Cartwheels In My Mind

Art Shoppe Interview, Mosh Posh.

The joys of receiving a monthly kit in the mail every month is so exciting. Seeing all the sneak peeks online weeks in advance before the actual reveal is such a thrill. The anticipation of everything arriving at your door step is like Christmas all over again. You can finally touch, smell and feel the products with your own hands and then all the ideas start flowing in your brain and you just have to sit down and create. This is generally a process that continually happens every single month and it's totally worth the thrill of receiving that special package in the mail.

 

I just have to say, that I am so honored and thrilled to share with our readers more about Kristen Young & her monthly kit club, Mosh Posh. Kristen is such a kind and wonderful person. She has an easy going personality, laid back attitude and a wonderful heart.

I remember when Mosh Posh first debuted over five years ago and have always thought they had wonderful kits, very hip & trendy. She knows how to mix pretty pattern papers with embellishments that get you pumped to want to create something fun. To become a member of Mosh Posh, you can sign up for 1, 3 and 6 months membership. If you want extra items, you can purchase a number of add-on kits to your liking. There is a lot to chose from. So, why not treat yourself to a little Mosh Posh of heaven in a kit?

Without further ado, read more about Kristen Young...

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a mom to two little boys-Noah & Madden who keep me running non-stop.  I have a very supportive husband who gives me so much encouragement as I've run Mosh Posh over the last five and a half years.  I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and LOVE photography.  Oh and I do love to eat with a good work out a few days a week to even it all out.

Describe your business: We are a scrapbooking kit club.

What made you decide to open an art business?
I have always been an entrepreneur at heart and I was passionate about scrapbooking so it was a match made in heaven.  Shortly after I became pregnant so it allowed me to be at home as well with my baby.
When did you start doing art?
I started pretty young age I would say 6 or 7 doing arts & crafts classes  My mom was really crafty also and I would different projects with her.
Where does your inspiration come from?
I enjoy looking at LOTS of creative blogs.
What are your long term career goals?
To continue being a part of the scrapbook industry and providing our kits to paper crafters.
What kind of music do you enjoy listening to while you create?
Honestly I don't listen to much music these days-if I can get some peace and quiet I  enjoy it!
What and/or who are your influences?
My family of course. My boys, my husband, and my mom.
Please share with us your favorite childhood memory...or one that includes art!
I remember making a Christmas ornament with pom pom bears in a little wicker basket.
Do you have a motto you live by?
When I am stressed about something I always ask myself is this really going to matter a month from now?
Where do you see yourself & your business in the next 5 years?
Still providing kits to papercrafters all over the world.
Any tips and tricks to other artists/business owners?
Keep going.  It is hard starting/running your own business and you have to consistently keep working at it.
Describe your creative process.
I try to be inspired by one item in my kit and then coordinate the rest of the kit around that particular item.
Advice you would like to share for someone looking into starting their own art business?
Go for it and don't look back!

Kristen has an outstanding design team that create amazing layouts and projects that will constantly inspire you.

Back To School Teacher Gifts by Amy Coose

All About 10 by Jenn Olson

Rain Boots by Jennifer Davis

I Love You To The Moon and Back by Linda Barber

Here are more links for Mosh Posh...
Kit club: www.mosh-posh.com
Blog: mosh-poshkits.blogspot.com
Design Team Gallery: www.mosh-posh.com/cmt/10
Previous Kits: www.mosh-posh.com/cmt/550

You can also follow Mosh Posh kits over at Facebook, Mosh Posh Facebook Group page.

Kristen is excited and generous to sponsor a giveaway to our readers this week. One lucky winner will be randomly chosen to receive the September 2010 kit, New Pencils, which is filled with a nice mix of pattern papers and embellishments.
 

Leave your comments on this post by Sunday evening to be entered into a drawing. Good luck to everyone!

Kristen, thanks for sharing more about yourself with us today and I wish you continued success in all that you do.

Cheers :)

Digikit "Maddie Embellishments" by Erica Hernandez

 

Art Shoppe Interview, Kitschy Digitals.

Although I had never really communicated with her until just lately, I've known Danielle Thompson from her work for years now. Her cool retro style mixed with her amazing photography skills and ability to get way more art done than thought to be humanly possibly have put her on the radar of inspiration seeking artists for a long time now, and that's why I'm so excited to share with all of you a little more from her through this week's art shoppe interview.

I'm also really excited to share that because of Danielle's generous product donation, our team will be sharing projects using her different kits each day this week...which means we officially dub the following 7 days KITSCHY DIGITALS WEEK! So be sure to check back frequently...we are starting to get more and more articles up each day and as of this past weekend we are officially bringing weekend articles on a regular basis instead of just Monday through Friday.

But best of all, Danielle is also donating a kit of your choice from the ones available on jessicasprague.com to one lucky winner, so be sure to leave a comment here for your chance to win!

And with that, I give you Danielle's interview:

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Hi! My name is Danielle Thompson and I live in Atlanta, Georgia. I am married to Ethan and am “Mommy” to two little boys, Cooper and Campbell. I’ve been a graphic designer for 12 years and just recently quit my part-time graphic design job so that I can focus solely on my digital design (which is super exciting!). I love that I can design at home while the boys are at school, but I’m able to be there for them when they’re not. I feel like I have the best of both worlds and I feel very blessed for it. Aside from designing, I am interested in so many things (is there such thing as too many hobbies?) such as: interior decorating, crochet, photography, Blythe dolls, blogging and I just recently took my first quilt-making class (something I’ve been wanting to learn for ages!). I just love crafting in general. I’m always making things. My design style always centers around my love of vintage, color and pattern.

Describe your business (and share links as to where we can find it online):

I have a shop where I sell digital and printable kits called Kitschy Digitals. I also have paper goods of my designs for crafters that aren't familiar digital kits, you can find those here. I also have an Etsy shop called Tiny Bazaar where I sell paper goods, my polymer stamp designs, vinyl decals, embroidery patterns, and more.

 
 

When did you start doing art? 

I started creating art at a very early age. My kindergarten teacher told my Mom that she noticed my artwork was more advanced. From then on, my Mom always had me in private art lessons. I'm so thankful to her for that!

Where does your inspiration come from?

From the past, mostly from the 60's and 70's: vintage color, pattern and design.

What kind of art space do you have? 

It's a very eclectic, kitschy mix of vintage items, patterns and colors. For now, this sewing/craft area decor is complete, but I'm still working on the other corner of my studio which has my desk, computer and other storage. Working on that.

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to while you create?

Mostly pretty mellow stuff like Bon Iver, Jenny & Johnny, Neko Case, Dolly Parton.. but when I want to listen to something faster and more upbeat I listen to The New Pornographers, Peter Bjorn & John and The Smiths (if you can consider them more upbeat, haha)

Who are your artistic influences?

Hmm, I guess it would be designers from the 60's/70's. But no one really in particular.

We'll take a little break here to share some amazing artistic influences for US when it comes to using the Kitschy Digitals products...Danielle's design team:):

 
(double click the image to see them larger and view details.)

Please share with us your favorite childhood memory...or one that includes art!

Oh gosh, not a favorite family memory, there are too many good ones. One funny art-themed memory: I was obsessed with New Kids on the Block (no, I'm not really proud to admit that, but what are ya gonna do!) in middle school and so were my friends. I drew portraits of each of the New Kids along with portraits of me and my friends standing next to our favorite New Kid. You better believe Joey was my favorite! hilarious + embarrassing.

Do you have a motto you live by?

I don't believe in "rules" in anything that I do whether it be art-making, interior design, crafting, designing, photography, whatever. I go with my heart and pretty much fly by the seat of my pants most of the time! Sometimes it doesn't work, but most of the time it does.

Where do you see yourself & your business in the next 5 years?

I'm working on growing my Kitschy Digitals site. I have lots of plans but will keep that hush-hush for now. Things are in the works! I feel like I'm dreaming big for the first time.

Any tips and tricks to other artists/business owners?

Wow, I feel like a newbie with owning a business. What I have is pretty small, but I guess it's all relative. I would say, just keep believing in yourself (as cliche as that sounds!) It took me a couple years to really feel like my digital kits had a steady customer base. Things take time, you just have to be patient.

How often do you create? Daily! Whether I'm designing digital kits, crafting, crocheting, decorating, I'm always doing something creative every day. 

Can you cartwheel? If so, we'd love to see a photo! :) The last time I did a cartwheel I was trying to prove to my oldest son that I could do one. I regretted it immediately. I think I hurt myself. ha!

Thanks so much for letting us pick your brain about your fabulous art business, Danielle...it's always fun to see how other artists make a go of it in this profession!

P.S. Don't forget to leave a comment for the chance to win that kit of your choice, and please share your own Kitschy Digitals art with all of us in the Cartwheels flickr gallery so that we can share those on the site this week as well!

Art Shoppe Interview: Elle's Studio.

Do you remember these Say What Birdie Bubble Tags? I bought those way back in 2007 at Elle's Studio shop on Etsy. I couldn't resist them, they are the cutest tags ever. I've used a few on layouts and some as gift tags. So, when I emailed Elle's asking her if we could feature her amazing shop, I was over the moon excited when she said YES! I have been a fan of her products for quite some time and really enjoy creating with them. Her tags the perfect "staple" to have on hand.

I am so pleased to introduce you to Elle's Studio! Elle is a graphic designer who creates a fabulous assortment of tags, stamps, embellishments, mini pattern papers and more. You can find a variety of them in different shapes, sizes and for all seasons and special occasion. Perfect for all of your crafting needs. Elle answered our questionnaire and has shared with us her advise and a little about herself and her business.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Hello! My name is Elle and I’m 27 years old. I’ve had a passion for arts and crafts ever since I was a little girl and have had tons of different related hobby's in the past, but scrapbooking has always been my favorite! I also like to cook and bake, hang out with my family (I just became an aunt!), drink coffee and blog :)

Describe your business:
We make paper, tags and embellishments for scrapbooking!

What made you decide to open an art business?
I was trying to find tags to journal on for my scrapbook projects at the store. When I couldn’t find any I started making my own. Then, my family and friends started encouraging me to sale them online! We started selling them on etsy and then after a year we opened our own website, too!

Where does your inspiration come from?
I get inspiration from everyday life. I love flipping through magazines and viewing photographs on flickr. I seem to get inspired by combinations of colors and patterns.

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to while you create?
Most of the time I have my TV on in the background… I love mystery/suspenseful shows and movies!

What and/or who are your influences?
My mom and grandma are very crafty women and were always working on craft projects of their own. And, both my parents were always encouraging me, from a very young age, to do what I loved!

Please share with us your favorite childhood memory...or one that includes art!
Going to the art’s and craft store with my mom! She would take me about once a month and give me some money to spend. Then, we’d spend the rest of the afternoon, and weeks after that, crafting away! It was always something I looked forward to!

Do you have a motto you live by?
I have to admit, I love that “keep calm and carry on” slogan! I have a poster of it in our workspace!

Where do you see yourself & your business in the next 5 years?
Hopefully, we are still selling tags and paper goods! I love paper so much, that I always see it in my life somehow :)

Any tips and tricks to other artists/business owners?
Take care of your customers by having excellent customer service!

Advice you would like to share for someone looking into starting their own art business?
I never truly understood how much time everything takes, and in the first years you are usually doing everything yourself, so… make sure you LOVE it! You’ll be doing it 24/7 and if you don’t truly love it, it will be easy to get burnt out.

Elle's Studio Blog: http://ellesstudio.blogspot.com/ is updated daily with amazing artwork by her creative design team, step by step tutorials, free classes and challenges. You'll sure find inspiration and want to create using her products, which can all be purchased at her Store: http://www.shopellesstudio.com/. Be sure to follow Elle's Studio on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ellesstudio and become a fan at Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elles-Studio/170888608911

Elle's created a beautiful mini album, which tells the story of nicknames given to her family pet. The photos are adorably sweet and her layering style is wonderful. Products used in her mini album can be found in her store. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elle’s Studio has just released a ton of new 2011 calendars and tags, along with some really fun Mix &  Match Vintage numbers!These would be great for your December Daily projects and more. Also, if you didn’t catch their amazing 3-week free journaling class, head on over to their blog to see what you missed. Bonus! They’ve complied all the information into a downloadable pdf booklet! Print it out and keep it handy for those times when you need an extra boost for your journaling!

Giveaway: One person will receive some 2011 calendars and a package of Mix & Match Numbers from Elle’s Studio. Leave a comment on this post now and through Sunday evening and the winner will be randomly chosen. Good luck everyone!

And, if you’re into digital scrapbooking, Elle's Studio also just started selling some digital and hybrid items! They are available at Jessica Sprague's site! http://www.jessicasprague.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=77&Itemid=85

Be on the lookout for some sneak peeks of their new Christmas designs coming VERY soon.

Thank you so much Elle for sharing thoughts and amazing designs and for sponsoring the give-away to our readers.

Digikit "Maddie Embellishments" by Erica Hernandez

Art Shoppe Interview...Byrdie Graphics.

I first stumbled upon the etsy shop Byrdie Graphics a few weeks ago while looking for inspiring shops to share here on the site, and the instant I saw the first photo I was totally sucked in. I literally spent hours browsing and re-browsing all the fantabulous wall vinyl designs that Natalie creates. But my favorite, by far....the big brown tree with yellow leaves would just send my living room decor over the top, i think. I'm just dying I love it so much! (And Jen feels the same way...if you haven't seen it already, check out her home decor article where she shared her inspiration board for a new playroom with all of us...an inspiration board that includes this exact tree from Byrdie Graphics.) I told her that we should both get one and then share with everyone how we used it in different ways...what do you think?

Ok, moving past the gushing point and getting back to business...I am super excited to share with you a little peek into Natalie Underwood's world (Natalie is the owner of Byrdie Graphics and the designer of all the graphics you can see in her store.):

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am from a family of 6 from a little town in Idaho.  I've spent most of my adult life in Utah and married a great guy from there 8 years ago.  We have 2 1/2 year old twins that keep us very busy!  We currently live on the East Coast just outside NYC and love it!

Describe your business (and share links as to where we can find it online):

I've got a shop on Etsy (www.byrdiegraphics.etsy.com) and a website (www.byrdiegraphics.com) where I sell vinyl wall graphics and patterns.  The vinyl we use is high quality and can be removed when you are ready for a change or when you are moving out of your rental.  It is a great way to add some color and design without being stuck with it. We love to do custom designs as well.

What made you decide to open an art business?

I've always love working with my hands and being "crafty".  My fist love was architecture and interior design.  I think the interior of your home is a direct reflection of yourself.  It should be your sanctuary and a place that you love to be in and feel comfortable in.  I think money is well spend when it comes to interior furnishings and accents.

When did you start doing art?

I've been in business a little over a year.  I've always loved art though so you could always find little project here and there that I was working on.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Current style, color, and the outdoors.  I try to stay on top of things and make it as fresh and up to date as I can.

What kind of art space do you have? We'd love to see photos!

I've got an office in my home.  I just moved it last weekend so I don't have any photos :(  Maybe I can hurry and snap a few.  It is pretty small, but I'm not complaining.  I get to be home with my kids!

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to while you create?

Haha!  Funny that you ask.  I'm not much for music really.  I appreciate good music, but I've never been one to turn it on where ever I am.  My husband always thinks I'm so weird because I like to work in the silence.  I think it's because my day is so noisy with kids that it's nice to have no noise.

Please share with us your favorite childhood memory...or one that includes art!

When I was small I loved to have my Dad bring home graph paper from work.  I would sit on the couch for hours drawing houses and house plans.

Where do you see yourself & your business in the next 5 years?

Well, I hope that one day soon it will get us back to the West near our families.  It's fun to live somewhere exciting, but there is nothing like being close to your loved ones. 

Any tips and tricks to other artists/business owners?

Go for it!  It takes time to get things together and the site or store up, but it's worth the time and money.  If you believe you have a great product then chances are other will think so too! 

How often do you create?

Daily, hourly.... :)  The plotter is usually running most of the day.  I don't create new designs as often as I should because it is a lot of work.  I've got lots of ideas and a few things ready to add to the collection, but for now the designs that I do have are keeping me busy.

Can you cartwheel? If so, we'd love to see a photo! :)

umm.....no.... I don't think I could be myself around.  I tried not to long ago and it actually hurt!

******

And here are some Byrdie photos of the vinyl in use...one of my favorite things about the Byrdie shop is that they present them in such an amazing, colorful way...so inspiring!:

  

Aren't they just delicious? I'm so glad that Natalie gave us this little glimpse into her world. Make sure you check out her shoppe for lots more wall graphics (she also does computer.graphics, and is running a super sale right now on a few of them.

AND...(drumroll please)...Natalie is generously giving away $25 worth of credit in her shop to one of our readers...so be sure to post a comment here with your e-mail address so that you can be added to the drawing. And if you'd like 2 chances to win, share this post via twitter, facebook or your blog and then come back here and post the link so that we can check it out.

NOTE: These graphics are removable and reusable, so if you live in an apartment and know you are moving soon there's no stress about spending the money and then only being able to use it for a little while.

Thanks so much to Natalie for sharing all this with us, and for the amazing give-away to our readers!

Update Your Room

Hi everyone!  Another month has gone by (YAY Cartwheels!).. so that means it is time again for another 'Update Your Room' post!  This one has me really excited.  Like really really!  I am going to take you on a bit of an adventure with me.. if you are willing that is!  You see, in the past.. 'Update Your Room' has been a 'before and after' type post.. showing how a little something can make a big change.  Well, this time.. we are going for a HUGE change!

When I first approached Cheryl to see if I could take you all for a little ride (hee!).. I wasn't thinking quite as big of a journey as it is ending up to be.. but I am so totally PUMPED... so here it is!  At first, I was just going to give our current playroom an update.. a fresh coat of paint, get a grip on toy storage etc.  Post a before pic or two.. some inspiration photos etc... and then next month, see where we ended up!

We decided to completely move the playroom instead.

 

A bit of back story here.. we have an empty room that is off of our family room, and it was destined to be the 'man room' ..big enough to hold a pool table and a bar even!  BUT.. we have no plans to finish it up anywhere in the near future!  Besides.. when hubby and his friends get together, they tend to hang out outdoors.. or in the garage, neither of us think the 'man room' would have gotten used to it's full potential.  So, now hubby can make the garage his 'man cave' instead!

That above picture was how the new playroom looked this morning.. after I started filling holes (because the kids tend to play in there already!), the exercise equipment will be moved out of there and into what will become the guest bedroom (current playroom).. it is switcheroo time!

I have been gathering inspiring images for ages, and decided to go through them and pull some together as an official 'mood board' for the new room.  Then, I printed them off, and put them together in a notebook along with some (very messy) notes!  

 

Since these images have mostly come from a saved folder on my computer.. I don't have sources for all of them, so if you recognize any (or if they belong to you).. please give a shout out! ..would love to give credit where credit is due!

We are following the colour pallet of the rest of the house (turquoise, aqua, mint, yellow and green).. and I would love to include vintage elements, like that 'go' pictured above!  That just screams playroom to me!  We also need some sort of chalkboard in there eventually as well!

And, how about that TREE!?  I clicked on the newest Cartwheels sponsor link up on the right and spotted this tree decal in the Byrdie Graphics Etsy store! Ohhhhh.. I am smitten!  May have to bump that to top priority on my wish list! Gorgeous isn't it?  

 

Modern Damask Tree (now don't you all go buy it before I do! hee!)

 

It was so satisfying to put these images in the notebook like this.. definitely helps with the focus and direction... it isn't all so crazy in my head now! lol  So very inspiring too!!

 

That is the final paint selection (much more minty in person).. and it is Beryl by Martha Stewart (her new paint selection at Home Depot is GORGEOUS).. also very happy to say, that as I type this.. the second and final coat of paint is drying! Woooo hooooo!

 

This print is screaming play room as well I think! ..hunky dory from Dear Colleen  So fun!

 

First order of business (after everything is moved that is) is to somehow come up with something to replicate the look of the hanging white flower arrangement in the photos above.  Not too sure if it's a light fixture or not, but I am thinking of just using paper and making a pretty hanging mobile.  There is a hole in the ceiling in the center of the room (that was where the pool table light was going to go).. and I did find a light that I would eventually like to put there, but I am trying really hard to keep this budget friendly for now, so it is time to get creative!!

 

Oh.. and I think we need to stalk the thrift stores and find an old rotary phone.. for play purposes of course! ;)

So, what do you think.. think I can get it done in time to show you a finished room next month!?  I sure hope so!  I have so many ideas, and I can't wait to start moving things in and decorating it!  There are some pictures of the current playroom on my blog here if you want to check them out.. the room actually works ok, it is just a little tight in there once the kids start playing.  Eventually they end up jumping ship and pulling all the toys out of the room anyway!  I imagine that will still happen, but at least cleaning up and putting things away won't be as much of a challenge as it is now.. right now it is kind of like a puzzle, fitting everything back where it goes! PLUS, we gain an actual spare room this way. somewhere guests can feel more at home, and worry less about accidentally taking home a bag full of toys (right now it is a guest room/play room combined) ..it will definitely be nice when it is all finished!!

Wish us luck!!  Hopefully I will have a few projects to share along the way!!  Thank you for letting me share, this is definitely the motivation I needed! What about you? Anyone else in the middle of a room makeover!?  Share with us!! :)

 

A Little Bit Of This...A Little Bit Of That.

 

This month's theme is Girl Put Your Records On.  Music has always been a big part of my life.  Hearing a particular song, especially the lyrics, can immediately bring back memories for me.....so I decided to search for some fun ways to use music lyrics to make art.

 
Etsy seller:  pinkbeltrage   

Song: "Hello" by Lionel Richie

My memory: This was one of the first songs I learned all the words to - I can remember sitting by my little AM/FM radio and trying to learn the words.

etsy seller: farouche

Song:  "I Can See Clearly Now" by Johnny Nash

My memory:  Ok...I was 2 when this song came out, so not a lot of memories there. 

 
etsy seller:  jessicalynneart

Song:  "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey

My memory: I was in jr. high when Journey was really popular.  I can remember several of my friends wearing Journey t-shirts and going to the concert.  I have to admit that I like the recent Glee version much better though.

etsy seller: kokostudios

Song:  "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley

My memory:  I bought a Bob Marley CD in college, so this song has lots of college memories for me.   As you are reading this post, my husband and I are in Jamaica for a vacation...so I'm sure lots of new memories will be attached to this song after this week.  

etsy seller: suzannaanna

Song: "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel

My memory:  Ok...he'd kill me if he knew I put this on here, but this song always reminds me of my husband.  When we were dating he made me a "mix tape" with lots of different songs on it, and this was one of those songs. Awwww.....

 
etsy seller: paperpaper

Song:  "Love Me Do" by the Beatles

My memory:  No direct memory with this song....but who doesn't love a good Beatles song?? 

etsy seller:  tronahue

Song: "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel

My memory:  I absolutely love New York City...and this song definitely makes me think of visiting the Big Apple. 

Now...it's your turn!  Take some lyrics that are meaningful to you and create art with them.  Don't forget to share your art with us on flickr!