have my own online boutique and I enjoy my blog tremendously. I love browsing Fashion blogs, from NY to Paris, to Street Fashion worldwide. While there are many many knit and crochet patterns available online, I find it fun and challenging to come up with ideas and make my own. I like making things fun and functional. I always felt limited to what styles people were interested in at local craft shows. The internet allows for that extra freedom of expression. Just because something wouldn't go over well in my neck of the woods, doesn't mean I can't reach for the sky globally.



5. Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share?

There are so many standard techniques and stitches to both knit and crochet, but the fun part is what you make of it and how you combine the stitches. I do find myself looking up a particular stitch in needlework books, and sometimes designing a project around the stitch. I enjoy combining both knit and crochet and mixing in fabrics as well. Spinning is something I've wanted to try, but have been avoiding. I love to knit and crochet and I know that, if I learn to spin my own fibers, I won't have as much time to work with them. I may try it someday, but for now I'll just admire the spinners from afar!

6. How do you overcome artist block?

Anyone as addicted to yarn as I am knows that there is never a shortage of ideas. Most often, I have so many ideas floating around in my head that it can get overwhelming sometimes. I have notes attached to yarn bins with ideas for the different colors and fibers, relating to the different seasons and styles. I'm not sure if I'd call it artists block, but there are times when there are so many possibilities for a yarn that I have to take a step back, maybe work on something else for awhile, until I'm really sure what would work best for that particular yarn.

7. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

Knowing your love for embroidery and textures, I'd show you the hooked rug that my great-grandmother made. It's in need of repair. I just haven't gotten around to it. You would probably trip over a rug frame that I made. I started a twined rag rug a few years ago, but haven't finished it yet. I do hope to finish it and post a tutorial on my blog. What would I hide? I might hide the box of Christmas crafty stuff that I attempted for craft shows years ago. I'm just not crafty like that anymore. I've packed away the glitter and glue gun.

8. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience.

A friend of mine knew that I wanted to learn how to weave rugs and he gave me a loom. I haven't had time to fix it up or to take weaving classes, but he insisted that I should have this loom. He has since passed away and I haven't brought myself to work with it yet. It's not meant for rugs, more for fabrics. I will have someone show me how it works some day. For now, it's waiting for inspiration

9. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Thanks so much for noticing my work and for choosing me for your Artist Series. I've never thought of myself as an artist and I still don't. I can't draw or paint to save my life. I have to keep telling myself that I AM a Fiber Artist. I'll just have to get used to that title now. I love your work, especially the details and textures of the embroidery and the materials that you use. It's beautiful!

Artist Series - Sherry Truitt

When I first saw Sherry's creative jewelry all that came to my mind was...how cool! Such ordinary objects turned into extraordinary works of art. It also made me smile and chuckle, because I thought of the numerous times I have spent with a level in my hand. Or, examining a map trying to find my way...hmmm I wonder what she can turn a GPS unit into? On a personal level Sherry is outspoken, helpful, and funny. In the Etsy forums I have seen her help people with advice on how to get noticed. It is certainly with her determination and grace that she has become successful with her line of creative jewelry. You can visit with Sherry more below, or on her blog So, Sherry.

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

Art chose me at a young age. Not traditional art, like drawing or painting, but three-dimensional art. I was given an erector set at the age of three, and I was always building something. I liked to mix sets, like tinker toys, Lincoln logs and blocks to build small cities. My grandmother would take photos for me, so I could recreate scenes when we got home.

2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about?

What a weekend that would be. I would choose Thomas Mann as the artist. He is the consummate metal smith of our generation. He is the first artist I ever met that taught me it was ok to want to be successful, and how to be a businessperson as well as a designer. He teaches a course called, Design for Survival. I’d just love to sit and listen to how he comfortably blends the juxtaposition of art and business. I’d most like to meet the writer, Alice Hoffman. She has a delicious blend of fantasy and reality woven into the most ordinary characters that become extraordinary. I would just listen to whatever she had to say. Finally, I would like to meet Henri Cartier-Bresson, my favorite photographer of all time. One day, I want to become a very good photographer, in this lifetime.

3. Do any of these choices influence your work?

What really influences my work is the world around me. I love the tools of everyday man; it’s a great joy to turn those items, a spirit level, a compass, a map into wearable art.

4. Has the popularity of the internet affected your work?

Oh my yes, I could not otherwise have the world at my fingertips.

5. Have you discovered any new techniques to creating your work that you can share?

I have techniques, and I think they are unique of how I put my work together. Like, precision grinding the levels to fit in sterling caps, or how to bond copper and sterling for my map pieces, but I’m not ready to share them. It was a two-year period of trial and error with the levels, and finally it was my lovely husband who came up with the final technique.

6. How do you overcome artist block?

I carry a graph paper moleskine with me wherever I go. It’s filled with words and sketches and doodles. If I’m having trouble deciding what direction to go on, I just open it, and the work begins.

7. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience.

I did a series of pins for the war in Iraq. I had to keep busy when the war first escalated, and it kept me from feeling helpless.

8. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

I am working on some sculpture with maps. I am not sure how it will evolve, or if I will sell it, but it is interesting. I really have nothing to hide.

9. Describe what you do, or who you are in a haiku.

It is from shadows
That we finally see light
And journey onward

10. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

That I am grateful for my family and blessed to wake every day to do what I love.

Artist Series -- Jan Huling

While browsing through Etsy I came across the artist elJan and was smitten. I must have looked through her shop for an hour and have been back several times. The intricacy and artistry of the bead work is just incredible. As you will read in following interview she is much more than a mosaic, bead artist...she also writes lovely, children's books.

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I’ve always wanted to be an artist, although I thought that being a commercial artist was as close as I’d ever get. To pay the rent I work 2 dimensionally, designing things to be sculpted (figurines, etc.) and also painting surface design. So when it came to expressing myself for pleasure, I wanted to do something more tactile and intuitive. I love doing mosaics (breaking plates can be so cathartic!) and embroidery, but when I discovered beads, it just felt right to me. Now, what started out as a hobby has turned into a real passion and I feel that a new chapter in my life has begun.

2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about?

This is such a hard question and I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. I seem to change my mind every time I think about it, so this is just today’s answer. My favorite artist is James Whistler, but I would love to hang out with Joseph Cornell because I think we’re like-minded in some ways. We would first go to junk stores and flea markets and then we’d have fun creating art out of our junk. I love his assemblages. I’m a voracious reader, particularly of Indian authors and fiction taking place in India, and I adore Anthony Burgess, but I think that if I were going to spend time with one writer, I would choose A.A. Milne. I used his poem “Forgiven” as inspiration for one of my pieces and I love his sense of humor and rhythm.

I’ve also written a couple of children’s books (Puss in Cowboy Boots, Simon & Schuster, 2002, illustrated by my husband, and Ol’ Bloo’s Boogie-Woogie Band and Blues Ensemble, Peachtree Publishers, 2009) and so I’d love to talk to Mr. Milne about writing. Hmmmm. George Harrison. And he would take me to India, which has been my obsession ever since the Beatles went all those years ago. And we’d laugh a lot.






3. Do any of these choices influence your work?

Everything influences my work.

4. How has the popularity of the internet affected your work?

Etsy has been an amazing resource for my work because so many people have been able to see it and a lot of people have contacted me with their reactions to it. I put my work on etsy for exactly that purpose, not really expecting to sell it there. People have been so supportive and very generous; it’s been a joy. Other than that, I’m afraid that the internet’s popularity (with me!) has been a major distraction!

5. Have you discovered any new techniques to creating your work that you can share?

Lately I’ve been experimenting with using what I’ve learned from my beadwork to adorn 2-dimensional pieces using colored paper dots in place of beads. This has been a lot of fun.

6. How do you overcome artist block?

I’ve been lucky enough not to be bothered by artist block. I’m usually working on more than one thing at a time and have a lot of ideas stacked up waiting for me.



7. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

I think that I’d show you all of the cool supplies that I have, such as boxes of brass chains and costume jewelry and, of course, beads. And the wonderful new preserved bug that my husband gave me for Mother’s Day. And whatever I’m working on that’s new. I would try to hide the dust bunnies and all the beads littering my floor!

8. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience.

I’m a very lucky human being and I’m grateful and happy. I have a wonderful family, great friends and even a couple of wacky, amusing cats. I think that my work has a sense of optimism and fun, I hope it does. However, I think that the experience that has most influenced me, and therefore my work, in the past several years was 9/11. We live right across the Hudson River from Manhattan and watched as the towers fell down. It was a horrible, awesome sight and one that I think about every day. More than anything else, it taught me that life is much too short and unpredictable and that I need to live life to it’s fullest. Clichéd, I know, but it’s very much my philosophy. And it helps me overcome some of my reticence as far as showing my work and trying to be accepted in the art world. It’s now or never.

9. Describe what you do, or who you are in a haiku.

I choose the colors
And glue the beads down row by
Row by row by row.

10. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Well, under the heading of “life’s too short”, my husband and I are going to India this fall after nearly 30 years of talking about it! I’m beyond excited and look forward to seeing what influence the trip will have on my work. I’m also busy writing up grant proposals and submitting images to various and sundry shows and museums.

Artist Series -- Tom Turkey

We have known Tom Turkey for our entire lives. I thought that you might like to get a closer look at the artistic side of Tom. You will be surprised and delighted with this eye-opening interview that brings out a side of Tom that many of you are not familiar with. Let's get on with the party!

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

It was early in life when I realized that art would become my life. While I revel in the limelight of being Tom Turkey, I realized that I needed to find another line of work, in order to survive. Starting over again has been very difficult; people don't understand that there is more to me than wings and legs.

2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

Hmmm…let me take a moment to think about this. First, and foremost I would have to say that Sarah Josepha Hale is my writing inspiration. In 1930 she published "Poems For Our Children," which included "Mary Had A Little Lamb," which she wrote --I love her affinity for helpless animals. During her spare time, she campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday and in 1863, President Lincoln granted her wish. (Thankfully I am one of those turkeys who have been pardoned by the president)

A more contemporary artist, Margaret Cusak designed a beautiful commemorative postage stamp that highlights Thanksgiving with a traditional folk-art needlework cornucopia.

Finally, the most important artists are all of the children who make all of those beautiful hand turkey's with their friends and teachers. Nothing beats seeing all of those special creations!



3. How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?

The internet has let the world know of my plight and how difficult it has been to be taken seriously as an artist. Most of my work is done with feathers and it seems that without the internet I would be basically an unknown artist. I will bet that many of your reader's have little knowledge regarding this art form. There are very few of us who actually practice this art and I take my inspiration from this wonderful artist, Emily Long,


4. Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share? How do you overcome artist block?

I haven't discovered any new technique's for my feather art. I do have some ideas on different types of theme's to paint on the feathers. I also think I could make wearable art with the feathers. Perhaps some nifty cuffs or neckpieces…I realize that the market may be limited since some people do have allergies to feathers.

5. If I walked into your studio this moment, what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

Feathers. They are everywhere. Big ones, little ones, turkey, peacock…my studio is a mess! The Butterball Company wanted to do a holiday shoot and I had to turn them down. I knew that I would not have time to get the studio clean to the hygienic quality that Butterball insists on when preparing for a Turkey shoot.

6. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?

Oh, where should I start? In 1927, Tony Sarg, a children's book illustrator created the first hot-air balloon for the Macy's day Thanksgiving parade. From that history, I decided to take what comes naturally, feathers, to a different level. Before I decided to do feather art I was experimenting with claw art, (I would dip my claws in paint and then dance all over canvas) but I just couldn't create anything that seemed to be acceptable to the public. After doing some research on Thanksgiving and finding Tony Sarg, he gave me the inspiration to create outside of the box. My art is also ecologically friendly since I am recycling a natural material.

7. Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku

A turkey feather
Wispy painted tail feathers
No dinner required

8. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Have a safe and HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Artist Series -- MAB Jewelry

Ohio. That's where this friendly Etsy seller is from. You say...so what....I say....hey Ohio is home for me and I miss it terribly! MABs tag line is No Naked Wrists. As you read this interview you will understand why. When you visit her shop....she has some lovely pieces to keep your wrists from becoming chilled....and in style! You can also find her on twitter and she is one of my favorites to chat with. She certainly makes me smile. Enjoy getting to know MAB Jewelry!

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I've never been an arts or crafts person. I did a lot of writing when I was younger, but I wasn't one to make stuff. About seven years ago, my mom decided to make herself a bracelet. Then she made me a bracelet. Then we went to the bead shop. Not long after that, everyone who knew me had a brand new bracelet. I've always loved jewelry and fashion, and I discovered my calling, I think. I am seldom happier or more content than I am when I'm sitting at my bead board with a bunch of shiny bits, putting something together.






2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

Artist, Gustav Klimt. Writer, Walt Whitman. And Twenties flapper actress Louise Brooks. Can you imagine a champagne brunch with these three, talking about human nature and art? Oh, let's go now. I want Klimt to do my portrait!


3. How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?Having an internet shop allows you to reach so many people. That, paired with the fact that you have such amazing access to any supply that you want from all over the world, really means that the sky is the limit in terms of what you can create. As soon as I started selling on Etsy, I began making jewelry that I never would have thought of before, just because it felt like the whole world was my market. It's liberating.



4. How do you overcome artist block?


I've been making these steampunk pieces with watch casings that are fairly new for me. They're a bit more labor intense, but I love them. I don't usually get artist's block. I always work in the evening, and sometimes I just don't make it to the beads at night. The bed is calling me. And any time I get in a rut, I order supplies. New supplies are instant inspiration.




5. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?


Heh heh. My studio is my living room floor. Everything gets packed up and put away in the hall closet every night when I'm done working. I'd want to show you the amazing new stuff I just got in the mail today from Artbeads, including these groovy Vintaj fish pendants. I would hide the poor boxes of beads up in the top of the closet that I don't even look at. Unless you might be able to use them?



6. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?
I love movies, art and vintage stuff.

I'm very visual, and I think all of that trickles down into my jewelry. Old movies, paintings, even the little antique bits that I use when I make pieces. I collect strange little vintage items because I have loved them since I was little. So much of my jewelry looks like little vintage items!




7. Here’s $250 dollars, spend as much or as little as you like on Etsy.

I have 371 listings and 1167 shops in my favorites. I could spend $250 in twelve seconds.

I really want this:

Carly Simon Record Album Purse8. Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku


Strangers on a Train
On TV, bead board full of
Bliss, cat in my lap

9. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

Can I just say how much I love Etsy? Not just because I can sell stuff there, but because I have met the most wonderful, inspirational, good hearted, funny, smart people there. Etsy and its community have truly made me a better artist. And you Rose are one of those delightful Etsy people making incredibly inspirational stuff. Thanks so much.

Artist Series - Julieandco

Have you heard of Temari? I saw them for the first time two years ago and fell in love. I bought a book, sat myself down, and began making some. It looks a lot easier than it is! I was never really satisfied with the outcome so I put that craft aside. As I was wandering around Etsy one day I found Julieandco and all of her beautiful Temari. I was excited to see how beautiful they were and the color combinations are truly unique. Let me introduce you to an inspiring artist and Temari master...

1. When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I have always been surrounded by art: one of my brothers and my sister are both artists, my mom has always been a crafter, and my dad was a builder. Working with our hands is natural for us. However, my oldest two brothers are scientists and in a way, I think I have some of both of those talents. Japanese temari are very detailed, precise geometric (like science), yet colorful and visual (like art). I become restless if I am not crafting something or making things of beauty. I have been sewing, crafting, experimenting, and creating since my early teen years.

2. You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

I would definitely want to have a chat over tea with Mary Cassatt -- her paintings of mothers and their children move me. I saw an exhibit of hers in Chicago and wept at her perfect depiction of the gentle love between a mama and the baby at her breast. I would love to pick C.S. Lewis’ brain....he intrigues me. I would also love to sit in daVinci’s studio and watch him work. He was genius in both art and science.

3. How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?

I never would have dreamed any of this was possible, honestly. My four daughters encouraged me to open an Etsy shop and many friends also challenged me to go for it. The whole global customer concept is thrilling and terrifying!

4. Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share? How do you overcome artist block?

Temari is an ancient folk art form, originally begun in China and then adopted by the Japanese, where it is highly revered today. I am clearly a novice at this amazing craft and do not pretend to bring much originality to it, only my own delight and effort to each one I make. The patterns are traditional and yet each temari is unique. Color choice is my main challenge and is usually resolved with several of my daughters and my husband offering their opinion and preferences as I begin each new design.

5. If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

Considering the fact that my “studio” is simply my family room, I would lead you over the pile of shoes by the back door, push past Maggie the pug (no doubt, clammering for some love from you), and welcome you into our family. I am a wife and homeschool mom first and foremost and I’m sure my daughters would be eager to show you their art as well. We spend a lot of time together and I love how my craft fits in with our family life and home. I would probably want to hide the fact that nearly all of my craft is in two plastic storage tubs and lots of ziploc baggies! So high-tech!

6. Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?

I had the privilege of traveling to southeast Asia several years ago following the tsunami (including a short stay in Tokyo) and have developed an appreciation and passion for her culture, her people, and her countries. It is an honor to take part in crafting an ancient Japanese art. I love the fact that Japanese women taught their daughters this craft, since I have also taught my daughters through homeschooling. I will say again that I am truly a novice in making temari. In Japan, the steps to becoming a Temari Master are long and challenging.

7. Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku

Seems fitting, being a form of Japanese poetry, and the fact that I have a B.A. in English!

Humbled by ancient
Peering into illusion
Curving symmetry

8. Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I am truly honored to be featured in your series. To think that my temari are in homes around the country and their beauty appreciated is amazing! I had a blast creating a large grouping of temari for a neighbor in her living room colors, the largest being nearly 6” in diameter! It is delightful to create things of beauty and custom orders are fun!

Artist Series --Kim's Crafty Apple

I met Kim when we both joined the Etsy Treasury Team. Kim has so much energy and creativity and her Etsy shop, Kim's Crafty Apple, certainly shows it! Visit her blog as well....for lot's of interesting adventures!

When did you become interested in art and did you choose art, or did it choose you?

I guess my answer is the same as many artists out there – I’ve always been interested in art. My grandma always tells the story of me sewing my brother a quilt for his birthday when I was five. I used my material from my mom’s dirty rag bin including the fuzzy toilet seat cover. My brother, of course, LOVED it.


I don’t think I could get away from art if I wanted to. I’m always seeing things and creating something different with them or dreaming of things I must make. My best ideas come right before I wake up for the day.






You get to spend one weekend each with three historical figures, an artist, a writer and one of your choice. Who are they and what will you talk about or do?

AN artist – Georgia O’Keefe – she was born in a town close to where I live now, Sun Prairie, WI, which I find really interesting. I think it would be fun to paint with her see her methods, inspiration, and creations.

A Writer – John Steinbeck – East of Eden is one of my two favorite books (my other is Gone with the Wind). I can read it over and over and be enthralled by his writing skills each time. I think he would be interesting to sit and have coffee with.


My Choice – Scarlett O’Hara – I know she’s not real but she’s my favorite main character in a book. I remember staying home during High School on a Friday night just sobbing to the end of ‘Gone with the Wind’. In the movie, Scarlett is portrayed as just a ‘B*’ but in the book you can understand why she does the things she does. I would love to go to the bars and she what happens after a night with Scarlett!

How has the popularity of the Internet affected your work?

The internet has enabled me to show my work all over the globe. I am no longer limited to those that come and see me at my orchard or my craft fair. Basically, it’s enabled me to more effectively ‘support my habit' since I can sell more of my creations.

Have you discovered any new technique to creating your work that you can share? How do you overcome artist block?

I don’t think that I have any amazing technique with my work. I think my biggest asset in my work is that I don’t over think anything. I get asked the question, “How do you do it all?” all the time. I feel that I can accomplish as much as I do because I just do it. I don’t sit there and worry if this color will look good with this one or if this pattern is too much – I just trust my gut and go with it. It typically works.

I never have artist block – that’s why I create in so many mediums. If I don’t feel like sewing I make jewelry. If I don’t feel like making jewelry I paint. If I don’t feel like painting I blog. If I don’t feel like blogging I do one of the other hundreds of projects I have in my mind. There’s always some sort of creative release for me out there – it just depends on the mood I’m in.

If I walked into your studio this moment what would you show me first? What would you want to hide?

I would probably show you my sewing machine. It’s my baby. I love it…it even cuts it’s own thread! I don’t think I’d hide anything – my studio is a disaster but that’s how I create the best. My husband does not understand how I can make such beautiful things when I work in the midst of a disaster. That disaster is all my ideas out on the table ready to be made.

Describe something that comes up in your work because of a life experience?

I’m 27. I haven’t had much life experience yet. I would say that i really enjoy creating things for kids right now since I have two beautiful daughters: Mercedi - 3, and Capri – 2.


Describe what you do or who you are in a haiku
spirited artist
wild imagination fierce
ready to dive in





Is there anything else that you would like to share?

I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today without my amazingly understanding husband. I was lucky that he grew up with the mom that he had who was very into the arts, crafts and quilting world as well (she’s who taught me how to quilt the proper way…). He spent many late nights cutting out wood shapes for the classes his mom would be teaching in the days to come. My husband doesn’t question when I come home with bags full of supplies or boxes full of fabric arrive in the mail day after day. I’m grateful for his support and encouragement.