Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sweet Repeats Studio Shoppe

This week's featured artist is Jodi of Sweet Repeats Studio Shoppe, aka http://www.lucysweetlucy.etsy.com/. Jodi is based in Aberdeen NC, outside of Raleigh. She's been an Etsier for 3 years and opened shop August of 2007.
Sweet Old World HeART - Joy
How did you choose your shop name? I started my blog (Sweet Repeats) before I started my Etsy shop. Originally my blog was a place to share my thrifty finds and cool bargains that I discovered around town. I had a real need to be frugal during that period of my life and instead of being ashamed, I opted to embrace my thrifty side and make a hobby out of yard saling and thrift store shopping. It was my dream at the time to open a shop that was more than just a thrift store. I envisioned having a store where customers came and found unique items 'upcycled' into artful endeavors. Thus, Sweet Repeats was born.

As time evolved though, I turned to art to heal some old wounds and began showcasing art on my blog more than my thrifty goodies. It was actually one of my blog readers who became my first customer when she requested to purchase one of my collages for her daughter. I couldn't have been more thrilled! That request was definitely a turning point for me. I started to believe that just maybe, maybe...I was an artist after all.

What is your specialty and what drew you to it? I am a mixed media artist/painter. I have come to be known for my distinctly textured paintings that often incorporate whimsical subjects. While my work isn't monochromatic, it's close. Typcially, my paintings have only 2-3 main colors that are then complimented with black and white, sometimes with a touch of some surprising contrasting color.
My favorite subjects right now have been houses and villages. I have been drawn to this subject for a while now, I suppose it's because I'm so far from home (I live over 600 miles from my nearest family member) that I am constantly revisiting the places where I've lived and loved.

My Hometown

Another reason I paint so many different houses and villages is that out of everything in life I have, one thing I don't have yet but want so badly is a home of my own. I want my kids to remember our family in a house that is ours. I'm almost consumed by this desire which sometimes I feel like it's a regret....a regret that I have yet to have achieved this goal of mine. My paintings help me cope and sort out my feelings of homesickness and desire to accomplish greater things in my own little world. I do all of this in a happy whimsical way though, which I think people enjoy seeing the brighter side of life despite our struggles. It's like a statement of optimism, in my own creative way.


Pick one item you have created and provide link either from your shop or flickr. What inspired the “birth” of this item? As I stated earlier, one of my themes over the past year has been on home, community, the sense of belonging, and finding that place in the world you can lay down your roots. I've interpreted my theme in a whimsical way using colors of blue, white, black and pink. My work is distinctly textured which is symbolic of the layers of our lives, emotions and motivations in this world as we embark on our own journeys.

Does this item have any personal significance to you? This piece is also special to me because I created it as part of a series of work in which a few pieces were selected to be featured in the Nov/Dec 2008 issue of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine. In that issue, I wrote my first article! I can't tell you how much that whole process has changed my life. I feel now more than ever, that I am truly on the right path in life.

Jodi's article in ClothPaperScissors Magazine!

What is your favorite part of the process of creating your item? Truthfully, I love coming up with happy color combinations and creating background after background. It's almost like the thrill of the trip, the planning, the seeing everything come together just before you get to the final destination. Of course, I love when I finally complete a project, but it's often met with a tinge of sadness that the journey is over with....and then, before I know it, it begins all over again!

Please briefly describe a workday in your “studio” and how you created this item. I work full time as a bank manager so a day in my studio is something I rarely get. Rather, I work at night, stealing away a few minutes or hours whenever possible. On the weekends I make up for what I don't do during the week. A lot of Friday nights are spent working feverishly into early Saturday morning. I try to do as much as I can in the few hours that I can muster here and there but at the same time, I doubt myself that I'm even doing enough.

Regardless, I'm still happy with all that I've been able to accomplish without any formal training. As far as my process goes, I typically incorporate a lot of paper items and acrylic mediums which add texture to my work. Then I slowly build up washes of color with acrylic glazes before I complete my subjects. I like to embed secret messages in my pieces....some you can see, others are not to be revealed to anyone but myself.

If this item is part of a special line that you do, has there been an evolution in your process? For example, if we were to compare the first one you made to this one, what differences would there be, if any?
This piece is actually part of an ongoing project that I'm doing where I am revisting every place I've lived over the course of my 40 years (shhh!) whether it's the town itself, or street where I resided. I have been working on this series since July of 2008, and believe it or not even with all the paintings I've completed, there are still more towns and streets I have yet to commerate with my work. It's been an eye opening journey to say the least!

The only thing that I have been doing consciously different than when I first started is to work in groupings of no less then three pieces at a time. I feel that collectors and potential buyers appreciate having groupings of my work that can either stand alone, or make a nice statement when bought together.

You can follow Jodi on Twitter, check out her blog, see her portfolio on Flickr, and visit her shop!

Friday, May 29, 2009

Feature Friday 05/29/09

Here you will see some lovely items made by members of the ACE team. Just click on the photos to visit each seller's Etsy shop.


Made using the traditional cold process method, this tea tree and peppermint soap by tgurleybathandbody smells fantastic and has a fabulous lather.



This vibrant blue bracelet by MBsignaturedesigns is hand crocheted with glass beads and wire. It's very lightweight and comfortable to wear.



This linen wristlet with vintage lace by agreenelephant is elegant enough to wear with a spring dress but still casual enough to go with jeans and a white t'shirt.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Feature Friday 5/22/09

Here you will see some lovely items made by members of the ACE team. Just click on the photos to visit each seller's Etsy shop.

These adorable pink hair bows by stefaniesbownanza would make a great gift for any girlie-girl. Take advantage of Stefanie's May special - Purchase 3 or more braided headbands and get one free.






This bird of paradise bright yellow soot-free candle by ValerieEssentials is perfect for summer time.



Brighten up your kitchen and keep it clean with this fun and eco-friendly scrubbie set by laksaware.






Friday, May 15, 2009

Feature Friday 5/15/09

Here you will see some lovely items made by members of the ACE team. Just click on the photos to visit each seller's Etsy shop.


GoneDoggie's Margarita Dog Collar is sure to make your pampered pooch happy.


The pretty blues and greens in this quilted painting by kingfishercrafts would be a great addition to any wall.


This scrapbook by WhiteHopeDesigns would make a great gift for a new mom to record her precious memories in.

Monday, May 11, 2009

The Self Portrait of Lauren Alexander

This week's featured artist is Lauren Alexander of Overland Park, KS. Lauren's Etsy shop has been open since May 2006.
Walk You Home - original ACEO

Lauren says, "I am a watercolor painter and I have always been one even as a little kid with a box of Prang watercolors. I just love the way water makes the colors come alive. The first painting I ever sold was a large watercolor portrait to my high school library."
Sweet Tree
Pick one item you have created and provide link either from your shop or flickr. What inspired the “birth” of this item?

I painted this picture of a tree with hearts a little over a year ago. I was just beginning to find my voice with my work and needed a piece in my collection that would really say what I’m about. This painting came from my head – I remember just deciding to put all the different colors together in each heart and fruit…adding all the little details and specks of color within it. It felt right to me and from then on I have kept a little bit of Sweet Tree in almost everything I paint.
Does this item have any personal significance to you?
This image is symbolic to me. Hearts have always been special– a symbol of love of course but also a reminder of heart disease – something that has touched me and my family very closely in the last couple years. I see hearts as a reminder to love one another along with one’s self. Take care of your hearts!
What is your favorite part of the process of creating your item?
I remember painting in all the bright colors and just knowing that it was going to be a winner! I remember having it out on my work desk and just going back to it throughout the evening to look at it.
Please briefly describe a workday in your “studio” and how you created this item.
My “studio” is my dining room table, adjacent to my living room. I paint there in the evenings when I come home from my day job (working with special needs students and teaching art). I generally like to sketch right on my watercolor paper. I like to dive right in. I usually watch tv or listen to music while I paint. Sometimes I cook dinner at the same time!


Lauren Alexander Magnets - Set of 10

If this item is part of a special line that you do, has there been an evolution in your process? For example, if we were to compare the first one you made to this one, what differences would there be, if any?

This item sparked a whole new trend for me of painting trees in a sort of colorful, whimsical way. I have since started putting creatures in the tress, birds, owls, and such. I enjoy creating environments and little creatures to inhabit them. I love to play with color and try new combinations. I love finding new ways to make people wonder how I did that with watercolor. It is exciting and keeps me going and going.

Visit Lauren Alexander's shop on Etsy to see more of her colorful work!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Feature Friday 5/8/09

Summer is fast approaching. Get prepared for the pool and trips to the beach with these fun accessories made by members of the ACE Team!


Pampered Papier’s Ice Cream Post It Note Set will help you stay on track. Leave it in your purse or beach tote and make a note for yourself when you run out of sunscreen or need a reminder to pick up a couple things at the grocery store on the way home.


This Super Summer Fun Flip Flop Bag by Aprils Originals is a great way to carry all your necessities no matter where you are headed. It’s fashionable and functional with a key chain clip so you’re always ready for that quick trip out for ice cream!


Keep your sun screen lip balm handy with a Summer Girl Lip Balm Cozy by EB Spider. Easily attaches on your key ring or bag zipper with a lobster clip, so it will never get lost in the bottom of your bag.


A big thanks to Cathy of agreenelephant for writing this feature. Be sure to check out her shop for original sewn items like Eve, the little elephant.



Monday, May 4, 2009

Featured Artist: Karen’s Kitsch

In this week's spotlight is Karen of Karen’s Kitsch. Karen is based in the Raleigh/Durham area of NC and has been a seller on Etsy since November 2007. She also has a website she started April of 2005.

How did you choose your shop name?

Well my name is Karen and kitsch sort of means chintzy, fun, funky, campy art or collectibles, so it seemed to fit my whimsical style. Plus the great alliteration which makes the name easily memorable doesn’t hurt either!

What is your specialty and what drew you to it?

Jewelry is my current specialty and what drew me was a pair of earrings I saw in a little boutique in New Orleans, November of ‘04. I loved them and bought them for my brother’s girlfriend for the holidays. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for me) they only had the one pair. I loved them and wanted more. I was a studio art minor at Skidmore College in ‘95 so I though “I could do that.” And, well…eventually…I did!


Vintage Image Earrings with Pearls

Custom Photo Charm Mother's Bracelet - Single Strand

What inspired the “birth” of this item?

I started off making earrings with vintage French postcards, and still do, which was what inspired me originally. But then all of my friends were having babies and my aunt sent me a mother’s bracelet when my second son was born. I immediately thought, “I should add a charm to this with a picture of my kids. Wait…I could totally make these, WITH charms of my friends’ kids!” They started off just as a new baby gift for my friends, but they were hugely popular so I added them to my shop.

Does this item have any personal significance to you?

Most of the jewelry you see on my sites I made for me or for a friend. So all of the photos are of my kids or my friends’ kids and I think that is pretty cool.

What is your favorite part of the process of creating your item?

Cropping the photos just right. I love to see the pictures people choose. Once, for cufflinks a bride-to-be was having made for her fiancĂ©’s groom gift, she sent me photos of the wheel and the headlight of his jeep. He was totally a jeep guy. I cropped them for round cufflinks to just fit into the silver bezel. They came out so great!

Custom Sterling Silver Cufflinks

Please briefly describe a workday in your “studio” and how you created this item.

I recently started working at a full time job outside of my home so a workday these days is a rushed 15 minutes here and there whenever I can. Okay let’s be honest, it’s hours into the night after my kids are asleep when I should be asleep. But I love it, and I forget the time and everything else while I’m working. It’s like when I was in College and I’d go into the studio at 4 in the afternoon, then I’d look up and it would be 3 in the morning and I had no idea how that happened. I’ve always loved getting lost in a project. The thing I love most about what I do now, is that every piece is special and unique to the person who ordered it or who will be receiving it. This way, working never gets rote or boring.

Visit Karen's shop to see more great items!

Saturday, May 2, 2009

March for Babies Update

Valerie, her husband, and kids all walked together in the March for Babies fundraiser and raised $110 for the March of Dimes. Congratulations Valerie!

Valerie says, "I didn't really do a time because I was going to do a solo and do a power walk BUT my hubby and kids wanted to join me. So that was great! So the kids were in the stroller (off and on) and Brad doesn't really walk much, so I had to walk much slower. But it was fun! And it was great to have the whole family in the event! "

"I think we finally RACED passed the finish line in about an hour. I kept telling my husband, "Come on let's jog it out... Come on you and do it!" So I was jogging and he said I'll race you and took off (glad he was the one with the stroller!). It was hot and fun! I was real proud of my husband wanting to walk with me, since he's more into motorcycles and dirt bikes for fun."

Pictures of the event can be viewed here.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Feature Friday 5/1/09

Here you will see some lovely items made by members of the ACE team. Just click on the photos to visit each seller's Etsy shop.


UberArt's Winter Damask Mini Book is so precious. It would make a lovely guest book, memory book, or scrapbook and great for gifts too!


Love yarn? Check out Jazzturtle's Playtime- Handspun Art Yarn.
There's glitterati and tussah silk waste all the way from Australia and sari silk bits and recycled denim in this colorful concoction!


Tracey Gurley's Avocado is strikingly breathtaking! Her work has been spotted in various galleries and venues in over 75 homes and businesses in North Carolina and she has been commissioned to paint 33 paintings for a hotel in Poland as well.


A big tanks to Bernie of laksaware for writing this feature! Be sure to check out her handcrafted kitchenwares and bathwares like this bath scrubbie and soap set which would make a great gift for Mother's Day.