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

fabric 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.

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.

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.




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/

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

Quote of the day: Something to make you think.

"I myself am entirely made of flaws, stitched together with good intentions".

Quote from Augusten Burroughs- Running with Scissors

Fashion Colorworks International beadwork compeition 2012

Hey all! happy Tuesday!

I feel so happy and chirpy with the sun finally coming out and a bit more warmth in the air and daffy's everywhere! finally feels like spring. Actually on March 25th we will be going into British Summer time and the days will be made longer with the time change yay!!!
On the 29th i will see if everything is all good with my baby and if it is a boy or a girl (i shouldn't really mind so long as baby is healthy and for sure that is the most important thing in the world.BUT asked for a preferance i,d say a girl simply because i have a pink room with fairies on it already and more girls clothes than boys so financially it makes sense to have a girl.I love shopping but i need to save them pennies for nappies and such which i,m actually already buying now!)

All this colour both in the natural world as well as a spot of redecorating in my home has made me thinkl about colours i use in my work and trying to be more adventourous with how I use colour.You know colours you don't use much if ever, or colour combo's you just think are yuck but could push you creatively.

With this in mind and having looked at one of my fav beading blogs mamma-foxan.blogspot.com I found out about the international colorworks comp. It's for all levels of beaders and what it does is challenge you in terms of colour.

You are given 3 set palates based on Pantones top colours for the season. Colorworks then arrange those colours in (it think) palates that you woud be like, hell no! to wear together. Believe me check out how the designers put them together ad it is way different (plus not all the top Pantone colours are included.) You can use any shade/tone of those colors to make a picec of seed bead jewellery, a beaded object (non-jewellery item, but can be a accessory or garment or a sculpture ) or a finsiehed piece of jewellery ( made up of less than 50% seed beads, it can include crystals,gemstones,fiber,wire, shells,wood .pmc,whatever as the rest of the materials). 


Go to www.mylovelybeads.com/contest/2012/rules.php for all the info. You have from 1ST April to 15th June to make your enteries and send pictures. You can enter 3 times for each catergory (using a different colour palette each time.) and you can collaborate. Oh did  I mention it's FREE TO ENTER!!!!

Finding your Muse: A FREE! Online Mini Class by Alisa Burke

Hi all! Just a real quick post about a beautiful free Online inspiration class that I found online. I Love! Alisa Burke's blog and while I was waiting for my partner to get ready this morning, i took a long overdue visit and found a free class she is giving as a thankyou to all her blog followers/visitors/supporters.

The theme and name of the class is Finding your muse, which is all about switiching off the internet and going outside and finding what truly inspires you, as well
as looking into your life for inspiration and ideas to create art.

In a world where everything is at our finger tips sometimes we just need to get out, breath,look,listen and refuel.Thats how the best ideas and most inspiring work comes!

So come on and join in! http://www.findingyourmuseonlineclass.blogspot.com/ and rediscover what really inspires you.

Ciao for now! and have a great weekend. Dxo

HandMade Blog Feature: Kindred Dream Heart Part 1

Hand Made Blog Feature: Kindred DreamHeart "Sewing Dreams and Touching Hearts" Katrina Denise Pierce.

Today I want to share with you the inspirational story of Designer Katrina Pierce the owner and Founder of fashion label Kindred Dreamheart. She is literally a fighter, no really she was a soldier who has seen action in the Middle East and still fostered her creativity through opening a tailoring shop while on a tour of duty in Germany. I introduce to you the beautiful designs ,Philosophy and story of Kindred Dream Heart.

How did the inspiration to go from prom wear which you created whilst growing up in high school evolve years later into the label Kindred Dreamheart?

I made my first dress my sophomore year of high school shortly after I pledged to the junior sorority, Lady Diamonds.
One of the due requirements was to wear at least one dress per week.Being the only girl among four brothers, I didn't own any.Rather than take me on a shopping spree,my mother bought me a sewing machine.(An overdue gift requested in middle school long since forgotten and replaced with more material desires.)
None the less I accepted the gift and began sewing patternless on a budget,while recycling our "yard sale" labelled attic dwelling cast-aways.The other children immediately questioned the origins of my clothes mockingly.I endured this for about a month, before decided that summer I was going to do nothing but sew.Sew until my skill level rose and sew until I had a complete wardrobe for the next school year.
The next time a class mate saw my attire order requests followed.I got featured in 2002 in a city wide high school newspaper, Teen appeal,I gained so much confidence thereafter that I was determined I,d one day launch my own clothing label.


Design: Kindred Dreamheart
Model: Shaneice Birgs
Photography: Arekah Dunlap (Arekah the goddess photography)



In your website bio, it says while you set up your own little tailoring company while stationed in barracks in Germany, when you served in the army.How did that happen?

We affectionaltely called McCully barracks the "1 post straBe" there weren't many facilities and the one that was in the highest demand was the alterations shop which was NEVER open!The civilian that worked there observed all the German and American holidays.
I mentioned to a battle buddy that I could sew on his patch onto his Class A's to avoid the inconvenience of a negative counselling statement due to a uncontrollable situation. I initially worked for free but had to charge due to very high demand.

Model: Skye Cooper
Designer: Kindred Dreamheart
Photographer: Arekah Dunlap (Arekah the goddess photography)

Where did the name for your label come from?

When I started sewing back in high school my label was called K.D Hunter.I,ve since gotten married and felt obligated to change the name, yet I didn't want to use my name.
I wanted to use a name that defined me as a person.....something more symbolic.
I,ve always been ambitious with BIG goals and dreams.I wanted to be everything when I grew up.I,ve done alot so far but i,m not there yet and I,m not giving up.
Thats my defination of a "dreamheart" .Kindred means just that,akin or similar in quality or character.So my female line is dedicated to women like me..."a Kindred DreamHeart".
Maintaining my maiden initials wasn't a prerequisite during the deliberations but was a bonus in the end.

What are your Design Inspirations?

After high school I joined the U.S Army.During my first tour I was stationed in Wackernheim Germany. I was only a few hours from every other major european country of which I visited every chance I was granted a weekend pass.
I was inspired by the fashions overseas especially during the Fasching mainly because the youth there wore whatever they wanted without fear of social unacceptance. It was bold,beautiful and enlightening.From these accounts I began developing favorite styles.It wasn't until I took a fashion history course 3 years later that I began to recognise and name the styles I had witnessed.Edwardian,Victorian,Steampunk,Rockabilly,Rococo,Lolita Gothic and Cosplay.

Model: Jennifer Pearse
Fashion and Jewellery Designer: Kindred Dreamheart
Mua: Naomi Whitted
Photographer: Eric Hiltner

Come back next week for the rest of Katrina's inspiring story starting with what the process is behind her beautifully intricate creations and her plans for Kindred Dreamheart.