Cartwheels In My Mind

Guest Artist Tutorial :: Sasha Holloway.

 

.. Hey ladies I am Sasha and I am so excited to be here. I just have a few facts to share about my really crazy outgoing life and yes if you must know I still color with crayons.

.. I am married to a very patient man that thinks he is Tiger Woods.

.. I have two weird and handsome children whom I still read stories to at bedtime.

.. I am only 5 crafty years old but have been writing daily for the past 16 years.

.. I served my country for many years along side my husband.

.. I currently live in England. 

.. I am a survivor and advocate of child abuse and incest.

.. I credit Hot Tamales for getting me through grad school with a side of MJ. 

I just want to end this by saying. There are so many ladies out there that feel like they are not good enough, I know I use to be one of them. You have to just remember it is not you that is not good enough they are just currently looking for something else different at that time. Do not let this hobby do to you what it almost did to me, cause you to give up what and why you started doing all this to begin with. I am no where near perfect, and I still dream just like you and guess what .. no one can take away that dream .. only you! So keep going .. because you never know who is watching, but just remember never lose sight of who you are and sell yourself short just to get it. Always keep it real.

Blog:A Soldier Girls Thoughts

Instructions for Bottle caps:

Things you will need:

1 inch circle punch

magnets

E6000 glue

gluestick or mod podge

bottle cap images or small trinkets

flattened bottle caps or regular used or new

DG3, Diamond Glase or Glossy Accents

Instructions:

1. Punch out the picture, patterned paper or whatever object you desire and add adhesive to the back of it. You can use gluestick, glossy accents or mod podge.

2. Place your image/item inside or on top of the bottle cap. Make sure that the image it flattened and that there are no air bubbles in it, spread it from the inside out and then just go around in circles either with your finger or something with small flat head. Let dry.

3. Once your image is dry add your resin or glaze of your choice and use your stick pin to poke out any bubbles that may appear. If you wish to reduce remember NOT to shake the resin or dimensional adhesive, this is a sure fire way to get them. One trick I learned was to just screw the cap off all together when I am filling the bottle cap and just simply poor it in. 

Cover your bottle caps with a glass or other object to keep dust free and let dry between 24-48hrs.

4. Adhere your bottlecaps to strings, hair bows, make necklaces and so forth the options are so limitless out there. If you wish to turn them into magnet simply add the magnet on either side you are not working on using E6000 glue and for a more professional look if you care add a thin layer of dimensional adhesive around it and let dry.

Sasha is also into scrapbooking and basket making...you can see a couple samples here:

Thanks Cartwheels on my Mind for having me .. you ladies are truly an inspiration. I was happy to be a whale in your ocean of creativity. 

-Sasha Holloway

 

REVolution giveaway winners...

 

Happy Monday everyone!

I would like to take a moment to announce the lucky winners of the Embrace My Life tutorial from Revlie's, REVolution shop.

CONGRATULATIONS TO........

Every day something new! I LOVE YOUR WEBSITE and I love all the inspiration. Thank you for sharing Revlie with us!

Posted by: Kristine LeRoss | November 01, 2010 at 09:49 PM

and

thank you for the awsome giveaway...revlie is so inpiring!

Posted by: Leah | November 07, 2010 at 06:51 AM

Thanks everyone to participating! Kristine & Leah, to receive your tutorial, please email me at [email protected].

Have a great week everyone!!

Cheers :)

 

Art Shoppe Interview: REVolution.

Revlie is one of the craftiest person I know. It always amazes me how she finds the time to create all that she does. She has such a wonderful personality, sense of humor and a no-nonsense attitude. She has a heart of gold and a wonderful friend.

On top of being a mom/wife, artist and full-time business owner, Revlie finds time to create lushes mini albums and tutorials, that you can find in her etsy shop, REVolution. They are filled with loads of techinques, textures & ideas you will love. When you go to her blog, Life Is Good, you will be amazingly inspired by her crafty goodness. I always look foward to seeing what she has up her sleeves next! She is quite the innovator!!

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Revlie Schuit
35 years (36 on October 7 :D)
live with hub Arjan and our 2 muppets: Sanne (7, girl) and Ruben (3, boy).
Netherlands
company owner
chocolate
Vichy handcream
imac
colors
handmade stuff
scrapbooking
sewing
crochet
running
tulips
i should go to bed more early than i do now
i bite nails when i'm nervous or anxious
i laugh too loud and i'm extremely clumbsy
that about sums it all up ...

Describe your business.
I write online tutorials for mini albums and sell those tutorials and sometimes kits to go with it on Etsy. You can, of course, design the mini  you like, but if you need a little get-go you can use my step-by-step instructions. I’m working on tutorials for crochet and sew projects also.

What made you decide to open an art business?
I heard a lot of friends and scrapbook friends say they loved my mini albums but did not know how to make them themselves. So I thought,  step-by-step instructions with LOADS of pictures was what we missed. If you are a beginner you can easily create the mini albums, and if you are a pro already you can simply skip some steps you know how to do already. Also, if you just need some inspiration it’s perfect to use my tutorials and give them your own twist. Love that!

When did you start doing art?
mmm. I guess since my childhood, but since my kids were born (Sanne in 2003) I’m more into it ‘professionally”.

Where does your inspiration come from?
Mostly from everyday stuff and my kids. Love homemade magazines and “live mindful” magazines (all dutch :D)

What are your long term career goals?
I also own a business for Secretarial Services (Artifex Support) since 2000. So 10 years already now. Arjan & I run that together and to be quite honest, I’ve been there, seen that and done that, I feel I need to run a creative business more fulltime than I do now. So, my long term goal is to take a step back from my Secretarial Service business and invest more time in my creative business. Now it’s just a matter of lack of time. With 2 young kids (Ruben goes to school in 6 months from now, that’ll give me more time), 1 very, very hectic company and starting 1 creative company I’ve got my hands full :D

What kind of music do you enjoy listening to while you create?
All sorts of. Jason Mraz (spell that ok?) is my favorite. And Amy McDonald, of course the Black Eyed Peas, and some Dutch Artists (Alain Clark, Ilse DeLange, Jan Smit, Nick&Simon).

What and/or who are your influences?
Mostly every day life for scrapbooking, for crochet & sewing and my kids. I love to ‘solve problems’ (make something out of fabric or crochet something they think they need to buy in store, haha). I love to visit some blogs from great artists like Kal Barteski, Elsie Flannigan and some sewing masters :D

Do you have a motto you live by?
Life is good! Even if it sucks sometimes, it’s still good. And of course, “weather you think you CAN’T or CAN do it, you are right :D),

Where do you see yourself & your business in the next 5 years? mmmm, I like to take smaller steps, but I’m sure in 5 years I’ll be running my creative business fulltime and can be there for the kids when they are not in school. So for them, I’ll be a stay at home mommy, I would love to only work during school hours.

Any tips and tricks to other artists/business owners?
Just GO for it. If you love what you do, success WILL come. I know I can reach my goals if I set my mind to it. Proof for me is my company Artifex Support I run now. 10 years ago I simply quit my well payed job and started it from home. People told me I was CRAZY. Insane! I wouldn’t make it. Of course, I proved them wrong. ha. Don’t let other people hold you down from YOUR dreams and plans.

Describe your creative process...
During the day I’ve got a lot of ideas I jot down in my idea book or any paper that’s nearby. In the evening, when the kids are asleep, I go to my creative room (scrap, sew, crochet) and start making what I had in mind, or go on with what I was already creating. It’s like I’ve got so many ideas, my head would explode if I don’t write them down. There’s just too little time to make them all.

Advice you would like to share for someone looking into starting their own art business?
Stick to your own ideas and plans. Don’t let other people give their opinion on your work. Believe in yourself. Don’t be shy. You need to be a little outgoing and straight forward to reach your goals. Advertise, advertise, advertise!! Get your name out there. You can place banners on blog(s) that doesn’t have to be expensive. Try to get an interview with crafting magazines or other magazines. In Holland, it works like: you send something you sell to the editors of the magazine trying to get them to publish it. Keep positive. It takes time to set up & run a business.

Can you cartwheel? If so, we'd love to see a photo!
:) haha. See, I’m like extremely clumsy. So, if I could even TRY to do a cartwheel, I’m certain I’ll break a bone you didn’t know you have in your body. So, I'll just leave you with that mental image...

When you're looking for inspiration be sure to check out Revlie's blog, Life Is Good. You can also find more of her artwork at on a regular basis at these fun scrapbook inspiration & challenge blogs...One Little Word & Color Conspiracy.

Revlie has generously offered two lucky readers a chance to win the Embrace My Life tutorial from her REVolution shop. All you have to do is leave a comment to this post and two winners will be randomly chosen. You have until Sunday at evening. So good luck! :)

Thanks so much Revlie for sharing your creative world with us and wishing you tons of success!

Cheers :)

Art Shoppe Interview: Playing Grown Up.

 

 

 Happy Monday everyone. It's me, your pal E and boy do i have something special to share with each of you today. Today's interview is about a southern gal that's close to my heart! We've been friends for years now. Our friendship blossomed at The Heritage House while we served coffee together... and it led down a path of summer hangouts, spend the night parties, crafting days, "work outs" buddies, and oh so much more! Ready to read about this awesome chickadee?

Meet Brooke. 

Hi! I'm a true blue Alabamian, wife to a law student, English teacher, and crafter! I love being in the woods with my hubby and our pup (and now that Alabama is beginning to feel more like autumn and less like Hades, many nature walks are in order!). I always have trouble trying to sum myself up because I love toommany things - I want to be a baker, a seamstress, a cellist, a fluent French-speaker, and an avid runner. Well, I'm working on getting in all my interests, but sometimes there's not enough time in the day!

::Tell us a bit about what you do:: I love to create functional items that help "young-at-heart" grown-ups stay organized in an unstuffy, fun way. I work mostly with wood and enjoy carpentry as well as up-cycling found objects. From my fun photobooth props and chalkboard speech bubbles to my hand-cut office chalkboards, I make the task of keeping it all together much more enjoyable! 

::Who do you create for?::It sounds a little self-centered, but myself! I say that because I've found that if I don't like what I'm creating, it shows in the piece. If I try to follow trends or create based on what will sell, I get burned out and am not having a good time. Since Playing Grown Up's whole motto is "making being a grown-up fun" I feel attached to the fun of the creation process. 

::Do you have any tunes you like to jam to?:: Geez, these days with fall coming to Alabama, all I can listen to is Fleet Foxes. They are so "fall" to me! Lately I have also been delving into my old tunes and listening to a lot of Ray LaMontagne. Leftover from my childhood, I love Alison Kraus. But when I need to kick it into high gear, I love Stevie Wonder and the Black Eyed Peas ( I love me some dancing in the kitchen!). 

  

::Where does your inspiration come from?::Well, I love being organized. I love making lists. I love not being stressed. These things inspired me to get in the shop with a saw and a sander and make things that allowed me to do that and still not sacrifice good design. 

 As far as the design for my projects, I love looking to nature and thinking of celebratory things. (I want to make each piece remind people of a celebration so you can celebrate in the everyday!) 

::Who inspires you to keep going?:: My husband is so encouraging. Quitting my full-time teaching job and going to a part-time one to allow time for more creating was a big leap, as he is a student and I am the current bread-winner, but he has been nothing but proud. He makes me feel so good when he brags about me to his law associates! 

 

::What type of medium is your fave?:: WOOD.

::Describe your artistic style in three words::

whimsical. practical {yes, those two usually contradict}. fun!

 

::What's your creative outlook on life?:: Well, for me, I serve a God who is a creator, so I think we all have a bit of creativity in us. I just think wanting to create things is a natural desire. I also think that creating is such a great way to stay young at heart (a.k.a. play grown up!).

 

 

 

 ::DREAM project:: Oh goodness, I have so many dreams (my husband calls me Fickle Phylis because I change my dream all the time)! I would love to have a coffee shop where I could create cute things to sell as well as bake delicious treats! Also, in recently planning my nephew's birthday party, I developed a new dream of being a "handmade event" planner. 

Oh, and my husband and I both have the "dream project" of having a slew of beautiful children and living on a farm with an awesome garden in the back yard!

 ::When your not creating what do you like to do?::I love being musical with my hubs. He plays guitar and we sing - it's so fun! I love baking, but it's probably more that I love eating sweets! I love meeting with my Bible study and talking (while eating sweets). 

 

 

 

 

 

::Any words of wisdom for all of us out there?:: All I can say is (not to echo Nike) Just Do It! You may create something horrid or get a glue-gun burn, but don't let that stop you. Also, aspire to enjoy the process of creating, not just the finished product. If you don't enjoy the process, you may want to explore with other arts or mediums. Creating is for enjoyment! 

::Lastly, can you do a cartwheel?:: Sure can! I took about 4 years of gymnastics and was a cheerleader in high school, so cartwheels are pretty standard requirements! They are so fun no matter where you are!

Shoppy shop: HERE

Bloggie blog: HERE

She is also featured on Photojojo. Check it out: HERE

Thanks Brooke for taking time out of your busy schedule and allowing us to interview you! You have inspired all of us to get out there and JUST DO IT! 

  

 

 

 

 

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!