Artists Inspiration - Bottlecrop

It's amazing the things that artists use to create.  Katrina is another one of those artists.  She works with glass bottles and turns them into things you can use everyday.  I was thrilled when she said she would participate in my Artists Inspiration series.  
Thank you Katrina for sharing your story with us today!

Recycled wine bottle canisters with natural corks

BottleCrop

Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.

Hi there. I'm your typical right brainer- a shy egomaniac who would do anything rather than talk about myself. Check out my "profile" on Etsy: www.etsy.com/people/bottlecrop See? However, since Everyday Inspired asked so nicely: I studied design at Pratt Institute, and I spent many years as an art director in NYC before fleeing to rural Bucks County PA, husband in hand and baby in arms. I've always been inspired and sustained by nature and bringing up children in the country has given me an incredibly happy vicarious second experience of childhood. (And my beloved organic garden)

Seed starting kit recycled glass tumblers edible

Why and how did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed materials?

think people who learn to draw are given the gift of noticing- looking at everyday things (especially living things, outdoor things) a little more closely, and that's my inspiration. It's also why I've always repurposed/recycled/upycled things- why ruin the landscape growing landfills if something can still be made useful somehow?

Recycled glasses bear bottle tumblers leaf emblem

What inspires you to create/sell what you do?

Bottlecrop evolved like this- every year I make a big batch of handmade gifts for friends and family- something that my kids can participate in. Something eco-friendly that will not add to the clutter of useless "prop" gifts that we all receive. Something that can be eaten, reused or used up. One day while loading glasses into the dishwasher I noticed the colorful light shining through an empty bottle I'd placed on the windowsill to sketch. I thought- how funny that we use glasses over and over for decades but recycle bottles after one use. (Inspiration for my Etsy "profile" poem.) I remembered cutting a glass bottle with string when I was a kid and how fun it was, so that year our gift project was glasses made from bottles, hand painted by the kids. A big hit, and the beginning of bottlecrop. I don't use string to cut the glass anymore and the kids are busy with other things, but I can't seem to stop making things out of bottles.

Terrarium in recycled wine bottle indoor garden 

What is your favorite thing about creating/designing?

My favorite thing about creating/designing? Everything. It's just what I do, and I'll never stop. Even as I write this I'm rearranging my coffee mug so the light hits it just right.

Recycled glasses from wine bottles tall green set

You can see all of Katrina work in her Etsy shop and on her website http://www.bottlecrop.com/.

Artists Inspiration - Colorstorydesigns

I am part of an Etsy team called Upcyclers.  It's a team with artists that reuse, repurpose, recycle, and upcycle . Today I am featuring a member of the team.  They create amazing pieces with recycled magazines, stop by their shop and see all of their must have items. 
Amy and Andrea thanks for taking the time to talk with us!

Pixel flower vase made from recycled magazines

Colorstorydesigns

Tell us a little about yourself and what you sell.
Why and how did you decide to work with upcycled/recycled/repurposed materials?

Hi there- we are Amy Gibson and Andrea Read and I (Amy) live outside of Seattle on Bainbridge Island, with my husband and my golden retriever/ large hairy first child - named Koa. We moved out here (from Tulsa) after collage and have since bought our first house and have begun making a life for ourselves. After architecture school (where I met my husband) I began the process of working in various architecture offices in the Seattle area. Andrea and I met while working at a large firm, and immediately became great friends. Soon after meeting, the economy began slowing and we put our heads together and came up with what is now… colorstory designs. Initially, we began working with magazines because of their color and we are able to get them donated to us from our local library system. Andrea and I both believe that recycling and repurposing materials is important and we love that these used magazines would otherwise be taken to the landfill. So we began coming up with ideas based on these very simple and abundant magazines.

Burst of brights picture frame

What inspires you to create/sell what you do?

I’ve always been drawn to color and texture and I find inspiration from everything in life. Nature is a beautiful place to look for color and texture. I never create anything that I can't imagine displaying in my own house. Also, I find very simple and clean shapes classic and beautiful and I think that colorstory designs reflects that perfectly.

Flutterby wings right side shadowbox

What is your favorite thing about creating/designing?

My favorite thing about creating/designing is knowing that something that I have created and put my heart in will now bring joy to someone else's family. I love making things with my hands and I never get tired of the fact that everything single item that I create is unique- it's like every piece is new every time! That also means that every customer gets to enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind piece of art and that is exciting.

Pixel votive holder 

You can find Colorstordesigns at:
website: www.colorstorydesigns.com
etsy: www.colorstorydesigns.etsy.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/colorstory/105913713568?ref=ts

Who knew magazine scraps could look so amazing!

Check This Out...

This is a weekly post where you can share 3 things about yourself or your business. Giving us an opportunity to get to know each other and our business.

Suggested ideas:
-business goals or goals you have met
-books you are reading
-a new project you are starting or doing
-places you have visited
-blog posts you have enjoyed
-a post you have written that you would like to share
-new items you have added to your shop
-new materials you are working with
-family plans or an event you are excited about
-need help with an idea - ask for help

All I ask is that you are a follower of my blog to participate and that you check out a few links from the other people who leave comments.

Let me know if you have any ideas or questions, I would love to here your suggestions. You can contact me at additionsstyleblog@gmail.com.


Check This Out...

1. I found this great site with tips and ideas to make your blog the best it can be, it is worth taking a few minutes and checking it out. It's called Ink Rebels.

2. I am really excited about my new collection Hardware in Bloom and I will be adding new pieces everyday.

3. My husbands car broke down a couple of weeks ago and I have been stuck in the house so he can use my car to drive to work. Well he got a new car this past weekend and I finally have a car again, well kind of I have to share it with my 16 year old.

Artist Inspirations - LavenderField

Join me in welcoming Victoria from LavenderField, as she shares what inspires her to create her unique and beautiful jewelry. Thanks Victoria for being a guest blogger!

I create jewelry in unusual, yet eye-pleasing designs and colors using a combination of crochet, gemstones, beads, and other findings (including clay beads that I make myself).

I'd say my biggest inspiration is colors! Even colors I don't particularly like can suddenly become attractive to me when combined with the right shades which compliment each other. It's like "a little bit of nice and a little bit of not so nice" to obtain a good balance.

I also find inspiration in a lot of other places, but at the end of the day if you want to be unique it all comes down to creating an original product of your own imagination.

At the beginning I was afraid of being unique, but I went ahead and took the plunge anyway, and now I'm receiving so many compliments and lots of good energy being thrown my way, so I'm really enjoying this uniqueness at my art. It expresses me and my own style, and not someone else's, and it seems to me that people admire me for that. I read somewhere recently something that goes like "do it afraid, courage will come later", and if I think about it, this is actually how I've lived my whole life. I sort of dive into things without analyzing the situation or consequences, and then take it from there. I think that as long as you follow your heart you know you're on the right track.

Having an organized space to work in is essential for me, and when things start cluttering up I need to just STOP everything, put stuff back in place, and only then can I continue! I love having a lot of space as well as a lot of supplies in a wide variety of styles. Since I'm not one to put my ideas down on paper, when an idea pops into mind I want to have the necessary supplies and tools readily available right there and then!

You can find my work at my Etsy shop, right here: http://www.lavenderfield.etsy.com/

I also have a blog right here: www.thiswayhandmade.com, and a page that I use as a means of promoting my work, right here: www.squidoo.com/crochetbubble

Shop News - Blog News - Personal News

My shop was featured on Scoutie Girl this past week, stop by and leave a comment. It's a great blog and I am honored to be featured. Thanks Tara!

I can't say it's been a booming week, because it's been slow. I am still waiting for that holiday rush and I hope it happens this weekend.

I am working on taking pictures of my new pieces and I will be posting new items all week. I am going to start working on one of a kind pieces that I will be listing in Etsy and 1000 Markets shops in December.

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Special
Everything in my Etsy shop will have
FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE
November 27 - 30

BLOG NEWS

If you missed last weeks post Journal Prompt take a second and check it out, it will inspire you to start thinking about your plans for 2010.

Also on Wednesday's post Amazing Museums, DJ from eye shutter to think added a link to another amazing building you have to check out. The link is in the comments section.

I know it is a holiday week, but I will still post everyday. Tuesday I will have an accessory trend you can't miss, Wednesday's Photo's to Inspire will feature holiday centerpieces and table settings, and Friday my favorites from Etsy and 1000 Markets.

PERSONAL NOTE

I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this week, for the first time in a long time it is going to be just me, my husband, my daughter, and our dogs of course, and we have decided to have a non-traditional Thanksgiving, so no Turkey. I am looking forward to cooking some of our family favorites, and my daughter is going to a bake pie and cookies.

My husband gets home Tuesday after being on a 3 week long business trip and we have missed him a lot! I know he can't wait to be home and relax and we are all looking froward to a nice weekend hanging out as a family.

Have a great week!

Shop News

I received my book 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse by Garth Johnson, and to my surprise I have 4 pieces featured!

Here are photo's of my page's.

As promised last week I added several new items, including these fun hair pins, some men's accessories, and I brought back a couple of favorite pieces now that I have the supplies to create them again.

I am working on filling up my Etsy shop, in anticipations of the shoppers finding me this holiday season. :)

This Monday I purchased a spot in the Etsy Showcase for Men. So, this week (11/8 -15) only all the Men's items in my shop will have FREE SHIPPING.

BLOG NEWS

If you missed Thursdays post Creative Obstacles check out the comments section, lots of good sharing.

Also, check back tomorrow for pictures of my adventures at SOFA - Sculpture Objects Functional Art, and later in the week more creative ideas and a poll on the side bar.

Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have questions or suggestions additionsstyleblog@gmail.com

Have a great week!

Artist to Know - alamodestuff

I am so thrilled that Linda from à la modetm agreed to be my first Etsy - Artist to Know!

I am a big fan of her work and own one of her cute purse's. Her work is innovative, unique, and inspiring and today she shares with us the creative side of à la modetm.

First, I’d like to thank Valerie for asking me to be a part of her blog. I’ve been a long time admirer of her work and it is an honor for me to be featured.

When did you first realize you wanted to create? Who or what influenced or inspired you?

I can't recall a time when I realized I wanted to create. I only recall always creating. When I was very small, if I wanted something I'd make it. I remember making a TV for my Barbie doll out of a cardboard jewelry gift box with a pin for the antennae. My mother was very creative and innovative. She taught me to sew, paint, and not be afraid to try new things.

What do you enjoy most about the creative process?

My favorite part of the process is the initial design idea that pops into my head (sometimes at the most inopportune time). I get a mental picture in my head and obsess over it until I figure out how to execute it. Then, I love when the end product comes together.

What do you do when you need a creativity boost?

I hunt...the internet, magazines, nature, stores. I look around and when I least expect it...I'm inspired. I often tell my children, when they become frustrated, to step away from their projects. If I need a boost or I'm having difficulty with something, I walk away. When I come back to it (sometimes in a day, sometimes in a week), the project will come together. I've really learned to trust that instinct over the years.

How did you get started with your online business, and how would you like your business to grow?

My business started serendipitously. I had been decoupaging light switch plates for my own home for many years. In 2005, a friend decided she wanted to host a holiday party and asked her crafty friends if they'd make and sell things for the party. I thought I'd sell light switch plates. About 3 days before the party, she called me and asked if I could make some handbags. I agreed. With my marketing background, I felt I needed to create a logo and business cards. I quickly came up with the name à la modetm and designed marketing materials. My friends couldn't believe how "established" my business was. Little did they know I literally created it overnight. I made lots of sales and took many orders. My business was born and I've not stopped since.

I always knew I wanted my own business but never knew what that business would be. Never in a million years did I think I'd be making bags and decorative switch plates. Now, my business has expanded to the internet and 25+ boutiques across the nation. I continue to go with the momentum and am not sure how I want my business to grow. I've had opportunities for à la modetm to become much bigger than it is. Surprisingly, and difficultly, I've turned those opportunities down. For now, I like that I'm a one woman operation and hope I continue to create what I love and love what I create.

Find à la modetm online here:
Website: http://www.alamodestuff.com/
Blog: http://www.alamodestuffblog.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/alamodestuff
Flicker: http://www.flickr.com/alamodestuff
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/a-la-mode/31042360875

Thanks Linda for sharing your creative side.

Purple Lemon Designs Feature

Kelly of Purple Moon Designs on Etsy, did a nice feature of Additions Style on her blog today. Take a few minutes and check it out Kelly's Blog - Within Purple Lemon Designs.

Thanks Kelly for the feature!

Trying Something New

When I started working with the washers I was very inspired. I loved the way they looked, and the fact that they were a geometric shape. I have really pushed myself to try to come up with new and interesting things I can do to the washers, by adding texture, color, and changing the shape.

Well I have come up with another new idea, and I want to hear your feedback, If you like the idea or not. Feedback is important when designing to help you can create the best possible product.

Leave me a comment tell me what you think.

If you have a product you would like feedback on, let me know. We can all learn from each other, and that's why I value your opinion, and will share mine if you would like.

Both pieces are available in my Etsy Shop.

This Week

One of my favorite pieces is featured on My Shopping Connection - Cutting Edge Fall Fashion from New and Indie Designers Feature. Stop by check it out, there are some cool designers and pieces featured.

I am Happily Feeling Orange Today

Yesterday I was featured on a great blog called How About Orange... it is the creation of Jessica Jones who designs very cool fabric and accessories and sells them in her Etsy shop.

Stop by, take a look, leave a comment, let me know what you think.

I am thrilled to be on her blog.

Surprise! Surprise!

Don't you love it when you get surprises. Well I got two today, and I am very excited.

First while looking at my Google Analytics report this morning, I noticed a lot of views from Jewelry Making Craft Gossip. So I went to check it out and found out one of my bracelets is featured. What a nice surprise, they found me from one of the groups on Flickr.

Also while checking Heartomatic, and I found out I was featured in the Weekend Deals: Discount Sale Etsy Gift Guide.

If you have never been to 1000 Markets stop by today and take a look today. It is a beautiful site, with wonderful artists.

Don't forget I am having a sale in my Etsy shop 15% off selected items, and free shipping on everything all month.

I hope you get a few surprises today!

Only a couple of days left on my poll, please take a moment and answer. Thanks!

Want more information for adding Google Analytics to you shop and blog check out these Etsy Forum topics for more info.

Blog Feature

I was thrilled when Nancy of Nfall2rt * Design Studio blog asked if she could feature my work on her blog. She will be featuring some work along with some tips on taking photo's for your shop.

Stop by, check it out, and leave a comment letting me know what you thought.

Two in one Day

One of my goals for this summer is sending out info for possible blog features. Today I found out that I am featured on two different blogs.

Wickedly Chic is featuring a pair of earrings I just added to my shop yesterday, you can see the feature at http://www.wickedlychic.com/category/Daily+Ditties/.

Dirty Pretty Things is featuring a necklace and you can see the post at http://ravenxxxx.blogspot.com/2009/07/what-were-lovingcall-for-submissions.html.

I am thrilled to be featured on both these sites. Stop by and check them out.

Etsy Treasury

Check out this cool Etsy treasury I found this piece in today.

Facebook Special Deals

I started a new Facebook business page.

Become a fan and you will receive posts on new work, specials, and sales just for fans.

First fan only special starts next week, so sign up today!

Funky Finds Feature

I am very excited to be featured on Funky Finds.

Check it out and as a Funky Finds reader you will get FREE SHIPPING all week (4/19 - 4/24).

Find the feature here

Also, there is a giveaway for a free necklace, check out the site for details.

Join Flickr Groups

I love Flickr.

I joined a pool called V&A -find, make, wear, which happens to be Flickr group set up by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Well a couple of weeks ago the museum contacted me about adding the two necklaces in this post to a permanent page on their website. When they choose the pieces there were 718 entries and only 28 spots on the page, I was thrilled to have been chosen. The page went live this week and you can check out all the cool items that were chosen.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Find, Make, Wear

I am excited to be part of this project, and I will keep you posted about future projects.


You never know what can happen on Flickr.

Pretty in Pink

Found out these earring are in a very pretty treasury today. Click here to see the rest of this beautiful treasury.

Sisterhood Blog Award

I"m so thrilled my blog just received the Sisterhood Blog Award from Daria at D'Luxe Design Blog.

Now I get to share the award with other great blogs.
This is how it works:
1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 blogs which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!
3. Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
4. Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

I'd like to congratulate my choices for this award:
1. Dancing Mooney
2. Handmade Whimzy
3. Book Wormz
4. Livngood Jewelry
5. Shimmer Me Blue Design

Please visit their blogs and congratulate them!

Check this out!

Check out this necklace in a cool treasury.

Purple Passion among the Blues

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=42145