Facing (one) of my fears

Last week I took a zillion pictures. I've always been one to run around and shriek when a bee came near me, but last week I was intrigued by them and stood surrounded by stinging creatures and hid behind my camera...snapping away. The new prints just arrived and I'm slowly adding them to my mistflowerphoto store on Etsy. While I'm terrifed of spiders too, I don't plan on standing around photographing them anytime soon. LOL

Announcing my third store!

Two weeks ago I announced the opening of Mistflower Market, the new Etsy home of my pocket mirrors, magnets and soon-to-be pinback buttons.

This week I'm happy to announce that my Mistflower Photo store has finally opened. This is actually a store that features photos by myself AND my husband, so there's a different twist to it. I will be doing pretty much all of the online communication.

I invite you to check out the store for fine art photograph prints.

Talent is in full bloom at Taylor's Eclectic!

I remember the first time I came across one of Taylor's blooming vases. I was absolutely fascinated with them. Since then, Taylor has added more delightful items to her taylorseclectic store, including a fabulous line of intricate, colorful jewelry. I was thrilled when Taylor agreed to be my latest featured artist. Please take the time to get to know more about the talented Taylor and then go check out her store!

How long have you been making paper sculptures? Did you develop the process or did someone teach you?

I have been making paper sculptures since June of last year. I also sculpt with clay, and I had just finished a piece that took me about six months to complete. That piece beat the love of clay out of me for a period. I could not stand the feel of clay on my fingers and did not want to progress with the series any longer. I decided to progress in another direction, and from there I developed my paper sculptures. After a few months of tinkering and working out technical kinks, I developed my first necklace. From that point, my work has progressed and evolved in ways I never expected. Every time I finish a piece, I am amazed at what it has become. I have always believed that life takes you in directions you never planned for, and I am always amazed at the directions life has taken me in for the past year or so.




How long does it take you to make one of your sculptural vases?

Between prep time, working the wire, application of the paper, and finishing details, a ‘Petitie Rosebud’ takes me about four hours. A larger, more complex vessel such as my ‘Harlequin’ series takes anywhere from twenty hours to thirty. The larger versions of my ‘Red Rose Blooming’ series can take fifteen hours, depending upon the complexity of the curves. The series that is the most time consuming is my ‘Under the Sea’ series. Every single bubble is hand formed and hand pieced. To protect the translucence of each bubble, I piece the outer, solid color around each bubble. It is a very time consuming process, so much so that I do not like to keep track of the hours ticking by!

What is your earliest memory of creating art?

I am an only child who was raised in the middle of nowhere...a teacher of mine once compared me and my family to wolves! My parents were very much about teaching me to entertain myself. They gave me crayons and paper, and I, being a bit of a magpie, collected every form of junk that I could find, from little pebbles to empty toilet paper rolls. I wrote poetry when I was younger, and I still do. I used to write poems on empty toilet paper rolls and decorate the roll with feathers, paint, glitter, and anything else that I could get my hands on. I have a picture of me from when I was five where I was wearing a tutu skirt, some white tights with kisses on them, and a leotard. In my hands was some creation that I concocted from bits of paper and anything else that I could find. I think that I’ve always bordered on the quirky line, haha.



If someone gave you a box of 64 crayons, which would be your favorite color?

Hmmm...this is a very difficult question...I guess I would say turquoise, with a close second of the other 63 colors.

What other forms of art or creative expression do you dabble in?

I dabble in a lot of things! I haven’t been able to of late, but there are aspects that I miss. I am a writer. I have written two fiction novels which I have had sitting on my desk for the past year, untouched. I have story lines and characters floating through my head most of the day, fussing at me for not writing their story. I love writing. I love the feel of the keys beneath my fingers and I love watching characters unfold and develop on my screen. I’m usually surprised at what goes on in their heads and what they are capable of, or not capable of. It is my dream to be a successful writer, as well as an artisan. For now, though, I am focusing on my art career.



Do you have any tips for someone that might be suffering from creative block right now? What inspires you?

I had a teacher in university who told us that if you are not doubting your work, you are not progressing. I believe that creative block usually stems from self-doubt. Doubt can either be that thing which allows you to examine your work objectively and see the flaws and the beauty, or that thing that stunts you and gets you nowhere. I have no magical solution for creative block, except for the age old solution: get back to work. Your fingers won’t do what you want them to, and your results will very likely be atrocious, but it is a step out of creative block. Get your fingers working first, the mind will follow later.

What are your future plans for your paper sculptures and your art career in general?

My plans are to succeed. I plan to progress my sculptures as much as I possibly can, and then progress them some more. I plan to get my work out to anyone who will have it, and live a life of creating colorful gems to bring a bit quirky color to as many people as I can.



What is your favorite item in your store and why?

Favorites, as with love, for me, is a healthy balance of adoration, wonder, with a splash of want mixed in. My favorite piece in my store is this piece. Without this clay sculpture, I never would have touched paper. I never would have been an artist. I am grateful for my university education in London which opened my mind to being an artist first, and then opened my mind to possibilities of clay. I began the sculpting process with this clay sculpture, which in turn has led me on this journey to sculpting with paper.

What is West Virginia known for?

I have no idea! Haha. I am originally from Pennsylvania. I moved to West Virginia a few years ago. I can say that on a summer evening, I can sit on my back porch and hear folk music floating across the hills well into the night. I can hear people laughing and I am sure that they are dancing. Every town I go to in West Virginia has an arts community of some sort, celebrating many styles of work, from primitives to outsider art and everything in between. Sitting here now at my computer, I can look out my window and see acres upon acres of trees with fresh green leaves, a bubbling creek, and distant mountains. All of this is what I have come to expect of West Virginia.




Do you have anything else interesting/odd/unique about yourself or your art that you'd like to share?

I’m obsessed with Ghost Hunters, but would never venture to seek ghosts for fear of what I would find. I saw the city lights of London for three years, and still prefer back country roads to all of that blurring excitement. I wear a lot of black, and it never ceases to amaze me how much color my work has in it. I think that the most important thing about being an artist is having respect for other artist’s talent. Without that respect and appreciation, no matter how much talent you have, you will always be stunted in some sort of way.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all.”, by Emily Dickinson.

Thank you so much, Taylor for sharing more about yourself and your fabulous art. I'm sure I speak for many when I wish you continued success!

An interview with the talent behind fancypicnic!

Many of you on Etsy, Dawanda and Flickr have seen pictures of Charlotte's creations. The tufts of silk, glistening beads, intricate stitches and fabulous textures immediately capture a person's eye. When I saw my first fancypicnic creation it took my breath away. Now I've gotten accustomed to that reaction whenever I see what's new in Charlotte's Etsy store, fancypicnic. I always envisioned a woman in a beautiful garden surrounded by beads and fanciful fabrics...quite the idyllic life. Imagine my surprise when I saw the photo below of Charlotte's lovely garden! She really does live in a magical part of England! (Please click on it to enlarge and admire.)



I asked Charlotte if she wouldn't mind answering some questions about her textile creations. I left the British spelling intact. Enjoy!

How old were you when you first learned to sew, and who taught you?

I seem to remember that I was quite young - as a child I was only ever interested in creating things, whether it be drawing people in wacky clothing, making shelves and 'televisions' in my bedroom out of paper and cardboard or squeezing aluminium foil into weird shapes to wear as jewellery. My aunt was incredibly talented with her hands, and embroidered and sewed throughout her life. I spent a lot of time with her, and I'm sure she was responsible for nurturing my interest in fabrics and threads! When I was about 4, she helped me to blanket stitch a tiny felt stuffed teddy bear. He was swiftly followed by a stuffed Christmas tree decoration, covered in tiny beads...yes, I still have them today, boxed up somewhere in the garage!



How long have you been making your textile jewellery?

This is quite a new departure for me, really. My degree is in graphic design, although I specialised in illustration: every brief I completed always resulted in something three-dimensional, and usually involved collage in some way.
Just over a year ago, my youngest daughter started school, and I had a little time to myself. I've never been able to resist the lure of a gorgeous piece of material, so I dived into my stash that I'd collected over the years, and started sewing. It felt so good!

When I started, I didn't really know where I would end up - I just let it happen. About nine months ago, I created a collar that was basically a collage of fabrics, built up piece by piece, and loaded with buttons, beads and sparkly things. I made a few different pieces, and decided to take the plunge to see if anyone would like them enough to want to own them, and set up a shop within Etsy in June last year.



How long does it take to create a piece - for example, Regalia Pendant?

This is quite a tricky question...I'm always thinking about whatever I'm going to make next whilst I'm working on a piece. I usually mull it over in my head for several days. Despite years of keeping sketchbooks, it is extremely rare that I sketch my ideas down, although I will put pencil to paper to solve a construction problem, or to draw out the basic shape of an item (which then becomes the pattern piece for it). I tend to work mainly instinctively; each piece is built up in layers, usually combining different techniques and materials. I run with an idea, and keep going until I'm happy with it. Knowing when to stop is something I've had to learn!

Do most of your pieces require you to sew by hand as well as with a sewing machine?

Each item has a basic structure which is stitched together on a sewing machine - I need to be assured that it is secure! Quite a few pieces involve freemotion machine embroidery to build up texture and detail. Once I'm happy with the overall design at this point, I gather together embroidery threads, buttons and beads and set to with adding more points of interest. I'll often add french knots, couching or freestitching to create little nubbles of texture, and then I'll embellish like mad with ribbons, beads and buttons which are sewn on by hand.



Do you ever wear your own creations?

Hmmn. I think generally, no! My mum, however, is a huge supporter of my work, and never leaves the house without a little something of mine attached to her person! That reminds me...I really must give her some business cards to hand out whenever she's asked about them!

What is your favorite item in your store and why?

I have to say that I probably have a soft spot for all of them - if I don't like a piece for whatever reason, I don't add it to my shops. That's probably a bit daft, because we all like different things...but I usually deconstruct them to reuse the materials in another piece. I like to be completely happy with what I'm selling.
If I was pushed, though, I guess I would pick the Collar of Delights. It's a new version of the original one that I opened my Etsy store with; I just love the abundance of embellishments, the playfulness of it and the bold shaping.



What other forms of art have you dabbled in?

I like a bit of photography; I'm a complete novice, but I really enjoy it. I love looking for the detail in something. I've always found it therapeutic to draw plants and flowers...again, it's all about the detail!
Collage work is a love of mine, along with papier mache - I just need more time!
I've also been tinkering with ideas for making dolls. I'm thinking art dolls, that maybe combine paper techniques as well as sewing...and of course, gorgeous textile elements!!

Do you have a favourite quote you'd like to share?

The one that springs to mind - I've mentioned it on my blog before now - is that line from a Crowded House song:
'Colour is its own reward'.
It says so much, don't you think?



I'd also like to add that Charlotte is amazing at doing commissioned work. I asked her to make a Christmas present for a very dear...and fussy friend of mine. I gave her a few colors and asked for some sort of heart on it. I didn't want to box in her creativity too much. The amazing results can be seen above. I cried when it arrived at my house. It was more beautiful than I ever could have imagined. My friend absolutely adores it.

Please be sure to check out Charlotte's Etsy store, fancypicnic. You can also see more of her work on her website and read more about her on her delightful blog, filled with all sorts of fanciful pictures.

Woo hoo! I've been featured on a blog.

Donna of dzfantasy on Etsy creates fantastic art dolls. She was kind enough to feature me on her blog today. Donna has agreed to be part of my featured artist series in the future, so stay tuned to learn more about her and her whimsical dolls.

Take time to smell the roses at Joanna's Photography

Okay, so you can't actually smell them, but Joanna's photographs are so good that you can certainly use your imagination and be transported into a garden. Yes, that's right, the featured artists series is back. I asked Joanna if she'd like to be interviewed a couple of months ago, but due to art deadlines and my nagging shoulder injury, I had to take some time off. Without further delay, let me introduce you to Joanna of JoannasPhotography on Etsy. Joanna offers a wide selection of prints in a variety of sizes. You can choose from tranquil flowers,soft landscapes, architecture and some edgier, industrial prints. I asked Joanna if she'd be kind enough to answer some questions and she happily obliged.



How long have you been interested in photography?
There has always been interest in photography. It was harder in my early years, when not having my own camera was a limitation. I mostly borrowed my parent's very simple point and shoot film camera. I think the big change for me came when about four years ago I got my first digital camera that had a few nice manual overrides and lens with nice lens- capable of regular shots as well as macro. This is how it all started.



What is your favorite photograph in your store right now and why?
It's really hard for me to choose one photograph, when most of them carry certain baggage of memories. There are a few I favor over other. One of photographs that I would call my favorite would be "Magnolia's Secret". It was taken in one of the most beautiful gardens I ever went to. This print, when printed on metallic paper (which that is type of paper I offer it for sale) looks very warm and magical in a way. I have composed this picture the way, that in the first moment you see a big and proud magnolia flower in full bloom, but when you start looking more carefully, there is the center bud of this flower hiding under petals.


Do you usually take a camera with you everywhere you go?
I try to take with me as often as possible, but that doesn't happen often. At least, it didn't happen until very recently, when I started my 365 Project blog I am trying to capture a picture a day, something I will remember this year by. (Editor's note: Check out Joanna's photo journal, as I've come to call it. It's such a fantastic idea and it's always fun to see what she'll be capturing next.)



What are your future plans for your Etsy store?
I am thinking about expanding my store by offering some additional services for photographs, especially matting. Also I am contemplating expanding my photo cards section.

Besides Etsy, where else can your photographs be purchased?
Besides Etsy my photography can be purchased through
1000markets,
ArtFire
RedBubble


Do you dabble in any other forms of art or crafts?
Yes, I do. I love to knit! It's my really big hobby that started when I was about 7 years old. I also love to read.



Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
There is quote I came across recently: "Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced." by Leo Tolstoy

Thank you, Joanna for taking part in my featured artist series.

The perfect gift for women on your holiday gift list!

ara133photography on Etsy's new photo pendants have arrived! Amy is now putting her photographs on glass pendants. She's offering them in a variety of designs. The peppermint candy one looks real. Pendants would make lovely gifts for wives/girlfriends, teachers, babysitters...any woman on your gift list. Remember to shop handmade this holiday season.

Get ready for a big sale on Etsy!

Many talented sellers are gathering together on Etsy to have a huge sale that runs from Thanksgiving, November 27 to the following Monday, December 1st. This sale will be heavily promoted and will be an excellent chance for people to save the hassle of going to the mall and fighting the crowds. Not to mention it's a fantastic chance to purchase handmade items from talented artists around the world. If you have an Etsy store and would like to sign up, see this thread for more information and go here to sign up. Thank you to Softpencil for designing the graphic!

Custom made tutus for the little girls in your life

Aren't these tutus (and the models) adorable? Etsy store, BabyMakesThree offers custom made tutus with elastic waistbands in sizes newborn and up. Choose up to three colors of tulle from their wide selection of forty-two colors and get a free matching flower clip! If you're a new customer, you can get 10% off by putting the promo code "NEW CUSTOMER" in the notes to seller.

Are you looking for gifts that smell good and look great?

Check out elladean on Etsy! She has homemade lip balms, air fresheners and body mists and everything comes with creative and fun packaging. With 225 items for sale that are 100% vegan friendly, affordable prices and international shipping, what's not to love?

Do you love handmade greeting cards?

Check out Etsy seller, RandomScraps for lovely handmade greeting cards and mini albums. She's currently taking custom orders for Christmas cards.

I'm in love with this incredible Etsy find!

SWOON! Yes, I know I recently featured Jill of JillreDesigns on my blog, but I had to share with the blog world her newest earrings. Aren't they amazing? The intricate, lacy wire work is fine copper wire that's adorned with Czech firepolished beads. Gorgeous!

Tantalizing Landscapes, Pysanky Eggs & Singing Cows

When I discovered Etsy at the start of the summer, I began reading the forums to learn all about Etsy and how to have a successful store. I took note of who posted to the forums and was helpful and friendly. The store name ara133photography kept popping up and when I began to make treasuries, I learned that the talent behind the store was a woman named Amy. What I didn't learn until very recently is now Amy's store features some photographs taken by her husband AND she has another store on Etsy, ara133 that sells notecards, magnets and notebooks featuring her photography, Origami cranes and pysanky eggs. As part of my ongoing series of interviewing fellow Etsy sellers, I asked Amy if she'd take part in a round of Q&A and she happily obliged. Please take a few minutes to learn about the woman behind the beautiful photographs and check out her Etsy stores, ara133photography and ara133!

Your profile says you're a graduate student. What are you studying?

I’m studying Plant Biology; my research focuses on the way roots change their growth habits in response to nutrient stresses and plant hormones. Someday I hope to be a professor of biology in a small college. My dream is to develop a lab plan (including computer software and realistic manmade models) for courses such as physiology, so that no animals are harmed!



Do you take a camera with you everywhere you go?

Almost! I typically have at least my little digital camera – it fits nicely in my purse and is great for those unexpected shots I come across on the way to school! Sometimes I bring my SLR if I plan to take a walk at lunch around campus. I always bring both cameras on any trips!


I see your husband is now selling photos in your store. Is there any competition between the two of you?

Actually no, we don’t compete. Sometimes we do find that we’ve taken the exact same shot somewhere, which is kind of funny – we do tend to think alike! We have different strengths photographically and artistically, though, so I think our work is complementary. We also enjoy critiquing each other’s work, which helps us both develop! When we go on photoshoots (which is what any vacation or hike turns into!) we share both cameras - we just keep handing them off to each other depending on the type of shot we're taking. Also, my husband is 6'5" tall so he takes all of the 'tall' shots and I take most of the 'shorty' shots (things that require a very low point of view) :) He also doesn't like to have squirrels running around on his feet so he throws food to them for me while I photograph them, when we're getting very closeup shots.



I love your "And They Sang All Day" photograph. Did you already own the cow creamers or did you have a vision and then have to go out and collect the cows?

Thank you so much! Those are actually from my husband’s cow creamer collection! I only left one out, because it is a bunny! A few years ago we went to a little restaurant that served cream in a cow creamer, and he got such a kick out of it that the next time we saw one in a store, we bought it! The ones in the photograph come from all over – a Menonite shop in Pennsylvania, a few grocery stores, a tourist shop in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, a little store in Connecticut…

What is your favorite photograph in your store right now?

I have a hard time deciding!! Right now I really like “Katie’s Enchantment” and “At Tara in this fateful hour” – I like the dreaminess, plus they both look exactly how I imagined them in my head! My favorite by my husband right now is “And the dusk was full”. We are planning to get a print of that one matted and framed for our apartment soon, I love the way it just seems to dance with lights!



How do you envision your photography evolving in the next ten years?

I am starting to do some more photography collages and pieces that might be classified as digital art, though they are all based on my photography. I plan to continue developing my technique, and possibly start incorporating my drawings and paintings into my work.

It's really a joy for me to go beyond what is often termed traditional photography, and use layers, collage techniques and other digital art formats to bring to life the images in my mind. This is especially true when it comes to books I read - I have such vivid pictures in my mind, and it's really a fantastic feeling when I can create them using my photography.



In your second store you sell pysanky eggs. For those people that don't know about these intricate creations, could you please describe the process and a little bit about them?

Pysanky eggs are an Eastern European tradition that began in ancient times; one of more modern prevailing legend seems to be that the existence of the world as we know it depends on the making of pysanky every year! Traditionally, the eggs are kept whole, ie not drained, to symbolize life. However, I’ve heard many horror stories about very old eggs developing pressure inside and exploding during a hot spell or upon being touched.. the stench would be abominable! Therefore, I drain my eggs! To make these, I start with a plain white egg (or brown!). Lately I’ve been using goose eggs, as they offer a nice, large canvas, great for animal designs. Then I draw a design on in melted beeswax (I heat it in a pencil-sized funnel over a candle flame every few moments) – the parts that are waxed will be white. Then, with the wax still on, I dip it in the lightest dye I plan to use. For my red and white Christmas ornaments, only one dip in red is needed. For multi-colored eggs, the next step would be to draw more pattern on top of the dye… this pattern will be the color of that dye – you are basically protecting that color with the wax. Then the egg is dipped in a slightly darker color, and these steps are repeated until the egg is dipped into the darkest color (usually deep red, blue or black). The method I use to remove the wax is to hold the egg next to a candle flame and wipe away the melting wax with a lint-free tissue, bit by bit. Then I spray the egg with acrylic as a sealant. The whole process can take several hours to a few days depending upon the intricacy of the design.

Thank you, Amy for letting everyone get to know a little bit more about you. I know Etsy wouldn't be the same without your lovely work. Best wishes for a bright and successful future!

An interview with the Queen of Pomegranates....and more!

If you've shopped on Etsy you've seen these enticing pomegranates on the front page. The first time I was captivated by them I sought out who made them and got to know Yael, the artist behind the creations in the Etsy shop Yoola. Not only does Yael create delightful pomegranates, but her shop offers a variety of handknit and crocheted items that all have an airy quality about them. Her latest creations include a line of lampshades that are absolutely fabulous. I was honored when Yael agreed to be interviewed and featured on my blog. She is my first international seller I've featured her and I was thrilled to get to know her better.


When did you first learn to knit and crochet?

I learned the basics of crochet when I was little on one of my summer vacations at my grandma and grandpa's. I was a very crafty girl. :)

What made you choose to work with wire?

When I was living in Switzerlad a couple of years ago, I got bored since I couldn’t work there so I took short classes at a local silversmith, and fell in love. It reminded me that I need to create in order to breathe and be happy.




Your pomegranates are truly a unique find on Etsy. What do pomegranates mean to you and how did you get inspired to make the first one?

Pomegranates are a marvelous fruit, it has many appearances in the Jewish culture as well as in other ancient cultures. A ceramic pom is a common gift for many occasions in Israel. My mom mentioned that to me when I was experimenting with larger patterns…and the rest is history :)

How long does it take you to make the average pomegranate?

It takes me about three hours. I call it my meditation. I concentrate and it gives me inner peace and quiet.



You obviously like the color red, does it have any particular symbolism/meaning to you or is it just a favorite color?

I believe everything has a reason, meaning if I love red or use a lot of red in my work then it must be something that I need in order to give me more strength or more quiet, whatever I am lacking. So red for me is happiness and fire, warmth and life.

I've never been to Israel, but I've come to admire some great artists from your country. Are handmade items and the arts appreciated in Israel?

I'm embarrassed to say, but I don’t know. As an artist I’m only alive in Etsy and the internet. I don’t think I could make a living out of it as I do with my design firm, so maybe this is the answer…..

Do artists pass down their skills to the next generation?

Israel is a young country inventing itself from scratch. People came here during the 19th and 20th centuries from all over the world. They were a generation that did not want to live their parent’s life in Europe. They wanted a land of their own. They revived the Hebrew which was dead for 2000 years and they needed to build this country with no agriculture, building, or army skills. So I think tradition in Israel today is not something appreciated or passed on. We need to grow up first.




What is your favorite item in your store right now and why?

I’m in love with my Scheherazade lamps. I have wanted to design lamps for years and finally I have. I was so excited when the first one was finished...really excited. I'm just as excited about people's feedback. They love them too.

Do you have anything else you'd like to share?

Etsy life is something really extraordinary. It gives me the opportunity to be an artist and meet wonderful and warm people like you, Valerie. Thank you so much for supporting me. It means the world to me. (editor's note: You're quite welcome. I feel the same way about you!)

Due to space constraints, I've only shown you a few of Yael's creations. Be sure to check out her Etsy store to see more of her work, including delightful jewelry and home decor!

Give yourself the gift of an embrace...

with one of Kay's of OnSlenderThreads wondrous creations. I first stumbled upon Kay's store when I was putting a treasury together on Etsy. I was immediately fascinated with her use of soft fibers mixed with precious stones. I'm a texture-holic and this was an amazing combination. Since then, I've featured Kay in several treasuries. It's my absolute pleasure to get her more exposure on Etsy because her creations are fantastic! I was lucky enough to receive one of her treasures as a gift and words cannot express how lovely it is. I asked Kay if she'd partake in a question and answer session with me to be featured on my blog and she happily obliged. After you read Kay's thoughtful answers, I urge you to explore her Etsy store and her website to see more exquisite photos and to read more about her Mindfulness Mantles!



By blending earth’s fibers & stones
these mindfulness mantles are woven to awaken & comfort you.
Being a lifelong dancer, I flourish on gathering grace
from one’s senses to quicken one’s heart.

Each shawl is crafted in quiet reflection
for its future owner—knitted from heart to heart.
Wrap one around yourself to experience
this illuminating dance of fibers and stones.

Wraps to empower, ground, delight
40 Days Shawls to gentle, balance, refine
Survivor Mantles to cocoon, center, transform
~ Kay Moates

How old were you when you first learned to knit? Who taught you?

Knitting has been a part of me for so long I can’t remember not knitting. Coming from a line of women extremely skilled with all types of needles probably planted the love and inclination in my soul. The specific instruction came from my Mother. Actually for all On Slender Threads’ Mindfulness Mantles I use only the first most basic stitch she taught me because it allows the work to flow seamlessly into quiet.



What exactly is a Mindfulness Mantle?

A Mindfulness Mantle is a handmade shawl created as a tool for supporting, refining, and transforming inner work. My desire is to help people embody change by making connections to themselves and their life. The entire crafting process is grounded with intention and symbols. First, each Mantle has a strong earth connection being knit from fine natural fibers and embellished with earthgems (gemstones birthed deep within our Earth). Second, each Mantle carries an invitation to stillness by being created during my quiet. Third, the Mantle embraces a person in gentleness and gives a touchstone to enfold for soothing. Like an artist’s canvas holds a painting, a Mindfulness Mantle supports and holds the energy of ones’ inward journey.

What first inspired you to blend soft fibers with stones?

That evolved during the process of gleaning elements into a whole and was simply a natural happening. I have always loved being embraced by a shawl—that cocooning enlivens me. And, forever, touchstones have helped me focus and move deeply within. The difference in textures and form magnifies each Mindfulness Mantle’s message. During the rendering process I often ponder in amazement and wonder that this fiber once walked the earth and that each unique earthgem knows transformation from our earth’s core.

How are people using the Mindfulness Mantles?

To my pure delight people—men, children, and women—are using them is various ways that suit their individual needs. Some are during rites of passage, for children’s mindfulness, for being in the moment, for sitting practice, as preparation aids for weddings (bride, bridesmaids, and mothers), during care giving, during therapeutic work, and while navigating an illness.



Have you dabbled in any other art forms?

I’ve been in the performing arts for—oh, my goodness—sixty years! As a life-long dancer I created and directed Imagination in Motion, a creative movement dance company for young children, where we danced with a difference inspired by all forms of art with music improvised by our pianist. As a matter of fact, On Slender Threads arose after my retirement as a new way to say the same things that I had taught for years.

What would you like to tell Etsy readers about yourself or your store?

On Slender Threads' Mantles are made from luscious, fine fibers for seasonal harmony . . . silk, cashmere, angora, bamboo, linen, alpaca, pima cotton, baby suri, merino, mohair, wool . . . (some fibers are organic).

There are seven different Mantle collections giving a variety of sizes, shapes, fibers, and earthgems. Also, I especially like to make custom Mantles weaving in the person’s wishes and needs.

I love the way numbers dance through our lives. One of my favorite numbers is 11—On Slender Threads Mindfulness Mantles are based on 11’s. I use every imaginable way to call forth awareness to deepen life’s connections!

Thank you, Kay for participating in this Q&A with me. I wish you much success!

JillreDesigns is wrapped around my fingers....wrist and ears!

Remember the Yart Sale on Etsy this summer? Not only did I get some amazing deals, but I also met Jill of JillreDesigns on Etsy. I featured one of her rings in a treasury, she convo'd me and said thank you and a friendship was born. I also bought the ring I featured, another ring, a bracelet, two pairs of earrings...you get the idea. I'm in love with Jill's jewelry! This past year I've gone from being at the dog park for hours everyday to bouncing around to different galleries. I have to be dressed as a successful artist and Jill's jewelry gives me some much needed confidence. She's designed earrings for me twice now for openings and "she gets me" and my style, even when I don't know what I'm looking for. Be sure to check out Jill's store for gorgeous wire wrapped rings, luscious stones, funky earrings, handmade polymer clay Halloween beads and stylish treasure boxes. Below is a little Q&A I asked Jill to participate in.

How long have you been making jewelry?

I’ve been making jewelry in one form or another pretty much as long as I can remember. My dad was a designer for Napier when I was growing up, and I loved the animal pins that he would create. So I was hooked early on.

What is your jewelry background?

How lucky could I be? I had this talented designer living under the same roof! When I was 12 years old my family moved, and my dad converted the old barn on the property into a studio for his freelance work. There he taught me design, model making, everything I needed to know to create jewelry on my own. Since then I’ve worked in just about every area of jewelry design and manufacturing.




What is your favorite thing to make?

For now, I’d have to say rings. I’m exploring new ways of making them, and so far the results have been interesting.

Which artists (any art form) inspire you?

Warren Dontigney (my dad), and Earl and Dot Bushnell (my godparents), all talented artists who took the time to nurture my passion for art. Other than family members my favorite artist is Joan Miro. His paintings seem to capture a dream state that I find fascinating. Other artists are Alexander Calder and Edward Gorey. I appreciate all art, but I love Modern form.

What else have you dabbled in?

Being “thrifty”, I like to do my own home decorating and repairs. I made a space mural for the wall of my son’s bedroom, mosaic shelves for the bathroom, and lamp fixtures for the bedroom. I love to watch HGTV and try out the different paint applications that they show.



Is there any art form that you’d like to learn in the future?

I have a storage closet full of future projects just waiting for the time to do them. I have this friend who does fantastic mosaics, her work is definitely inspiring!

What are you most proud of?

Personally, I don’t think I’ve had that moment yet. If anything, I’d have to say my family, here and gone. They’ve given me an awful lot to be proud about.

What was your silliest/most creative/best Halloween costume you’ve ever worn?

I’m very traditional when it comes to dressing up for Halloween, and I’m also a big B horror movie fan. My favorite costume was a full length black velvet cape with red lining that belonged to my sister, white face paint, vampire teeth. It looked great till my sister took the cape back. I also had fun making costumes for my sons. One year I made a costume out of two pairs of old jeans and two old blue sweatshirts. He was the three armed, three legged, three eyed boy. I had a pretty realistic rubber hand, and I made a third eye out of polymer clay and painted it to match Tyler’s eyes. After I attached it with spirit gum I created lids with fake skin. He said he got a lot of interesting reactions to it.



What is your favorite piece of jewelry in your etsy store?

I always liked the pearl and Czech firepolished bead earrings that I use in my avatar. They’ve had many fans, but surprisingly no buyer yet. (Editor's note: They'd have been mine months ago if they were made with silver wire. I love them!)


Do you have a quote you’d like to share?

I’m hearing this quite a bit lately, but it is relevant to the times, “all we have to fear is fear itself”. The best cure for fear is knowledge, and with a very important election coming up we owe it to ourselves to know who we’re voting for.

Thank you Jill for agreeing to be my second featured Etsy seller!