Friday Collective - Softness

I love all the softness from this week's flickr surfing. It's always inspirational and I wish I have time just to go out with my camera and snap.

1. Selina Lake - Pretty Camisoles, 2. love each other., 3. tickets, 4. red . white . blue, 5. cherry-vanilla, 6. Untitled, 7. Untitled, 8. white, 9. Untitled, 10. pom poms, 11. Untitled, 12. _7181561

Cute

Cute and sweet. See more of Juan's Polaroid photo collage here.

New and Noted Thursday

This week's new and noted. It's a good mix of vintage, handmade and art print, so many wonderful things.. Click image to go to the products.

Shops from left to right, top to bottom:
coolranchstudio, petite minx, Resource Clothing, Minakshi's, janne brathen design, Tiny Space, Azami, OSoo, Maison De Ula

Makes me happy

I went out today to buy some supplies and couldn't help but browse my favorite 10 dollar shop (HKD). I found this little blue polka dot fan. The weather is really hot here so I used it right the way while waiting at the bus stop. Makes me super happy...

Consumption Wednesday

Computer is supposed to make life easier, but it also created loads of other problem, apart from the normal problem like crashing, data lost and etc. the other problem is to find the right accessories for my computer gears.

Top: I've been trying to find a laptop case that's not too "tech" like, and not too "this is made for women, let's use loads of pink and hello kitty" type. Surprisingly, there are not to many to choose from, but when I see this Nido laptop case, I know this is the one.$45

Bottom: We have a serious case of cable madness in our apartment, this
CableBox is a very nice and not to expensive solution by Blue Lounge. I would really love if they make a wooden version. $29.95 via

I heart this - Stephanie Congdon Barnes

Her shop is always sold out...look at the details at the roots...love.

True words Tuesday

I need to lift myself up. I have been feeling very dizzy and weak. I have quite a number of orders from the past weekend, but my progress was very very slow yesterday since I just couldn't concentrate and keep burning different fingers. I hope today I can finish them and ship them out. I should go see a doctor.

image by MoreInterpretations

CLC Giveaway - Green Gingham Knot Necklace from Wonder Wonder

It's Monday, you know it's an exciting day for another giveaway, sorry this appear much later then usual, because I want to work around the etsy down time. Congratulations to Wing for winning last week's wonderful brooch from Jia Accessory.

This week we have the quirky Hikaru san of Wonder Wonder sponsoring us with her Green Gingham Knot Necklace as a giveaway. I am a scarf lover, but for summer hot humid weather here, it's just too sweaty for me. This scarf/necklace version is light and perfect for summer days, and you can wear it long or short to fit any outfit. Her tag line is "Dress fun, life is short!", it's definitely reflected from her styling. ;D

To win this fab necklace from Wonder Wonder, comment to the post with you favorite item from her shop, you'll need to provide a working email in the comment for contact and valid entry. (Email links to profile is also accepted)

To increase your chances:

Tweet or RT this giveaway, 1 tweet = 1 extra entry. Include @yellowgoatetsy so I can find you.

To thank you guys for the blog love: Follow this blog = 1 extra entry

This will end Sat Aug 2nd, 12AM Hong Kong time. Winner will be picked randomly and notified by email.

Happy Weekend

We are determined to go to the pool every weekend, but the weather is playing a joke on us. Weekdays are hot and sunny, then weekends were always rainy with lots of typhoon for the whole July...This weekend is also a rainy one. I learned to love it. I am planning to watch a movie and enjoy some Slurpee(Makes me feel young, but can't drink too many these days...)

Oh, if you haven't enter the giveaway of the gorgeous origami brooch, do so now! Because it ends today.

photo by Sergio Recabarren

Makes me happy

Lately, when I am a bit bored, I make simple food that takes under 20 mins and I found out that I keep buying food and little kitchen stuff but never really use them...So I made the nectarine jelly the other day.

The best part of making things that need to be chilled is that I would forget I made them, and open the fridge to find them ready to eat, makes me extra happy. ;D

Friday Collective - She

I don't know how I came up with this theme, but I like the result. One of them is actually a customer who bought a ring from me, you know who you are. ;P

1. me, 2. Serious, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled, 5. Untitled, 6. julia., 7. Untitled, 8. writer's block II, 9. 192/365 Sweaty, 10. blue grass, 11. free, 7 of 7, 12. Vintage bubble hat

I seriously heart this - Paper Hats by Alyn Carlson

I want one, any one of these. This is truly amazing. My love for paper, construction and hat, all in one, perfect! See more of Alyn Carlson here.

via

Artist Interview - Sarah Neuburger

You may not know who's Sarah Neuburger, but I'm 100% positive that you've seen her work somewhere, from blog features to magazines articles to browsing shops like Anthropologie, her cute and endearing small objects are all over the world, and that's not an overstatement, they're stocked from US, to Berlin to Japan! (I hope Hong Kong soon.) She's also been making lots couple happy by making them custom designed cake toppers. Sarah's works and her blog about her daily creative adventure always cheer me up. I am so happy that she spent some time answering a few questions from me, and giving you guys a great fun read.

Here's Sarah:

From your bio, you moved around quite a bit, from Midwest to New York and occasionally Cali. Among all the places you visit for stayed, why settled in Savannah now?

I did move a bit, but more like a two-step back and forth to places. Illinois to South Carolina, SC to IL, IL back to SC, then SC to NY, NY to SC, it was all so predictable, I threw in Savannah for kicks. It's actually not totally true but I was over South Carolina and I've never lived in California, but it's on the list of places to move at some point. Why Savannah? It's a beautiful city, and while it's all small town it does have a good mix of stuff going on for its size. But we've been here for a few years now so we'll probably be moving again before too long.

I love all your work but my heart has this special spot for all your wedding cake toppers. They all have different wardrobe and facial features. Do you do these based on customers' photos? Too bad I didn't have a banquet or things like that, or else, I would have ordered one from you. ;D

For the most part, the wedding toppers are based on photos or ideas from customers. Weddings are such special events for so many people that to be asked to make a topper is really truly an honor. I do hope they bestow special blessings on the couple as there is nothing better being loved and sharing love. It's awesome to be asked to take part in that.



With all the details in each of the cake topper, how much time you need to make one?

It's hard to say because I make them in phases. The doll bodies are a design of my own so every month, I make a collection of the naked peg dolls. The same goes for the clothing and suits. I sew a batch of all the clothing at once in various suit colors and ivory and white dresses that I rarely make one topper from scratch all in one sitting. But they take about a week, with the process I use.



All your rubber stamps are very simple, but absolutely endearing, do you hand craft them all?

The rubber stamps all start with a drawing. And for each stamp design, I make about 100 drawings of that one idea and then go to bed. When I look at the drawings again with fresh eyes in the morning, I can easily spot which drawing looks the most sincere, direct and has the most personality. Each stamp is hand cut, assembled, packaged and individually mounted by myself but the rubber itself is made from a metal plate so each stamp impression is the same.



Your map of pretended places series is too funny, I wonder if that can be translated to a game for children. Are those magical place you can visit if you close your eyes?

When I was younger, one of my most favorite games was creating an imaginary monorail system in my neighborhood. We had a chalkboard in our garage and I would draw maps on it of all my stops and places the monorail would go and then I'd set out on the trip. My bike was purple and had a banana seat and a basket with plastic flowers on the front. I had no bell but wanted one. So my fascination with maps and travelling runs deep, but I love the idea of making maps of things that don't exist or that don't ordinarily get mapped out. One of my favorite books is Sara Fanelli's My Map Book and it's a picture book with maps of places like a map of your heart and a map of your dog. Maps are just magical things, no doubt.



Most artists have a time issue, since you're very multi-disciplinary, I can imagine your creative life can be very hectic. Can you share us your normal day's work flow?

I was blessed with an artistic hand and analytical mind. Oddly enough, I even considered becoming an accountant in high school. I love numbers, love systems and my head loves to create ever more efficient ways of doing things. So it's not all that difficult for me to stay on task which is good since my making is also a business that, unfortunately, is not all just about the making. Generally, I wake up and respond to critical email in the morning then pack up orders for the postman to pick up that day. Then, it's just all making. I usually make type of item per day. Whether is working on inventory of a particular item or designing a new product. The hardest part for me is stopping to spend time answering all the non-business emails. I try to do it, but it definitely suffers the most.



I know that you frequent thrift shops, any tips for finding good deals?

Go often and look at everything. For instance, even though I don't have kids, I look at the children's clothes because they have such great vintage prints that I can use and cut up in a sewing project.

Your work has been mentioned and featured by loads of blogs and magazines and your works can be found in shops pretty much all over the world, when you started out having your own online shop, did you ever think this is going to happen?

Honestly, yes. Though I wasn't sure how long it was going to take. I knew I wanted this to be my job + my life and having an online shop fit my personality and working style best. I knew it felt right and given enough time I knew it was bound to take off. I always trust in the fact that no matter what you make, someone somewhere is bound to like it and appreciate it as much as you do. The trick is to find that person. The internet just makes it that much easier to find those people.




You mention your niece and nephew quite often. Are you teaching them any artistic things?

Kids are so awesome to me so naturally my niece and nephew are the best ever. They both talk about wanting to make things when they get older and do what I do which is awesome. I think my life looks and seems a lot more exciting than watching their mom and dads drive to an office everyday. Especially since when they visit they have free range to all my supplies. But it seems to be rubbing off, my niece recently had an art sale in her neighborhood and my nephew has decided to opt out of medical school and instead draw things. We'll see where they end up.



Do they also inspire you?

Absolutely.

What's your favorite hang out spot in Savannah?

My house.

When I look at your baking pictures, I have to say you're like a baking goddess to me. I always want to make good looking cupcakes, but I always fail on the frosting. Do you have any special technique? After doing metal work, I have a heavy hand on everything, soft texture is really not my specialty. ;P

Ha! Eat them quick, no one will even notice. Cupcakes are just plain yummy, no one cares!



This is a question I ask all artist: If you can be an animal, what would it be?

An animal... penguins have always had my heart since I was a kid so I would certainly be in good company amoungst them.

Finally, any special plan in the near future that we should take note of?

I do have fun some products coming out that are being published by Chronicle Books in September. They include a Sticky Note Set, Fill-in-the-Blank Thumbprint Notecard Set and a Labels + Stickers Book that I am super stoked about, you can find them all here.

And hopefully, I will have some collaborations with some other super creative fun folks soon! I plan on winning the lottery in the near future as well, so let's add that to the list, too.



All photos are courtesy of Sarah's Blog and Flirkr

Shop Update - Little Toy Boat

Since order hasn't been totally crazy, between filling a few orders, I managed to make this "Little Toy Boat". It's inspired by an old photo I took while I was studying in San Francisco. For a few months I stayed in this tiny studio apartment in Pacific Heights. (I know! It's one of those rent control apartment, and I have some really nice old couple neighbors who always complimented on my outfit...)

The studio was really small, but the best part about it was that I could see half the Alcatraz all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge right from the floor length windows. Every sunny weekend, there were loads of sailing boats passed by in front of me while I got stuck in the apartment doing my assignments. Most of them are those color and design paintings that I don't know where they are now....

So, the other night I looked at the photo, and thought, it'd be nice if they're all just toy boats, and just sailing through and finding their ways to some unknown tiny pacific islands...then I just decided to do this as a necklace, plus a little wind gust to send the boat on its way...;D

Oh, my love for the breezy chill pacific ocean wind.....

I hope you guys like it.

I heart this wedding

I stumbled upon German artist Nadja Girod's wedding on flickr, I am very smitten. The idea of the blue dress and the origami crane ring...too cute and perfect for summer.

Her shop Smil is equally cute and adorable.

Consumption Wednesday - Camera Help

I am considering to buy another plaything plastic lens camera in addition to my Lomo fisheye, so last weekend I grabbed this salesgirl who cheerfully answered lots of my questions on the cameras I am interested in...and I nailed it down to the above four. They all have some pros and cons. I am still not sure which one should I buy, I am sure some of you have some experience on operating these and I really need your comments and suggestions.

I can only buy one...I guess that's my major problem. ;D

1. Lomo Diana F+
2. Fuji instant
3. Blackbird, fly
4. Lomo Holga

I am sort of leaning towards the blackbird fly, especially because there's a yellow version...typical me..haha

On my wish list - Keri Smith

I've been wanting to buy Keri Smith's books, her "How to be an explorer to the world" has been on my wish list for quite some time. I discovered that she's going to have a new book "This is not a book"...for creative ideas on how to use a book other than reading it. ;D Sounds absolutely fun, it's now available for pre order.

I wish-listed her whole series of books, and hope someone will pick them up for me. Hey, someone, you know who you are. ;P Hint, birthday...gift....

True words Tuesday

Feelings are kind relative in life. It depends on the moment and it's little immediate history.

Eraser Ring a Tutorial

I just found out through my weekly GA investigation that Kerri over at cute.little.disaster did a DIY Eraser Ring tutorial, inspired by my Positive Ring.

It's nice to know that someone got inspired by my ideas and actually go make a version on her own ;D

CLC Giveaway - Origami Mauve Flower Brooch by Jia Accessory

My dears, I hope your weekend is extra happy, I know Rie was because she's the winner of last week's giveaway of the lovely clutch from ReJenerate. Congratulations. ;D

While scouting for new talents and beautiful things, I managed to find my "twin" in etsy. Jia who's currently studying in Paris has really similar background as me, we're both from Beijing originally, and make jewelry, we both worked as Producer in TV/Film industry, and we share the same last name...I feel extra special when she decided to sponsor her marvelous Origami Mauve Brooch, made with Japanese fabric, as a giveaway here. ;D This is from her new shop Jia Accessory which is filled with colorful goodies.

To win this brooch from Jia, tell us which kind of brooch you prefer in her shop? (origami brooch, hand embroidered brooch or beer bottle cap brooch) by commenting to this post, you'll need to provide a working email in the comment for contact and valid entry. (Email links to profile is also accepted)

To increase your chances:

Tweet or RT this giveaway, 1 tweet = 1 extra entry. Include @yellowgoatetsy so I can find you.

To thank you guys for the blog love: Follow this blog = 1 extra entry

This will end Sat July 25th, 5PM Hong Kong time. Winner will be picked randomly and notified by email.

Now, Click, look, comment and spread the love!

Happy Weekend + Weekly Sum Up

My dear, what are you planning for the weekend? I've been eating this mix of frozen berries + cereal + soymilk for the whole week. I am too lazy to cook or come up with different food type...so I am seriously craving a big fulfilling veggie brunch with all the fixings, and somehow I am dreaming everything with Avocado...oh the green buttery goodness....

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Before you head off to have fun, remember the giveaway sponsored by ReJenerate ends today! Comment if you haven't already!

And this week's Yellowgoat blog love weekend sum up:

1. Summer Fashion Sale! @ {Simplesong}

2. Great tips for bloggers @ Daydream Lily

3. Mister Boots, the cutest closet drawer cat @ Jeremy and Kathleen

4. Weekend Etsy deals @ fleur avenue

5. A blog solely about drawing Serge Gainsbourg = Draw Serge!

6. Make your own buckwheat heating pad @ Design Sponge

7. Hat love @ ill Seen, ill Said

8. Make your own no sew fabric banner @ paper n stitch

Chinese Idiom Illustrated #001 - Nine cows one feather

This is an idea that I have for quite a while now. Being a Chinese and all, it's nice to be able to tap into my heritage.

My Chinese, however, suffer a lot after I graduated from high school. I used to get straight As for Chinese literature, but now I don't even know how to write some of the simple words.

Then, my drawing skill, after so many years of abandonment feels like those rusted bolts you can no longer get it out of the nuts.

So I decided to do a series called Chinese Idiom Illustrated. To get back at my sketch pads and review my Chinese knowledge, plus, bringing you some fun things to see every now and then.

A lots of the Chinese idioms have a very illustrative aspect to them, if you read it "literally". So don't count on learning some in depth Chinese knowledge from the illustrations. They are really just literal translation but with great fun. ;D

The true meaning:

Nine cows one feather: it means that something, or someone, is really a tiny portion of a big picture. A drop in the bucket.

(ok, I hope my translation is good enough for you, sometimes it's very hard to get ideas across in different language.)

Friday Collective - Flickr Foral Love

Nature, always creative, always amusing, always inspiring.

1. “Prejudice comes from being in the dark; sunlight disinfects it.”, 2. * Tiny Flowers Also Like Bokeh.....*, 3. Untitled, 4. Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it, 5. quintessential summer, 6. One never knows what each day is going to bring. The important thing is to be open and ready for it.", 7. Pastel Roses II, 8. busy little fella!, 9. How doth the little busy bee, Improve each shining hour; And gather honey all the day, From every opening flower. [isaac watts]

New and Noted Thursday

My dear readers, this is a new feature here at Yellowgoat called "New and noted Thursday". The idea is to help out new artists who just started out, or started for a while but with few sales. This will be a bi-weekly feature to get the artists some exposure. One thing I learn, is that no matter how great the product you have, you need to get people to see it!

I want to do this because recently I got a reader's email asking for advice on selling on etsy. Honestly, I am still struggling myself and by no mean being those top sellers who made 6 figures income per year.

I know starting out is hard, and confusing mostly, with so many different advices being written every day, I don't think I can write any better than the established one, and I am still learning. So the best I can do is to feature some great things that need a little push. ;D

If you want to be featured in this bi-weekly feature, feel free to email me and submit your shop. Or reply to my etsy forum thread. Non etsy shop are all welcome too. As busy I am these days, I do click on every link that's sent my way. Don't be shy, just say hi. ;D

Click on image to go to the products.

Shops featured:

1. Curious Mess, 2. GabrielleKai, 3. pat&cake, 4. DROPTINE, 5.Paradise Body Shop, 6. photobotic, 7. Joyful Little Things, 8. GrunSugar

I heart this

Too cute. Love both colors.

Via Secret Shop. Made in Finland. 135 EUR.

Well, someday, when I get rich.

Consumption Wednesday + Makes me happy - Dror for Target

This is my recent new piece in my bedroom. I got luck out that my super nice Auntie and Uncle were visiting the States and they helped me to buy this Spin Clock from Target's new (sort of) limited edition spin clock by Dror Benshetrit. I so want the stack bookcase also, but of course, that'll be impossible to bring back.

They had to call the stores for availability, so I have to give them a big kiss for going through all the trouble.

This clock has been making me happy, first thing I see when I wake up. Objects and consumption, the happiness they bring....short lived, but exhilarating nonetheless.

Shop Update - Today is...Bangle

I brought some scrap recycled silver a while back, been thinking what should I use it for and I have this necklace idea that I haven't been able to figure out how to make for a while. So I figure instead of making it into a necklace, why not make it into a bangle?

I got motivated to make more bangle since I finally sold one "Gentleman shirt bangle".

This bangle is a reminder for days. The square is a movable marker so that you can mark it every morning, if you forget or people ask you what day is today, you can always refer to your wrist. ;D

This is inspired by my forgetful husband, who always confuse every day is Friday. haha.

I plan to work this into a necklace too, if you guys like the idea.

Listed here.

I heart this - Flux Chair

Living in a small apartment, it's hard to have more than 4 friends to come visit at the same time, and we are always out of chair when we have people over. This flat packed fold to sit chair will solve many of my problems, including finding a aesthetically pleasing chair to go to the beach with. But at €129 a chair, I need to find a solution to fatten my wallet first. ;P.

via

True words Tuesday

I took some rest lately and watch a bunch of movies, including "Helvetica" Yes, I am shocking slow on this. I am more interested in watching Objectified, but it's not available here anytime soon. Watching a documentary while people talking about a font requires the right mood, I waited for the "mood" for a long time, and finally decide I just need to watch it.

And Helvetica seems like the perfect font for anything and everything. So, this quote is too right for any designers' other half. More fun quotes from TheVoiceThatSaid.

via

CLC Giveaway - Petite Life of the Party Clutch by ReJenerate

My lovelies, How are your weekends? Mine is fab with a visit to the beach and a morning hanging out at the pool side. ;D

Congratulations to Monica winning last week's Rainbow Brooch.

This week, we have Jen who generously sponsor a clutch of her line "Life of the party" for you guys to win! Jen's shop ReJenerate is a great place to shop when you're eco conscious because she only use vintage or recycled fabrics for her accessories and this floral petite clutch is very cute for any summer party, I can see myself paring it with my favorite white sundress with it.

She's also giving you guys free shipping on any purchases for the month of July. Just enter a code "LOVEYELLOW" at checkout and wait for a revised Paypal invoice.

To enter, check out her shop, and tell us what's your favorite item in the shop by commenting to this post, you'll need to provide a working email in the comment for contact and valid entry, email linked to profile is also valid.

Entries:

People who help to tweet about this giveaway will get extra entries. 1 entry for each tweet! Add @yellowgoatetsy to your tweets so that I know you help to spread the words and write down your twitter account along with the email in the comment for me to connect the two.

And as a thank you, people who follow this blog (see left column), gain 1 extra entry, if you're already following this blog, you have 2 entries automatically. ;D New followers are always welcome too!

This will end Sat July 18th, 5PM Hong Kong time. Winner will be picked randomly and notified by email.

Now, Click, look, comment and spread the love!

Happy Weekend

Happy Weekend my dear! My week is not too productive, I had some "biz" stuff done but all my planned projects and metal work are still...not started. ;P Procrastination of weekday means I need to work a little bit on the weekend...but oh, the sun is out shining and it's just too luring to hang out with friends, have some picnic food, read a book or two.

photo by hello bum

Also, the Rainbow Brooch giveaway from Milk Tooth's Rain ends today! Head over to comment if you haven't already. ;D

Friday Collective - Illustration love

After the interview with Heather, I've been thinking about taking some painting classes. When I was in art school, I enjoy the figure drawing classes a lot, and I had this really good teacher, Carol, she's an Aqaurian, and very driven, but fun, and always the most critical on her own self. I know the SCAD is opening a new division here in Hong Kong next year, I wonder if I can enroll in a couple classes. I know for sure it will be expensive but paint brush, I miss you.

Artist that is inspiring to me this week and the rest of the 365 days.

Top left: Simon Goinard Phelipot
Top right: Jenny Meilihove
Middle right: L Filipe dos Santos
Bottom left: Casey Weldon
Bottom Right: Felix Girard

Artist Interview - Heather Smith Jones

Welcome Blog of note readers! I hope you enjoy your stay here. It's time for our bi-weekly artist interview, this week's we have the lovely Heather Smith Jones. If you like me, an flickr surfer, you probably have already come across her beautiful art works. Heather is a traditionally trained artist who has her own studio (turning green here...) and a part time teacher, her work is a constant delight, with great color and touch of nature. She also offer her work in her etsy shop and has quite a few collaborated projects with other artists.

Read below her simple and sweet answers to my curious questions.

I love all your art work and the cute letterpress cards and tags, it seems to me that you're inspired by nature a lot, can you tell us a little bit of your creative process?

I have found that regardless of what medium I am working, if I ever feel "stuck" I always come back to imagery from nature. Sometimes it is liberating to simply sit down, study a leaf, flower, or insect, and draw that very thing, just as I see it. From there, the other layers of the painting, drawing, or print flow outward.



Among all of your work, I am in awe with your pinhole series. How much time you take to make just one piece?

The pinhole process, or historically named pinprick, is piercing paper with a sewing needle to make patterns, imagery and words from groupings of holes. Since the pieces are made one hole at a time, it takes a while and varies from piece to piece.




I have to say, I envy that you have your own studio, and it's built by your husband. Was it a long process? What's your favorite thing in your studio?

Yes you are right, my husband designed my studio and it took us about three years to build ourselves. He incorporated many reclaimed and salvaged materials as well as local lumber into the building. It's hard to name one favorite thing, but I love the feeling each morning when I step into my studio and feel so grateful to work in that space. I have to say I also love the natural light from all the windows and skylights.



You photograph beautifully, elegant, simple and with really nice color, any tips for us?

Oh I feel inept to offer photography tips. I constantly learn from my friends who are the real pros!

You have a couple collaboration projects, what are the difference aspects in collaboration you enjoy than working on your own?

I find working with other artists and photographers stretches me to think creatively and differently in my own work, and within my role of the project. I learn so much from the way they see, arrange a composition, think about color and light, and am blessed by the inspiration they offer.



You do original art with mostly watercolor, what's with water color that you enjoy? I have to say, I have fear for water color, because I am careless and it seems too hard to control. May be I should take a lesson from you. ;P

When I was a girl I took watercolor lessons and remember feeling clumsy with it. It wasn't until recent years, after working in many other paint media, that I have returned to it. I think I like it more now having the perspective of other different kinds of paint like oil, encaustic, egg tempera etc., and appreciate it's fluidity and immediacy.




If you can only use 1 color, what will it be?

The white of the paper.

You started your blog in 07 and started on Etsy in 08 but you have been doing shows years before that, notice any change after your internet presence?

Before beginning my blog and finding wonderful friends at flickr I had very limited internet presence. And then when I opened my etsy shop it increased even more. Isn't it amazing to meet others with similar interests across the world and sometimes even just a few miles away?

You also teach part-time, ever encounter any "naughty" students ;P?

I teach part-time at an arts-based preschool, so I work with children who are 3, 4 & 5 years of age and they are so inquisitive by nature. I learn from their eagerness to explore!

Time is always a issue for most of the artists I interviewed, how do you schedule and make plans and balance life and art?

Some days feel balanced and others feel heavy on one end or the other. The best days are the ones where I feel I have accomplished the home-related aspects and also made discoveries and progress in studio work. If I don't have studio time then I get very restless and yet when I haven't kneaded a loaf of bread or baked some cookies, I miss that too.

What are the names for your three cats? Do they all have their own personalities?

We have three cats named P. Kabu, Bootsie, and Jack and they definitely have their own feline-alities. Bu {P. Kabu} is my buddy, as I have had him for 13 years while Jack is the new guy in the household and is a rather clownish ball of fur. And Bootsie is a girly girl, always curling up on my handbags and tiptoeing around the house.



In your blog, you like to share us with your food and your kitchen adventure, any pie baking recipe to share with us?

I would say cookies are more my specialty than pies but I just made a nice peach pie last weekend and I have shared my mom's chocolate recipe before. I'm wondering why I don't make pies more?



Can you tell us a bit of your favorite places to go in Kansas?

At first, Kansas seems to have a stark landscape with it's flat plains yet upon closer exploration you find an entire spectrum of lushness and detail. I enjoy driving out to the prairie and feeling the vastness of the sky ahead and have always felt that the fields of wheat and grasses are like an undulating ocean. I also enjoy walking the wetland trails that are just outside of town.



If you're an animal, what will that be?

A bird. I can't exactly say why, but I've always felt I would be a bird.

You've done quite some shows this year, any specific plan for the rest of 09?

I'm currently working on some new projects and preparing for gallery shows. I hope to reveal soon!




All photo from Heather's flickr and blog