Amuse Art Fair in Winchester VA
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Vendor Spotlight: Melanie Kissam Fields/ The Merry Beader

10/8/2020

 
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I've always loved making things and what I've made has morphed from one thing to the other over the years. 

What is your medium of choice?
Beads! As many beads as I can lay my hands on. Having discovered the art known as "bead weaving" I have learned I can make any jewelry that can be imagined.

Why have you chosen your current medium?
Beads are like candy, all the colors, sizes and shapes. With the various weaving stitches, you are only limited by your imagination.

What's your typical day?
During and after morning coffee it's time to browse Pinterest and You tube for beading tutorials, designs, ideas, or just the pleasure of looking. After that are errands and daily tasks, then off to the bead room till bedtime.

Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
Women have always loved jewelry. Bead weaving offers a type of jewelry that isn't commonly seen. There is something for every taste and style from plain, to geometric, to replicating period piece styles.

What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Finding enough time to spend in my bead room. I also dislike the administrative work, so that's a challenge, but it has to get done.

What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Of course the process is relaxing and fun. Sewing on bead after bead is really satisfying as you watch the piece take shape and grow. Then you get to sit back and look at a piece that you can be proud of, that the colors and stitch play together in an appealing way and that the work itself is good quality.

Where do you find inspiration?
That might be fixating on a particular bead thinking "what can I do with this" and fiddling till something works. Or maybe I see a period piece and fiddle till I can mimic that in some way. Often the work of other designers can be inspiration. There is always something new to learn, so maybe you take another design, learn a new technique and then create something new and different based on what you just learned. Sometimes ideas just pop in your head. It's helpful to keep a doodle pad close by or you will forget.

Where is your studio/work space?
In my house, using one of the bedrooms.

What's your typical studio playlist?
I love Yanni, David Arkenstone, John Adorney and classic rock. Often it's repeats of shows like StarGate, Murdoch Mysteries, Merlin, or X-Files. Repeats, because having seen them over and over, I can listen without watching.

How do you get yourself out of a creative rut?
Put it down or work on a simple repetitive project. Get a good nights sleep. Wait for it to come back. It will.

Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind: 
Last of the Mohicans

Share your process - bonus points if there's a story behind it: 
Choose the piece to create, pick colors, pick beads, pick the size needle and thread, dump the beads out into little piles and start sewing. Obsess till it's done. :)

What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
I want to replicate one or more of the crown jewels, a necklace probably since no one wears tiaras anymore.

What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
Other bead artists, too numerous to name.

Describe yourself in 5 words: 
Perfectionist, detail oriented, goal oriented, amiable, practical joker.

Describe your work in 5 words: 
Sparkle, beauty, colorful, detailed, elegant.

Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
Exciting was when my cousin, who is a painter, saw my work and pushed me to join and sell at an art society. Funny is when my husband walks in and I've got a beading tutorial on You Tube and he teases. To him it's like televised fishing. But he's my biggest cheerleader and really does appreciate my work.

How do you find balance?
Stay away from tightropes. :)

Is there a story behind your business name?
I am terrible at naming things. I wanted a happy name, since, well, beads make me happy. The Merry Widow came to mind which became the The Merry Beader.

Is there anything you'd like the public to know about your work upon purchasing it?
Yes, my jewelry is made with high quality materials. Seed beads, Toho and Miyuki from Japan. Firepolish and other beads from the Czech Republic and Swarovski Crystal from Austria. I make my pieces to be as strong as reasonably possible to reduce breakage. But just as with any jewelry, some care is needed. If you are nice to it, it will last for years.

Visit The Merry Beader on Etsy
here

Vendor Spotlight: Sarah Amendola /Mockingbird Lane Artistries

10/8/2020

 
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Hello! My name is Sarah, owner of Mockingbird Lane Artistries. I am a one woman business from Martinsburg, West Virginia. I have been creating jewelry for a little over 17 years. My styles have changed quite a bit over the years, but I have used crystals and gemstones in my art the entire time. I started out beading with gemstones, and making chainmaille jewelry with sterling silver, all of which I still do, but have evolved mostly into soldering with gemstones. I create simple, classy, and a good bit of spooky jewelry. My gemstone pendants are made using a stained glass method called Tiffany Technique, or soft soldering; layering lead free solder over copper, and a little sterling silver. All of the work is done directly onto the stone with a soldering iron. Gemstone beaded bracelets and earrings, and vintage ephemera pendants are among the other types of jewelry in my display, as well as my original cemetery/landscape photography, and some spooky home decor, such as stained glass coffin dishes.


​What is your medium of choice?
My medium of choice is soft soldering, using mostly gemstones.

Why have you chosen your current medium?
I have chosen soft soldering because the work is done with a soldering iron vs hard soldering (silver/goldsmithing) which involves using a torch. I have a fear of fire haha. When I first started soldering about 7 years ago, I was creating pendants using vintage cigarette cards (ephemera.) They have such intricate designs, from flowers, to animals, to zodiac and space cards. The process is the same as how stained glass is created, but using lead free solder so the pieces are safe to be worn. Since I have always used gemstones in my work, and had a basic knowledge of soldering, about 3 years ago, I decided to try out soft soldering with gemstones. They became really popular, very fast, and the rest is history! I get to admire beautiful stones, that I hand select, make them into wearable art, and send them off into the world for other people to love them as much as I do!

What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
I have issues with time management. I am usually working all day every day, but some days I feel like I've done so much, yet didn't get anything accomplished, if that makes sense. My business is my full time job, and it is difficult to keep focus on all of the things that go into being self employed, all the time. I spend most of my days creating (the fun part of business) and then tend to fall behind on the office work part, such as accounting, keeping the website updated, etc. But I am constantly working to improve, and keep everything running as smoothly as possible.

What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
The most gratifying part of making my work is having others love and enjoy my art. When artists sell their work, they are sending a piece of themselves out into the world with each piece that has been created. And having someone like what you created enough to purchase and cherish it is the greatest feeling in the world! I have a bunch of crafter friends, and sometimes when they are at other events, I will get random texts saying "I just saw one of your necklaces on someone that walked by my booth!" It makes me giddy every time! Being able to soley support myself and pay my bills with my creations is something that I never thought would happen, but it has, for the last 4 years, and I am so grateful to all of my customers for that.

What's your typical studio playlist?
My musical taste is all over the place so my playlists vary quite a bit. Now that Halloween is right around the corner, I have been choosing different Halloween playlists on Pandora. Most normal days consist of some 80s music, some goth music, with a little bit of everything else mixed in.

Describe your work in 5 words: 
Simple, Classy, Beautiful, Spooky, Colorful

Is there a story behind your business name?
I have changed my business name a few times over the last 17 years, but Mockingbird Lane Artistries is the keeper. Besides jewelry, I sell some of my original photography, and also some stained glass. If you haven't noticed, I am also into spooky things. Mockingbird Lane is the street The Munsters lived on; playing on the spooky side a little, but it also fits as a nice sounding name. Using the word Artistries also allows me to have my jewelry and other art for sale all in one place.

Shop Mockingbird Lane Artistries at https://www.facebook.com/MockingbirdLaneArt

Vendor Spotlight: Karie Beth Colors

10/8/2020

 
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I am from Rappahannock County in Virginia, and I've grown up with a love for the Blue Ridge Mountains. Throughout my time working and living overseas (in France, Poland and Russia), I always kept the Blue Ridge in my heart. My artwork is a reflection of the places I've been and the people I've been blessed to meet. I have been a teacher for ten years, and I currently teach English as a Second Language in Frederick County. My art is an expression of the joy I find in the world (Especially the Shenandoah Valley!), and in my memories.

What is your medium of choice?
Ink and watercolor

Why have you chosen your current medium?
This is the medium that I most enjoy seeing in other works of art. The ink is so crisp and clean, while watercolor has a rich translucence that is both subtle and bright.

What's your typical day?
I always start the morning with a strong cup of coffee. I teach until 2:30 PM. Then, I love to go running in the beautiful places around Winchester. I spend the evenings cooking and working on my art projects.

Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
I think there is a new found interest in calligraphy and brush lettering, as well as in simple drawings with luminous watercolors. I like to combine calligraphy with my paintings. For me, simple is best. I like to take a scene from nature, and simplify it to my favorite highlights. I create cards, paintings and stickers. I'm also working on a children's book, which I hope to publish before Christmas. As an ESL teacher, it's been fun to write and illustrate a book that I think my own students would enjoy reading! Stay tuned...

What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Just learning to draw again. I loved doing artwork in high school, and I attended the Corcoran summer art camp as a teenager. However, I stopped drawing until just a few years ago. I went about fifteen years, or so, without creating artwork. I had to watch many youtube videos and spend many long hours getting back into a place where I was happy with my technique. Even still, I have an infinite amount left to learn!

What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Sharing it with people.

Where do you find inspiration?
The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, and the Shenandoah Valley are my greatest source of inspiration. But I also fell in love with the folk art in Poland, and I think that shows up in some of my artwork.

Where is your studio/work space?
In my apartment, and on the go!

What's your typical studio playlist?
I love listening to a few spotify stations, such as: Celtic Harps, Russian Waltzes and Bluegrass.

How do you get yourself out of a creative rut?
Youtube videos are a godsend. I'm amazed how quickly the motivate me and refresh my spirit!

Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind: 
Each Peach Pear Plumb by Allan and Janet Ahlberg is one my favorite children's books. I love the style of the illustrations, and they have been an inspiration for my own artwork. I also love the children's book When I Was Young in the Mountains by Cynthia Rylant and Diane Goode.

Share your process - bonus points if there's a story behind it: 
What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
I am working on a children's book, which I will self publish in a few months (hopefully). That is my dream project, and I hope that it becomes a reality.

What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
The greatest influence of my artwork has been a Greenville, South Carolina based artist named Hallie Bertling. I got to visit her last fall for some art lessons! Her ink and watercolor paintings are so bright and delightful.

Describe yourself in 5 words: 
Joyful, energetic, lover of nature, curious and creative

Describe your work in 5 words: 
whimsical, joyful, simple, uplifting, bright

Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
I just shipped my first overseas order from my Etsy shop to Scotland!

How do you find balance?
Family, friends, hard work, delicious beers, cooking, running, relaxing and artwork (of course!)

Is there a story behind your business name?
As a child, I was called "Karie Beth." I thought "Karie Beth Colors" seemed to work!

Is there anything you'd like the public to know about your work upon purchasing it?
Most of the works in my shop are prints of handmade ink drawings + watercolor. However, a few of the newer prints were drawn digitally and painted on a tablet. My children's book will be made with hand drawn ink compositions, and then painted on the tablet.

Check out Karie Beth Colors on Etsy at: 
http://kariebethcolors.etsy.com

Vendor Spotlight: Covington Glass

10/6/2020

 
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Hi! I’m Emily. I’m a sculptor/craftsperson living and working in Winchester, VA. I have a sculpture degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and have been making stained glass off and on for over 10 years. Covington Glass Co. was a long time in the making, but in 2020 it’s finally happened! With this new venture, I finally get to explore the combination of pop-culture iconography with the traditional medium of stained glass. Star Wars, D&D, cartoons, and science fiction are all things I’m interested in turning into stained glass. I’m officially open for business, but adding new patterns all the time. If you want a custom piece or have a commission in mind, please let me know! Excelsior!

Is there a story behind your business name?

Covington is my middle name! I've always loved it.

What is your medium of choice?
Stained Glass

Why have you chosen your current medium?
I love the history and iconography of traditional stained glass. Additionally, as a sculptor, the process and physicality of creating stained glass also really drew me to the medium.

What's your typical day?
I'm a digital marketer by day, stained glass artisan by night. My studio is in my garage, so after I put my son to bed I head out to watch action movies while I make stuff.

Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
The act of making something tangible is not as common as it once was. I do love digital media, but there is something special about using your hands to create a tangible object. Improving your craft over time gives you discipline in a way nothing else quite does.

What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Finding a work/life/art balance.

What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Seeing the finished product light up in the sun.

Where do you find inspiration?
Pop-culture, sci-fi, D&D, Tattoo iconography, Comics, Cartoons

Where is your studio/work space?
My garage

What's your typical studio playlist?
I generally watch movies instead. I keep the Star Wars Prequels in heavy rotation along with LOTR, and action movies like Tombstone, Escape from New York, and Blade

How do you get yourself out of a creative rut?
Just starting to work. The hardest part for me is conceptualizing and pattern-making. So if I'm in a rut, I'll head out to my studio to get my hands on some material and that definitely helps.

Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind: 
Books: The Dune Series / Movies: Star Wars Prequels

Share your process - bonus points if there's a story behind it: 
Stained Glass is all about the process! Each step is very different from the others. I like to organize my time around each step, like I carve out a chunk of time to cut glass on one day, wrap foil around multiple pieces another day, etc. I actually did production work for a company that makes stained glass transoms, doors, etc and I got a lot of insight from my time there.

What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
My dream project would be a church-style Dune window. Full-size with etched glass–the works.

What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
Yves Klein, Chris Foss, Ron Cobb, Ralph McQuarrie, Simon Roy

Describe yourself in 5 words: 
Tall, Nerdy, Crafty, Funny, Maker

Describe your work in 5 words: 
Pop, Nerdy, Ironic, Craft, Light

Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
Well stained glass is a very bloody business between the cuts and the burns and the poisonous liquids. The most exciting things are probably all of my grievous injuries. I also chipped my tooth tying some leather cord to attach a piece, too.

How do you find balance?
I have no idea. It seems like a constantly moving target.

Is there anything you'd like the public to know about your work upon purchasing it?
Please don't hang heavy stained glass pieces with suction cups. It will fall eventually, and then everyone will be sad.

Shop Covington Glass Co. on Etsy 
here.

Vendor Spotlight: Mossy Nest

10/6/2020

 
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 Mossy Nest | Lilija Lakickaite
I am florist from Harpers Ferry , who fell in love with pottery. I enjoy making funny faces whimsical characters, natural forms.

Is there a story behind your business name?
Nest represents home.

What is your medium of choice?
Speckled stoneware, White and dark clays.

Why have you chosen your current medium?
Love clay

What's your typical day?
I am busy mom, clay is my therapy.

Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
art spreads good vibes

What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Marketing.

What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Creating.

Where do you find inspiration?
Nature.

Where is your studio/work space?
At home.

What's your typical studio playlist?
Silence.

How do you get yourself out of a creative rut?
Go for a walk.

Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind: 
Art shows and travel.

Share your process - bonus points if there's a story behind it: 
Making form, drying, firing, glazing, firing again.

What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
My dreams are constantly changing.

What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
Lithuanian folk art.

Describe yourself in 5 words: 
Busy, dreamy, creative, calm, natural.

Describe your work in 5 words: 
Whimsical, cheery, natural, earthy, mischievous

Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
Cats always checking out my artwork and being extra nosy.

How do you find balance?
Art is my getaway from routine.

Vendor Spotlight: Loranimals

10/6/2020

 
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Lauren Loran | Loranimals:
I have always been a “maker”.  I am retired from a career in graphic arts where I used a computer every day. I now am free to get back to creating with my hands. I discovered needle felting the winter of 2018 after my daughter gave me a kit as a gift—and I have been going strong ever since. I started very small, and began making likenesses of dogs that I know, and have moved to making animals of all kinds. Building a sculpture in wool is a slow, but very satisfying process. I am happy to share my work online and in a few craft shows per year.

Is there a story behind your business name?
A friend, when asked what might be a good name, said: LORANIMALS, of course. He was right!

What is your medium of choice?
I use sheep's wool, alpaca wool, and I have also been collecting my golden retriever's fur but have not tried that yet.

Why have you chosen your current medium?
I quickly became addicted to this craft after exploring YouTube tutorials about needle felting with wool.

What's your typical day?
My husband is an early riser so he has already fed the cat and taken the dog for a walk. I probably average 4-6 hours per day needle felting when I am not traveling.

Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
I am not sure how important my art is, other than we all need a way to bring a little joy into our lives. My loranimals seem to always make people smile, so I think I help myself and others in that way.

What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
I guess it is finding a market for my work and getting the word out that I accept commissions of beloved pets. I had attended only three craft venues before everything went virtual. When people can touch and hold my work I get a great response. So, now the challenge is to create some intimacy, and excitement through virtual opportunities like the 2020 AMUSE ART and CRAFT FAIR!

What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
The joy part I mentioned earlier.

Where do you find inspiration?
Since animals are my main focus, as you might imagine there is inspiration everywhere!

Where is your studio/work space?
During the COVID shutdown we have renovated my work space in our home and included a nice cubicle storage system for different colored wool, and tools. I still use the computer, mostly for researching images of the animals I am sculpting.

What's your typical studio playlist?
I actually watch a lot of Netflix and Amazon Prime. Music I love is quite eclectic.

How do you get yourself out of a creative rut?
I haven't found myself in the rut yet. But I am alway looking for new challenges, and also how to combine my felting with other media.

Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind: 
I have been watching "Call the Midwife" on NetFlix. The characters and storylines are moving through history on the east side of London. I am up to the 1960s. No matter the challenges that they face, there is always a good resolution by the end. So I guess I like happy endings.

Share your process - bonus points if there's a story behind it: 
I always do visual research first, often creating a sketch to the scale that I want to make my sculpture. The sketch helps me to keep proportions correct. Needle felting is a very slow process beginning with a bit of wool rolled tightly into a ball or oval shape. The barbed needle is inserted into the balled wool over and over again. As the needle goes in then out it catches the wool fibers, bringing them closer and closer together. The sculpture sometimes includes a wire armature which is created first. The sculptures are created in an additive process, with the basic shape(s) made of core wool, and then color details added on top. Legs, tails, ears etc. are created separately then added to the basic shape with more wool.

What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
Right now my craft is very solitary. I do like to collaborate, so my dream project would be to work together with other artists to combine different mediums on a large scale that would represent the trouble and divide our country finds ourselves in 2020. And and to send a message of healing and hope. I enjoyed seeing the many Black Lives Matter street art, and I remember the Aids Memorial Quilt Project in Washington DC., 1987. This remains the largest piece of community folk art in the world.

What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
The needle felting artists who have shared tutorials and wisdom on YouTube have helped me immensely. Other craft artists that I have met through craft fairs or on Instagram continually encourage and educate me. Baltimore's own Joyce J. Scott, ACC's 2020 Gold Metal Winner for Consummate Craftsmanship is definitely a Creative Idol! Her mediums of fabric (quilting), beads, and more recently also blown glass have elevated craft into a recognized art form.

Describe yourself in 5 words: 
Beauty is in the details.

Describe your work in 5 words: 
Happy. Fuzzy. Joyful. Well crafted. (that's five words)

Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
One lovely spring day I moved my work outside. There was a gentle breeze and I was in my happy place. I stepped indoors for something (maybe more coffee) and when I returned the small sheep I had been working on had disappeared. I finally found it in the pachysandra quite dismantled with my dog, Manny looking at me with a sheepish grin. (I can laugh at this now--pun intended).

How do you find balance?
I not too good with balance. I tend to work, work, work when I should be exercising!

Is there anything you'd like the public to know about your work upon purchasing it?
My sculptures are made to last (given reasonable care)–like do not let the dog get ahold of it. Each sculpture is hand made from 100% wool. I sometimes use a wire armature for stability. These are not meant as toys for young children but those without glass eyes or any armature would not cause any potential harm.

Shop Loranimals here



Vendor Spotlight: Ruth Beer Bletzinger/ RuthieLine Jewelry Designs

10/4/2020

 
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Tell us about what you do:
Designing and making jewelry has always served as a source of delight and calm for me. Given these extraordinarily challenging times, it has also become a welcome and happy refuge. My deep hope is that the jewelry I create will, in turn, offer delight and calm to lift the spirit and make the wearer feel special. I’ve made and sold earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pins, pendants, rings, and hair pins in my spare time, while working as a higher-education administrator full time. In 2010, the jewelry took center stage. And, in 2013, RuthieLine Jewelry Designs came into existence as a full-time venture…adventure, really. I also started teaching others how to make jewelry. What a joy!


Is there a story behind your business name?
Yes, indeed! Growing up, my parents called me “Ruthielein,” which is a German term of endearment for someone whose name is Ruth. It’s pronounced, “Ruthie Line,” and I have a lot found memories associated with the name. When it came time to brand the jewelry I make, “RuthieLine” just felt right.

What's your medium of choice?
I work primarily in sterling silver, but also enjoy using other materials in my designs, such as stones, copper, touches of gold, and even resin on occasion. Using a variety of materials along with a range of techniques makes for all kinds of design opportunities and keeps things wonderfully interesting.

Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
This is an interesting question. I would say that any creative endeavor has relevance, no matter where an individual chooses to focus. In a time of pandemic, if it’s at all possible, I think it’s especially important to engage in something that provides satisfaction creatively, no matter what the outlet is. My focus happens to be making jewelry, which is a source a great joy in the making, in the teaching, and, I hope also, in the wearing for those who purchase my designs.

What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
Making jewelry and teaching jewelry-making are inherently joyful activities for me. BUT… the most gratifying part of my work is either seeing someone take delight in wearing something I’ve made, or seeing someone take delight in their own creative efforts after learning a jewelry-making technique. These experiences are incredibility uplifting, and it just doesn’t get old!

Where do you find inspiration?
Primarily, inspiration for me is grounded in exploring the range of techniques available to make jewelry. It’s the equivalent of a child’s sandbox. As I explore and experiment, design ideas emerge. It’s exciting! In terms of forms, my inspirations are quite eclectic, ranging from wrought iron gates and grates to cathedral ceilings (like the one Salisbury, England) to jewelry from early civilizations to Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Even renaissance and medieval influences creep in every once in a while. And, significantly, customers are a source of inspiration. When they ask me to make something I’ve not done before, the collaboration between the customer and me always opens the door to new design ideas. 

​You can find Ruth's work on etsy here and follow her on instagram @ruthielinejewelrydesign.

Vendor Spotlight: I Wear Blue Tights

10/3/2020

 
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Jaqui Bay / I Wear Blue Tights

I started this little business because sometimes life is hard and I am always trying to seek out things that make me smile. Painting my favorite people does that. I paint between soaking up time with my husband, son, and my chickens, my job as an advocate for children, and football season. I do big things like beat stage iv cancer and small things like work on my terrible handwriting.

Is there a story behind your business name?
My name was my college application essay. I was supposed to write something about myself. I wear blue tights was something I did.

What is your medium of choice?
Wood
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Why have you chosen your current medium?
It the only thing vintage clothespins are made out of, but mostly because it is easiest to paint (for me at least).

What's your typical day?
I wake up and check the weather, feed the hamster and wake up my son to get ready for school (virtual now) and make some eggs for breakfast. I work for about 5 hours while my husband also works from home and then I take a break so that my son and I can call my grandmother so that he can read to her. He finishes school about 130. After I do a couple of more hours of work, I paint before and after supper in the living room. We are currently working on the basement to make a super baller studio space for me, so that I can drill and paint and listen to true crime podcasts without upsetting the cat.

Why do you feel your art/craft is important/relevant today?
Art reflects who we are. As individuals and as a society. Art gets us through things. Hard things. Lovely things. It shows us and the world who and what we are.

What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
Time. Always time. I want to be all the things. A good Mommy. A great wife. A maker and saver of lives. I do not have enough hours in my day, but at the end of the day, that is okay, because I crammed it with trying and that is all we really can do.

What is the most gratifying part of making your work?
The laughter when people are looking through my magnets at a show. It fuels me. The giggles are infectious and I thrive on them.

Where do you find inspiration?
I make who I like. Rarely who I don't. I like to take someone who has a distinctive look and see how I can make them truly recognizable without all of the fluff.

Where is your studio/work space?
Currently living room/basement/my head.

What's your typical studio playlist?
I love music, but I am a true crime podcast junky. I was a Criminology major, so these are my people. My Favorite Murder, True Crime Obsessed, Southern Fried True Crime, Last Podcast on the Left are just some of my favorites.

How do you get yourself out of a creative rut?
I adjust who I paint. Sometimes I get SO burned out and so I change things up. Right now, I am moving to a Mystery Mini Magnet model for all shows starting in 2021. I will offer a new series every now and then. I hope it works out. I love a good blind bag along with any 8 year old, so I am looking forward to it.

Favorite blog/movie/tv show/book that never fails to inspire or just clears the mind: 
Anything by Tim Dorsey. I read all of his books in college through now and just started "re-reading" him on audio. His books are based on a serial killer (funnier than it sounds) who is obsessed with Floridian History. I was born and Florida and the author and I went to the same university, so I feel a connection with the craving for knowledge about that freaky and amazing state.

Share your process - bonus points if there's a story behind it: 
I made these little people when my grandmother had me go visit the Vacation Bible School at her church when I was little. They were HORRIBLE and later on, I discovered that one kind of looked like Gandhi and now, 6 years later, here I am. I did not make them into magnets at first, but it was suggested to me by the fine ladies at Kitsch in Norfolk. Once I did that, they just took off!

What's your dream project - if you had all the time and materials in the world?
I would love to make the entire Fellowship of the Ring. I just don't know how to package them. Maybe all of the Presidents too.

What artists influence your work/who are your creative idols?
I love the artists who love color and give me a lot of details to work with. I feel like I am a little quirky, even in the maker world because I have to explain what my little folks are a lot, so I always feel like I am explaining the joke, so I like artists who also have to do a bit of the same. Lady Ga-Ga, David Bowie and even to some extent Dolly Parton.

Describe yourself in 5 words: 
I Wear Blue Tights ... Sometimes

Describe your work in 5 words: 
Yes ma'am, these ARE magnets.

Tell us something funny or exciting that has happened in regards to your artwork/craft:
I was asked to make a magnet of Kenny Rogers while he was still on tour by the director of the Paramount in Charlottesville. He had it on the fridge in his tour bus. Huge honor as a southern girl.

How do you find balance?
I try to ensure that even when I am painting I am doing something with my son or husband. Watching a favorite movie, listening to a favorite movie soundtrack or cheering them on while they play a video game. I missed out a lot when I was sick, so I try to always still be there.​

Learn more about Jacqui and i wear blue tights at 
www.iwearbluetights.com

Vendor Spotlight: jennyjen42

10/3/2020

 
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Jennifer McBrien is a thread illustrator, who uses hand and freehand machine embroidery to illustrate her thoughts of our natural and complicated world. Her process begins with ink drawings from observation and photographic resources. The rest relies on mind ramblings, juxtapositions and compositional techniques. In her prior life as a painter, she would always begin with a wall paper pattern that she would layer onto, to hide and reveal. Currently, Toile, decorative fabrics, or canvas are her backdrops. She appliqué’s or directly stitches figures, birds, and plants onto the fabrics to suggest collaboration of human life within the natural world. McBrien is a Baltimore native who began her artistic career as a painter, exhibiting her work throughout the East Coast from the mid-’80s to mid-2000s. As a painter, she received two Baltimore City Arts Grants and a Maryland State Individual Artist Award in painting in 2005. McBrien began her fiber direction about a decade ago, using felt appliqué and a freehand machine stitching method to create functional and decorative works that explore her love for birds and the midcentury aesthetic. She has displayed her fiber works in a number of craft shows throughout the east coast including the American Craft Council show in Baltimore. She has her studio in a historic mill building in the Hampden area of Baltimore where they use to produce cotton duck canvas which has become one of McBrien’s main materials she uses. Throughout her career, McBrien taught for 30 years in Baltimore County when she ran a high school art program for the last half of her teaching career. Now retired, she is a full-time artist who has travel for numerous craft shows throughout the eastern region of the US, participated in a number of art exhibits in Baltimore, and is a member of the Charm City Craft Mafia.

Is there a story behind your business name?
jennyjen42 represents my two selves : The “jenny” of my business name refers to my childhood self . The cut felt birds and fabrics that play with whimsy. The “Vintage Inspired” organic cotton fabrics I use to create functional products that reflect the nostalgic of its design, such as the felt lined, fabric eyeglass case or zipper pouch. The “jen” of my business is the serious birder and observer that proves I know birds and plants with my observational drawing skills

What's your typical day?
I walk through a beautiful wooded trail to my studio that is on a historic mill close to the heart of Baltimore City. The Mill used to produce cotton duck canvas which is one of my most used materials. The walk helps me to focus on my day, the birds that I spot or hear motivate my passion and my content, and the smell of each season wakes me up from my sleepy haze. It's such a peaceful way to begin my day, and the thought that this is in the middle of my beloved city that gets a bad rap from people who don't know this city. I then go to work in my lovely studio that has great windows on two sides for glorious light! I tend to work a 7-9 hour day, depending on the season. I have a studio mate, who also works in fibers and is great to spin ideas off of as well as brainstorm on marketing and the ways of Etsy. My workdays ends with that walk back home which is a nice transition for work to home. I couldn't ask for a better lifestyle!

What's your typical studio playlist?
I listen to a lot of NPR in the morning. Once that gets to be too much I listen to BBC6 which helps to connect me to my in-laws that live in the UK, plus they play a lot of punk rock from the late '70s and early '80s that have been a huge influence on my punk rock self! I have a number of Spotify playlist as well that have a lot of music from PJ Harvey, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Velvet Underground ,David Bowie as well as newer alternative artists. I also like a good Dave Bubeck and Thelonious Monk to get me into some great jazz favorites. 

What has been the most difficult challenge for you as an artist/maker?
My biggest challenge is the line between a fine artist and maker. I have work that I feel fit more into an art gallery and then I have more affordable pieces that are more functional. I sometimes feel like I am split between my artistic voice and message, and my need to make a living.

See more of JennyJen42's work at: www.jennyjen42.com

Use coupon code AMUSE2020 to get 15% off your order  during Amuse! 
​

Amuse at Home Vendor Lineup!

10/2/2020

 
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We're happy to announce our vendor lineup for the Amuse at Home Virtual Market! We will launch the market on October 17th.  In the meantime, follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get to know our vendors and be privy to contests and specials. 

American Road Trip Pillows | Black Orchid Labs
Bowerbox Press | Elisa Dallas Art | Drakiln Glass Companion Fiber | Covington Glass Co | Clay Elements   Even Love Rose | Fibergig (Studio Three 17)
GerDora Photography | Heathen Works | Hey Girl Hikes Horse and Hare | I Wear Blue Tights  | JennyJen42
​Jewelry by Roz | Karie Beth Colors 
Karly Perez Dolls | Loranimals | The Merry Beader  Mockingbird Artistry  | Mossy Nest | Muirhead 
Red Root & Co  | Ruthie Line Jewelry 
Touched by Nature/Center Ring Design  
Willow Moon Farm



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