Finding: Natalie

A still dazed gift-loving hand waving: Hi, guys!

The last post showed you some gift wraps, and this one will contribute even more! Today we'll be hearing from Natalie of nataliebonneyceramic and admiring her gorgeous pottery! Tip and gift in one, worth even making a TV ad if you're asking me! Without further !s, let me present to you Natalie:

• Share a bit of your story, please.

I moved to Cornwall nine years ago from Kent, to do a course a Studio Ceramics BA at Falmouth College of Art and graduated in 2004. Pottery was kind of a second choice, originally I wanted to do a Fine Art BA but couldn't quite get my head around the point of making Fine Art! I didn't feel like I had anything important to say. I've since realised that my way of expressing myself is through textures, shapes and colours rather than commenting on 'issues'.

I've had a studio in Penryn ever since I left uni, but only really started to make properly 2 years ago, and have been a full time potter since last Christmas. For me my pottery has always been about confidence in myself! I see it as a reflection or recording of a moment in my life. I secretly believed in myself before, but have only recently come out as a potter! This is thanks mostly to my sister and my boyfriend's belief in me!! If enough people convince you something is possible then it is! Cheesy but true!

• What place does art have in your everyday life? How do you manage to balance creativity and chores?

My pottery is something I eat, sleep and breathe! I want to make beautiful objects which are functional to enhance our everyday existence. I don't believe in sunday best, I want my pieces to be familiar, loved everyday objects.

I believe in hard work. Creativity for me comes from all those tedious chores! For me nothing satisfying comes from something easily achieved, which may well be the death of me!!! 

• What is it that inspires you?

I have an eclectic source of inspiration from 'high' art ceramics, natural textures and shapes, to kitsch throw away plastic manufactured toys. I'm a bit of a magpie when it comes to inspiration. I have a few boxes of 'precious' things I would ordinarily be too embarassed to share with anyone!! I also have a complete obsession with anything cute and round... especially round objects! I think this must be some sort of primeval maternal thing!!

• What do you expect to happen to your Etsy store in the future? Where do you see yourself in one year?

I'm hoping my little Etsy shop will build up a little following and be a showcase for all my future projects, ideas and domestic pieces. A little insight into my world!

• Any strategy to help you achieve your artistic goals? Would you share one tip with all new-born artists?

My strategy is mainly to work as hard as I can to make myself the best maker possible. I have pretty high expectations of how I want my work to look and ceramics is just about the most frustrating, demanding way of working. Not a week goes by when everything goes exactly to plan! From the excitement of a good batch of work to the soul destroying wayward kiln which nukes a body of work. I am a control freak and this way of working challenges me to the end of my tether quite frequently, so my advice to newbies would be to suck it in! Build a bridge. Get over it!! A good stoic belief that everything happens for a reason (disasters always have useful lessons or happy accidents!) and sense of humour are essential!

• Sharing pictures:

'Pottery Owl Ocarina (Whistle)'

'MonsterPig Salt Cellar'

'Pottery Owl Ocarina (Whistle)'

'Set of 3 small blue dishes'

Thank you, Natalie, you seem to have so much enthusiasm that you should definitely be invited to write for this blog more often! (one day I will rename it, it'll be something like "The Enthusiastic Blog" or "The ! Blog") Hopefully, my smart partner is keeping an eye on everything and I'm having fun while pocking the mud for some deep buried treasure! On Monday I thought I might share with you one of my poems, just so that you know I used to do other stuff before starting to keep this blog! Although not directly linked to Etsy, one day I'll become a master writer and then writing those godly product descriptions won't be a thing in front of what I've accomplished!

However, until then - a overly enthusiastic and not to seriously taking herself,

Bilyana :)

Treasure Hunting: The gift's outside

As a former professional gift-wrapper (doesn’t that sound so grown-up!) I’ve nurtured a love for packages that goes way beyond the logical limits. It’s probably the most interesting and emotion-filled part of a present for me although the rest of the world does not seem to agree with that statement. But there are a few out there who understand me and know the value of the wrapping – it’s not just a shiny paper, it’s an art and a message! Before I go to gift-wraps-heaven and start chanting, let me show you this week’s alternative finds: The gift’s outside!

• Found a home?

'Owl Post Gift Box' by celestefrittata, 4$

'Bag Of Happy - Gift Wrap Kit' by SimpleMatters, 10$

'Owl Tea Stained Tags' by PaperedFair, 3$

  'Book spine kraft gift box' by secretleaves, 3.95$

• Need more shine!

'Peach Ruffled Crepe Trim/Garland' by thegildedbee, 4.99$

'Sweet Lil Dinosaur Tags' by ThePaperPlace, 3.25$

'Birthday Party Favor Boxes' by SimpleTastes, 25$

'origami paper cranes' by shadan, 5$

• A touch of subtleness.

'Classic Bordered Table Tent Number Cards' by PaperEclectiques, 15$

'Letterpress Gift Boxes - Set of 6' by weheartpaper, 18$

'Kiwi Birdie Tags' by StraightHome, 5$

'Small brown gift bag with ribbon(set of 4)' by nowchan, 8$

• Understand that!

'Mustache Happiness Bag' by SimpleMatters, 5$

'Tiny Brown Paper Tags - pirate birdie' by mommyholly, 1$

'Duck Tracks in your Pillow Box.' by Laurasbox, 1$

'Rolling in Dough Gift Tag Set' by TerisTreasure, 5$

• Wrap-loving love-wrapping!

'12 flat Kraft Bags with Paper Doilies' by mrrabbitsir, 3.75$

'30 Te Amo Hang Tags' by YourAngil, 5$

'For My Love Mini Card' by AJKArtistry, 1.50$

'Love in the Rain' by annafraser, 4$

Should I be ashamed of the fact that most of these things are a reflection of my personal preferences? Could they not be? Thinking of this gives me and idea on next Wednesday's treasure hunt, but I'll leave the suspense to do its evil work! Meanwhile, please, do not hesitate to seek help with your fast-beating heart, because on Friday we'll be hearing from an artist working on the other side of the location dash - nataliebonneyceramic will be speaking from the far off kingdom... of the United Kingdom. Hopefully I've had some Internet to update this ending, but if that's not the case - feel free to share and comment anyway! My boyfriend's tied to a chair as a live feedback transmitting device!

Probably walking around some unknown place (as all true adventurers do!),

Bilyana

P.S.: If some links lead to a sold item or have simply died, well, I'm sorry, but you can still request a custom search for a similar things as a comment! Anyway, hope we're having sparks of Internet around!

Sharing: The magnet design project!

Hello, everybody!

On this mighty fine day (I just had to use this expression!), and as promised on Friday, this post will plunge into my most recent creative work: magnet designs! The particular illustration type (hook legs, triangular, oval and square share) I discovered a year ago after an attempt to draw something simple and fun. Truth is I had to relax a bit, because being a detail-control freak was beginning to interfere with my creative process. With some help and inspiration from my former employer I began to develop the concept which soon started turning into a whole separate world (Would you believe if I told you I even drew a tractor?!).

At this stage of the magnet venture I already have an idea of what the final design should look like. But lets begin chronologically! Previously, after some drafts, magnets looked like this:

Um, the shape's a bit distorted, but apart from that - it's the "classic" design.

However, since I've purchased a new type of wooden squares and I wanted to experiment a bit with different coloring methods, first I decided to try doing some old wooden beads I've purchased previously probably without a good reason. Normally I use water-pencils (I seem to have difficulties translating terms these days) and color lightly and slightly messy, so why not try it on wood? The result, however, was something someone had obviously cried too much above! The water-based varnish messed the pencil trails a bit too much and because of the wet pencil technique the marker wouldn't dry at all. Results?

Doesn't look as bad as it does in real life, but still - not the result I want.

Next step was to try out how I could work with the details when coloring with acrylic paints. Although the first try was a failure, I was the more convinced I want to combine the not too serious nature of the illustrations with the depth the details created. The second result was motivating:

Messiness is inevitable on the first sample, right?

However, there was one drawback even if it's not so visible in the picture - the marker got absorbed into the wood. I was pleased with the coloring, now I had to find a way to prevent the marker smudging. Knowing how marker doesn't go through acrylic paint and does react to the varnish on top I decided to try another technique - drawing on top of a varnish-base. The test piece was perfect, no absorption whatsoever! Now I only had to do my first original piece on the intended wood. Imagine my surprise when the wood absorbed ALL the varnish I applied! Result?

Yuck! Marker still got spread onto the surface.

My first obstacle on the way to my Etsy success! Surprisingly, I did not panic, but went and bought some sand paper. I still have not tried and am not sure how it will turn out, but I chose a smoother tile and, although it still absorbed some of the varnish, the marker wrote clearly. I also decided to add to the mixture of non-seriousness and detail the texture of the wood itself. That way my magnets could be more subtle, just the way I wanted them to be in order to fit into a more simple interior. The result of the whole process?

The shape, once again, is a bit distorted, although I personally am totally satisfied with the outcome. Oh, the camera stand did a miracle for me! I wouldn't have thought myself able to do such a photo! Now I'm the more motivated to get into photography and create more beautiful shots!

Well, this was the end of my work for that particular day. If it taught me anything, it's not to panic or let my spirit weaken, there's a solution to every problem and even if there ain't, nothing's fatal! Kind of banal, though, thought I'd earn something more profound. Anyway, speaking of important things - keep a mind note on Wednesday's alternative Etsy finds, because we'll be seeing the most important (really?) part of any gift. The hint's Wednesday's title (no more hints, however!): The gift's outside! Without further spoilers,

Hope you all have two carefree next days,

Bilyana

Finding: Louise

Good day, everyone!

Today's surprise artist is Louise from TruLuCouture! Although she has just started her Etsy career, her shop is more than promising (oh, and just wait to read her educational background!) and as she seems to have instinctively found a newbie's success formula, her interview is something to think through if you're on the start line. Plus, how can you not be in love with somebody who actually cares about shoes?!

• Share a bit of your story, please.

I have a background in design and have been sewing since I was a young girl. I have degrees in Apparel Merchandising, Costume Construction Technology and Marketing. I was trained under a master German tailor and interned for a private designer. However, the path to my current career (I design and develop home decor products for a wholesale company) was not directly related to my training. I did not care for the low wages and long hours of a stage/costume designer. I did not feel I was talented enough to do my own thing. I really enjoy marketing and numbers as well as creating things, so wanted a career that included that as well! I got engaged in December of 2008 and began wedding planning. I found it stressful and needed an outlet for my venting other than my fiance so I started writing a blog. Blog writing introduced me to Etsy - something I've never even heard of. I was fascinated! Over the course of my wedding planning, I had a nagging thought that simply would not go away. I knew I could do my own thing, I just needed a platform. Etsy was it! I had made my veil and fascinators for my own wedding and realized how much I missed daily sewing. My internship was for a designer who specialized in wedding and ball gowns so I spent lots of time hand beading! What I would create for my Etsy shop seemed like a no-brainer!

• What place does art have in your everyday life? How do you manage to balance creativity and chores?

AAAAH! Every day! My "day job" is all about finding new inspiration and creating. I try to find something new and interesting to look at every day! Balancing creativity and the work load of every day life is a challenge at times. On the days when the creative juices are flowing, you might need to be managing the books. On the days where you have allotted time to be creative, you might be sitting and staring into space, dealing with a creative block. You just have to roll with the punches. 

• What is it that inspires you?

Beauty in all its forms. Stories of triumph and overcoming hurdles. Nature. Pretty shoes. Amazing wine.

• What do you expect to happen to your Etsy store in the future? Where do you see yourself in one year?

Since I am a new shop, I am not 100% sure. I know that my work is new, therefore still evolving. In one year, I'd like to see myself creating the things I see in my head with ease, versus some of the struggles I have with it currently. It's all a process and one I am familiar with. I just have to let it take it's path.

• Any strategy to help you achieve your artistic goals? Would you share one tip with all new-born artists?

Of course. It's a combination of love, creativity, street smarts, a marketing plan and decent math skills! I feel like the only advice I'm skilled enough to give is this: if you're standing on the sidelines, STOP. Get into the game. There is no "right" time. Just do it. You'll be happy you did.

• Anything else you'd like to say?

I'd like to suggest reading the book Craft Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco. It's a great overview of how to turn your hobby or creative skill into a business. It's an easy read and covers the basics. I found it incredibly helpful.

'The Amy Jean Cuff'

'The Candy Ring Pillow'

'The Gidget Birdcage Veil'

'The Alecia Fascinator'

Thank you, Louise, for the advice and the felling of discipline and determination you inspire! Proves it takes a lot more than just enthusiasm or just talent to create a beautiful and complete product, but once an artist gets on the right track, the results can be outstanding. If you need more inspiration or your daily dose of beauty, check out Louise's blog The Thirty-Something Bride or her site TruLu Couture and don't forget to add her name to your bride-to-be notebook (doubtlessly, brides have one, don't they?). Oh, and you might even need a blog-diary after all the times I've asked of you to remember the next post! On Monday you'll be seeing my creative process from its inside with some failings, some successes and some photos of my brand new camera stand. A grown-up professionally looking camera stand! Also, during the next two weeks you'll be entertained by Blogger's scheduled function, but do not hesitate to comment, ask and share as I'll be checking the blog from the middle of nowhere, hopefully, phones at least work! 

Sun washed oat flakes with the feeling of a job well done,

Bilyana

Treasure Hunting: Purpose per pose

'Oh, Happy Day / Oh, Crappy Day Ring Set' by Weaselfactory, 25$

It has been raining during the past week, a sly weather gnome has been ruling over Bulgaria. Sun up, sun down, rain mixed with sun, humidity making Sofia a jungle. A feeling of helplessness overcomes us, we wish we had something to hide both from water and fire, something more than a bottle of ice tea in a plastic bag. But just imagine - an umbrella when up high, a bottle full of tea when you tilt it! A purpose per pose! Though this particular invention sounds rather unrealistic, see some at Etsy that don't! Hands up for imaginative science!

'Bridal embellishment' by myrakim, 125$

'Plaid obi belt/scarf' by nattyboho, 40$

'Peacock Blue Top' by whoknowswear, 59$

'Hollow Book Safe' by ScreaminMonkeyCircus, 15$

'Hoodie Bag' by stephaniesimek, 98$

'Knitted Power Cord' by KnitKnit, 44$

'Mini Scoodie' by parvana, 61$

'Yoga Socks' by natalya1905, 19.95$

'Wrapped Ankle Cuffs' by OrganicPlanet, 32$

'Florence Velvet and Silk Bow' by HopelesslyDevoted, 24$

'Coda max' by NataJane, 175$

Although I still have a separate MP3 player, camera and mobile phone, boy, do I love multi purpose creations! When thought meets imagination, that's when it's worth being a shopaholic! Here I'll leave you alone with your daydreams with only a note on Friday's post: Somehow, even after six Etsy conversations, at this present moment I don't have a definite knowledge of who Friday's artist will be. In any case, there will be surprises on Friday! Keep an eye on the blog and do constantly hunt for treasures!

Wishing you a sunny and creative Wednesday & Thursday,

Bilyana

P.S.: Making oat flakes taste good without sugar is something some genius Etsy artist should work on!