Creator Profile Spotlight : : Sesenarts

This week we profile Julie Smith from Sesenarts, creator of handcrafted wool and silk fashion accessories…

Creator Profile : : Sesenarts

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/sesenarts
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sesenarts-Silk-and-Wool-Fashion-Accessories/181202931909997
Madeit: http://www.madeit.com.au/sesenarts

Shop Description:
Fashion scarves, wraps and jewellery handcrafted from silk and fine quality merino wool that I have dyed myself in my studio in the South West.

Creative production Ethos:
I like to keep my creations as unique as possible. I am inspired by the colour and texture that I find around me in the bushland, gardens and ocean.

Products:
Felted wool and silk scarves and wraps
Bracelet cuff
Brooches or pins
Fashion bibs and pendants

Favourite products:
They are all  my favourite. But I do happen to fancy the cuffs as here you can ‘wear a little art on your sleeve’ (no pun intended)!

Favourite music to listen to when creating: At the moment it would be Adele – Live at Royal Albert Hall. But depending on the mood I would like to evoke in the item, it could be meditation music or maybe some Muse.

One thing Julie would love to do within the next 10 years:
Live in Tuscany for 3 months!

How Sesenarts got started:
I have studied and created art in some form for over twenty years and have been involved in local galleries for quite a while. Sesenarts evolved from my healing business Sesen Healing Arts (I was a Reiki teacher and aromatherapist/masseuse). Sesen is the Egyptian name for the Lotus flower, whose basic symbolism in Buddhism means rising above the murk/mud to find enlightenment. To me at the time it was about finding my way after having raised 3 children, it was time to ‘find myself’ again. The name seemed right for where I was at the time.

Inspiration:
Nature

Goals for the future:
We will be building again in the near future and my hubby is building me a large studio where I can both produce plus have a gallery section for people to drop by and see my work in person. I am considering holding art workshops as well.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Delartful

This week we profile Sharon from Delartful creator of Art Prints and Original Art…

Creator Profile : : delartful

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/delartful 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/delartful 
Blog: http://www.delartful.blogspot.com.au/

Shop Description:
At “delartful”, you will find some original artwork, quality prints of my paintings & illustrations, and handmade items featuring my designs such as notebooks and cards. I am also currently working on pendants, clocks and lamp shades – a very exciting addition to my range!

Creative production Ethos:
To create art with passion and meaning, to offer it as quality affordable prints and other products, and provide them promptly and with care.

Products:
Prints of my Paintings and Illustrations, original paintings on wood, notebooks, and cards.

Favourite products:
I love seeing my work with all of the fine detail translate as prints. There is something about seeing the work adapted into a smaller, or sometimes larger piece that changes the perspective.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
I have a huge range of music I like to call my favourite, and have many compilations that range from relaxing to rock, which gives me motivation while painting and keeps my moods changing! I love Belle and Sebastian, Gotye, The Bamboos, Pink Floyd, Van Morrison and too many others to mention!

One thing delartful would love to do within the next 10 years:
To paint and illustrate fulltime and be able to develop a range of homewares featuring my designs. Being involved in exhibitions, workshops and artist run studios would also be high up on my agenda.

How delartul got started:
After many years of trying to fit study, work and family around my dream, I decided to make it a priority and so began delartful (my blog) in 2010. From that I found out about what other artists do and so discovered Etsy which has led me to turning my passion into something I can work with.

Inspiration:
Art and the colours and patterns in nature has always been my inspiration. I admire the work of many wonderful artists such as Kyle Hughes-Odgers, Stormie Mills, Abby McCulloch, Del Kathryn Barton, Minne Pwerle, Mica Still, John Olsen, Kareena Zerefos, Kirra Jameson. I am also greatly inspired by my wonderfully supportive family, children, partner and friends.

Goals for the future:
Currently I am working on getting my work into the Perth Upmarket and other markets and shops this year. This will include pendants, clocks, handpainted upcycled items, lamps, as well as prints and original work. I also want to see delartful grow to other homewares and make creating art my fulltime “job”.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : ceramic snippets

This week we profile Kate Stevens from ceramic snippets, maker of one of a kind clay creations!

Creator Profile : : ceramic snippets

LINKS:
Etsy Shop: www.ceramicsnippets.etsy.com
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ceramicsnippets
Web page: www.ceramicsnippets.weebly.com

Shop Description:
small, quirky raku clay sculptures with a whimsical feel.

Creative production Ethos:
I keep my pieces to a high standard, try to finish pieces with an eye to details and keep things original. When someone gets one of my pieces I want them to feel that it’s imbued with my creative spirit – that it’s a little creation that I’ve put thought, energy and originality into that cannot be replicated – even by me!

Products:
Everything is handmade with Raku clay and then hand glazed with under-glaze (matt finish). On some pieces I will then add a shiny top coat of glaze and / or a tissue transfer pattern to the surface that has been under-glazed before firing.

Favourite products:
It changes all the time, depending on what theme I’m into. At the moment I love spiral tissue transfers on a white surface… I am working on a few critters with this pattern at the moment. My favourite ever piece that I’ve made would have to be ‘moustachioed man’, he was one of the first pieces I made, he was sold and went to Margaret River, which I think is the perfect place for him.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
My taste is ridiculously eclectic. I usually like to listen to something I know well so I can absent-mindedly sing along while hand-building my pieces. I also have a tiny table in the lounge room where I can sculpt in front of the TV in the evenings… it’s a bit of a bad idea because I’m quite messy and Ruby and Lulu (my dog and cat) try and get involved in the whole sculpting process when they’re in the room, which doesn’t make things any tidier!

One thing Kate would love to do within the next 10 years:
I’d love to have my own purpose built ceramics studio full of useful tools, glazes and with a nice big kiln and an inspiring view for me to gaze out on while I think of what to make next. I’d also like to get more of a handle on the technical side of ceramics – kiln temperatures, firing methods, more adventurous glazing methods… there’s so much to learn it could take a bit more than 10 years!

How Kate got started:
I was doing a hideous law degree and dropped out in spectacular style. After that I decided that I had to embrace my artistic side (which I’d suppressed for a really long time) and find something art-related to try. I tried a few things and had some fun, but when I started sculpture it was an instant love affair. It made me feel so happy and creative, and my love for it obviously came out in my work because people soon started asking if they could buy my pieces. I was a bit shy about it all to begin with, but with some encouragement from some of my friends I started ‘ceramic snippets’ and things have been going strong so far.

Inspiration:
I get inspiration from all over the place; I’ve noticed that a few of my critters look a bit like my cat Lulu, so I guess inspiration starts at home! Others also share their ideas with me and I try and translate that into clay for them. I also go through themes, where all of my creations will have moustaches, or be covered in a certain pattern. Sometimes I’ll get a vague idea and just try it out on the clay… even if my original doesn’t work it will sometimes lead me to something new and fantastic. I’m not a big planner or sketcher, I tend to just see where the clay takes me.

Goals for the future:
I’d like to make a MEGA piece. My attention span and time limitations mean I stick to making smaller pieces, sometime I would like to get to building a piece that I work on for months and months and is totally amazing when it’s finished.

Oh, and my other goal is to have a ceramic snippet in every household in Australia… a bit ambitious maybe, but you’ve got to aim high!

And I also aspire to be a full time potter in the future… okay, that’s enough goal setting for now!

Creator Profile Spotlight : : 20th Century Vintage

This week we profile Marisa Zollo from 20th Century Vintage, vintage reseller of retro, vintage & mid century modern collectables with an emphasis on pieces from the 1950s, 60s & 70s – home decor, kitchenalia, glassware, ceramics, art, textiles, jewellery and fashion accessories.

Creator Profile : : 20th Century Vintage

LINKS:
Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/20centuryvintage
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/20thCenturyVintage  
Blog: http://www.20thcenturyvintage.com.au/blog/ 
Website: http://www.20thcenturyvintage.com.au/

Shop Description:
Retro, vintage & mid century modern collectables with an emphasis on pieces from the 1950s, 60s & 70s – home decor, kitchenalia, glassware, ceramics, art, textiles, jewellery and fashion accessories.

Creative Collection Ethos:
I only ever buy and sell things that I especially love myself. Sometimes that makes it hard to part with but it makes being a part of the vintage reselling scene so much more enjoyable, especially when you see that unique piece going to someone else who loves it just as much as you do.

Products:
Retro, vintage & mid-century modern home decor, kitchenalia, glassware, ceramics, art, textiles, jewellery and fashion accessories.

Favourite products:
Anything that fits into the mid-century modern era.

Favourite music to listen to when sourcing products or working on your shop:
I’m a bit of a radio listener so when I’m down in the shed sorting, cleaning and photographing I’m mostly listening to triple j.

One thing Marisa would love to do within the next 10 years:
Do a lot more travelling which would mean visiting some great vintage and flea markets around the world.

How Marisa got started:
I’d always admired mid-century modern furniture and home decor and have bought a few pieces for myself but I wasn’t a full on collector. However after meeting someone who was buying and selling, I thought well this is a way to be able to collect, own and photograph some amazing pieces before they go to a new home.

Inspiration:
1950s & 1960s design, form and function.

Goals for the future:
Devote more time to expanding my collection to include a little more furniture and developing my online store focusing on the mid–century modern era.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Sally Anna Boutique

This week we profile Anna from Sally Anna Boutique, creator of unique handcrafted fashion and accessories …

Creator Profile : : Sally Anna Boutique

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/SallyAnnaBoutique?ref=si_shop
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SallyAnnaBoutique
Madeit: http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=39038

Shop Description: 
Hand knitted and crochet clothing and accessories and textile jewellery

Creative production Ethos:  
I always make items to the highest standard using quality yarns and fabrics.  I only sell what I love and hope my pieces become a loved piece of wearable art in a new home.

Products:
I hand knit and crochet my own designs.  Initially, I filled my shop with scarves and shawls but now sell all my other ranges of bags, hats, gloves, vests, capelets and textile jewellery using wool or cotton yarns and fabrics and beads.

Favourite products:
The last thing I have made is usually my favourite!  I usually only make one of a kind but I do like making different colourways of favourite pieces.  I am really excited about my designer “footy scarves”.  Support the team in one of a kind, designer style!

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
I have to admit I watch movies when I am knitting or sewing.   Everything from drama to comedy and often work my way through tv series.

One thing Anna would love to do within the next 10 years: 
I would love to go on a textile tour of India.

How Anna got started:
I have made clothes and accessories most of my life.  When I was 16, I walked into a boutique in Cottesloe wearing one of my creations…full of beads and ribbons.  Next thing I knew, I had my first order and have never looked back.  I addition to knitted and sewn items, I have sold my handmade hats to department stores, ski wear when I lived in the snow and homemade cheesecakes to a cafes.

Inspiration: 
Texture, colour, yarn and fabric.  Everything looks like textiles to me and I constantly have ideas for making new things.

 Goals for the future: 
I have many handmade homewares around our house and would like to start making them for my shops.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Buttony Creations

This week we profile Georgia Bolden-Strestik from Buttony Creations creator of unique button-inspired jewellery and accessories…

Creator Profile : : Buttony Creations

LINKS:

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ButtonyCreations
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ButtonChick

Shop Description:
Buttony Creations is a place to find unique button jewellery that has been hand made in the Perth Hills.

Creative production Ethos:
I believe in creating a quality product that is affordable and fun. I spread joy through my work.

Products:
Necklaces, bracelets, head bands, hair combs, hair clips with more ideas on their way!

Favourite products:
Wooden button necklaces

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
I have pretty eclectic tastes in music, and I am happy listening to all sorts of things. When I am creating I actually enjoy the peace of the bush that surrounds us. The birds, the trees rustling, the insects all busy doing their thing.

One thing Georgia would love to do within the next 10 years:
Run a marathon… slowly!

How Georgia got started:
It all began with a bag of buttons I bought years ago. Last Christmas I found that bag in amongst my craft stash and the mind started ticking. One thing lead to another, an amazingly vivid dream one night involving buttons, and there it all began!

Inspiration:
I have some friends who are wonderful artists.  I see what they create in between the day-to-day life of being parents, and I am inspired. I also immensely enjoy my local gallery – Mundaring Arts Centre. The hills here in Perth are such a melting pot of great artists.

Goals for the future:
I have some amazing ideas buzzing around my head about making more local and natural products. It would be great to be able to have an Australian made product right from beginning to end.

Creator Profile Spotlight : : LindaFooteDesigns

This week we profile Linda Foote from LindaFooteDesigns creator of zine-style comics and original artwork…

Creator Profile : : LindaFooteDesigns

LINKS:
Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LindaFooteDesigns
Tumblr: http://snafflewyrm.tumblr.com/
Website: http://www.lindafoote.com.au/

Shop Description:
My shop is a collection of original characters, human or otherwise, inside the pages of a comic, on an ACEO, a framed drawing, a button or a charm.

Creative production Ethos:
I like the characters I create to be engaging and look exciting. Mostly, I just enjoy the process of drawing. I’m a sucker for strong colours and improving my linework.

Products:
Comics! And traditionally coloured artwork, mostly in copic markers or watercolour. Love those copic markers! You get some really gorgeous bright colours out of them.

Favourite products:
My comics are definitely the meatiest items in my shop. I love that I can hand someone a comic and it acts like a portfolio. Making something that reads well is really a great test of your illustration skills.

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
Placebo and Matchbox Twenty.

One thing Linda would love to do within the next 10 years:
Make comics full time, or be a full time illustrator. That’s two things. Sorry!

How Linda got started:
I got started making finished comics by doing the 24Hour Comics Day event for the first time. (You make a 24 page comic in 24 hours – it’s crazy but fun.) As for making finished illustrations, I blame my best friend for getting me into using copic markers. I have about 160 of them…

Inspiration:
Gosh, more illustrators and comic artists than I could name. Tumbr provides me with my fill of illustration inspiration at the moment. It can be easy to get intimidated by all the artists that are better (and sometimes younger) than me, but if I keep drawing through it I don’t get too bogged down by the self doubt!

Goals for the future:
At the moment it’s just to keep drawing and improving at drawing. Keeping my goals modest!

Creator Profile Spotlight : : Olive Farm

This week we profile Olivia Sjahrir from Olive Farm creator of Bridal Accessories…

Creator Profile : : Olive Farm

LINKS:
Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/olivefarm?ref=si_shop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olivefarmdesigns
Madeit: http://www.madeit.com.au/storecatalog.asp?userid=1882
Blog: http://olivefarmdesigns.blogspot.com.au/
Web page: http://olivefarmdesigns.com/

Shop Description:
Handmade hair adornments created from the heart, designed for your wedding and any other special occasion.

Creative production Ethos:
I’m so in love with soft, luscious fabrics & creating them into gorgeous flowers & accessories feeds into my girly nature. I like to believe I provide a special service to brides wanting to highlight their ‘look’ on their big day without stealing away from their natural beauty.

Products:
Mainly hair accessories however I’m now branching off to sashes & corsages too.

Favourite products:
Each piece is made from complete love so it’s hard to pick just one but I especially have a soft spot for the Arabesque piece from the ‘In the bedroom’ collection. To this day it’s the piece I felt the most joy after completion, it screams ‘girly girl’: http://www.etsy.com/listing/38974751/arabesque

Favourite music to listen to when creating:
I listen to a variety of genres when it comes to music. From smooth RnB to pop boy bands to covers from Glee but lately I seem to always drift to Jason Mraz. He’s just too cool!

One thing Olivia would love to do within the next 10 years:
The ultimate food tour! Spend months travelling through Southern Europe with my family eating as much bread, cheese, olives, pasta, pizza & gelato til I’m positively sick! It will happen.

How Olivia got started:
With my background in interiors & visual merchandising I always knew I wanted to create something artsy with my hands. One day I started designing & creating flower brooches & other accessories from felt. When a family friend asked me to create a hair piece for her year 12 ball I knew I was heading towards something. Suddenly I was creating hair accessories from silks, tulles & other fabrics. I then opened an etsy store but it wasn’t until I created a Facebook page & participated in a few markets that Olive Farm really took off.

Inspiration:
I’m usually inspired by what I see & how it makes me feel. It could be a scene from a movie, a picture in a magazine or a person walking past me. When I see something that invokes an emotion I can wait to get back to my studio & start creating.

Goals for the future:
I’m currently working with a web designer to create a web page & hopefully participate in more handmade markets catered for the Wedding Industry. I would love to see my work in magazines & more online sites. Running this business is just as much about networking then it is about creating. Now that I feel I have the creative side running well, I would like to devote more time on the other. Also finding a healthy balance between Olive Farm, my husband & twin girls…. but isn’t that every designers dream?

WA Street Team Meet Up

We met, we mingled, we munched! Thursday 26 April was the first WA Street Team Etsy meet up. Blessed with a stunning day in a beautiful location, not even the seagulls could put a downer on the event. Seven keen crafters turned up to meet face to face, eat, chat and relax in the surrounds of Heathcote Cultural Centre. It was so great to put faces to shop names, pictured above are the faces behind sesenarts, petrafanella, Fluid Ink Letterpress, Anna Hadwin crochet, Tall Rabbit and Slinky Lizard. Can you guess who is who? 

Stay tuned for the next meet up – we would love to see a lot more unfamiliar faces.