Archive for the ‘house and studio tours’ Category

Today I have the pleasure of sharing the creative space of Amber Kane, a textile designer and high school art teacher hailing from Pennsylvania. If memory serves, this is the first ever studio tour here on the blog complete with a loom. Yeah!

Amber opened a shop called Fabricated Ends where she sells her handmade scarves and jewelry and she was kind enough to share some photos of her studio and answer a few questions I had for her. Let’s get to it with a little Q and A…

How would you describe your work?

My work is deeply rooted in process and discovery. My goal is connect to each piece, learn through the process of creating. My designs are inspired by a combination of nature and pure imagination.

Where is your studio located?

My studio is located in our Mechanicsburg home. Mechanicsburg, is small town, with a few local galleries and art stores. It was important for my studio to be in our home, as when I come home from my job as a high school art teacher, I want to put on my pjs and head into the studio to work until I go to bed.

How long have you been pursuing work as an artist and shop owner?

I would say that I have always been in love with process of creating, but did not start working towards selling my work until three years ago. I had never considered selling my work, until people began asking to buy things from me, I then started to realize that I could make money from doing what I love and began selling online, joined the Pennsylvania Craft Guild, and started doing craft shows.

I have long admired artists that work in fibers, but I don’t know much about it myself. Can you tell me about your process?

I learned how to weave while in college, and liked it but didn’t love it. I really fell in love with the process when I started to learn how to make it my own, and stopped following the rules. While the piece is on the loom I often push around the weft strings to create movement in the piece. Once the piece is finished being woven I do a variety of techniques, I sew into it, for added surface design, I braid sections and add metal to the piece, to play with the idea of a scarf and necklace in one, or I crochet into the woven the piece. There is not an exact rhyme or reason as to which techniques are done to which piece, I normally decide along the way, as I get to the know the piece, I begin to understand what it needs and wants in order to be finished.

In what ways do your promote yourself and your work online?

I use a variety of methods, blog, twitter, facebook, and etsy. I love doing the blog, and use it both share my work and share work with others. When I have time I create a lot of blog posts and schedule them. This way I’m not stressed if I don’t have time one morning to get one finished. I have my blog connected to my facebook and twitter account, which helps a lot. I try to spend time each day interacting with people on facebook, and have begun to try to do the same on twitter.

Visit Amber’s shop, Fabricated Ends, and her blog for updates and more. Thanks so much for sharing your space with us today Amber!

Last week’s studio tour was quite popular, so this week I have another really cool workspace to share: it’s full-time jewelry designer Jenny Present‘s home studio. You may know Jenny’s custom hand stamped line of jewelry already, but have you had a behind the scenes look at the space she makes those charming pendants, earrings, and more? Probably not. Until now!

Here’s my interview and studio tour with single mom and St. Louis native, Jenny Present…

-In three sentences or less, how would you describe your jewelry line?

Jenny Present jewelry is feminine, delicate and tells a story. In particular, the hand stamped pieces tell stories of love, hope and appreciation of the customer who chooses to personalize their own. There’s beauty and meaning in every piece!

-Where is your studio located?

My studio is in my home.

-What have you found to be the best time of day (or night) to get work done? And why?

Late at night my world is a bit calmer. There aren’t phone calls or many emails to distract me. My son is fast asleep and safe in bed. And I feel most creative when the sky is dark.

“I feel most creative when the sky is dark.”

-What has been your most exciting / noteworthy event or happening in your work recently that you interpret as a success?

Success for me is every time a customer makes a purchase. It really validates what I am doing because they like what I am offering. However, an incredible feeling of satisfaction is when I see someone in St. Louis (where I live) wearing a piece of my jewelry and I have no idea who they are. Something recently that was really neat is that an old friend from college called me to say that she complimented a co-workers piece of jewelry and the co-worker said that she loved it and that it was a “jenny present”.

-What advice do you have for other artists who may be just starting out, or are struggling to be seen?

My advice would be to really do your homework (from the product you sell to the people you choose to have business relationships with) and to take risks. You can’t further yourself or your career without taking chances – so go for it!

“My advice would be to really do your homework…and to take risks.”

And here are a few more photos of Jenny’s jewelry collection + home studio…

Thanks again Jenny for showing off your cozy space and answering my questions! Please visit Jenny at her jewelry shop on Etsy and jennypresent.com. *Now through October 2nd, receive a 10% discount on all purchases at www.jennypresent.com when you enter coupon code: pns10 at checkout.

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It’s been a while since the last studio tour and I am insanely pumped to be bringing it back today because I have an INCREDIBLE space to share: the workspace and gallery of Erin Kate Duininck, also known as The Orchard Art House.

I have known Erin for well over a year now and although we’ve never met in person, she is one of those people that I feel like I “know”. She is beautiful inside and out- a total talent with a clear passion for the arts. And I am really excited to be sharing her jewelry line, studio, and gallery here today…

1. Let’s start with the basics…how would you describe your work in 3 sentences or less?

My main objective is to create pieces that are empathetic and sincere. My most life-giving projects are custom pieces for women working out real life issues and choosing to memorialize or mark an event, epiphany, or person. I also try to create pieces on the opposite end of the spectrum with levity and a touch of the idiosyncratic. Balance in everything, yes?

2. And same question (only this time for the gallery)…How would you describe The Orchard Art House?

The gallery is a mixture of selfishness and an attempt to be selfless, as most of my prayers and petitions are. I am surrounded by my favorite artists’ work every day and am blessed to experience that beauty free of charge. And the goal of the gallery is most definitely to connect my favorite artists with the right audience without taking a commission from their hard work. I grew up with parents who had to literally “sing for their supper” so I am acutely aware of the monetary challenges involved in artistry as vocation.

3. Where are your studio and gallery located?

The Orchard Art House used to be a ramshackle guest house on our property. My husband gave it to me for my 30th birthday and we tore it apart and then employed an artistic builder to completely give the place new life. It’s located in a sweet throwback of a small town, Excelsior, but just outside of Minneapolis. Our property is right on a small lake and it’s a couple acres, so visiting the Art House is (hopefully) like a mini retreat. Get the address and super cute map here.

4. The photographs of the gallery and your workspace are stunning, but its difficult to tell from the photos whether your workspace is actually a part of the gallery. Is that the case or are they separate? And if they are in fact in one in the same, how do you balance your workspace with the gallery and keep everything organized and presentable? It looks amazing!

The Orchard Art House is divided into three spaces; the front is the gallery, the back is my studio, and the loft is where I try to convince out of town friends to come stay. Keeping things tidy is not my strong suit, but I do make a concerted effort to keep the gallery section looking bright and clean. The struggle is always my workspace, as I’m completely artistically A.D.D. and tend to throw things around. My clients are so sweet and appreciative; we joke about the colorful clutter.

5. Back to the photos for just a second…You mentioned in one of our past conversations that the photographers behind the lens at this shoot had a super cool project to share. Can you tell me more about it? 

Oh, man. I am so obsessed with Paper Antler. They are the cutest couple you’ve ever met and so sneaky talented. I’m thrilled to partner with them and to shout from the rooftops about their amazing idea: wedding photography + social justice = the fifty nifty! And the video is totally worth watching as well. Watch the video on YouTube now.

6. So cool! Thanks for sharing those links to Paper Antler. Before we start to wrap things up, lets get back to a few more questions I have about you… How long have you been pursuing work as an artist and gallery owner?

As I find a way to mention all too often, my parents are professional artists/musicians so it’s been a lifetime thing by default. They found me a silversmithing apprenticeship when I was 14 and had me onstage singing songs I’d written the same year. I got serious about my music a few years back and started playing out a lot and then as my life circumstances changed and I needed to be at home more for my daughter and new husband (and keep regular person hours), I ramped up the jewelry and sewing. The Orchard Art House opened a little less than a year ago and was a reaction to my granny (and great friend) dying and that age old realization of the brevity of life; the seemingly obvious epiphany that nobody else is going to make my dreams come true and that, truly, clocks have wings.

“…nobody else is going to make my dreams come true…clocks have wings.”

7. Now, I love asking this next question because each one of us defines success in a different way. So, here it goes… What has been your most exciting / noteworthy event or happening in your work (or the gallery) recently that you interpret as a success?

Honestly, every time a new person walks through the door I have to pinch myself. It’s exciting over and over again. But getting my work into The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis is the one thing that my mom can tell her friends and have them know what on earth she is talking about. That was a great moment!

8. What artist or artisan would you most like to work with on a project in your lifetime? And why? 

Sabrina Ward Harrison’s body of work is exceptional. She is raw and honest and has such integrity. I value those traits in beautiful artwork above all else.

9. What advice do you have for other artists who may be just starting out or are struggling to be seen?

My advice is to be your truest self and to let everything else go. Think of others first and don’t try to control outcomes. Be a very, very hard worker and radiate love. I know it sounds like I grew up in a hippie commune (I kind of did), but I think it’s the most practical advice I could give. What goes around comes around.

 ”Be a very, very hard worker and radiate love.”

Love it! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions Erin. Before we go, as promised, I have a ton of photos of your gallery and workspace to share (photos c/o the lovely folks at Paper Antler)…

Thanks again Erin for showing off your amazing space and answering my questions! Please visit Erin at her jewelry shop on Etsy and The Orchard Art House. And if you pick up anything from Erin’s Etsy shop, be sure to use the code ”heymrpostman” at checkout to receive FREE SHIPPING on your purchase.

Like this gallery and studio tour? Help Erin and I spread the word by sharing this using the buttons below.

-Yes, you do have a lot of white space. That’s one of the things I love most about your designs. Switching gears… I love the coziness of home offices and studios, and I imagine you do too. Where, in your home, is your office / studio located?

My studio is the second bedroom in the back of a 2-bedroom garden apartment in Brooklyn Heights. Our landlord owns & lives in the 3 floors of the brick townhome above. It was built in 1850 & she is only the 3rd owner!

-What have you found to be the best time of day (or night) to get work done?

Oooohhh…depends on the work, but I am probably at my most productive just after lunch. At that point I have checked all my email, done any bookkeeping or household chores & have no restrictions!

-Always easier to work when you’ve charged up your brain with a little food, huh? Sounds like you have a schedule down pat. How long have you been pursuing work as a designer and card shop owner?

My K.Batty shop started in November 2009, though it was not my first Etsy shop attempt. I used to be 910 Studio – same shop concept, different name. I started 910 one day at work when I was having the worst day in the world – the kind of day that led to my leaving the company in May 2009. After I got married a few months later, I had more time to think about what I wanted to do. Since I have this opportunity due to my husband’s love & support, I wanted my shop name to reflect that. So! Now I’m K. Batty Design & Stationery. It’s a 2-prong approach – freelancing as a graphic designer/art director & running my Etsy shop.

-What has been your most exciting or noteworthy event regarding your work recently that you interpret as a success?

LOTS of my business has come from word-of-mouth. It is unbelievably gratifying to know that my work satisfies my customers to the point that they are sending their friends, family & colleagues to me. I actually had a client like the business cards I made for him SO much, that he insisted I put my website somewhere on them so people could find me.

Also, it’s a success that my friends & family read my blog – and not just because they love me. They actually look forward to the content!

-And one last question for you. I am all about online marketing. So can you tell me what ways you promote yourself and your work online?

My blog, Facebook, & twitter serve 2 purposes. 1. To let my potential customers get to know ME, not always my work 2. To drive people to my Etsy shop. I’ll explain:

The K. Batty blog is pretty much home base. There, I talk about design that I like, things I think are pretty, current projects. This year I started a weekly post called Cards of the Week, to highlight paper products from around the web that I like. I used FB & Twitter to drive people to the blog. I also post on FB & twitter when I upload new items to Etsy or want to call attention to a specific item (for instance, I have Mother’s Day cards going up soon & some stationery that would make a great gift for Mom…)

But I try not to just post about paper & stationery all the time. Otherwise, I think people start to tune it out. My personality really helps sell my work, so I try first & foremost to let that be what I show the most on my blog, FB & twitter. There are LOTS of talented designers doing the same thing that I am – selling cards online. Making a personal connection with customers, dialoging with them, letting my personality shine thru, hopefully, can help set me apart from the rest of the fray.

Thank you so much Kerry for the interview and the tour of your space!

Please visit K. Batty Design and Stationery to check out the blog and get updates. To purchase or browse paper goods from Kerry, visit her online card shop also named K. Batty. If you like Kerry’s space and interview, please help spread the word by using the social media buttons below.

College student and maker, Caitlin Betsy Bell, makes adorable wares for kids (and kids at heart) in her crafty-cool Savannah, Georgia studio for her shop Nifty Kidstuff. Today, I am super pumped to be sharing Caitlin’s space, which is right up my alley: great wall art, a funky green desk, and lots and LOTS of craft supplies! What’s not to like, right?

So in typical pns studio tour fashion, I asked Caitlin a handful of questions to run alongside her tour. You know the drill! So, let’s get to it…

-I imagine any kid would be thrilled to have one of your pieces. And I would definitely put your goods in the “super cute” category. So, how do you typically describe your work?

I make imaginative toys (and more!) for kids from all natural fibers with a classic yet quirky appeal. They are lovingly crafted to be toys that wear in with play–not out.

-Where is your studio located?

I live in historic downtown Savannah Georgia in a rowhouse built in the 1800’s. My “studio space” is located within one of the three rooms in my apartment, which means that the kitchen, dining room, living room, and studio are all in one room.

-What have you found to be the best time of day (or night) to get work done?
Mid morning is a great time of day for me, I seem to just be able to crank out a large volume of work and stay really focused. I love working when there is natural light. I find at night there is definitely a point I reach when all of a sudden  I can’t seem to do anything right and spend more time fixing mistakes than getting anything accomplished!

-How long have you been pursuing work as an artist and shop owner?

For as long as I can remember! I received my first real sewing machine at age six and haven’t looked back since. Nifty Kidstuff started on a whim when I was fifteen and I have stuck with it for the past seven years.

-I am always interested to hear about the processes of makers, especially sewers, since that’s not my forte. So, can you tell the readers about your process of creating?

I have a real fluency when it comes to sewing. When I sit down to make something there is no disconnect between what I envision in my mind and what I make with my hands. It is definitely something that has come with practice—just like any language.

-What has been your most exciting / noteworthy event or happening in your work recently that you interpret as a success?

Completing my senior portfolio for sure! I will be graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design in June with a BFA in Fibers. My concentration is called Studio Production, which essentially is the same as what I do for my shop. I had to create a line of five identical products, five related products, and three randoms to fulfill the portfolio requirements. They are all branded under Nifty Kidstuff—my portfolio can be seen at http://www.caitlinbetsybell.com/portfolio.html

-What advice do you have for other artists who may be just starting out, or are struggling to be seen?

I would tell others that if you are thinking of starting up your own shop, just do it. I started Nifty Kidstuff before I had any clue what I was doing and my craftsmanship was awful and there was so much I had yet to learn. I think that learning through experience has really been the best way to do it. Besides it takes time to really develop the skills (especially sewing—practice makes perfect!) Be the change you want to see—make it happen!

Visit Caitlin Betsy Bell on Etsy at Nifty Kidstuff to browse her work. And to keep with updates, visit Caitlin’s blog at www.niftykidstuff.typepad.com.

Thank you so much for sharing your space Caitlin!

–

All the beautiful photos (except Nifty Kidstuff product shots) are courtesy of Caitlin’s friend and fellow SCAD student Gabriel Stiritz.

I kind of feel like a broken record, but I’ll say it again… I love husband and wife teams! And when I heard Betsy’s story, I jumped at the chance to share it with you. Let me give you the run-down…

Filled with hand-engraved brass, dripping chains, and mixed metals, jewelry shop, betsy and iya, exploded on the scene just three short years ago. Betsy, along with her helper Lupe, creates every piece for her shop by hand in the most adorable studio/ office/ retail space I have ever seen (which I am sharing today). She built her business completely from scratch and is now proudly in more than 75 shops across the country. Now remember I mentioned that betsy and iya is a husband and wife team? Yep! Let me get to that… Because Betsy’s business is doing so well, her husband Will was recently able to quit his deskjob to work with her full time behind the scenes.

Is that incredible, or what? I am so thrilled for Betsy’s success and I thought you might be interested in how she’s done it. So, I sat down and asked her (and her hubby Will) questions about their success, snagged some tips for you on getting started and keeping the train moving, and a whole lot more. Let’s get to it…

1. In three sentences or less, how would you describe your jewelry line? “betsy and iya” is a Victorian Breakdancer, where dainty elegance meets bold grit. Focusing on asymmetry, betsy & iya jewelry inspires confidence, packs attitude, and winks at strangers. Big statement pieces, mixed vintage metals, repurposed hardware, hand-formed findings and pop colors push boundaries and exude sex appeal.

2. Your shop and studio space is to die for. I can’t wait to stop in next time I am in Portland. So, where exactly is it located? Our shop, studio, and office are squeezed into a 289 square foot box under the I-405 freeway in Portland.  We’re neighbored by warehouses, salons, a Montessori school, food carts, painters, a dog hotel, the Willamette River, and a huge indoor kids’ playground.

3. Having a dedicated space outside of your home to work is fantastic. What have you found to be the best time of day (or night) to get work done? I work all the time, and I’m best under pressure.  I’m at my most productive when I have a deadline looming.  But I’ve found that I can trick myself into getting in the work groove by setting up mini challenges.  “Can I cut, hammer, and file 20 pair of earwires in 5 minutes?”  “Can I sketch out three new designs before the coffee is done brewing?”  I figure out a lot in the shower.  It’s my moment of stillness everyday.

“I’ve found that I can trick myself into getting in the work groove by setting up mini challenges.”

4. How long have you been pursuing work as an artist and shop owner? I started betsy & iya in March 2008, but I feel like I’ve been preparing for this my whole life.  I’ve always seen the tiny details, heard the buried melodies, loved patterns and chaos.  I’m an obsessive perfectionist.  I have an MFA in Physical and Ensemble-based Theatre.  I’m incredibly competitive, but completely silent about it.  I’m teaching myself bass.  I love dancing.  All of this has made me the designer I am.

5. Being in more than 75 stores nationwide is a huge accomplishment. And certainly something that most every artist dreams about. But we all define success differently, so I am curious to know… What has been your most exciting / noteworthy event or happening recently that you interpret as a success? There are so many things I see as successes, from my husband quitting his job to come onboard full-time with betsy & iya, to getting emails from customers about how beautiful they feel wearing my designs, to discovering a new design in the shower.  I see success in so many things and I think this is probably the single most important reason I’ve been able to stick it out through the tough times. Success doesn’t come in a lump sum.  It’s in every sale, every time I unlock my studio in the morning, every moment of inspiration.  It’s a million tiny victories and it’s important to see them all, appreciate them all.

“Success doesn’t come in a lump sum.  It’s in every sale, every time I unlock my studio..”

6. So true! I love how you define success. Before I let you go, I have one last question for you, and it’s kind of a big one. What advice can you share with other artists and makers who may be just starting out, or are struggling to be seen? My biggest lesson is to just do it.  Jump.  That thing you’re thinking about doing—whether it’s a new design, or quitting your day job, or making that first wholesale pitch—it’s worth doing.  Especially if it terrifies you.  You will succeed and you will fail, but not all at once, and you will learn from all of it.  This is a lesson I continuously remind myself of: push through the anxiety, self-doubt, the “what ifs.”  It’s the only way to grow.

“You will succeed and you will fail, but not all at once, and you will learn from all of it.”

Great advice! Thanks so much for the tour and interview!

Please be sure to visit Betsy and Iya online, and if you’re in the Portland area, stop by their shop and pick something up! I know next time I am in town, I’ll definitely be popping in. Location and store hours can be found right here.

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