Yellow Canoe

Artist: Erin Lang Norris
Location: Madison, WI - USA
Web site: Yellow Canoe - Etsy
Blog: Yellow Canoe

What do you create?I create items for the home, focusing primarily on block printed key racks, jewelry holders and coat racks, but I do throw in a hand bound journal here and there and I also love creating art pieces to mix things up a bit.

How did you come up with your company name? 
I wanted something that would stick, and something that would be fun, yet a little bit more on the serious side than my other shop name (operation paper cut). Since I'm a huge outdoor enthusiast, I liked the idea of having "canoe" in my name and I liked the way "Yellow Canoe" rolls off the tongue. It's kind of ironic that my husband and I used to paddle around a small lake in a canoe that was yellow when we first met, because I didn't even think about that until later!

When and why did you decide to start your business? 
I was attending school for Interior Design when I realized that it just wasn't the right time for me, which was a bummer because I loved the atmosphere and everything it involved. I think that it kick started my mind a bit, in the way of thinking that I could still design things, but on a smaller scale. I've known that I wanted to make homes "look nice" for a long time, which is why I went to school for Interior Design in the first place. So I thought about what I could make, and how I could go about getting started on a really small budget. I had my ideas, but I didn't have the time or money to do anything huge. So I held the thoughts in my head and in journals and moved onto something that was more feasible at the time, which was creating and selling coptic bound journals and recycled notebooks, stuff like that. That was when I ran Operation Paper Cut. After a couple years it was finally the right time to get going on my original plan, and I had even more ideas than ever before- so many that I still haven't gotten around to half of them, but everything is slowly coming together.



Where do you get your inspiration for your projects? 
For my art pieces, I like to create mini worlds that I think would be fun to visit. I enjoy making up little stories for each piece, especially the "animal hole" pieces. For the block printed pieces, I like to gather ideas for new designs when I'm out and about. I see the neatest patterns in the most unusual places...something I don't think most people really pay much attention to. I turn these into my own thing, altering lines here and there. About 95% of the time I come up with something entirely different than what I started out with, which I really enjoy because it makes things interesting. Also, if I sit down and try to come up with new ideas it just feels so forced to me and never works out like it should. So I usually just wait until something just comes to me, which usually happens during the worst times- like when I'm driving or in the shower.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite? 
Oooh, this is a tough one. I really like the table saw because it's one of the quicker processes and it's fun to see five pieces of wood turn into a tower of hundreds of little pieces. I guess I'm also partial to the saw because, haha, since I live in an apartment I can't have one here, so I get to see my parents whenever it's time to cut more wood. Now that I live 2 hours away from them I thought it would be more of a challenge to get wood when I needed it, but it really isn't- it makes for a fun day trip. :)

What keeps you motivated? 
I must admit, I do find myself a bit out of the groove every now and then, but the one thing that really helps are letters from people who admire my work. They have a bigger impact on me than I think they realize. It makes the process so much more rewarding than it already is to know that somebody took the time to just tell me that they like my stuff. The other thing that motivates me is knowing that someday I could be fully self employed, rather than relying on a part time job to tie up the loose ends. Reading interviews of designers and artists who have "made it big" is always wonderful, too... I usually run to my studio and start working the minute I am finished reading one!



How do you get the word out about your work? 
Well, I'm really not very good about this. I should carry around business cards, but I have yet to get any professionally printed (one of those things that I keep putting off...). I should carry a lookbook around, but I don't do that, either. So until I do that, which is going to be very soon, I mainly just promote online. Etsy is a great place because it has chat rooms that sometimes bring in a sale or a custom order. The forums on Etsy help, too. Flickr has been very helpful as well, even though I can't link directly to my shop from there. I try to be active in the blog scene when I have time, which has helped a bit too.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months? 
I purchased a ton of linen about 5 months ago which is waiting to be turned into block printed pillows. After the pillows comes placemats and curtains, stuff like that...Screen printing is in the works as well, but I've been saying that for over a year now. I have everything I need but the emulsion, so I guess I'm going to have to keep holding off on it. I also would like to get into turning salvaged, frameless mirrors into something beautiful, which I hope to reveal over the next few months as well. I'd really like to get into just a few more brick and mortar shops, right now Yellow Canoe has made it's way into about 4 or 5 around the country, but I'd like to get into about 12 all together.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business? 
Do your research. I spent hours upon hours finding vendors who had the best deals, the lowest shipping, etc when I was first starting out. Also, don't blatantly copy other people's styles. Wait until you have something that is your own design before you go and release it to the public. Oh- and realize that it can to take awhile to build a reputation, so don't get discouraged when you are starting out with little to no sales!



What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
Everything is done by me...buying the materials, cutting, sanding, painting, mixing colors for ink and paint, carving new designs, printing, measuring, drilling, spray painting hooks, applying the matte finish, package design...the clean up...packaging orders/post office visits...communicating with clients. A lot of people I know think that it must be so nice to not be on a schedule, or the I can do whatever I want, and that life must be a breeze being able to "sit at home all day", but it's really not that way. I mean, yeah, it IS nice being able to be at home much of the week, but it's really not handed to me on a silver platter as some people think it is, and I do have deadlines just like I would if I went to work in and office or something. Other than that, there isn't really anything else that I can think of. But I often feel like that is an oversight for sure.

Which of your projects have you considered the most interesting or enjoyed working on the most? 
My favorite things that I've made are the key racks that have illustrations on them rather than block prints. They are just more fun because they're one of a kind and it's something fresh and new every time.



If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use? 
I would love to learn how to weld. My dad just purchased some welding stuff about a year ago, so I'm hoping to go down to my parents this summer while my husband is on a business trip and start learning that. I can't believe that I don't know how to knit or embroider yet, but I plan on taking a knitting class here soon. Since I just moved to Madison, I figured that I should just take a class rather than teaching myself for the sole purpose of meeting some new people.

What's your definition of a perfect day? 
Waking up to the sun at around 6:30, sitting outside sipping a cup of coffee or tea listening to the birds sing while reading a magazine. Making breakfast and then going on a hike with my husband. Returning to the campsite (I guess I should have mentioned that the perfect day happens during a camping trip) to build a campfire and reminisce on good times, while listening to our favorite camping music (oh yes- there is camping music, our favorite is The Doors) and cracking open a few cold ones, haha.

Sunlit Letterpress

Artist: Erin McCall
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Web site: Sunlit Letterpress
Blog: Adventures in Letterpress

What do you create?
I design and print letterpress stationery for life's special moments (weddings, births, celebrations), as well as personal and business correspondence (greeting cards, notecards, business/calling cards, corporate stationery). I have a "ready-to-wear" line that is pre-designed and sold on Etsy, on my website, and in stores, and I also design and print custom stationery. I use vintage printing presses from the late 1800s and early 1900s to craft each piece of stationery by hand.

How did you come up with your company name?
Sunlit Letterpress is an offshoot of my graphic design business, Sunlit Media. The human eye is naturally drawn to light, and reacts to light - especially sunlight. When I named my graphic design business, I wanted to capture this idea of a visual reaction to things that are bright. (Unfortunately most people mispronounce it and call it "Sunlight Media", when it is in fact "sunlit".)



When and why did you decide to start your business?
I fell in love with letterpress in my early 20s after reading an article about the dying art (it is now enjoying a rebirth!). I then studied letterpress at the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design under Jim Rimmer - the renowned letterpress master, type designer, type founder, an illustrator. Jim gave me my very first press, some metal type and a can of ink, and a letterpress addiction was born. It wasn't long before I started selling cards at art and fine craft shows, and online through Etsy.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I find inspiration in nature and in everyday objects, shapes, and colors. I spend a lot of time outside at sunset looking for silhouettes of flowers, trees, grasses, and other objects that would look good as a design when letterpress printed. I am also strongly influenced by Japanese motifs and icons, and have loads of origami papers and books on Japanese design to flip through.



Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My favorite tool is my Chandler and Price press. It is a 1,200 lb. beast made of cast iron, and it took four men to move it slowly and carefully into my basement. The press was made in the early 1900s and was even used to print one of my city's local papers in the 1920s. The person I bought it from used it for 30 years in his basement. I smile when I am printing and think of how many people have used the press to create their own work.

What keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by seeing people touch my cards and watching their faces light up when they feel the tactile quality of a letterpress print. I am also motivated when I receive e-mails from people who have bought my cards and tell me how they gave them to a special friend or relative. A few people have used my "Bun in the Oven" card to announce their pregnancies to friends, family, and even husbands - and being a small part of such a major announcement makes me want to create more.



How do you get the word out about your work?
Etsy has done wonders for me in terms of marketing, and so has my website. My blog has probably been my most useful tool for spreading the word about my work, and I get thousands of hits every month. Art and fine craft fairs have also been useful for connecting with buyers, retailers, and custom clients.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I have a zillion goals for this year - but here are my top two: Although I love Etsy, my goal is to get an e-commerce shop going on my own website a.s.a.p. so I can be more self-sufficient and less reliant on a third-party. I am also currently working on building the list of retailers that carry my ready-to-wear line.



What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Make sure you can name at least 5 people ready and willing to buy your product before you start. Some products can be really fun and creative to make, but if no one wants to buy them you'll end up with a very expensive hobby instead of a business.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
There are is a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in my stationery. When I started learning about letterpress there wasn't the wealth of information available for beginners like there is now. I had to work hard, research, read everything I could about everything from inks to platemaking to machine oil, and ask many experts for help. I worked hard to get here, and I am proud of what I have accomplished.



Which of your projects have you considered the most interesting or enjoyed working on the most?
Custom projects are my favorite, wedding invitations being my most favorite. I am honoured to be able to help couples create custom invitations that set the tone for the biggest day of their lives.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would love to learn how to silkscreen t-shirts and fabric, and maybe transfer some of my stationery designs to clothing. However, my letterpress equipment has taken up nearly a whole floor of our home, so my husband might object to my taking up more space in the house for my creative pursuits!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Everyday that my family, friends, pets and I are happy, healthy and alive is a perfect day :)

Thank you Erin! 

La Fille du Consul

Artist: Delphine Roche de Montgrand)
Location: Paris, France
Blog: La Fille du Consul (Means "the consul's daughter")

What do you create?
I make small “sculptures to wear”, “3D trompe l’oeil”. My work plays with the spectator’s sight who wonder if it is old or current, real or false, if it is eaten or not, or if it could melt…

What is the first memory that you have of making something crafty/artsy?
A nice February morning, 10 years ago, I saw in the garden cherry trees blossomed out. I gathered some of these white flowers with pleated petals, and at home, I wanted to reinterpret them in polymer clay. It is a material I used as I was a little girl. My first flowers arose from there.



When and why did you decide to start your business?
In 2002, I was a salaried worker in interior design for some years. In those days, my boss saw some of my personal work. He encouraged me to make my own creations in order to start my own business. And he was right: I think I do what I like, even if every day isn't easy and I’m not made for having a boss!

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
My inspiration comes from nature, vegetables, coral, every thing I like and I miss in town, but also from chocolate and gingerbreads ( I lived as a child in Germany, it is a part of my inspiration). Another part of my inspiration comes from old paintings from the 17th, 18th centuries and still lives, “Wunderkammer”, curiosities…

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I use most often Polymer clay. I like colour and volume, and this material authorize to model colour. Sometimes I use also Papier-mâché.



What keeps you motivated?
I am motivated by every thing I see around me, some nice or funny ideas come each day more and more. Also I like to see the work of other designers on internet, it also means I’m not all alone working, even if I work by myself. The internet is a great place to feel emulation, it pushes me to create more, it always gives me new ideas.

The bad side of this emulation is that when you have so many ideas, you can’t realize them all, so it gives you a little bit of frustration not to have the time to make every thing you would like to.

One more thing that motivates me is the approval of the public. It’s important when you understand people are waiting for you.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I began my web-blog in 2006 and I realize it is my principal communication tool. Then I added other internet tools, like Myspace and Flickr. I also communicate a lot by emails.



What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I have a project with other french speaking designers.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
I would say not to begin alone first. Watch how a business functions in a company. So the first thing to do is join a company with salaried workers, and to keep your eyes wide open. A good financial “sitting” is also a important thing to take into account: it is difficult to live from your own work immediately.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I think the most important thing is that my work is a modeling and sculpture work. I make sculptures to wear or to put down. I don’t have any jewelery training.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Lalique and Art nouveau, Line Vautrin, Claude Lalanne, Elsa Schiaparelli, Michele Oka Doner, Géraldine Gonzales , Les farfelus farfadets, Claire Basler, Christian Lacroix, Karl Blossfeldt, Clémentine de Chabaneix… and lots of others.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would like to work a bit more with papier-mâché. Every thing that uses paper tempts me.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
The perfect day? It’s perhaps when, at night I go to sleep with satisfaction of the work well finished, and that is not always the case.


Thank you Delphine!

Lisa Solomon

Artist: Lisa Solomon
Location: Oakland, CA
Web site:  Lisa Solomon and Underdogink
Blog:  Lisa's Musings

What do you create?
Primarily I’m a mixed media artist. I tend to come up with an idea and then attempt to manifest it. Sometimes this is a one shot deal, sometimes I end up making whole series or body of work. Sometimes I find myself repeating something thematically or visually until I feel as though I’m “done” with it. [there is no scientific method to deciding when one is done – although sometimes I wish there was]. I also love to make crafty things – the occasional softie, pillow case, skirt.... I design Tshirts, totes, and jewelry for my side business underdogink. I also freelance as a graphic designer – although I do much less of that now than I used to. I also love taking polaroid photographs. It’s more of a hobby – but it’s such a part of my visual language now. I’m so dismayed that polaroid has announced the termination of production of their instant film.

What is the first memory that you have of making something crafty/artsy?
First? It’s hard to pin-point. My grandmother is a huge influence on me – she taught me how to crochet and knit and through her I got very interested in embroidery. As corny as it sounds I feel like I was born with a glue bottle in one hand and some material [pom poms, glitter, paper, fabric] in the other. I always seemed to be really happy when I was allowed to color, or paint, or make things.



When and why did you decide to start your business?
Well... I feel as though I “officially” became an artist in 2003 when I got my MFA. I’m so glad I went to graduate school for art... I have been fortunate enough to be invited to show my work at various venues. You can find out more on my website about upcoming and past shows. You can also read my artistic statement online. My graphic design business started in 1995 and underdog ink I started in 2004. Those two things just kind of happened. I just ended up with clients needed design work [or I traded small business goods for services]. With underdog, I wanted T-shirts for myself that I could wear around that weren’t plain and weren’t so fancy I couldn’t wear them in the studio or to teaching. So I started making them. And then people wanted them – so I started selling them.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Seriously I get inspired by practically anything. By just looking around and listening. In my art I get inspired by a type of paper, by a color of thread, but something I caught out of the corner of my eye. I love vintage clothing, typography, instruction books, fabric, gutermann thread, my sewing machines. I love looking at art – seeing what other people are doing and how they do it.



Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
This is impossible for me to answer. I’m a tool junkie. I’m always looking for an excuse to buy a gadget or a tool. I love a really well crafted functional tool. There’s nothing like them!

What keeps you motivated?
I’m not very good at sitting still, so I just kind of keep at it. There’s also that feeling of satisfaction when you make something. Sure there’s the struggle and sometimes it doesn’t work out, but there are those moments [however fleeting] that you just know this is what you were meant to do – that everything seems to fade away and fall into place at the same time. I guess in some ways I’m searching for that. Trying to figure out if I have anything to say and how to say it.

How do you get the word out about your work?
I have to say the internet has been an amazing force. Sometimes I feel like it’s just taken over – opportunities and connections seem to flow from one place to the next. Early on I generated a mailing list and that’s really helped. I wish I had more time and energy to devote to putting the word out – but I think we all do what we can.



What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I want to find a better balance between life and work. I want to really foster relationships with people who want to show, purchase, and promote art for the right reasons. My immediate answer to this question? I want to find a place to show in NY :)

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Stay true to yourself. Be ready to work really hard. Don’t work so hard that you give up your family and friends. Expect to make mistakes and learn from them. Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and things.



What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
This is a hard question. I’m not even sure. I want people to see and bring their own stuff to the work. I guess I just hope that people walk away thinking that it’s genuine. I don’t think everyone will like everything all of the time, but if they can at least respect it, or if it made them think, or pause.... Then I’m more than happy.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists? Oh my god. Where to start. There really are so many people.... And I don’t want to omit anyone. So instead of listing one million people, I’d say start with the links page of my website.... Look through the list of people you’ve interviewed here.... I feel very lucky that there are so many talented people out there – and that I can call some of them my friends.



If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Welding, wood burning, wood turning, ceramics.... Should I go on?

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Wake up, it’s sunny, have a lovely late with perfect foam, pack up my dogs and head into my studio for the whole day, break for lunch [something yummy] with a friend.... Play online for a little bit, go back to work in the studio.... Head home when it’s dark.... Eat dinner with my husband.... Look through some good books or magazines for inspiration... Watch a good movie... Go to bed. Other good days would be going to a museum or galleries and finding work that really sings.... Or taking a nice long walk... I also love traveling. Being out of your “element” is always inspiring and invigorating.

Thank you Lisa!

letteria

Artist: Christa Schumacher-Schwarz
Location: Zweidlen (near Zurich), Switzerland
Web site: Letteria, Etsy, Flickr

What do you create?
I print paper goods with old letterpress-equipment.

How did you come up with your company name?
When I thought about a name for this letterpress-project, I wanted to find a name that was unique, lovely, a little bit nostalgic and also short. So then I thought about it a few days while I was outside with my dog, cooking, crafting. and one day - I got it!



When and why did you decide to start your business?
My first apprenticeship was in a bookshop. During business school, we went to visit a letterpress-studio. When I was there, I absolutely knew that was what I wanted to do someday! It was more than 12 years ago, but I never forgot this dream. During the years I was busy with so many other things and trainings. But before 1 1/2 years had passed I bought an old letterpress-machine and some letters - and started printing! My husband said, that I looked like I had won the lottery. My smile was so big when I printed on my own letterpress for the first time!

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
All around me: a cloudy sky, different magazines, a color-combination I see, photos, the autumn forest before my window, vintage finds, a white paper-sheet...!

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Absolutely my old wooden types. I like the patina they have so much!



What keeps you motivated?
For me its a great pleasure to work with letterpress-printing as compensation for my main business. During the day I was working with the computer, so I really like to use my hands, mix inks, sort letters, print, and wrap. Another important point for me is the contact with the people who like my letterpress-work. Over at my Etsy and Flickr-sites I have so many nice contacts with other indie designers and interesting people from around the world!

How do you get the word out about your work?
Not by doing much... I have a new website with an online-shop. Then I started selling my things on Etsy. I think the mouth-to-mouth-endorsement is one of the most important thing for a small creative business.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
In 2008 I will go to my first business-exhibition. I'm curious about it ;) but other than that, I take every day and see what needs to be done.



What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Only one thing: give all your heart and soul to your project. If you are committed don't let yourself get dissuaded!

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Mmmh, this would be pottery or silkscreen!

What's your definition of a perfect day?
Having enough time to fritter away with things I love; having time with my dearest and family, crafting, printing, eating, reading, inspiring... and important - I'm thankful for every day for all the things I have :)

happy new year!

As many of you may have noticed, things slowed down in the last couple of months around here. A lot of it just had to do with the fact that everyone got really busy, including me. My hope is that the new year will bring more interviews from exciting artists and maybe some news about some changes. I look forward to it all. In the meantime, I want to thank all of you for your visits and support throughout 2007. Happy New Year! :)

xo - Patricia

Wildernest by Sara Schalliol

Your full name: Sara Schalliol
Location: Gainesville/Savannah, GA
Web site: Etsy, Sara Shcalliol
Blog: Into the wildernest

What do you create?
Furniture, products, jewelry, or "objects for living", I like to say.

How did you come up with your company name?
"Wildernest" just sort of came to me. I wanted to somehow suggest that the products were nature-themed and/or made of natural materials as well as being a little "wild", and I thought the name worked.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
I've made things since I was about 5 years old, and sold things for almost just as long. I've always been intrigued by making something with my hands and someone giving me something of equal value in return for my work. I had been working at a part time job that I really didn't enjoy while going to college, and finally I thought "I'm going to school to design things, I love designing things, so why am I working here? Who says I need a degree to start making money with my designs?" So about a year ago I opened an Etsy account.



Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I am inspired by everything and believe that inspiration is everywhere, things just have to be looked at in the right way (which can be the tricky part). I am constantly in awe of how perfectly and beautifully nature works. I like to surround myself with inspiring people who make me want to become a better designer.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I love band saws and CNCs. It's a toss-up though, the ever-present handmade vs. mass-produced dilemma.



What keeps you motivated?
I have a lot of drive. I'm constantly proving myself to myself. The feeling of accomplishment after creating something new only lasts so long, so I'm quick to start and finish something new so I can feel that way again.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Well, really, I don't. I list new items on Etsy, post projects on Coroflot, and talk passionately about what I do. Finishing college has been my main priority for quite a while, so promoting myself has definitely taken a back seat.



What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
1. Find a job. Working for myself will be wonderful someday, but I'm young and have a lot to learn.
2. Start selling my furniture on Etsy.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
If you don't love making it, no one will love using it.



What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
That it is 100% from my heart. I am not willing to spend my time doing something that I am not passionate about. If it doesn't feel right, I don't do it. I'm not willing to compromise my beliefs to make a buck.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
The furniture department at SCAD, students and professors.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Metal. I've gotten so comfortable with wood, that every idea I have is applied to wood. I would love to feel equally confident in metal. I think it would open up a new world of designs for me.



What's your definition of a perfect day?
Some combination of drinking coffee, going for a run, seeing friends, and designing something so great that I say "wow, I AM supposed to design things!"


Thank you Sara!

The Lapwing Printworks

Artists: Sarah Spooner and Jon Gregory
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
Web site: The Lapwing Printworks
Blog: For what is Chatteris?

What do you create?
We create limited edition relief prints – mostly wood engravings and woodcuts with the occasional lino cut.

How did you come up with your company name?
There’s just something about lapwings. Their jaunty little crests, their slightly odd wings, and the unmistakable “peeee-wit” call. It just seemed appropriate to adopt the name. And Jon had great fun drawing the logo!



When and why did you decide to start your business?
It wasn’t really a conscious decision – we gave away lots of prints to friends and family, before deciding to see if anyone would be interested in buying our work online. We were really pleased with the response, so after dipping our toes in the water last year, we decided to set up our own website so that we could promote our commissioned work, as well as selling our limited edition prints though Etsy.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
We find inspiration in all sorts of places, from the landscape of the English countryside to the kitchen cupboards, as well as from the interesting bits and bobs that we have collected over the years. We both love finding interesting colours and patterns in everyday places and objects and reinterpreting them in our prints.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
Our E.C. Lyons wood engraving tools. They are so beautifully made and the wooden handles feel wonderful to hold and engrave with. We love their names as well – spitsticker, scorper, graver etc. We engrave the blocks on our homemade leather sandbag, which is very becoming very smooth and tactile with lots of use!



What keeps you motivated?
Each other, and the promise of a gin and tonic once we’ve washed the ink up. Visiting new corners of previously unexplored countryside always prompts lots of new ideas for prints.

How do you get the word out about your work?
Quietly at the moment, but we are slowly trying to promote ourselves more actively! We post lots of photographs of our prints and of the process of creating them on Flickr, and a surprising number of people have found us there and contacted us. Others have found us through word of mouth, and through our own website and blog. We have just had Moo cards printed with our website and email address on which are proving very popular!

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
We both have lots of ideas for new prints which we want to work on over the coming months. We would also really like to do more commissions – it’s very satisfying to work with someone to create a uniquely personal wood engraving or wood cut for a gift or special occasion. We recently acquired an Adana press, and are excited about getting into letterpress printing in some way, shape or form.



What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
Think about what you are going to do, and stick to it. We make lots of other crafty bits and bobs, but we only sell our prints – its best to do one thing well rather than trying to do too many different things. If you’re going to have your own website then make sure that it’s well-designed and easy to use, with good clear photos of your stuff.

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
We absolutely love printmaking, and we’d still be playing around with tools, blocks and inks even if nobody was interested in buying them.

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
We have discovered lots of wonderful printmakers online, like Jennifer Schmitt (Azure Grackle), Kate Nydam (Nydam Press). We also love English artists like Angie Lewin and Andy English.



If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Gocco! We’re also going to make time to get to grips with letterpress, and we’d love to try out other printmaking techniques that we don’t have the space or equipment for, especially etching and mezzotint.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
An early start, autumnal sunshine, a walk around the little shops of Norwich to buy lovely food, a long lunch, an afternoon of sketching and printing, followed by a lazy evening and a bottle of wine in front of our open fire.


Thank you Sarah and Jon!

Paperiaarre

Your full name: Kaija Joutsijärvi
Location: Turku, Finland
Web site: paperiaarre.etsy.com
Blog: paperiaarre.blogspot.com

What do you create?
I take a special interest in blank handmade books, as I’m a master bookbinder, but I also make jewelry. Currently I’m focusing on different types of historical bindings with a subtle modern twist. Sometimes I use hand-cut stencils to illustrate my book covers. In my jewelry I use the same materials as in bookbinding, leather, paper and board resulting as a lightweight piece of jewelry. I like to offer an alternative to all things shiny.

How did you come up with your company name?
Paperiaarre is Finnish for a paper treasure. Paperi=paper, aarre=treasure. I wanted to use a Finnish name because my mother tongue is really important to me, and it felt like a way to be true to myself and my roots. Paper has fascinated me ever since I was a child and I do believe every sheet of paper can be turned into a little treasure.



When and why did you decide to start your business?
I actually haven’t decided anything. Things just happened! I don’t really think of my work as a business yet. I’ve sold my books in some craft shows and through a local craft association, here in Finland, since 2003, but only in very small-scale. While still studying bookbinding I made quite a lot of books to order. After graduating in December 2006 I just carried on what I had been doing. I’ve been unemployed most of this year, so I’ve had plenty of time for bookbinding. I started my blog to set myself some goals and to share what I’m doing with others, who appreciate handmade things. Then I thought it would be nice if people could (and would, for that matter!) buy my creations, and that’s how I decided to start up a shop at Etsy.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I really love to feel the materials I’m working with. I hold them and fold them. Sometimes I spread all my papers, hides and fabrics on the living room floor, and go through everything. And of course, nature has a great influence in all my creations. I try to work as environmental friendly as I can, recycling whatever can be recycled and choosing materials that decompose.



Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I love my old backing hammer, even though I don’t use it as often as before. It’s an old cobbler’s hammer. When I got it, it had no handle and my father made it a new one. The whole hammer is covered with paint stains and dents. I think it’s always nicer to work with a tool that has a story to tell. A backing hammer is a very gentle tool. It is used to round and back a book’s spine with “glancing blows”, as my teacher always said (in English for some reason). At school I made a lot of full leather bindings that were always backed, but right now using leather isn’t financially profitable, so I stick to more reasonably priced materials and admire my hammer from the distance.

What keeps you motivated?
My blog is a big motivation to me. It helps me work with regularity, since I want to post about new things right after I’ve finished them. It makes me work a lot more efficiently, and suddenly I’ve finished a book and get to start a new one! I say there’s been a big change in all my crafting after I started blogging. And I’m much happier too! I’ve met so wonderful people online! They keep me motivated, too. It’s great to know that there are people, who have faith in me and my talents, on the other side of the world. If things at Etsy work out well, who knows how soon I’ll turn into a full-time crafter.



How do you get the word out about your work?
Well… I think I left a comment or two in some of my favorite blogs, and all of a sudden it seems like there’s a million people reading my blog! So I haven’t actually gotten yet to the part where I get to promote my shop. There are some lovely people who have featured me in their blogs and spread the word. I’m completely stunned by all the kindness I’ve had the honor to be faced with here in the Internet. Therefore I believe the word gets out best when it’s spread with kindness and appreciation. That’s my strategy when I change in my promoting gear. For me the Internet is just about the only way to spread the word, as Etsy is now my primary market place, and there’s a whole lot more potential customers abroad compared to this little country.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
It would be great to get things rolling at Etsy. I’m still so new to this idea about me as a businesswoman, that I need to think over my everyday routines too. I wish to get some new products out soon. My head is filled with ideas. I really should focus on something. I would also love to get a job, so I could later say that I quit my day job to become a full time artist/bookbinder. Although, it seems to me, that I’m a full time bookbinder already, but it’s not official yet. How complicated can bureaucracy be?



What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
I know this sounds really boring, but it’s very important to find out about pricing and all other financial issues. I can’t emphasize that enough. There are so many things you need to think of. There won’t ever be a good, successful business, if the basics are messed up. All the creativity in the world doesn’t mean you can make a living out of it (and that’s why I’m still unemployed!).

What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I’m a girl doing what she loves to do. It’s just as simple as it sounds. There’s a lot of love in my books, so don’t be intimidated by their fancy looks. My books are made for you to use them. Although I consider myself an artist in some way, I don’t want my books to be considered too fine to write in. They can, of course, be left blank and used like a piece of art, a sculpture. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I do make my books to last, also in everyday use. Like everything, they’ll eventually look worn out, but they’re really durable compared to something machine-made (and have their own, wonderful story to tell). People prefer pretty clothes to ugly, so why use a notebook, that’s ugly and will fall apart very soon? Reward your creativity with a book. You’re worth it!



Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
Through the blog world I’ve found, among many other wonderful people, Lara Cameron, Heather Moore, Kristen Doran and Jesse Breytenbach, who have all been a great inspiration for me. They made me believe in myself.

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
Photography. I’d also love to start sewing things again.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
On a perfect day, I get up early, well rested, and I get many unfinished things done. I spend some time with my husband and friends, eat fancy food and not think about work. Right before falling asleep I get a great idea that would still be great and feasible next morning, and not wake up my husband in the middle of the night to tell him about it.


Thank you Kaija!

Foxy and Winston

Your full name: Jane Anne Buck
Location: Brooklyn, New York USA
Web site: www.foxyandwinston.com
Blog: Foxy and Winston

What do you create?
Hand screen printed note cards, tiny apparel & Limited Edition Wall Art Prints

How did you come up with your company name?
It's my parents names - we called my Mum Foxy since we were small and my Dad's name is Winston.

When and why did you decide to start your business?
About 2 years ago I was working 3-4 days a week in a Children's Boutique in Brooklyn (Babybird in Park Slope) and I started making cards and tee's to sell there eventually as things took off I quit my job and took to doing this on a full time basis.



Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
Mainly from the creatures that I meet on my travels and locally in Prospect Park, The Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. Also customers often send me pics of their pets and tell me stories of the creatures that they encounter and that inspires many a doodle.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
My digital pencil and Lascaux screen printing paste - smells like marzipan and prints like a dream!

What keeps you motivated?
Apart from the obvious:paying the bills, I'd say when you work for yourself no two days are alike and the challenge everyday is to have an empty order clipboard and inbox, it's so satisfying to get to the weekend and feel like you've done everything.



How do you get the word out about your work?
Through my website, etsy site and sending out mailers seasonally I do about 6 pretty large fairs/shows per year both locally and around the East Coast and I am pretty sure that helps a lot, it's very inspiring and flattering to meet the people who like your stuff.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
I am working on a new collection and hopefully a small gallery show in Berkeley CA oh and to get a 'printern' to help me with my orders.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
1.make a business plan - I never did and I think it would have helped a lot - to have goals to work to.
2. get a credit card machine - the easier it is to get paid in a timely fashion the better!
3. Most creative people are notoriously bad sales people - especially of their own work, I have learned the true value of having a rep do this side of thing for me in Oregon and if I could have her cloned and put in every State I would, it's the best thing ever!



What's the most important thing you'd like people to know/understand about your work?
That I still draw each design first by hand and then I shoot my own screens in my bathroom and print them all to order with hand mixed inks in my very small home studio, it's still a teeny tiny business and I don't yet have any help - one day I hope...

Who are some of your favorite indie designers/artists?
I really admire the work of Amy Jean Porter, Jen Garrido Jill Bliss, Lotta Jansdotter to name but a few.....

If you had the time, what new craft/medium would you like to learn or use?
I would love to print on a larger scale - and make wallpaper and/or bedding.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
A trip to the park to feed the Squirrels (and if it's summer - the Central Park Roller Disco) and a dinner & a movie with my husband and pals.

Thank you Jane!

Chloe Le Pichon Ceramics

Artist: Chloe Le Pichon
Location: Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. 20 minutes from center city, Philadelphia.
Web site: Chloe Le Pichon Ceramics

What do you create?
I make functional and sculptural ceramics, designed for display and use.

What is your first memory of being inspired to make/craft something?
I remember driving from New York to Vermont with my family and stopping by artist studios- often potters. I was always so intrigued about how they made what they did, and how amazing it was that they could have such a tactile, tangible craft. I loved entering each person's space, entering their world and seeing how their objects often times reflected that world perfectly. We bought a French butter jar and a milk jug that we have had forever. I never thought about the china we used, the bowls and mugs - but these objects were special. It's as if I really knew them intimately. I knew where they came from and they reminded me of those special summer trips. These objects stood out like none of the others. Although at that age I was not inclined to make anything myself, that left a profound mark upon me and has resulted in what I do and how I do it.



When and why did you decide to start your business?
I started my "business" pretty much as I graduated from College. I went to Swarthmore College PA and majored in art there. At my senior show, I decided to have things for sale on the off chance that someone might actually like to have something i made. It turned out that my show was almost sold out. It was a shock to me, but then I quickly realized that I love art so much I had to made a living of it - and that it was possible. It's been three years now, and in the beginning I was selling casually to friends and acquaintances. Then I was in a couple of group shows, which led to seeking out venues for my work. Now I sell on Etsy, in 2 galleries and at craft shows. It is a gradual and developing process. I still have trouble thinking of it as a business, I feel like the artist Chloe and the salesperson Chloe have little in common.

Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
I get it primarily from memories of places I have been and things I have seen. I get it from other artists and their work. I also get it from the natural world, since my work tends to be organic and nature inspired.

Which of the tools you use is your favorite?
I don't have a favorite tool. I don't really think of the tools I use much - just the process as a whole, and the many steps involved in each object. If I really have to pick, I would say my hands.



What is your favorite part of your creative process?
My favorite part is having a vision of what I want to make and then spending the hours, weeks or months that it takes me to actually get there. I love the refining process, making an object, seeing its flaws, making another one better, with a more learned approach. I would say, learning from my mistakes.

What keeps you motivated?
Motivation is similar to a wave in my life. I have times where I am so creative I don't even think about it. And other times where I dread the studio. At those times I simply stop working. I guess what I mean is that I have the knowledge that making objects is in my blood and even though there may be lows, I know I will always return and always have to desire to start something new or finish something older.



How do you get the word out about your work?
I am trying to build a steady client base where I live and I have a sale in my neighborhood every so often so that the neighbors know me. I send out reminder cards, of "happy...." cards. I try to have my business card always handy and upkeep my website. I also email everyone I know and have them email others with pictures of my work.

What is your main goal for the next 6-12 months?
My main goal is actually to get cone 6 electric glazes working out of my house. I have recently made myself a studio in the basement and want to start experimenting with electric kiln glazes so as to be more productive at home and less reliant on other places where I fire my work.

What advice would you give to someone starting a creative business?
My best advice would be to not be too overwhelmed by all the things that need to be set up. I would take things slowly and let the business develop naturally. I would also say that if you are a very non-business oriented person, you need to really switch gears and act like someone different. The business world is a whole other ball game.



What’s the most important thing you’d like people to know/understand about your work?
I think it would be to appreciate it for what it is. To learn a little about the process of making objects in clay and making handmade objects, period. It is hard to compete with $2 Ikea vases and $5 Pier Import plates, but making things from scratch is something that takes much time and effort. Much more than people realize.

What adjectives would you use to describe your work?
Subtle, organic, well crafted, understated, unusual, calming.

If money, deadlines, scheduling, etc weren’t an obstacle what new project would you like to take on?
I would work really really big in clay and create big minimalist outdoor sculptures.

What's your definition of a perfect day?
A perfect day is any day whe