Marin Handmade

Artist Interview - Kaelen van Cura of Kaelen Rose Paper Works

2011-10-16T21:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the interviews just keep on coming! It seems that besides my own, I overlooked one interview that I thought for sure I had already posted. After meeting this artist for the first time Friday and seeing her work in person, I can assure you that if you didn't come to the show, you should check out her shop on Etsy right away.

Kaelen Van Cura of Kaelen Rose Paper Works (www.kaelenrose.etsy.com) brings not only humor and charming illustration to her cards, but she combines those with stitchery for truly unique collage works functioning as both gift cards and tiny works of art.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I am an artistoriginally from the Midwest, and moved here two years ago. I got my Bachelor’sin Fine Art from the Kansas City Art Institute, where I majored in Painting. Iprimarily create colorful, pop-influenced abstract paintings, but for the pastseveral years, I’d been making sewn greeting cards for my friends and family.About last November, I decided I’d try to sell the cards, so I entered aone-day show in San Francisco and did really well, and then opened my Etsy shopa month or so afterwards.

What kind of artist are you, and whatfirst drew you to that particular medium?

Besides paintingand creating my greeting cards, I also have begun making fascinators andclothing. I actually made my dress for my wedding, which took place a coupleweeks ago (September 24). I enjoy creating in general, so I have a hard timekeeping to a single medium. I guess I first began sewing cards because I got asewing machine and wanted to learn to sew clothes, but I was a bit intimidated,as I didn’t have any training. I was comfortable, however, making works onpaper, so I just started experimenting with the cards I made for friends andfamily. Once I collaged fabric onto the cards, sewing them seemed like alogical next step.

Please describe your creative process.

To make my cards,first I think of an idea for a card. I can’t really explain it, I usually justsit down and think of a few ideas, either one that would be good for a specificoccasion, or a concept I think is funny. I try to make cards that I wishalready existed, that I could go to the store and buy.

Once I come upwith an idea to try, I make a test card to work out the kinks. I usually drawthe image on tracing paper, and cut it out. Then I use the paper as a templateto trace from onto the fabric. Once the pieces are cut out, I glue them ontothe cardstock with acid-free glue and wait for it to dry. Then, I sew the card,and finally I stamp it with any messages included as well as my logo on theback. Once a test card is done, and I’vedecided on changes, I go through the same process again, but I do itassembly-line style, with all of the tracing first, then cutting, sewing, etc.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

In ten years, Ihope to be working on my artworks on a full-time basis in a profitable manner.(I currently work full-time in an unrelated field). I am just at the beginningstages, but I am aiming to be able support myself with my creative endeavors.

Artist Interview - Heather Graef of Gstudio

2011-10-14T10:15:00.000-07:00

The moment we've all been waiting for has arrived... Please be sure to stop by and say hello! Shop a little, have a snack and tour around to some spectacular open studios. Marin Handmade will feature twelve North Bay artists, most of whom you have been reading about for the past several days.

Join us today, 3-8pm at Art Works Downtown, 1337 4th Street in San Rafael in conjunction with 2nd Fridays Artwalk.

Today's featured artist is none other than one of our talented organizers, Heather Graef of Gstudio (www.GstudioStyle.etsy.com). Heather's eye for unique textiles and mix of classic and modern design is sure to convince you to get yet another handbag to add to your collection. Enjoy the interview!

Tell us a bit aboutyourself.

My early years were spent within toddling distance of VeniceBeach, before my family moved to the Bay Area, and I grew up in San Anselmo andWoodacre. I studied industrial and graphic design at CCA in San Francisco, and haveworked as a freelance graphic designer for over 20 years.

What kind of artistare you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

I’ve created everything from logos to interpretive exhibit graphicsprograms for major natural history exhibits in the United States. With manywonderful projects behind me I found myself on a quest for other ways to expandmy creativity while taking full advantage of my experience in the design field.Using a sewing machine had always been tedious, until recently challengingmyself to sew a handbag—and lets be real, it was on the ugly side—but I was intrigued.Several more odd creations lead to my “Mio” bag design, and since then I haveworked on honing my craft and creating a collection. I also dabble in jewelrymaking.

Please describe yourcreative process.

Lots and lots of thumbnail sketches, funny little mockupsmade with paper and staples… After developing a concept, I fabricate the prototype,rebuilding with different materials before going to my computer to create afinal pattern for reproduction. I love hunting for unique fabrics and materialsand often create one of a kind work, along with my regular designs.

What handmadepossession do you most cherish?

Illustrations, paintings, pottery and jewelry made by my incrediblytalented family of artists.

What is it aboutliving in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

Country roads, beaches, fresh baked bread, fog spilling overthe headlands, the city… My work is directly inspired by the North Bay’surban-country culture and kick back attitude.

Where do you seeyourself in ten years?

I feel I have found my groove and style making bags andaccessories using unique, available materials. I would love to be working withmy own fabric designs and exploring the world of home décor and apparel in thefuture.

Artist Interview - Tisha Thompson of TTdesigning

2011-10-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well folks, just a few short hours from now the North Bay contingent of Etsy will kick off its first ever event. We hope you'll join us for what is sure to be a festive evening of refreshments, snacks and, of course, shopping!

Right now, we hope you enjoy this interview with Tisha Thompson of TTdesigning (www.ttdesigning.etsy.com). Tisha's work spans both the functional and the whimsical while remaining true to knitting and crochet's technical roots.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have been aresident of Mill Valley for 34 years, married to my husband John for all ofthose and have 2 grown kids. My husband and I now live in a very cute and verysmall cottage in Blithedale canyon and living here has had quite and influenceon what and how I create.

What kind of artist are you? And whatfirst drew you to that particular medium?

What kind? A funone I hope. OK really, as of the last year or so I have been concentrating onwool. Wool in its rawest form: wool as roving, wool as yarn, wool as a fabric.I felt, knit, crochet and sew wool. I just love wool, always have. Had a sheeponce when I lived in Oregon during my formidable 20s (did the hippy thing upthere in the 70s) and learned to shear, dye, spin and weave wool. I have known how to knit and crochet since Iwas a child. It all seems so natural to me, working with wool and having fun. Ihave been creating hats, bags, and toys with up-cycled wool sweaters for thepast year. As an avid garage sailor andthrift store enthusiast it seems natural that I would start working with feltas a fabric (i.e. shrunken sweaters).

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

Now really, whywould I want to do anything else?

Who is your greatest creative influence?

My friendStephanie Green, formerly of Four Finch Custom Sewing. Her perfectionism hashad a great deal of influence on my growth as a craftsperson and artist. Allthe women and men around the world and through the ages who have made beautifulclothing to put on their family’s backs, the jewelry on their necks and hats ontheir heads, are my influence.

Please describe your creative process.

Fun,time-consuming, exhilarating and necessary to my mental well being.

What handmade possession do you mostcherish?

A Crazy quiltmade by my mother with the names of great musical composers embroidered on it.

What is it about living in the North Baythat most inspires your creativity? First and foremost is the best art gallery& gift shop in Marin, “Roots Collaborative” of Mill Valley (2 doors downfrom Peet’s) where my creations are for sale. It is in this shop that I learnedthat people are willing to spend their hard earned money on my creations. And, the collaboration with the other artistsenriches me. The weather in southernMarin suites me to a ‘T’! I love the fog.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

70 years old. Godwilling I will be doing just what I am doing now. With the help of my friends at Marin HandmadeI will have gotten a website and blog together by then and managed to grow thecourage to place my work in a few more retail shops.

Artist Interview - Robin Stelling of Robin Stelling Designs

2011-10-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of days left... We are really looking forward to seeing all of our artists together in one space. Today's featured artist has been quite instrumental in the creation of Marin Handmade and we know you will love her work.

Robin Stelling of Robin Stelling Designs (www.creativebeadz.etsy.com) has a talent for enhancing re-purposed textiles with her intricate bead work producing true "treasures". They are are even more beautiful in person so come by and check them out! Enjoy!

Tell us a bit aboutyourself.

After earning afine art degree from UC Berkeley, I enjoyed a career in the fields of graphicdesign, package design and computer graphics. One of my last video graphicclients was the Grateful Dead whose on-stage video projections I designed andproduced during the last two years they toured.

I moved intoon-line e-tailing of jewelry supplies and fine gems about 10 years ago and havedesigned, created and sold my line of eco-jewelry for the past few years.

What kind of artistare you, and what first drew you to that particular medium?

I have been collecting global fabrics for many years andhave always been in love with textiles. I was really excited when I realized Icould marry my love of textiles with my interest in jewelry design. In 2011 Iexpanded the line to include my wedding cuffs made of freshwater pearls andSwarovski crystals.

Apart from creatingthings, what do you do?

I live in San Rafael with my husband and two cats. Mydaughter went off to college this fall and I am adjusting to her absence. Ihave a new appreciation for ichat!

Who is yourgreatest creative influence?

I am inspired bythe skill and talent of traditional craftspeople around the world whose work Irestyle into treasures for the modern nomad.

Please describeyour creative process.

I find dresses andclothing from Romania, Central America and Bedouin tribes of North Africa,Egypt, Syria, Israel and Palestine that are beyond repair and save theembroidered pieces to use as my canvas. I work with the colors and textures ofeach piece of fabric and combine it with traditional beading techniques usingglass beads, gemstones and vintage findings. My jewelry is the best way toshare these collectible fabrics and textiles by upcycling and refashioning theminto wearable art and accessories.

What handmadepossession do you most cherish?

I collect vintage Mexican silver jewelry. Some pieces arevery inexpensive pins and earrings but are wonderfully crafted and designed andI treasure as much as the more unusual designs. I use the orphaned earrings andbroken bracelets that I find in my jewelry designs.

What is it aboutliving in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

I love living in Marin and although I am not a real“birder” I often walk in the wetlands to see the variety of birds migratingeach season.

Where do you seeyourself in ten years?

I enjoy participating in local shows and craft fairs andwant to keep showing around the Bay Area. It's so much fun to meet the peoplewho love my work. My work is available for sale at galleries in San Rafael, SanFrancisco, Minneapolis and Guilford, CT. I hope to find more galleries acrossthe United States to show and sell my work as well as increase my on-linesales.

Artist Interview - Forrest Lesch Middelton of FLM Ceramics

2011-10-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

Well, tonight you are in for a real treat! Not only do you get to read about another of our fabulous artists, but you'll get to know the innovative and truly beautiful work of one talented North Bay ceramicist.

Tonight we are excited to introduce you to Forrest Lesch Middelton of FLM Ceramics (www.flmceramics.etsy.com) whose unusual designs and techniques produce striking and original works of functional art.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Living inPetaluma for the past year, and recently moving from Fairfax, California, Ihave developed a fondness for the North Bay that began in 2000. While an artist in residence at the MendocinoArts Center and dating my now wife who lived in Mill Valley, she introduced meto the area. In 1998 I graduated from Alfred University with a BFA with a focusin ceramics, and in 2006 I received an MFA from Utah State University. I havebeen a resident artist at the Watershed Center for Ceramic Arts in Maine andthe Mendocino Arts Center. I currently direct the ceramics program at SonomaCommunity Center and in 2007 developed its Artist in Residence program whichfocuses on ceramics.

What kind of artist are you, and whatfirst drew you to that particular medium?

I am a ceramicartist focusing primarily on functional stoneware that employs a form of imagetransfer that I developed which allows me to add patterns to pots while theyare being formed on the wheel. I have always loved clay. The feel of clay andits usefulness have always attracted me to it. Clay is found in every cultureon the planet and to me that universality is a great place to find inspiration.I have been working with clay since age fourteen.

Apart from creating things, what do youdo?

I teach ceramicsin a number of area colleges and run the ceramics program at Sonoma CommunityCenter. I teach ceramics workshops nationally and have a wonderful wife and twodaughters who put up with all of my mud and dust!

Who is your greatest creative influence?

These days my twogreatest creative influences are15th and 16^th century Turkishceramics, and contemporary war rugs of Afghanistan. As for the who, I wouldhave to attribute that to the long list of great teachers I have had over myyears of study in ceramics; from Val Cushing and Linda Sikora to John Neely.

Please describe your creative process.

I use printmakingprocesses to enhance the surfaces and aesthetic of handmade pottery. I fire mypots in a unique reduction-cooling atmosphere that gives the work an appearanceakin to cast iron.

What handmade possession do you mostcherish?

The handmadepossession in my home that I most cherish is a quilt that my wife and I weregiven as a wedding present. I am not all together certain where, or when it isfrom. My best guess as to its origins is that it is from rural India.

What is it about living in the North Baythat most inspires your creativity?

It is hard not tocredit the local landscape here, although I do not make work that in any wayreferences landscape. Hikes and drives around the North Bay do however get thecreative juices flowing!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Hopefullyteaching full time at a college or university and making artwork that is stillfresh and intriguing to me and others.

Artist Interview - Creek Van Houten of Compass Rose Design

2011-10-10T17:41:00.000-07:00

The big event is just a few days away and we still need to introduce you to a few more artists. There's a very good chance you will get two of these posts today, so keep your eyes peeled for yet another introduction!

Right now, we are excited to present you with Creek Van Houten of Compass Rose Design (www.compassrosedesign.etsy.com). Creek creates understated steampunk& Victorian adornments for both women and men using antique ephemera, found objects,metal, vintage buttons and anything old or whimsical.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Becoming a full-timecrafter and artist was the last thing I ever thought possible, but afterreturning to the U.S. from Amsterdam in 2008 – necessity was a greatinspiration. While looking for a job and making a jewelry collection for mywedding party, I began to get more requests for necklaces and earring sets. Istudied environmental science and politics, but after working a decade inenvironmental non-profits, public relations and a few years abroad in theNetherlands, I have just followed the passion and the requests. I truly lovethe combination of skills that make this work possible.

What kind of artist are you, and what first drew you to thatparticular medium?

I’ve been making stainedglass and jewelry for the last ten years with vintage and found treasures. Mytendency both for collecting as well as reassembling has been a lifelongproject. I took apart my first stereo at age seven and disassembled my firstbroken pocket watch at nine. In both cases, my goal was to repair the items,but upon realizing the parts were so beautiful, I began constructing art. Afteralmost a decade of work in non-profits and then some marketing, I've taken theplunge to become a full time crafter maker metal alchemist. I also weave,mostly Navajo – style, but this is a much more personal art form. I learned toweave while herding sheep in Arizona in 1999, and experience great parallels inworking with glass, metal, and wool – all textiles of a sort, with their ownbehaviors, inclinations and tendencies.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

When I’m not makingjewelry, I am working on founding a small beer company with my husband. Keepingas much of the work in-house for both companies takes most of my time andcovers most of what I love. In addition to the making of real things, I get tostay up on web design to social media to marketing and bookkeeping.

Who is your greatest creative influence?

My dad, who showed methat unexpectedly marvelous possibilities are worth pursuit. After being adentist for 20 years, he followed his skill and passion – and invented swimfins as well as an exercise wheel for small rodents. Both sell internationally.He showed me it is possible to make your own life way.

Please describe your creative process.

I love what I do. Fromscouring antique fairs and flea markets, to web design and soldering and artshows, I adore working hard and making things. Especially at a time when watchmakers rarely repair mechanical watches, I feel great purpose in giving a newlife to these precious items from the junk pile.

What handmade possession do you most cherish?

My Dutch grandmother, whodied when I was 8, made me a crocheted lace table cloth. It reminds me of theworld of textiles and skills and stories that connect us all, and the world offiber and home-based arts that only recently left the bounds of the kitchen,pantry and courtyard.

What is it about living in the North Bay that most inspiresyour creativity?

There is nothing I haveexperienced like the close juxtaposition of art, culture, nature and urbanpopulations in the North Bay. Particularly after living in Holland, where noforests or wide-open spaces exist, really at all, I appreciate the sense ofmental space and possibility. We live in a world that bridges art andtechnology and wildness – all of which inform who I am and the type ofmechanical, yet refined art I seek to create.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Loving the North Bay,hopefully still making things and pursuing new skills and mediums. The NorthBay truly combines the things I love about the Bay Area, Santa Cruz, the woods,and the Netherlands - a community which values the simple pleasures offamily, food, art, music, and togetherness.

Artist Interview - Franci Claudon of Magpie Studio

2011-10-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

We’ve been awayfor a couple of days, but over here at Marin Handmade there are still a fewartists left to introduce you to. Theweekend comes to a close with another exceptional addition to our group.

Enjoy today’sinterview with Franci Claudon of Magpie Studio (www.magpiestudiodesign.etsy.com). With her amazing functional glass work, Franci’skeen eye for color and contemporary style might make you rethink your servingpieces for the upcoming Holidays!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I bring color, light and joyto the world with my art. I am a SiliconValley cubicle refugee who is now living in the Napa Valley and expressing mycreativity via kiln-formed and stained glass art. I am inspired by whimsy and play andcuriosity and color - always color.

What kind of artist are you? And what firstdrew you to that particular medium?

I am a modernist with aplayful heart.

I’ve been making art since Icould grip a crayon and have played with paint, pencils, clay, beads, textiles,etc. I was curious about glass soenrolled in an evening stained glass workshop with the goal of making a simplelittle project. In the process ofpurchasing the materials for the class I found an amazing teacher, JeffreyCastaline, owner of Aanraku Glass Studios in San Mateo, CA. The “standard” teaching practice is to startwith very small projects and gradually build up to larger and more difficultones.

Jeffrey had a very differentphilosophy about how to teach glass – his requirement was that a first projecthad to have at least 200 pieces and be complex and large. By the time a studentfinished the project she would have a solid skills foundation and would know ifshe loved or hated doing stained glass. If it was love – great! Keep making more. If it was hate – great! Never do it again but you will forever havean amazing piece of art you made.

For me it was love. I like to say that I had been “dating” allthe other mediums but found my soul mate in glass.

Apart from creating things, what do youdo?

I am a coach who works withclients who are creating their most kick ass lives. My coaching is anotherexpression of my creativity. I fullybelieve that anything is possible when intention, commitment and “moving yourfeet” are combined.

Please describe your creative process.

Curiosity is my muse. Many pieces begin with the question “I wonderwhat would happen if . . . ?” When thekiln gods are smiling the answer is “Magic”!

I am a collector of randombits of information, inspiration and influence. While I would never do well on Jeopardy I may surprise you with somearcane factoid that I’ve squirreled away. These disparate bits coalesce into design inspirations when my mind isleft to wander about while I’m doing something mundane like cleaning thehouse. Like a dream forgotten uponwaking I need to record them or they will drift off like wisps of smoke.

What handmade possession do you mostcherish?

I most cherish the itemsthat connect me to my family, friends and memories. Photos taken, clocks restored, pictures drawnor painted, clay sculpted, beads strung, letters written, wine produced.

What is it about living in the North Baythat most inspires your creativity?

The abundant natural beautyin the North Bay feeds my soul.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Artist, author and student.Continuing to create in every aspect of my life. Led by curiosity to keeplearning, growing, exploring and playing.

Artist Interview - Melinda Talbot of Blue Banana Studio

2011-10-06T12:44:00.000-07:00

Hmmm.... things may be a little damp around here, but the 10-day forecast predicts the sun will win out for our long-awaited outdoor shopping experience!

Today we introduce you to Melinda Talbot of Blue Banana Studio (www.bluebananastudio.etsy.com). We think you'll find Melinda's concise, but thoughtful responses to echo perfectly the delicate simplicity of her jewelry. Enjoy!

Tell us a bitabout yourself.

I have a lovelyand amazing husband who lets me indulge my passion to be an artist. We live in Sonoma with our dog, Skye, whospends most of his time relaxing in my studio.

What kind ofartist are you? And what first drew you to that particular medium?

Whatever kind ofartist I can be! I make and sell my jewelry, but I paint, dabble in photographyand make mosaic things to relax when I have jeweler's block.

Who is yourgreatest creative influence?

My sixth gradeteacher, Miss B, who completely believed in my artistic abilities way before Idid; and the International Terminal of any airport in the world.

Please describeyour creative process.

I see it in my head,I sketch like a caveman (very primitive drawings that only I see the beautyin), then I gather the materials and put the piece together. I love the satisfaction of a finished piece.

What handmadepossession do you most cherish?

A leather coinpurse my brother made when he was eight years old.

What is it aboutliving in the North Bay that most inspires your creativity?

The peacefulsurroundings and the beautiful vineyards. There is a certain serenity in Sonoma that I have yet to experience anyplace else.

Where do you seeyourself in ten years?

Still active inmaking jewelry, but with a finer knowledge of the next generation ofundiscovered semi-precious stones and workable metals.

Artist Interview - Sally Stokes of Sarahracha

2011-10-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

Looking for the perfect gift for that super Eco-concious family member you are visiting over the Holidays? Well, look no further than Marin Handmade...

We are so excited to feature Sally Stokes of Sarahracha today (www.sarahracha.etsy.com) whose amazing woven baskets and reused cork pieces bring a whole new meaning to the term "Reduce, Reuse and Recycle"!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have lived inMarin since I was 4 years old. My husband and I raised our two children here inMarin. I have been an organic gardener for the last 30 years. I worked in education while my children werein school. Now I devote my time to the pursuit of creativity.

What kind of artist are you? And whatfirst drew you to that particular medium?

I love everymedium. These days I would describemyself as a frugal textile artist. I don’t like spending money on artistsupplies so rely on what I can find. I am most proud of my baskets woven in thecoil method out of 100% recycled plastic bags. Each one uses up to 100 plasticbags keeping them from clogging up our landfill and our oceans.

Apart from creating things, what do youdo?

Living here, Ilike to hike with my two dogs. Myhusband and I love to go wine tasting, where I will ask for corks that I makeinto doormats and trivets and wreaths. We are theater lovers, music lovers andwe travel as much as possible.

Who is your greatest creative influence?

My mother told meto never waste paper, to fill each page with as many drawings. We were taughthow to make do with what we had. I think this has carried through into myrecycling art.

Please describe your creative process.

So many timeswhen seeing something get thrown away I think there has to be something usefulI can make from this. I have more ideas than time to execute them.

What handmade possession do you mostcherish?

A jewelry box myhusband made for me

What is it about living in the North Baythat most inspires your creativity?

I love the openspaces and coastal lands in Marin County. I hike all the trails I can bring mydogs on. The environmental movement has been a huge part of my life. As a kid Iremember helping my dad fill up the station wagon with recyclable materials wewould take to Drake High where we could recycled can’s bottles, and newspapers

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

We plan onsplitting our time between Marin and our second home in LaQuinta. As much as Ilove Marin, the winters are not sunny enough.

Artist Interview - Debra Paddack of Gourds In Costume

2011-10-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

Eleven days and counting! We can hardly wait to see all of our artists together at Art Works Downtown. Until then we hope you'll enjoy reading about another of our talented artists.

Today we introduce you to the work of Debra Paddack of Gourds In Costume (www.gourdsincostume.etsy.com). Debra creates amazing carved, dyed and embellished artisan craftgourds. We are so glad to be able to start the autumn off right with her beautiful work, Tumbling Leaves.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

After retiring ten years ago, Ibought a motor home and spent the next five years wandering around. Weaving pine needle baskets was one hobbythat would "fit" in the limited space of the motor home and since Iwas often in the mountains weaving materials were readily available. I just naturally began to weave the pineneedles onto gourds, which is still one of my favorite pieces to do.

What kind of artist are you, and what firstdrew you to that particular medium?

When a friend once asked me why Ihad so many freshly scrubbed gourds sitting in my living room, I replied “I aminterviewing them to see what they want to be and who goes next.” Thisstatement sums up my relationship with my gourds. I have had a lifelong love ofcrafts including needlework, stained glass, and pine needle baskets, but once Ibegan working with gourds the wonderful organic nature of the work enthralledme.

For inspiration in my designs Iturn to many cultures, nature and my love of color and form. I use a variety ofcoloring mediums and prefer to embellish with materials provided by nature suchas pine needles, seeds, driftwood and sea shells. Everything and anything canbe used on my gourd “canvases” so the experimentation and learning processnever end. My primary designing goal is to let the natural beauty of the gourdshine through. Though the gourd may be dyed, painted, carved or embellished, Iwant the viewer to always be aware that it is first and foremost a beautiful,organic creation of nature, thus the name “Gourds in Costume.”

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I have sold my pieces at artgalleries and art fairs in Napa, Sonoma and Mendocino counties (yeah for winecountry!), and love the diversity of the people I meet in this area. They make the whole "fair" experienceso enjoyable I hope to always be able to do them, but would love to expand myon-line marketing to further support my gourd habit!

Artist Interview - Carol Lancour of Mid Century Mosaics

2011-10-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

With Marin Handmade's inaugural event coming up in just a couple of short weeks, we wanted to bring you all a sneak peek of just who and what you'll be seeing when you join us on October 14! Over the next several days we'll be bringing you profiles of the eclectic group of artists we have pulled together. We hope you'll be as excited as we are to meet all of these talented artists and crafters.

To kick things off, we bring you Carol Lancour of Mid Century Mosaics (www.midcenturymosaics.etsy.com). Carol creates beautiful and original mosaics and garden pieces in Marin County's northernmost town of Novato. Thank you Carol for helping us get things off to a great start... Cheers!

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I have a BA infine art and an MA in art history from Michigan State University. I’m a transplanted Midwesterner living in theNorth Bay of California. "Lost in time"accurately describes me.

What kind of artist are you? And whatfirst drew you to that particular medium?

Mosaic has beenmy medium for the past 10 years. Irealized that I don’t enjoy painting and it’s always been a chore for me. I like doing large scale mosaicinstallations, walls and floors, because I become part of the structure of thatbuilding. It becomes moresculptural. I love working with glassbecause it is a fragile material that can be transformed into something strongenough to walk on. Glass also comes in every color imaginable.

Apart from creating things, what do youdo?

I am a researchanalyst for a hotel broker.

Who is your greatest creative influence?

The painter, JohnSinger Sargeant. The way he captureslight in his paintings is particularly beautiful. He wore a suit when he painted and never gothis hands dirty. I also like that guywho does “The Oatmeal”.

Please describe your creative process.

I become obsessedwith a motif (martini glasses, hummingbirds drinking out of martini glasses,olive branches, cats and dogs) and then abstract it and interpret it inglass. I also look at art and gardenbooks and drink wine for inspiration.

What handmade possession do you mostcherish?

The uglycinderblocks my husband dug out of our backyard. I made them into an herb garden planter bystacking them 2 high and making them beautiful with an olive branch mosaic.

What is it about living in the North Baythat most inspires your creativity?

The beautifulquality of the light and the fog. Also,the abundance of birds and flowers. Nature is my greatest inspiration and it is truly lovely and fragranthere.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Living in Venicelike Peggy Guggenheim. No wait…since Ihate moving and traveling I will most likely be in my back yard sitting by theswimming pool I plan to dig after I download the directions for “digging yourown swimming pool” from eHow. I couldtile it myself!

Visit us on Facebook

2011-09-21T17:51:00.000-07:00

We have a new Facebook Page, come and say hello! We will be adding artwork photos and status updates over the next few days & weeks, as we approach October 14. See you there!

Visit us on Facebook

Application Deadline for Oct 14 Event

2011-09-09T16:29:00.000-07:00

Just 38 days to go before our October 14th show!

We're sewing, beading, cutting, pasting, weaving, recycling, slumping, firing, carving, painting, knitting, assembling, designing and creating! We're very excited to finally bring an "Etsy" event to Marin!

CALLING NORTH BAY ARTISTS WITH ETSY SHOPS:

Our small event will feature North Bay artists (Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties) who sell their work on Etsy.com. SF Etsy Street Team Members from the North Bay are welcome.

HOW DO WE CHOOSE?

We didn't set out expecting to jury this event, but we quickly realized that we wanted to represent a well-rounded group of artists and unique artistic styles for our first show. We review each application when it comes in; if your category or medium adds something special to the mix, we'll let you know right away; if your category or medium is similar to what we have, you would be considered as a stand-in, and included in our mailing list for the next event.

Take a look at the our confirmed artists on the "Who We Are" page for an idea of the art we have so far.

DEADLINE:

We will be creating our promotional graphics starting September 14. Please apply by September 11 if you would like your name to appear on any printed materials. Later applications will be considered until we are full, but your name, photo, and Etsy shop link may only appear in the blog and subsequent online invitations.

Click here to apply!

Call for Artists

2011-08-08T08:34:00.000-07:00

We have confirmed several artists for our upcoming show on October 14, and we still have a few spots open! Click our Artist Application page for more info.

News: October Etsy Event in Marin

2011-06-06T10:36:00.000-07:00

Art Works Downtown, San Rafael

Susan Kirby Place at AWDT

We have a place and date for our first Etsy event in Marin!

Marin members of the SF Etsy Street Team are excited to be hosting our first event for North Bay artists. Our venue is Artworks Downtown in San Rafael, during the well-attended 2nd Fridays Artwalk.

Visit us under the evening stars, on October 14, 2011. We will be in the company of 40 open studios at the AWDT building, and 30 other locations to see arts and crafts downtown.

Artist Application

Art in Sausalito, Sunday May 29

2011-05-26T08:57:00.000-07:00

Come to Sausalito for the day and visit Jen Spilly and Robin Stelling, and over 100 artists at the Caledonia Street Spring Faire this Sunday, May 29!

Click here for more info about the 2011 Caledonia Street Spring Faire.

SF Etsy @ Maker Faire This Weekend

2011-05-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Read the post on the SF Etsy Team Blog!

Our First Event!

2011-05-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

You may already be hip to the Etsy phenomenon, but maybe you're wondering where you can find Etsy crafts here in the North Bay...

Fear not! Members of the SF Etsy Street Team are planning the first North Bay Etsy event in 2011, featuring local Etsy artists!

Event News & Updates
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Artists Applications
Click here for qualifications and to apply for the event.