Artist Profile: An Astrid Endeavor

If you're anything like me, you'll see the name of this month's shop and think: Who is Astrid and what is she endeavoring to do? Well, Astrid id delightful and I believe she's endeavoring to take over the world -- you know one carefully embroidered accessory at a time.  Check out my interview with her below and then head over to Martha Stewart's American Made contest and show this awesome artist some support.

Rain or shine

Describe your shop
I make unique hand embroidered jewelry and home décor as well as beaded jewelry.


What are your favorite pieces to make?
Currently, my favorite pieces to make are from my latest collection inspired by my love of textile wall hangings.

Each of these pieces are somewhat improvised and become one of kind. When I start I know the basic color combination and shape- but as I make each one it evolves and changes as I add colors, or beads, so I never know what the end result will look like exactly - it’s very cool, and I love how individual and textural they are!


How would you describe your style?
I would definitely say my style is unique and modern with ethnic influences. My undergraduate degree was Medical and Cultural Anthropology as well as art, and I have always been interested in other cultures and how they adorn themselves. Like my own personal style, my jewelry reflects a love of modern design, respect for traditional materials, influence from other cultures, and sometimes a nod towards the quirky and kitsch. I like my jewelry to be statement pieces in and of themselves! 

 


When did you learn to do what you do?
Growing up I was taught many different art forms and making things to wear and play with was how I was raised. My mom would organize summer “art camps” for us at home and one summer we focused on embroidery. Fast forward to years later as I had to adjust my jewelry making techniques because of time constraints (work and family) and safety issues (baby in the house so no more metal working or lampworking in our apartment!) I utilized my knowledge and love of  textiles and embroidery to create pieces using minimal supplies and tools and embroidery was something I could  do in the quiet moments after my little one went to sleep at night. I know I am going to get back to using metals and glass as well as other mediums in my jewelry, but I am so excited with all the incredible possibilities by using textiles and thread- I have so many ideas, that I’m not in any hurry!

photo courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

 

What inspires you?
I am truly inspired by people and the human condition. It’s so fascinating to me all the aspects that go into living this one amazing life- so full of beauty, color, textures…And of course, the natural world around us that provides an infinite amount of inspiration each day.



Where would you like your shop to be 5 years from now?
I’m really excited about potential collaborations with other artists and creative people. I’d love to have seasonal pieces that appeal to everyone and for regular customers. And of course, having my creative work be a major portion of my income would be a dream!


What does your work space look like?
I think my creative workspace could be described as “organized chaos” I am a person who uses her senses a lot, so I love to have my visual field full of colorful, inspirational images. I also love to be surrounded by things I can touch and experience like rocks, ribbon, and other tactile things. 

photos courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

How do you spend your time when you're not creating?
I do have a full time job so that keeps me busy busy busy. On my free time I spend it with my daughter making things for her as well as getting out and exploring the world; traveling, swimming, going for walks, museums, music, and THE BEACH; which is my favorite place in the world.


What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
For breakfast I love to eat a salami sandwich with butter and brewers yeast. Weird, I know.


Where else can we find your work; Are you doing any events this holiday season?

Right now I sell primarily via my shop - AnAstridEndeavor - on Etsy:

I have sold on flash sale sites like Uncovet, OkayAfrica, and CurioRode as well as a few sites overseas.  Locally I will be selling at Wonderland SF and also have a selection of my jewelry at Angela Adams in Portland Main.  AND I hope this holiday season to be a part of the Renegade Craft Fair in San Francisco!!! 
                 (I don't know about you guys but I'm exhausted just reading that)

The big news right now is that I am participating in the Martha Stewart American Made contest for American designers, artists, and craftspeople. I’m so excited to be a part of this and would love your support- you can find my profile here: http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/81005

photo courtesy of Sandra from HappyMorningblog.com

There you have it. Now head over to Martha Stewart's American Made contest and vote, vote vote, Then head to Astrid's store and shop shop shop! Remember:

OK not really, but I couldn't help it!

Young at Heart

Wooden Bird by Jenn Henson Designs

Not so much a theme this time, although, it seems like when I start these things, a theme tends to emerge. The bird above makes me think of whimsy, and whimsy is one of the best aspects of childhood.

So, for a theme, we'll go with that.

And if we're going for childhood, of course we must find children's clothes. Like this totally cute skirt...

Purple Hemp/Tencel & African Print Skirt by IOGoods

Or isn't this just too precious for a baby?

White Bloomers Diaper Cover by pily couture

Getting a bit older, what girl doesn't love friendship bracelets?  

Girl Friendship Bracelet by Isn't That Cute

And then in middle school, everybody seems to discover origami. (Well, not me, but it seemed like everyone else.)

Origami Crane Strand by The Crane Maker

Then we grow up (sort of), and we want to wear pretty things. I have a thing for swirls...  

Copper Earrings by StoneWyre

And I've always had a soft spot for rose quartz.

Rose Quartz Earrings by Encanto Design

This post contributed by Liz A. of Zizi Rho Designs. 

Homebody

Summer. The perfect time for all those home projects that seem to get put aside at other times of the year. So, why not do some redecorating?  

How bare are your walls?

Om Is Where the Heart Is Wall Hanging by FetchingArt

And some throw pillows wouldn't be out of place.

Crochet Throw Pillow by Stitchy Impressions

Pink goes with everything from white to beige to green (or is that just me?).

Pink Magenta Flowers Vase by Bottled Blondes

Although these centerpieces will fit in with just about any color you can come up with.

Living Room Centerpieces by Cracked Pistachios

But I'll always be partial to orange...

Table Runner by Lola Rose Designs

Looking for the perfect dinnerware? How about designing your own dinner plates (within certain parameters, of course)?

Design Your Own Dinner Plates by The Rustic Home

Although one good bowl may be all you need to dress up your table (when it's not in use).

Amber Bowl by Clay Mystique

Hope your home is the perfect shade of you.  

This post was contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs. The shops and items featured can all be accessed via the links in the captions of the photos. Make sure to check them out.  

Summery, Sort Of

It's officially summer. So, I went in search of teammates' items that screamed summer to me. And...well, perhaps I didn't exactly come up with the summer collection I'd hoped for. But these are summery, kind of...

What's more summery than a big summer movie? Like the sequel to Monsters Inc.

Monsters Inc Crayon Tote by Not Without Annette

While clutches aren't so summery, necessarily, this washed out orange makes me think of hot days with too much sun.

Orange Clutch by Lulu's Creations

When the weather warms up, I find it uncomfortable to knit, but crochet is fine. And what better to make than a nice lacy top for the warmer weather. (This is a listing for a pattern, not a finished item. But I could see myself wearing that.)

Lacy Layering Halter Tank - PDF Pattern by Foothill Fibers N' Photo

And what better to do during the warmer evenings than to lounge around outside and take in a plant wall hanging?

Silver Industrial Tillandsia Air Plant Wall Hanging by Crazy Art Dolls 

This shelf makes me think of finding weathered objects outside. In the heat.

Reclaimed Wood Shelf by ThisnThat Cafe

As do these brooches.

Porcelain Clay 3 Brooch Grab Bag by Mint Julep Design

And I couldn't do one of my strange collections without some jewelry. Maybe not so summery, but it wouldn't be out place this season. Or any season.

Peace Sign & Dove Charm Bracelet by Love Yew Designs

This post contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs who's not much of a summer aficionado (the cooler weather is better), but whose shop does feature beach sandals and water bottle carriers--perfect for the summer.  

Artist Profile: Bag Lady Lulu

Happy June everyone! The first Friday of the month has come around again which means it's time for our artist profile.   From big trips and personal milestones, to capturing the joy in the every day. One of Kirsten's handcrafted journals will make every memory shine.  Read on to learn more about Kirsten of Bag Lady Lulu.

Describe your shop. How would you describe your style?
I design and create one-of-a-kind handcrafted journals. I use brown paper bags as the foundations for my journals, and I tend to give them sort of a vintage feel. I love using lots of tags and postage stamps and postcards, tons of fun embellishments.

When did you learn to do what you do?
I’ve been crafting since forever, but I feel like I’ve really honed my journal craft and hit my creative stride within the last year.

What are your favorite pieces to make?
Travel journals, definitely

What inspires you?
Journaling is something I am very passionate about. I firmly believe that journals catch the whisperings of our souls. When I create a journal, I imagine someone writing down their feelings in it, pouring out their heart to it, unlocking their innermost thoughts fears dreams ideas and emotions. Then I look through all of my beautiful craft papers and fun embellishments until something speaks to me. I love when a customer gives me details about the journey they’re taking, something I can grasp onto and run with. Or I feel a connection with their personality through our emails and conversations. That makes choosing the supplies for their journal really fun.

What does your work space look like?
I share my workshop with our bunny, Biscuit. I have 2 work benches, one for creating and one mainly for shipping. And I’m surrounded by my creative supplies – papers, embellishments, etc. My inspiration board hangs above my work bench so I always have something to look at and draw from.

Where would you like your shop to be 5 years from now?

In 5 years, my shop will be my full time business. I’ll have a licensing contract or two. I’ll have a large studio in my home, with an assistant, and I’ll teach creative workshops once a week out of my home studio. 

How do you spend your time when you're not creating?

When I’m not creating, I work part-time at a custom invitation/stationery store. And I take care of my husband and our home filled with our 4 cats and one rabbit. I hang with friends, read a lot, watch crime shows… 

What is your favorite thing to have for breakfast?
My favorite thing to have for breakfast is: French toast smothered in maple syrup and grape jelly, with a side of scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese mixed in, and slightly crispy bacon. BUT what I actually have almost every morning is one packet of maple brown sugar instant oatmeal with a glass of vanilla almond milk and 2 gummy multi-vitamins.

Are you doing any craft fairs this year?
No craft fairs planned yet, but the year's not over! :)

Where can we learn more about you?
www.bagladylulu.com

Gifty

It's the time of year when students graduate, fathers are celebrated, and birthdays begin to hit. En masse. Fun, eh?

39 Cups has several interesting mugs, some especially made for Father's Day. But I just had to feature the one for the current Zodiac sign. Just because.

Gemini Mug by 39 Cups

If you've got a little girl on your gifting list, consider giving her something fun to play in.

Woodland Fairy Tutu by Too Too Kute

Or for a boy, what's more fun than a Batman decal with his name on it (for his bedroom wall)?

11" x 20" Personalized Batman Wall Sticker by PersonalizedJewellz

If you've got a friend who loves bracelets, this would be just the thing.

Blue Water Bracelet by Steph Jordan Originals

Or this.

Tribunal Bracelet of Clockwork by The Silver Crucible

Of course, I've always been a bit more of an earring person, myself.

Green Crystal Dangle Earrings by Sweetwater Handcrafted Jewelry

Or how about a handcrafted bowl?

Straw Flower Pine Needle Basket by Heart of Almanor

Have you got a lot of gifts to give this time of year? What are some of your favorites?  

This post contributed by Liz from Zizi Rho Designs. All captions link back to the items on Etsy as well as the shops where those items came from. Make sure to check them all out.

Weddings contd.

What a fun wedding! Black and white striped runner, brooch bouquets, fascinators, music, fireball whiskey (never had this before and I love it), in the mountains in Malibu California at a beautiful venue Calamigos Ranch!
My cousin added some beautiful touches to her wedding, that made it fit for the creative bride. The creative bride is a growing trend that allows our business to grow:)
I do wish I had more pictures, but when I get the professional pictures I promise to post them:) I was quite busy...we spent the weekend together starting it off with Disneyland! I did all of the bridesmaids' hair including my own, created the bridesmaid hair clips, flower girl dresses, flower girl headbands, bride's garter, veil and sash. I also wrapped the brooch bouquet bases!