Hey all! Happy Sunday to you. I hope you read my newest Handmade Blog Feature post on the fab Robin Rizzi which should be below this post.
I have some exciting developements to announce. This month all my websites for House of Spiritflower will have some stock in them, a mix of bags, jewellery and hair accessories with a few art dolls as well.
Talking about art dolls, I have made a seperate website with it's own intergrated blog and galleries dedicated only to my Art Dolls,Wallhangings, Textile Canvases and Shrines. The website is under construction but the blog is active on there http://www.spiritflowerkachina.indiemade.com/ please be aware that the site is a bit raw! and not much on there right now, keep checking it to see whats happening as the blog will be active and well as galleries and Events page until I set up the store.
The other websites are on Folksy,Craftstar and Goodsie.com I will be trying to get as much on these sites as possiable phtographing and listing as I make my art. There will be some sneak peeks and talking about the pieces on here. But for my Textile Art i,ll direct you to my SpiritFlower Kachina website.
Ok folks thats it, sorry no pretty pictures today.There will be as soon as i get more done.
Oh before I forget, I will be trading at Spitalfields Market East London on May 12th 2012 9am - 5pm. Sneak peeks of stock will be revealed from next week. All items will also be available across my Folksy, Etsy and Goodsie.com with options for different colourways.
Dxo
Sunday 15 April 2012
Handmade Blog Feature: Rizzart by Robin Rizzi
Robin Rizzi is a artist who transforms and makes objects and jewllery using papers,paint,imagery and lots of artistic flair. She mixes her media the way a painter mixes colour.Layering material over material,colour on colour,idea and intention till a piece is finished and realised.
Welcome to the Mixed Media Art of Robin Rizzi http://www.rizzart.etsy.com/
What inspired you to become a mixed- media artist and create a handmade business from it?
I have been crafting and making art for years.Starting with Sewing knitting and crochet.
I,ve always been intrigued by different media but my interest really blossomed when I started working at Micheals 7 years ago. (for those who don't know of it Micheals is a one stop shop for art and craft supplies in the usa.) Just being exposed to all the paper,ribbon,beads,yarn and paints- I found more than enough inspiration.But where to start? Somehow I stumbled upon mixed - media and began to read books and magazines that featured mixed-media work.
I began by making my own altered clothing and eventually jewellery,collage and assemblage.
Decoupaged Bird Houses Materials include decorative papers
You use mainly paper and the technique of decoupage in your work.How did that come about?
I love paper,whether it's beautifully patterned scrapbook paper, vintage ephemara like books,magazines and sheet music or handmade paper.
I knew i'd never have the organisational skills to be a scrapbooker,(all my photo's are in one big suitcase) but I had to find a way to use those beautiful papers.
I love decoupage in almost a tactile way , I love the way the paper smooths out and becomes a part of the surface it's adhered to, transforming it.
Decoupaged and embellished Coat Hangers. Materials include Papers, Paper motifs, yarn and silk ribbons and brass charm. http://www.rrizzart.etsy.com/ currently available in her shop.
I adore your Cross Series,what was the inspiration behind it?
Although I,m a Catholic, I,m probably not a very good one! I am not very good at following rules,but I do find solace and inspiration in the traditions and images of the faith.
I find the form very of the Cross very reassuring and to me crosses express the basic goodness of the human and the divine.
I like to think that one does not necessarily have to be Catholic or even Christian to appreciate their message.
We all have spirtuality within us , the cross is only one way to embody it.
To me crosses are more spiritual than faith based in in any specific sense.
Decoupaged wooden crosses.Materals include papers, silk ribbons,swarovski crystal hotfix,decoupaged words "Believe" "Hope" "Love" and acrylic paint. Crosses are currently available in Robins etsy shop http://www.rrizzzart.etsy.com/
You use alot of positive words as part of your artwork such as "Dream" and "Divine". How did the use of words enter your artwork and for that matter your jewellery such as your decoupage dictionary necklaces and initial necklaces?
I am a formaer academic and I love books and words.I am intrigued by the power just one single word can have. I hope that those who view my work or wear my jewellery draw their own personal meanings from these words.
Remember Pendent materials include Vinatge Dictionary page, stamped word, Swarovski crystal rose siam bicone, wing brass charm,chain and brass eyelets.
I see that you use the beautiful swarovski crystals in your work as well as glitter to add sparkle.How did having shiny,sparkly elements in your work come about and why?
I have always been attracted to glittery things! much of my work has a vintage feel ,but although I love the aged patina of old things,I also love bold colours and sparkle.
By combining the two, I feel i am bringing new life into old things - objects and things that may have once sparkled when new, may still have a glitzy spirit left in them. As an artist I try to coax that glimmer back to the surface.
Geometric Pendents Decoupaged Jewellery. Materials include decorative papers, Swarovski crystal hofix and bicone beads, gears and chain. Pieces ae avaialble in Robin's shop in a variety of beautiful colours. http://www.rrizzart.etsy.com/
What has been the most fulfilling aspect of creating a handmade business?
Finally doing something I always wanted to do (even though I wasn't always aware of it) and realsing that at 50 I can actually learn new things and conquer them.
What has been the hardest aspect of creating a handmade business?
Before I opened my handmade shop, I could barely open my email.Learning how to navigate the internet,learning SEO,photography,all the technical aspects of putting my work out there was a major challenge.Thank God for teenage daughter's!
Who are you favorite Esians and why?
Oh gosh there are so many wonderful people on Etsy, so many people that have helped me and so many who's work I admire. I couldn't name some without omitting many others!
Where can we find your work on the web?
SHOP: http://www.rrizzart.etsy.com/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/147142608649374
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/rrizzart
Thankyou Robin for sharing your gorgeous work with us.
Welcome to the Mixed Media Art of Robin Rizzi http://www.rizzart.etsy.com/
What inspired you to become a mixed- media artist and create a handmade business from it?
I have been crafting and making art for years.Starting with Sewing knitting and crochet.
I,ve always been intrigued by different media but my interest really blossomed when I started working at Micheals 7 years ago. (for those who don't know of it Micheals is a one stop shop for art and craft supplies in the usa.) Just being exposed to all the paper,ribbon,beads,yarn and paints- I found more than enough inspiration.But where to start? Somehow I stumbled upon mixed - media and began to read books and magazines that featured mixed-media work.
I began by making my own altered clothing and eventually jewellery,collage and assemblage.
Decoupaged Bird Houses Materials include decorative papersfabric flowers, bronze rooster,swarovski crystal hotfix. These are available in Robin's shop http://www.rrizzart.etsy.com/
You use mainly paper and the technique of decoupage in your work.How did that come about?
I love paper,whether it's beautifully patterned scrapbook paper, vintage ephemara like books,magazines and sheet music or handmade paper.
I knew i'd never have the organisational skills to be a scrapbooker,(all my photo's are in one big suitcase) but I had to find a way to use those beautiful papers.
I love decoupage in almost a tactile way , I love the way the paper smooths out and becomes a part of the surface it's adhered to, transforming it.
I adore your Cross Series,what was the inspiration behind it?
Although I,m a Catholic, I,m probably not a very good one! I am not very good at following rules,but I do find solace and inspiration in the traditions and images of the faith.
I find the form very of the Cross very reassuring and to me crosses express the basic goodness of the human and the divine.
I like to think that one does not necessarily have to be Catholic or even Christian to appreciate their message.
We all have spirtuality within us , the cross is only one way to embody it.
To me crosses are more spiritual than faith based in in any specific sense.
You use alot of positive words as part of your artwork such as "Dream" and "Divine". How did the use of words enter your artwork and for that matter your jewellery such as your decoupage dictionary necklaces and initial necklaces?
I am a formaer academic and I love books and words.I am intrigued by the power just one single word can have. I hope that those who view my work or wear my jewellery draw their own personal meanings from these words.
I see that you use the beautiful swarovski crystals in your work as well as glitter to add sparkle.How did having shiny,sparkly elements in your work come about and why?
I have always been attracted to glittery things! much of my work has a vintage feel ,but although I love the aged patina of old things,I also love bold colours and sparkle.
By combining the two, I feel i am bringing new life into old things - objects and things that may have once sparkled when new, may still have a glitzy spirit left in them. As an artist I try to coax that glimmer back to the surface.
What has been the most fulfilling aspect of creating a handmade business?
Finally doing something I always wanted to do (even though I wasn't always aware of it) and realsing that at 50 I can actually learn new things and conquer them.
What has been the hardest aspect of creating a handmade business?
Before I opened my handmade shop, I could barely open my email.Learning how to navigate the internet,learning SEO,photography,all the technical aspects of putting my work out there was a major challenge.Thank God for teenage daughter's!
Who are you favorite Esians and why?
Oh gosh there are so many wonderful people on Etsy, so many people that have helped me and so many who's work I admire. I couldn't name some without omitting many others!
Where can we find your work on the web?
SHOP: http://www.rrizzart.etsy.com/
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/pages/147142608649374
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/rrizzart
Thankyou Robin for sharing your gorgeous work with us.
Friday 13 April 2012
Handmade Blog Feature: Kindred Dream Heart Part 2
Happy Easter or Spring break to everyone! Today i,m going to Post the 2nd part of Katrina's inspiring story and on Monday will be the turn of Robin Rizzart and her religious mixed media art. which I thought was very appropriate for Easter. (edit: yep it's now after Easter Sun/Mon a trip to A&E to get my finger stitched up due to a massive gash/hole that just missed the tendon put paid to my blogging plans)
Without further ado, here's Katrina's Story Part2 (haha that rhymed!).
What's the process behind your intricate creations?
I always start with the fabric.I can sketch all day,but the fabric speaks to me. I may sketch one thing,get the fabric,then create something totally different. I normally sketch when I,m stuck on a concept or unsure about where to put a notion.
I prefer using the draping technique as opposed to the drafted pattern on muslin, so I rarely duplicate my designs.
What materials do you use in your fashions?
I,ve sewn with all types of fabrics , from upholstery to silk. My favourites are Sateen,Brocade,Faux fur and Wool. When it comes to print, I like whimsical designs.I have an uncanny ability to pick overlooked materials and try to make them appealing.
If it's a shade of purple,that's always a plus.
What's next for Kindred Dream heart?
Selling on Etsy is a big step for me and heartbreaking.It's always hard for me to part with my creations.My husband told me one day that if I just wanted to sew, just to frame my work, he would be supportive.
So the next avenue for Kindred Dream heart will be Menswear.
Who are your favourite etsians and why?
I,m still very new to Etsy, however there are so many wonderful etsians from the Etsy forums: and so many are note worthy.The first etsian I ever met who introduced me to the community and the Etsy website was Danielle Pierce HTTP ://www.etsy.com/people/DANALIAbyDP
She's my sister -in-law. I,ve bought from her shop in the past and her collections are great.
She's also helped me on numerous occasions outside of Etsy in a collaboration fashion show,sewing tips,and overall encouragement and support.
Who are your design hero's?
There are so many designers I want to mention; however my design hero's would be Coleen Atwood and Tony Bowls.
Atwood is Amazing with a capital A; especially the costumes she created via collaboration with Tim Burton.
Bowls is a master of layers and I love how his designs still look formal and elegant in spite of the complex and elaborate construction.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of setting up/running your own label?
The most rewarding aspect of setting up/running my own label has been a new learning experience.I enjoy learning new things and gaining new experiences.
My childhood dream of being "everything" has not died out.
What has been the hardest aspect of setting up/running your own label?
The hardest part of settingup/runnig my own label has been trying to devote more time.Sometimes I wish the world still operated on a barter system.Perhaps then I could achieve my full potential as an artist without the 9 to 5 distraction.
What tips would you give other aspiring designers?
I would say " Stay Postitive" I've made long term friends in the industry and many doors have opened all because of a positive attitude.
Where else can we find you on the web?
http://www.kindreddreamheart.blogspot.com/
www.modelmayhem.com/2100750
www.facebook.com/pages/kindred-Dreamheart/16095291396378
http://www.kindreddreamheart.etsy.com/
Without further ado, here's Katrina's Story Part2 (haha that rhymed!).
What's the process behind your intricate creations?
I always start with the fabric.I can sketch all day,but the fabric speaks to me. I may sketch one thing,get the fabric,then create something totally different. I normally sketch when I,m stuck on a concept or unsure about where to put a notion.
I prefer using the draping technique as opposed to the drafted pattern on muslin, so I rarely duplicate my designs.
 |
| White Leopard Faux Suede with Magenta Satin 2 tier hooded capelet available at http://www.kindreddreamheart.etsy.com/ |
What materials do you use in your fashions?
I,ve sewn with all types of fabrics , from upholstery to silk. My favourites are Sateen,Brocade,Faux fur and Wool. When it comes to print, I like whimsical designs.I have an uncanny ability to pick overlooked materials and try to make them appealing.
If it's a shade of purple,that's always a plus.
What's next for Kindred Dream heart?
Selling on Etsy is a big step for me and heartbreaking.It's always hard for me to part with my creations.My husband told me one day that if I just wanted to sew, just to frame my work, he would be supportive.
So the next avenue for Kindred Dream heart will be Menswear.
Who are your favourite etsians and why?
I,m still very new to Etsy, however there are so many wonderful etsians from the Etsy forums: and so many are note worthy.The first etsian I ever met who introduced me to the community and the Etsy website was Danielle Pierce HTTP ://www.etsy.com/people/DANALIAbyDP
She's my sister -in-law. I,ve bought from her shop in the past and her collections are great.
She's also helped me on numerous occasions outside of Etsy in a collaboration fashion show,sewing tips,and overall encouragement and support.
Who are your design hero's?
There are so many designers I want to mention; however my design hero's would be Coleen Atwood and Tony Bowls.
Atwood is Amazing with a capital A; especially the costumes she created via collaboration with Tim Burton.
Bowls is a master of layers and I love how his designs still look formal and elegant in spite of the complex and elaborate construction.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of setting up/running your own label?
The most rewarding aspect of setting up/running my own label has been a new learning experience.I enjoy learning new things and gaining new experiences.
My childhood dream of being "everything" has not died out.
What has been the hardest aspect of setting up/running your own label?
The hardest part of settingup/runnig my own label has been trying to devote more time.Sometimes I wish the world still operated on a barter system.Perhaps then I could achieve my full potential as an artist without the 9 to 5 distraction.
What tips would you give other aspiring designers?
I would say " Stay Postitive" I've made long term friends in the industry and many doors have opened all because of a positive attitude.
Where else can we find you on the web?
http://www.kindreddreamheart.blogspot.com/
www.modelmayhem.com/2100750
www.facebook.com/pages/kindred-Dreamheart/16095291396378
http://www.kindreddreamheart.etsy.com/
Monday 2 April 2012
Baby update.
Hey all! and happy Monday to you all! well I got some news. I had my 20week scan last Thursday and my partner and I found out we are expecting another little boy!
It was rather funny because I spotted some of the telling equipment,but wasn't sure until the sonographer froze the image and yep a little dinky. So we are going into baby equipment overdrive as some stuff broke or got given away after our nearly 2year old so was born.So this is number 4 and yep i,m already thinking another babe wil have to made down the line as we were really expecting a girl! but you know what I fell in love of course as soon as I saw the scan again. I have to go for lots of scans (yay more seeing the baby!) but on a serious note it's to check all aspects of babe's growth as to make sure all is well and i,m not developing any placenta blood clots.This is what killed my 2nd daughter at 26weeks and 3days of pregnancy, my first child with my partner. (that means this baby is actually number 5 for me.).
Anyways all I do is just go from scan to scan and give thanks everytme everything is allright.Little man is kicking around right now,making himself comfy vefore he catches his 40winks.
Oh great gotta go 3mins left, my next post will be about Freeform Crochet, something I would really love to learn and I think a great thing to start with as i,m new to making crochet but have been surrounded by it all my life.
TTFN guys. Dxo
It was rather funny because I spotted some of the telling equipment,but wasn't sure until the sonographer froze the image and yep a little dinky. So we are going into baby equipment overdrive as some stuff broke or got given away after our nearly 2year old so was born.So this is number 4 and yep i,m already thinking another babe wil have to made down the line as we were really expecting a girl! but you know what I fell in love of course as soon as I saw the scan again. I have to go for lots of scans (yay more seeing the baby!) but on a serious note it's to check all aspects of babe's growth as to make sure all is well and i,m not developing any placenta blood clots.This is what killed my 2nd daughter at 26weeks and 3days of pregnancy, my first child with my partner. (that means this baby is actually number 5 for me.).
Anyways all I do is just go from scan to scan and give thanks everytme everything is allright.Little man is kicking around right now,making himself comfy vefore he catches his 40winks.
Oh great gotta go 3mins left, my next post will be about Freeform Crochet, something I would really love to learn and I think a great thing to start with as i,m new to making crochet but have been surrounded by it all my life.
TTFN guys. Dxo
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